ClassX Video Lessons Grade Grade 2 Mother’s Day Surprise – Mother’s Day Books and Stories – Read Along
Violet was a young snake who loved to slide and slither around. She also liked to shed her old skin when it got too tight. Violet had lots of fun playing with her animal friends. She raced with the rabbits, hung out with the bats, and played games with the chipmunks.
When spring came, Violet noticed something different. All her friends were very busy and didn’t have time to play. Curious, Violet asked a fox who was hurrying by, “What’s the rush?” The fox quickly replied, “Things to do,” and ran off.
Violet wanted to know what was happening, so she asked a skunk who was digging in the dirt. “We’re getting ready for Mother’s Day,” the skunk said. “But it’s already Mother’s Day,” Violet replied. The skunk laughed and said, “You can’t start too soon. It takes time to make the perfect gift.”
Violet watched a squirrel sorting through acorns. “Why are you being so fussy?” she asked. “They’re for my mother,” said the squirrel. “She likes them crunchy.”
Next, Violet saw a bear working with honeycombs. “That looks sticky,” said Violet. The bear nodded, “But I have to do it right. My mother likes things just so.”
Then Violet saw a beaver chewing on a tree trunk. “What are you doing?” she asked. “Don’t disturb the artist at work,” said the beaver. “When I’m done, my mother will love this.”
Violet was happy for her friends, but she felt sad. She didn’t have arms, legs, or teeth to make a gift like the others. As Mother’s Day got closer, Violet still hadn’t started her gift. She felt it was unfair.
Then Violet had a great idea! She practiced her special gift in secret. It was tricky, but she kept trying and made progress.
On Mother’s Day morning, all the animals were ready with their gifts. Violet was ready too. “Happy Mother’s Day!” shouted Violet.
“Oh my, what a nice surprise!” her mother exclaimed. “It’s perfect, Violet—absolutely perfect!”
Violet was very happy. Even without arms, legs, or teeth, she showed her mother how much she loved her, and her mother loved it too.
Animal Gift Hunt: Go on a nature walk with an adult and look for items that animals might use as gifts for their mothers. Can you find acorns, leaves, or flowers? Think about what each animal in the story might like to give or receive. Draw a picture of your favorite animal and the gift you think they would give.
Violet’s Special Gift: Imagine you are Violet. What special gift could you give to someone you love? It doesn’t have to be something you can hold. It could be a song, a dance, or a story. Practice your special gift and share it with your family. How did it make them feel?
Mother’s Day Craft: Create a simple craft for Mother’s Day using materials you have at home. You could make a card, a drawing, or a small sculpture. Think about what makes your mom or someone special to you happy. What colors or shapes do they like? Use these ideas to make your craft unique and special.
**Mother’s Day Surprise**
*By Stephen Krinsky, Illustrated by Kathy Ember*
Violet was a young snake who enjoyed sliding, slithering, and shedding her skin whenever it got old. In her free time, she often played with other animals. She raced the rabbits, hung out with the bats, and played with the chipmunks.
As spring arrived, Violet noticed a change in the air. The other animals were suddenly very busy—too busy to play. Curious, Violet asked a fox trotting by, “What’s the rush?” The fox replied, “Things to do,” and hurried off.
Violet looked around for anyone who had a moment to spare. “What’s going on?” she asked a skunk digging in the dirt. “We’re getting ready for Mother’s Day,” he explained.
“But it’s already Mother’s Day,” Violet said. The skunk laughed, “Well, you can’t start too soon. It takes time to make the perfect gift.” Violet had to admit that was true. What kind of gift would be perfect for her mother?
She watched a squirrel sorting through a pile of acorns. He was very picky about it. “Why are you being so fussy?” she asked. “They’re for my mother,” said the squirrel. “She likes them crunchy.”
Next, Violet saw a bear crushing some honeycombs. “That looks like sticky work,” said Violet. The bear agreed, “But I have to do it right. My mother likes things just so.”
Then Violet saw a beaver chomping on a fallen tree trunk. “What are you doing?” she asked. “Don’t disturb the artist at work,” said the beaver. “Sorry,” Violet replied. “I can’t afford to make any mistakes.” The beaver continued, “When I’m done, my mother will love this.”
Violet was glad everyone was working so hard, but it wasn’t helping her. What could she do for her own mother? Without arms, legs, or teeth, she couldn’t make anything like the other animals. Never before had Violet felt that being a snake was hard, but she felt that way now. As Mother’s Day approached, she grew sadder and sadder while the other animals finished their gifts, and Violet still hadn’t started hers. It didn’t seem fair.
Then Violet got an idea. She practiced and practiced her present in secret. It was tricky business, but slowly she made progress.
On the morning of Mother’s Day, all the animals were ready with their presents. Violet was ready too. “Happy Mother’s Day!” shouted Violet.
“Oh my, what a nice surprise!” her mother exclaimed. “It’s perfect, Violet—absolutely perfect!”
Violet was very happy. Even without arms, legs, or teeth, she had shown her mother just how she felt, and her mother felt the same way too.
