Pants-Wearing Penguins Panic at Prom
Pants-Wearing Penguins Panic at Prom — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
"Hurry, Orville! The Prom Painting is about to begin!" Beatrice squawked, flapping her flippers excitedly as they waddled past a towering portrait of a knight. Orville, tripping over his tuxedo pants, gasped. "I can't believe the paintings come alive here every night! Tonight's underwater theme will surely be spectacular."
Page 2
"Did you remember the 'Poseidon's Trident' paint set, Beatrice?" Orville asked nervously, adjusting his bow tie. Beatrice puffed out her chest. "Of course! It's right here!" She pulled a small, ornate box from her tiny vest pocket, revealing shimmering paints inside. "Legend says these paints were mixed with real seawater by Neptune himself and bring paintings to life," she added knowingly, waddling forward with the case open to show Orville. "Without it, the Prom Painting will stay lifeless!"
Page 3
Suddenly, a gruff voice boomed, "Hold it right there, penguins!" A large walrus, wearing a security guard uniform, lumbered towards them. "The Prom Painting is for ARTISTS only! What makes you think you can participate?" Orville gulped. Beatrice stood her ground. "As Leonardo da Vinci said, 'Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art,'" Beatrice declared. "We may be penguins, but our spirits are ready to create!"
Page 4
"Creating underwater paintings is hard work, Beatrice. We need to get to the easel before that grumpy walrus kicks us out!" Orville exclaimed, glancing back at the approaching guard. "We have to remember our training, Orville!" Beatrice reminded him, flapping her flippers in preparation. "Short strokes for coral, long graceful strokes for seaweed, and don't forget the bioluminescent plankton!" Just then, the Walrus blew his whistle, it was time for a quick decision.
Page 5
As they reached the grand ballroom, Orville gasped. "Look, Beatrice! The easel is positioned right in front of the 'Abyssal Depths' painting!" The painting depicted a dark, mysterious underwater trench filled with bizarre creatures. "That painting wasn't there yesterday," Beatrice pondered. "I read that some of these creatures use bioluminescence to communicate underwater, much like fireflies do on land; maybe it can help us later."
Page 6
Suddenly, the 'Abyssal Depths' painting began to ripple. "Oh no! The painting is consuming the Easel!" Orville cried. Giant, shadowy tentacles emerged from the canvas, snatching art supplies and dragging them into the inky depths. "The 'Poseidon's Trident' paints!" Beatrice screamed, as a tentacle snatched the box from her flipper. "If we don't get those paints back, the Prom Painting will never come to life!"
Page 7
"We need to distract it, Orville! I'll use my seaweed sash to try and ensnare the tentacles while you grab the paints!" Beatrice shouted, tearing off her long green seaweed sash. Orville nodded, gathering his courage. "Okay, but be careful!" Beatrice twirled the sash around, forming a lasso. "Here we go!" she yelled as she tossed the lasso directly at the painting.
Page 8
Beatrice's sash wrapped around a tentacle, distracting the painting for a moment. Orville seized his chance, diving towards the 'Poseidon's Trident' paints! But just as he grabbed them, the lights went out, plunging the ballroom into darkness. "Remember what we read, Orville!" Beatrice yelled. "The bioluminescent creatures! Use the paint to make yourself glow!" Orville dipped his flipper in the paint and drew a stripe across his chest. It glowed with an eerie blue light. "Let's get this Prom Painting started!"
Page 9
Orville, now glowing brightly, began painting with quick, energetic strokes. He painted swirling currents and shimmering schools of fish. Beatrice continued to hold back the tentacles, giving Orville the space he needed. As the painting progressed, the tentacles retreated, drawn back into the canvas. Finally, with a flourish, Orville added the last touch: a smiling anglerfish with a glowing lure. "We did it!" Beatrice cried.
Page 10
"Our teamwork made that painting come alive!" Orville exclaimed, admiring their creation. "Indeed! And we learned that even grumpy walruses can appreciate art," Beatrice added, winking as the security guard applauded from the doorway. They both knew they would continue with their underwater painting passion. "It wasn't a bad Prom Painting, for pants-wearing penguins," Orville said with a smile. "Especially with you by my side Beatrice!"
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)