I once had a cold that lasted six weeks Vera the penguin said That’s nothing Violet the sheep said I once had a cold that lasted six months Harriet tried to speak but the others were too loud Only those of us from Antarctica really know about colds Vera said Shut up Vera You don’t get a cold from being cold Everyone knows that You do so get sick from being cold It shocks your body How shocking could it be if you were born there Well I must say Quiet yelled Harriet There was a silence Some of you may have had colds in the past Harriet said But I’m the one who’s sick today And I want some peace and quiet Some people really like to feel sorry for themselves Vera muttered I agree whispered Violet I don’t think she wants to get better 2
Chapter Two Chores Harriet was making her bed It was the one household chore she really hated She tossed Teddy and the others onto a chair Why am I the only one who ever makes the bed she said Theodora looked up Because you’re the only one with thumbs she said See She held out her paws Bears don’t have thumbs So it’s hard for us to do jobs like that Penguins don’t have thumbs either Vera said She held out one orange flipper for Harriet to see Nor do sheep Lambie said 4
