An Animal Story by Mildred Hoffman

"I wish that I could go to school,"

Said the lion brave and bold.

I'd answer lots of questions

And do as I was told.

"I wish that I could go to school,"

Said the monkey in the tree.

I would learn to write my name

And count to twenty-three.

"I wish that I could go to school,"

Said the elephant without fear.

I would listen carefully

And remember what I hear.

"I wish that I could go to school,"

Said the little bear cub.

I would build a house of blocks

Down upon the rug.

"I wish that I could go to school,"

Said the giraffe big and tall.

I would paint some pictures

High up on the walls.

"I wish that I could go to school,"

Said the swan out on the lake.

I would learn my letters

And never get there late.