It was time for Humbert to start first grade. "I don't want to go to school," said Humbert and started to cry. "You will like it. Be brave," his mother said.

When Humbert and his mother got to the bus stop, Humbert saw Chester, the bus driver. "Hop in," the bus driver said. Humbert hopped in. "I don't want to go to school. I'm scared," Humbert said. "I'm nervous, too," said the bus driver. "This is the first time I drive the school bus. Will you help me? When you see the school, shout 'There it is,' and I'll know where to stop."

Humbert wiped away his tears. "There it is!" he shouted when he saw the school. "Thanks a lot, Humbert. Have a nice day," the bus driver said. "I don't want to go in the school," Humbert said. "Give me your pencil and some paper," the bus driver said. He wrote something on the paper and gave it to Humbert. "Show this to Miss Crumb, your teacher," he said.

When Humbert came into the school, he saw Miss Crumb. Humbert gave her the note. Miss Crumb read it, “This is my friend. Please help him not to be scared. Thank you, Chester the bus driver.” “Chester’s friends are my friends too. Welcome to school, Humbert,” Miss Crumb said.

Humbert looked at all the strange faces in the room. He wanted to cry. Miss Crumb put her arm around him. “Do you see that fellow in the corner? He’s scared, too. Go to him and say something nice.” Humbert came up to the fellow. “Don’t cry,” Humbert said. “My name is Humbert. What’s your name?” asked Humbert. “My name is Ralphie,” the fellow said. “I will be your friend and you can be my friend,” Humbert said. Ralphie wiped away his tears and said, “OK. I hope school won’t be so bad then.”

When they sat together, Humbert smiled. He had three school friends, Chester, Miss Crumb and Ralphie. He didn’t want cry. In fact, he felt good.