Hello, everyone. Welcome to Gigi's Magic Mailbox. I'm Gigi and I'm so glad you're here.

[gentle chiming]

Did you hear that? You know what that means. Something's just arrived in the Magic Mailbox. Let's see what it is.

(Describer) Gigi opens the magic mailbox. Pink and gold fireworks burst.

[magical chiming]

"Cuddle Monster." This is a cute story about Little Monster and his little buddy, Cuddle Monster. He loves Cuddle Monster and Cuddle Monster makes everything okay, but what happens when Little Monster loses him? Can Little Monster make it through the day without Cuddle Monster? Well, let's find out. If you have your own copy, go grab it and we'll read it together. Alright, let's get started.

(Describer) In an animation, a magic mirror reflects Gigi, a red-lipped woman in bejeweled, cat-eye glasses.

[upbeat music]

(children) Gigi's Magic Mailbox.

(Gigi) "Cuddle Monster," written by Marilyn James and illustrated by Angelika Scudamore.

(Describer) A purple Little Monster hugs a green Cuddle Monster.

Little Monster has lots of special friends

(Describer) Toys sit in a playroom.

but only one Cuddle Monster.

(Describer) Little Monster and Cuddle Monster smile.

Ever since he was a baby monster,

[baby giggles]

everywhere Little Monster went, Cuddle Monster went too.

(Describer) Little Monster and Cuddle Monster ride in a stroller.

Through rain or shine, day or night, ups or downs.

(Describer) The monsters sleep and play together.

[horn honks]

Whenever he is sad or scared or lonely, one squeeze of Cuddle Monster makes Little Monster feel better, braver, and ready for anything.

(Describer) Little Monster waits at a bus stop with Cuddle Monster.

Some days are more challenging than others.

(Describer) Little Monster struggles to put on his shoes.

Luckily, Cuddle Monster is always

[others gasp]

Cuddle Monster?

(Describer) In school, Little Monster looks in his backpack.

Where is Cuddle Monster?

(Describer) Little Monster's three eyes widen.

Did Cuddle Monster head to the beach or join the circus

[circus music]

or start a new job as a big boss in a big building?

(President C. Monster) You're fired.

(Gigi) What if Cuddle Monster is lost and sad

(Describer) Cuddle Monster sits alone at a bus stop.

or scared or lonely and Little Monster isn't there to help?

(Describer) Little Monster cries.

Without Cuddle Monster, the day feels extra long,

(Describer) Little Monster watches the wall clock.

especially when Little Monster trips on the playground, spills paint on his new art project, and forgets what he was going to say at show and tell. Little Monster reaches for Cuddle Monster but must settle for a crayon, the spiky rock he found on the playground, or teacher monster's leg. Nothing helps.

(Describer) Little Monster frowns.

Not his favorite book, not his favorite snack, and definitely not the glitter glue. All the way home, Little Monster searches for his missing friend. Maybe Cuddle Monster is hiding behind a tree or in a passing train or selling balloons in the park, but he isn't. Little Monster hugs his backpack instead. It's not the same.

(Describer) Little Monster cries.

At home, Little Monster looks everywhere. Is Cuddle Monster spinning dizzily in the washing machine covered in slobber in Fang's doghouse, shivering next to the ice cream in the freezer? Nope, no Cuddle Monster.

(Describer) Little Monster's antennae droop.

Is Cuddle Monster under the bed? Check again just to be sure. No. Cuddle Monster is really gone. How will Little Monster get to sleep? Little Monster is sad, scared, and lonely.

(Describer) Little Monster sits in a corner of his room.

Luckily, families make good cuddle monsters, too.

(Describer) Little Monster hugs a big purple and a bigger green monster.

One squeeze and another and one more that is a little bit longer and tighter finally starts to make Little Monster feel better, braver and ready for anything, including the return of a very special friend.

(Describer) Little Monster hugs Cuddle Monster. They smile.

The end. Thank you for joining me today to read "Cuddle Monster." Isn't that such a sweet story? I'm glad Cuddle Monster got those hugs from his family and knew that it was okay to not have Cuddle Monster all the time, but I sure am glad he found it in the end anyway. Do you have a special friend, stuffed animal, or toy that you like to sleep with or bring around with you all day long? It's okay to have a favorite toy that you like to bring along with you, isn't it? Well, I hope you have a great day, and I'll see you soon.

[upbeat music]

(Describer) Text: "Thanks for watching! Gigi's Magic Mailbox" Accessibility provided by the US Department of Education.

Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.