"Today is going to be so much fun," thought Brian Factor, age 5, of Plano, TX. "That's because today, I get to go to Riverdale Elementary."
Earlier that morning Brian had dressed quickly and rushed through his breakfast.
"Slow down, Brian," Marc, Aunt Susan and Jen said laughingly. Brian seemed more excited now than he had ever been before.
When Brian arrived at Riverdale Elementary, he ran up the steps to catch up with the other children.

Brian ran to his very own locker. As he opened the locker, Brian thought he heard rustling inside.
"Is there something inside my locker?" Brian wondered. "What could it be?"
Just then, Mrs. Delgado walked up and said, "You'd better hurry to class, Brian."
Brian decided to close his locker and investigate the noise later.

Brian was curious about the strange noise, but he joined the other children in the classroom. It was time for reading class -- one of his favorites! Mrs. Delgado opened a big book and said, "Today we're going to study the raccoon. And at the end of the day, I have a special surprise for you!"
Brian forgot all about the strange noise and tried to figure out what the surprise was going to be.

After learning all about raccoons, the children went to the art center.
"I want everyone to paint a picture of a raccoon," said Mrs. Delgado.
Brian worked very hard on his painting. When he was done, all the other children admired his painting.
"Brian, that is a wonderful painting of a raccoon," said Mrs. Delgado. "You are a very talented artist."
Brian couldn't wait to take the painting home and show it to Marc, Aunt Susan and Jen.

During lunchtime, Brian sat at the table with all his very best friends. They all laughed and shared stories about their summer vacations.
Suddenly, Brian felt something bump against his leg. Then the table gave a little shake, and a pitcher of milk spilled all over the table.
"There must be someone under the table playing a joke," said Brian. But when he looked under the table, Brian didn't see anyone.

"There are a lot of strange things happening today," thought Brian. Just then, the bell rang. It was time for music class. There were so many musical instruments from which to choose. "Brian liked the tambourines best. Mrs. Delgado taught the children a special song about a raccoon.
As Brian played his tambourines, he kept thinking about the big surprise Mrs. Delgado had for the children at the end of the day.

Now it was time for Brian to go to science class. But when Brian got to the classroom, he couldn't find his lab goggles anywhere.
"Where could they be?" wondered Brian as he looked under the desk.
Mrs. Delgado was talking. "Pay attention, children. I'm going to reveal my surprise." The teacher brought out a big box with a cloth covering it.

When Mrs. Delgado removed the cloth, there was nothing but a large, empty cage!
"The raccoon is missing," gasped Mrs. Delgado. "It must be running around loose in Riverdale Elementary."
Just then, Brian thought about the noise he had heard in his locker. Brian also remembered what had happened in the lunchroom today.
"I'll be right back," said Brian as he quickly ran from the room.

Brian knew just where to go. He ran right over to the lunchroom. As he listened at the door, Brian heard some strange sounds coming from inside.
Even though it was dark in the room, Brian wasn't afraid. He opened the door and saw the strangest sight in the world. A baby raccoon wearing his goggles! And that's not all. The raccoon was eating a leftover sandwich!

"Look what I found," said Brian with a big smile as he brought his new fuzzy friend back into the classroom.
"Brian, you found the baby raccoon!" said Mrs. Delgado happily. "You've saved the day."
"The other children gave a big cheer for Brian.
"This really has been the best first day of school ever," said Brian. "I was right when I told Marc, Aunt Susan and Jen that school is fun!"