You’re getting to be a big boy. I’m just a kid who’s four. Each day I grow some more. I like exploring. I’m Caillou. So many things to do. Each day is something new. I’ll share them with you. I’m Caillou. My world is turning, changing each day, with mommy and daddy, I’m finding my way! Growing up is not so tough, except when I’ve had enough. But there’s lots of fun stuff. I’m Caillou, Caillou, Caillou, I’m Caillou. Eh heh heh heh heh… That’s me.
What’s the matter, kids? Our friends were supposed to come, and they’re not here. Well, while we’re waiting… It’s storytime. Now, what did Caillou do today? Today’s story is called “Caillou’s Friends.”
Caillou was feeling very sorry for himself. “Whatever’s the matter, Caillou? You don’t look very happy,” his mom asked. “I’ve got nobody to play with,” Caillou replied sadly. “Don’t you have any friends?” his mom inquired. “No, I don’t,” Caillou said with a sigh.
At that moment, Caillou really thought he didn’t have any friends, and that made him feel even more sad and lonely. “I’m sure you must have some friends. Let’s see if we can think of one,” his mom suggested. “What about that nice girl, Clementine? Clementine loves candies,” she said. Caillou’s face lit up with excitement. “Can I…” he started to ask, but his mom interrupted, “Nope.” Caillou’s disappointment was evident. “Okay, want some?” his mom offered, trying to cheer him up. Caillou’s eyes widened with delight. “Oh no,” his mom said, “I’m putting the yellow ones in a row.” Caillou quickly realized his mistake and sheepishly replied, “Caillou, that candy was on the floor. It’s not going in your mouth.” But his mom quickly reassured him, “Wait a minute. I have some more here. They’re clean.” Caillou smiled and said, “Well, that’s one friend…”
His mom continued, “Do you have any others?” Caillou thought for a moment and replied, “Um… I don’t think so…” His mom didn’t give up and suggested, “Let’s see, now. What about that boy Leo? Leo’s funny.” Caillou’s face brightened up as he remembered Leo. “What’s so funny, you two?” his mom asked, noticing their giggles. Caillou and Leo exchanged mischievous glances and replied innocently, “Nothing, mommy.” His mom smiled and said, “Well now, that’s two friends.”
Caillou’s mom didn’t stop there. She asked, “Do you have any others?” Caillou hesitated for a moment and then remembered Gilbert. “What about Gilbert? Isn’t he your friend?” his mom asked. Caillou’s eyes widened with realization. “Yeah,” he exclaimed, “Caillou had forgotten about Gilbert. Of course, Gilbert was his friend. YAY! Gilbert, you’re my friend!” Caillou was much happier now. He started out thinking he didn’t have any friends, but now he knew he had three.
And now that he knew he had three friends, Caillou began to think about whether he had any more. “Rosie’s my sister, Grandma… but she’s my friend too,” Caillou said, including his sister and grandma in his list of friends. His grandma smiled and said, “That’s right, Caillou.”
Just then, Caillou’s grandma greeted everyone, “Hello everybody.” Caillou’s friend Mr. Hinkle also joined them, saying, “Hello, Mr. Hinkle.” Caillou proudly declared, “And Mr. Hinkle’s my friend too.” Caillou’s grandma acknowledged, “I have lots of friends, don’t I, Grandma?” Caillou asked. His grandma replied with a warm smile, “Yes, you do.”
As they continued their conversation, Caillou’s mommy and daddy arrived. Caillou was overjoyed to see them and exclaimed, “Mommy, Daddy, you’re my friends. And so’s Rosie, and Gilbert, and Mr. Hinkle, and Clementine, and Leo.” His mom asked, “Are those all your friends?” Caillou paused for a moment and then realized he had forgotten someone important. “Oh yes, and you’re my friend too, Grandma,”
