Items in RED are personalized

Danielle Betts
spends a great day on Sesame Street

Happy 1st Birthday!
Love, Grandpa Jack

It was a busy day on Sesame Street. Everyone was preparing for the big art show.

Danielle Betts, age 1, from Corpus Christi, Texas, was coming to judge the show. Danielle was bringing Grandpa, Jimmy and Michael to help her. The best artist would get a bright blue ribbon.

"Hurry everyone!" Big Bird called. "Danielle will be here any minute."

Finally, Danielle arrived with Grandpa, Jimmy and Michael. Big Bird was so happy to see Danielle that he gave her a warm hug and welcomed everyone to Sesame Street.

After pointing out all the wonderful sights on Sesame Street, Big Bird explained that the judging was about to begin!

"First stop is Oscar's trash can," he said.

Oscar had made a most unusual sculpture out of some things he'd found in the trash. Danielle was very impressed. But Oscar thought he had a little more work to do, so he searched through his can for the finishing touch. As trash came flying out of the can, Danielle spotted the perfect piece - - a flattened flugel horn.

"Wow, that's trashy!" said Oscar. "That should do it! Thanks Danielle."

Next they visited Cookie Monster. He had made a giant picture of a cookie. Danielle could practically taste the scrumptious-looking treat.

"That is the best cookie I've ever seen," declared Danielle.

"Mmmm, Danielle Right. Cookie!" Cookie monster said as he took a huge bite out of his picture.

Danielle giggled. "Now it's perfect," he said.

Ernie and Bert waved Danielle, Grandpa, Jimmy and Michael over to see their baseball mural. They had painted a grass-green baseball diamond covered with bats and gloves. Bert paced back and forth nervously. Ernie tossed a ball to Danielle.

"Nice catch, Danielle," he said.

Next, Danielle walked over to Zoe, who was sadly holding up an empty frame. "I didn't finish my painting," Zoe sighed.

"Look at your smock," Danielle said with a big smile. "It's as beautiful as any painting I've ever seen!"

Zoe quickly took off her smock and hung it inside the frame. Then she blew Danielle a big kiss! "Thanks, Danielle!"

Big Bird guided the judges over to the Count's display of numbers. The Count had carved several giant numbers out of wood and painted them in different patterns - - delightful dots, cheeky checks, and stupendous stripes.

"One, two, three, four, five, six. Six super numbers." Danielle counted out loud and the Count applauded. Danielle smiled and followed Big Bird down Sesame Street.

"Hey, Elmo," called Big Bird. "Are you ready for our judges?"

Elmo pulled aside a curtain to reveal a large picture made up of tiny, brightly colored triangles.

"Wow," said Danielle, "I've never seen so many triangles in one place before!"

"Elmo made it especially for Telly," Elmo explained. "Telly loves triangles."

"Well, Danielle," Big Bird said. "It's time for you to pick the winner."

Danielle groaned and plopped down on a bench facing Big Bird. "I'm in trouble, Big Bird. All the paintings are so great! How will I ever pick a winner?"

Big Bird shook his head sadly. "I wish I could help. Too bad there's only one blue ribbon."

Danielle jumped up. "That's it, Big Bird. You're a genius!"

"I am?" Big Bird smiled happily.

Danielle ran inside Mr. Hooper's store. She came back holding a handful of blue ribbons.

"Everybody's a winner on Sesame Street!" Danielle shouted.

"Hurray!" Big Bird said. "Let's have a party to celebrate."

"I'd love to stay," Danielle said. "But I have to get back to Corpus Christi, Texas, along with Grandpa, Jimmy and Michael."

"Well, don't forget to come back and judge our dance contest," said Ernie.

"I won't," called Danielle, as she waved good-bye to all her friends on Sesame Street.

Story by: Lee Howard Illustrations by: Frank Mayo
© Best