Chapter 4 
Chapter 4 
The next morning, Sophie smiled as she drizzled honey on her oatmeal. An art show, she thought dreamily.
From her chair at the table, Sophie stared out the window. She could see it now.
Paintings and drawings hung on a white wall. Music played softly—a violin or a cello. Platters of elegant food were passed around: tea and lemonade, tarts and tiny sandwiches.
And there, front and center, was Sophie’s painting. In her mind’s eye, it was her finest work—a brand-new, extra-special painting.
What would it be like to see it in an art show, next to other artists’ work?
But wait. Sophie snapped out of her daydream. She frowned. Would anyone else sign up?
She looked across the table at Winston. “You’ll sign up to be in the art show, won’t you?”
Winston put down his oatmeal spoon. “Of course!” he replied—like he couldn’t believe she had to ask.
Sophie smiled. “Thanks, Winston. That’s two of us, at least.”
Sophie quickly made a sign-up sheet to bring to school.
Sophie wrote her name on the first line. Winston wrote his on the second. She hoped at least a few classmates would add theirs.
At school, Mrs. Wise passed out morning math worksheets. “Please work on these quietly,” she told them. “Meanwhile, I’ll call each of you up to tell me your project idea.”
Soon it was Sophie’s turn. She brought the sign-up sheet to show Mrs. Wise.
“It will be a community art show,” Sophie explained. “Anyone can submit art to display. And anyone can come to see it!” Sophie paused. “I just hope others will sign up.”
Mrs. Wise smiled at Sophie. “I think it is an excellent idea,” she said.
The teacher cleared her throat and addressed the whole class.
“Students, I am putting some information on Sophie’s project here.” Mrs. Wise put the sign-up sheet on a side table, along with a pencil. “When your worksheet is complete, you may come up and read it. Quietly, please.”
Sophie returned to her desk. She felt curious eyes on her as she focused on her math.
When Sophie was done, she put her pencil down. She looked up.
Hattie’s sister, Lydie, and James Rabbit were at the side table. They were looking at the sign-up sheet.
Sophie saw Lydie pick up the pencil. She was signing up!
Then James did too!
Sophie did a little happy dance in her seat. Next to her, Hattie looked at her curiously. Then Hattie got up and went to the side table.
