This is Jack. This morning Jack is in a jittery mood. He wants to try for a solo in the school concert.

Jack likes singing, but he feels too shy to try out by himself. So he has asked his best friend Billie to stand with him while he sings.

Billie and Jack practise singing in the playground. They are going to be stars!

‘Next, please,’ calls Miss Winters. She is in charge of the school concert. Today she is choosing children for the solo parts.

Now it is Jack’s turn to try out for a part.

Jack walks onto the stage.

Billie follows and stands next to him.

Jack gets ready to sing.

But all of a sudden Jack feels nervous and wobbly. He hops from one foot to the other like he has ants in his pants.

The music starts. Jack knows all the words but when he opens his mouth, nothing comes out!

Jack stands with his mouth wide open. His tummy squeezes tight.

Billie pokes him in the ribs. ‘Hey Jack!’ she says. ‘What’s wrong?’

Jack closes his mouth. It’s no use. He is much too scared to sing on his own. He feels silly for even trying.

Miss Winters smiles kindly. ‘Perhaps you can be in the chorus, Jack. Now, Billie, are you trying out too?’

Billie nods. The music starts, and Billie sings loudly and clearly.

Jack feels cross and sad at the same time. He wishes he was as brave as Billie.

‘Well done, Billie!’ says Miss Winters when Billie has finished. ‘You can have a solo. You sing very well.’

Billie jumps up and down in excitement.

Jack frowns. But I can sing, too! he thinks crossly. I can sing as well as Billie! It’s just that…

Jack sighs. He hangs his head as he and Billie leave the hall.