Springtime is an amazing and wonderful season of the year. The barren ground of winter suddenly brings forth lush, green grass and vibrant, fragrant flowers of delightful variety. The seemingly dead branches of trees miraculously burst with mantles of buds, blossoms and leaves. And birds and other creatures welcome their young into the world. New life is all around for us, and Herby, to enjoy.

Do you feel like your life is like winter sometimes? Has life become boring, dull, unpleasant, or even hopeless? What does the new life that we experience around us in spring tell us about our own lives?

If you feel like you’ve been experiencing a winter in your life and want to feel renewed and full of life again, take time to enjoy and reflect the wonder of springtime. Take hope and inspiration in the amazing miracle of spring: that what once seemed dead can indeed come back to life.

Often when someone is having a bad day or is disagreeable, it is said that they “woke up on the wrong side of the bed.” We can all at times be upset, angry, or in a bad mood, especially when bad things happen. And like Herby, we may want to stay that way.

When things don’t go the way you want them to, how do you usually feel? If you find yourself sad or mad, would you like to turn your bad mood into a good mood if you could?

When we’re feeling grumpy and grouchy, it’s often hard to feel better. But you don’t have to stay glum. Instead, think about things that make you feel better, do something you enjoy, and talk with the people who love you. If you do, you won’t be staying on the wrong side of the perch for long!

On Saint Patrick’s Day the Irish celebrate their beloved saint Patrick. Patrick was born in Britain but was captured by the Irish who raided his family’s village and made him a slave in Ireland. He eventually escaped, but after many years he actually returned to Ireland to help the people who mistreated him. The Irish remember him to this day as someone who greatly helped their nation, and Herby’s joining in on this Irish celebration.

Even though Saint Patrick was mistreated by people, he was concerned for them and wanted to help them. Are there people you know that could benefit from your help?

Helping others is something we can all do. Look for ways to help people like Saint Patrick did for the Irish. You might even get kissed for it!

You are a unique person—and that’s okay! Every one of us is different. We have different colored hair, different colored eyes, and different shades of skin. We have different interests, different talents, and different personalities. You may feel like you need to be just like other people, because “everyone knows” that’s the way you should be. Everyone knows parrots want crackers, right? Well, fish-loving Herby has something else in mind for his snack.

What if everyone was exactly alike? Our unique qualities are what make us interesting and special. What are some things that make you you? What sorts of things do you like?

Many people want to be just like other people because it’s popular or “cool.” But you don’t have to be someone else—you can be you! You’re cool just the way you are. So be the person only you can be! Just don’t do anything that will get you into trouble. After all, Herby may want a fish, but will Jeremy let him have it?

You have a lot to do, and a lot of things happen to you every day, some good and some bad. What if someone let you know they cared by lending a helping hand, speaking a kind word, presenting you with an unexpected gift, or, as Herby does for Jeremy, simply giving you a hug?

What if you were the one letting someone know you cared about them? You have the power to help other people feel loved and appreciated with your kindness. What ways can you show them you care?

Sometimes it can be hard for us to think about other people, especially if we’re too busy thinking about ourselves all the time. It takes extra time and effort to let others know we care. But with our kindness, we have the power to make everything better.