Geoffrey has one goal: reach the prize pumpkin at the end of the vegetable patch. The path is full of mud puddles, scarecrows, and a very suspicious cat. He waddles forward with determination.

He is one step from the pumpkin when the garden gate creaks open. The farmer is home early — and Geoffrey is standing in the middle of the trampled lettuce.

Geoffrey arrives at the little red schoolhouse with a new backpack and big nerves. The other animals stare. He finds a seat, drops his lunch, and tries to look brave. The teacher calls roll.

When his name is read aloud, a giggle spreads across the room. Geoffrey looks down at his nametag — and realizes he put it on upside down.

It is past bedtime, but Geoffrey is wide awake. He has decided that tonight he will tell the story instead of listening. He gathers his stuffed animals and begins a tale of a brave piglet who never goes to sleep. His parents listen from the hallway.

Just when his story reaches the climax, his own eyes get heavy. The stuffed animals wait. The next sound from his room is a soft, contented snore.

Geoffrey's favorite red balloon has slipped from his trotter and is floating toward the clouds. He chases it across the meadow, through the creek, and into the woods. Every time he gets close, the wind carries it higher.

He reaches a clearing where the balloon has caught on a branch. He stretches, he jumps — and the branch snaps. The balloon drifts away again, but this time something else is tied to the string.

Geoffrey thinks everyone has forgotten his birthday. He mopes through the morning until his friends lead him to the barn. Inside, streamers and a lopsided cake wait. He is so happy he does not notice the missing guest.

The lights go out. When they come back on, the biggest present in the room is shaking. The ribbon pops — and out tumbles his long-lost cousin, who has been hiding in the box for an hour.