Antarctica

Imagine you are at the very, very bottom of the world. It is quiet and chilly here. I am covered in a big, sparkly white blanket made of ice and snow. Brrr. The wind sings a soft, chilly song as it blows all around me. For many months, the sun stays in the sky to play. It never goes to sleep. At night, beautiful green and purple lights dance in my sky, like a secret party just for me. Do you know who I am. I am Antarctica.

I have special friends who have always lived with me. My penguin friends waddle and play all day long. Waddle, waddle, waddle. They slide down my icy hills on their tummies. Whee. It looks like so much fun. A long, long time ago, I met new friends. They were people. They came on big, strong ships across the big, blue ocean just to meet me. These brave people were curious and wanted to be the first to reach my very middle, a place called the South Pole. A kind man named Roald Amundsen was the very first one to get there. He was so happy. That special day was a long time ago, on December 14th, 1911.

Now, lots of friends come to visit me, but they do not stay forever. They are smart people called scientists who come to learn. They look at my sparkly ice, they watch the weather, and they say hello to my penguin friends. People from all over the world promised to keep me safe and clean. They all work together like good friends. I am a special, peaceful place. I love helping everyone learn how to be good friends to our wonderful planet and to each other. It makes my heart feel warm.