A Story Bench Read-Along
One Step at a Time with Austin
Told by Austin Atlas
Tip: use the arrows, swipe, or your keyboard ← → to turn the pages.
Page 1
A New Adventure
Today is a big day.
Austin Atlas is going on a new adventure.
He has never taken this journey before.
“I’m excited,” says Austin.
“And my wheels feel a little wobbly.”
Page 2
Where Do I Begin?
Austin looks at everything he needs to do.
He needs to pack.
He needs to check his ticket.
He needs to find his gate.
“That feels like a lot,” says Austin.
Then he remembers something important.
“I don’t have to do everything at once.”
Page 3
The First Step
Austin looks at his empty travel bag.
“My first step is packing,” he says.
He chooses one important item.
His airport map!
He places it carefully inside his bag.
“First step finished!”
Read it with me:
“One step at a time!”
Page 4
The Next Step
“What comes next?” Austin asks.
He looks at his travel list.
Pack my map.
Check my ticket.
Find my gate.
Board my airplane.
Austin checks the first item.
Then he points to the second.
“My next step is checking my ticket.”
Page 5
Check The Ticket
Austin finds his ticket.
He reads it slowly.
“Flight 204.”
“Gate B4.”
“Now I know which gate to find,” he says.
Austin places the ticket safely in his travel pouch.
Say it with me:
“One step at a time!”
Page 6
Into The Airport
Austin rolls into SPLUGGAGE World Airport.
The terminal is bright and busy.
Suitcases roll.
Trams arrive.
Airport announcements ring through the halls.
Austin stays with his travel team.
He looks ahead and takes one slow breath.
Page 7
Follow The Sign
Austin looks at the signs above him.
One arrow points toward Gates A.
One arrow points toward Gates B.
One arrow points toward Gates C.
“My ticket says Gate B4,” Austin remembers.
He follows the arrow toward Gates B.
Can you point toward Gates B?
That’s the way!
Page 8
Asking For Help
Austin reaches another hallway.
He is not sure which way to go.
Officer Zip is standing nearby.
“Excuse me,” says Austin. “Can you help me find Gate B4?”
“Of course,” says Officer Zip. “Follow the blue signs straight ahead.”
“Thank you!” says Austin.
Page 9
A Brave Step
Austin can see Gate B4 ahead.
But first, he must cross the busy terminal.
He stays close to his travel team.
He looks forward.
Then he rolls ahead carefully.
“A brave step does not have to be a big step,” says Austin.
“It only needs to move you forward.”
Page 10
The Right Gate
Austin looks above the doorway.
There it is!
GATE B4.
“I found it!” he says.
Austin checks the final item on his list.
Pack my map. Check!
Check my ticket. Check!
Find my gate. Check!
Let’s say it together:
“One step at a time!”
Page 11
Ready To Board
The airplane is waiting outside the window.
Austin hears the boarding announcement.
He is almost ready for his adventure.
He does not need to know every part of the journey.
His travel team is beside him.
Airport helpers are nearby.
And Austin knows his next step.
Page 12
Forward We Go
Austin rolls toward the boarding door.
He takes one small step.
Then another.
And another.
Soon, Austin is aboard the airplane.
“I did it!” he says.
“That is how every adventure begins.”
Page 13
Your Next Step
What new adventure would you like to try?
You do not have to do everything at once.
Look for one small thing you can do next.
Take a slow breath.
Stay close to the people who help you.
Then take your next step.
The End
You don’t have to know every direction.
You only need to know your next step.
Read it with me one more time:
“ONE STEP AT A TIME!”
About this story
Austin Atlas is taking a brand-new journey through SPLUGGAGE World Airport. Read along as he packs, checks his ticket, follows the signs and asks for help — one small, brave step at a time.
For grown-ups: press Read to Me to hear Austin Atlas read while the words light up, or read it together at your own pace. Pause on the "say it with me" lines and let your child join in.