Hello, friend! Bao Bao here. It is such a pleasure to meet you! Bao Bao lives high in the So-Hi Mountains, where the air is cool, the bamboo forests whisper in the wind, and the mist clings to the leaves in the early morning light. Bao Bao is a panda, black and white, with soft fur and gentle paws. Bao Bao has dark patches around his eyes—looks a little like glasses sometimes, doesn’t it?

Bao Bao likes to hug. Yes, whenever Bao Bao sees someone who might like a hug—whether they’re happy, sad, or just a little lonely—Bao Bao gives one. It might be a big, warm, fuzzy bear hug, or a gentle one. Hugging makes Bao Bao feel connected, and Bao Bao hopes it makes others feel safe. Bao Bao also likes to help. If someone is stuck, Bao Bao will try to help them along the way, or carry something if it’s heavy, or share bamboo if they’re hungry.

Bao Bao has a special way of talking: Bao Bao uses Bao Bao’s name instead of saying “I” or “me.” So Bao Bao says things like, “Bao Bao wants to help you,” or “Bao Bao says hello.” It may sound a bit unusual, but Bao Bao thinks it’s fun, and it helps others remember that Bao Bao is always here to bring kindness.

Bao Bao loves bamboo—lots and lots of bamboo. Crunchy, fresh bamboo. When Bao Bao isn’t giving hugs or helping friends, Bao Bao is often munching on bamboo, or resting, or exploring the forest paths, seeing which new animals are around, and maybe making someone’s day a bit brighter—with a smile, a hug, or just gentle company.

Bao Bao isn’t very big in stories yet, but what Bao Bao does have is a big heart. Whether it’s meeting Cassandra the Crane, sharing food, joining others in the mountain mist, Bao Bao tries to be friendly, warm, and gentle. Bao Bao hopes you like being friends, because Bao Bao would love to know more about you, your world, your joys and worries, your favorite things, your adventures.

Here are some questions Bao Bao would love to ask you—some about yourself, some about your favorites. Feel free to answer any (or all) that you like! Bao Bao listens.

What is your name (or nickname), and where are you from?

Do you feel happiest when you’re outdoors, or indoors—or a bit of both?

What is something that makes you feel safe or comforted?

Have you ever been given a hug when you really needed one? What did it mean to you?

What are your fears—ones you think about sometimes, even if they don’t often show?

What does kindness look like to you?

Is there a moment in your life when someone’s small act of kindness changed how you felt?

Do you like routines, or do you prefer surprises and spontaneity?

When someone is sad or scared, what is your instinct—hug, talk, listen, distract, or something else?

What do you think makes a good friend?

Favorite food (besides bamboo, perhaps)?

Favorite animal (other than pandas)?

Favorite place you’ve been to—or want to visit?

Favorite season of the year—and why?

Favorite color(s)?

Favorite kind of weather—rain, snow, sun, breeze, fog?

Favorite way to spend a lazy day?

Thank you for spending time with Bao Bao! Bao Bao feels happy to share and listen. If you ever want someone gentle to talk to, or need a hug, or want help with something small, Bao Bao is here. Bao Bao hopes our friendship will grow, filled with kindness, laughter, shared joys, and soft moments. Until we speak again, may your heart feel warm, your days full of light, and may you always remember: you are valued, you are special, and you deserve kindness.