Adm. Penhaligon

Admiral Penhaligon has just come ashore from fearsome voyages on the high seas — and boy, does he have stories to tell! If you run into him at the Ball, be sure to ask him about the time he broke up a fight between a blue whale and a giant squid! It’s pretty incredible. It’s nearly too much to believe, but the admiral has more courage in the tip of his tail than I’ll ever have!

Mme. Squeal‑o

I don’t leave my house until Mme. Squeal‑o does my reading for the day. From charting stars to reading palms, she’s very connected to the universe. One morning, she told me I’d have a startling surprise — later that day, I pricked myself with a pin! She’s definitely got a sense for these things. She’s giving out free readings at the ball, dare to find out what the future has in store?

Miss Fiona LeFoxxé

Miss Fiona LeFoxxé can be a bit aloof, but she catches the eye of nearly anyone who sees her. She moves almost as quick as her wit. When we do get a chance to speak, I often find myself blushing at some of Miss LeFoxxé’s repartee. I see a lot of the guests are excited she’s here at the ball, but I have a hunch she’s got her glittering eyes on one mysterious bear in black, if you ask me.

El Oso

The masked bear is so mysterious. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him without his hat on — well, other than before I made it for him. He draws a lot of interest and intrigue with his accent and mystifying appearance. I’m actually quite surprised he’s here at the Ball, I wonder if he senses something dangerous might happen. That’s pretty silly… I’m almost certain nothing could possibly go wrong.

Prof. Hopkins

Professor Hopkins is so wise and very well read. He’s always helping me with book recommendations and lending one of his very big ears when I need someone to talk to. He really only came to the ball to try and sneak into the adjacent library to see if there were any books he hasn’t already read — but I told him I didn’t think that was possible!

Squeakertins

Squeakertins is such a nice chap, and generous, too! He used to bring me bits of cheese, until I started eating vegan, so now he brings me a berry when he can get a good one. He also helps me drink my tea (I’m allergic) so that Mme. Squeal-o can read my tea leaves. Squeakertins is quite excited about all the snacks at the Ball. He’s even volunteered to collect everyone’s used dishes and to return them to the kitchen. It seems to me like it wouldn’t be the most fun job, but he is quite excited about it.

HRH The Queen Liz

You know, to be completely honest, I don’t believe that our government is a monarchy — or that we have a government at all. But, I’m not going to be the one to have that conversation with a crocodile, are you? A fun fact about Queen Liz is that she loves to put on a show when the piano man starts taking requests. We’re actually secretly hoping he doesn’t make it to the Ball because once HRH gets going, no one has the courage to ask her to stop…

Thomas the Dancing Hippopotamus

Thomas came to me nearly in tears when he was turned away from the dance school — they claimed he was much too big and would never make a good dancer. Well, were they wrong! Thomas is the most exquisite dancer I have ever seen! He dances with such joy and expression, it makes me want to dance along with him. I was more than happy to make Thomas the tutu of his dreams when he asked. I even awarded him the Golden Heart for following his dreams in the face of adversity. We also got him the lead entertainment spot at the Ball so that all could see just how marvelous he is. Bravo Thomas!

Duchess of Raconia

The Duchess is always dressed to impress. What I find to be most remarkable is how she always manages to take others’ cast offs and make them completely her own. We made her outfit for the Ball from drapes that had been hanging in HRH The Queen’s summer sitting room before she redecorated. I asked the Duchess how she got her paws on the beautiful fabric and she just shrugged, saying, “I have the gift of thrift and the best sight at night.” Whatever that is supposed to mean.

Colonel Croaker

Colonel Croaker is the most highly decorated military frog in all the land. Show me another frog with as many badges and medals as he! Though, now that I think of it, we haven’t much use for a military around here. He is a big help, though. The Colonel helps to ensure that everyone is staying on task and gives me morning and midday reports on their progress. I’ve told him to just enjoy the Ball, but he has taken it upon himself to announce the guests and keep everything moving smoothly.