bedtime · Ages 3-5

The Duckling Who Wanted the Pond to Wait

A duckling asks the pond, reeds, and moon to stay still while he closes his eyes for the night.

The whole story

1. At sunset, a small duckling paddled around the pond, counting silver ripples.

2. He wanted the pond to wait, because one bright ripple still touched his bill.

3. He climbed onto the reeds, but the reeds nodded in the evening breeze.

4. Please wait, he whispered, holding one reed gently between his wings.

5. Above the pond, the moon rose, and the duckling watched its round reflection.

6. His eyelids drooped beside the warm bank, but he watched the reflection wobble.

7. He tucked his bill beneath his wing and listened as the pond grew quiet.

8. The duckling asked the pond, reeds, and moon to stay still while he closed his eyes for the night.

Make a story like this →