Once upon a time in a bright and bubbly coral reef, there lived a little starfish named Sammy. Now Sammy wasn’t just any starfish; he had five sparkly arms that shined like stars under the morning sun. But despite his shiny appearance, Sammy was very shy. Every day, he would stick his little eyes out from behind his cozy rock and watch the world go by.
All the sea creatures would float by—octopuses, clownfish, and even a family of baby turtles, all playing together in groups. Sammy would smile at them, wishing he were brave enough to join. But, oh dear, he was much too shy. Sammy thought to himself, “What if they don’t like me? What if I don’t know how to play?”
One sunny morning, while Sammy was peeking out from his hiding place, a friendly dolphin named Daisy swam up to him. “Hello down there, little star!” she greeted cheerfully. “Why do you hide every day? Such a lovely day today, why don’t you come and play?”
Sammy pulled back shyly, saying, “Oh no, that’s okay. I’m very happy just here with my. . . rock.” “Nonsense!” giggled Daisy. “A charming starfish like you will surely have fun with us. Come on out, and I’ll show you.” Sammy wasn’t so sure, but Daisy’s big kind eyes made him feel a little braver.
“Maybe I can try,” Sammy thought, so he slowly came out from behind his rock. When the other sea creatures saw him, they all greeted him warmly, “Hello, Sammy!” called the clownfish, “Come and play with us!” Sammy was delighted that they knew his name, but he still felt a little shy. “Oh… hi!” he waved one shiny arm shyly.
“Watch this!” chirped Daisy, flipping and somersaulting through the bright blue water. Sammy giggled and clapped his arms together. He had never had so much fun watching the dancing sun rays in the water. Soon, other baby dolphins came to play, and all the little fishes gathered around to watch the show. Sammy floated along near the edge of the group, enjoying the happy atmosphere.
Next, Daisy began to twirl in circles as fast as she could, making a whirlpool in the water. Sammy was so excited that he clapped his little arms together and shouted, “Good show! It’s a whirlpool!” Daisy was spinning so quickly that she didn’t hear him. Little fishes hopped in and out of the whirlpool, swirling around happily.
“I want to go into the whirlpool too!” thought Sammy, and plop! He dropped right down into it. Roooaar, the whirlpool giggled. Sammy’s arms began to spin around too. All his sea friends laughed and cheered, “Go Sammy, go!” Daisy stopped spinning and tossed Sammy up like a ball, plop! back he fell again into the whirlpool. Sammy felt so dizzy and silly, but oh, how he was shining now!
And when Daisy tossed him again, she said, “Look, everyone! Sammy the Shy starfish is shining like a true star now.” Sammy was so surprised to hear that everybody was watching him smile. “You’re right!” he gleefully chirped, and after that, he tumbled and played right along with everyone. He spun with Daisy, danced with the little fishes, and flipped over the baby turtles.
From that day forward, Sammy was no longer shy at all. He gathered his courage to go out and play every day with his wonderful sea friends. He’d twirl in a whirlpool or have races with the crabs at the reef’s entrance. He learned it truly didn’t matter if he was a little different from everyone else. Being himself was the best way to have fun and make friends.
And in the bright bubbly coral reef, there always sparkle a star-shaped Sammy the Starfish.
The End