In a cozy nest by the pond, five eggs began to crack. 'Tap, tap, tap!'
Out came four fluffy ducklings, yellow as the morning sun. But the last was different.
This fifth duckling was speckled with spots of many colors. The others stared in wonder.
They all played together, but the speckled duckling felt out of place. 'Why am I different?' it asked.
The mother duck said, 'Your feathers are like a rainbow.' But the duckling was unsure.
One day, the speckled duckling saw its reflection. 'I'm speckled, not yellow!’ it said.
A wise old turtle heard the duckling. 'Being different is special,' said the turtle.
The duckling pondered. 'Could my speckles be good?' it wondered, feeling a hint of hope.
Next day, the duckling helped find things the others couldn't see with its sharp eyes.
The yellow ducklings cheered. 'Your speckles make you great at hide and seek!' they exclaimed.
The speckled duckling smiled. 'Being different makes me, me. And that’s okay!'
Together, all the ducklings swam happily, each unique in their own beautiful way.
Reflection Questions