Danny the Duckling Who Didn’t Want to Swim - A Children's Story

Danny the Duckling Who Didn’t Want to Swim

By Bill Conley, America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral to the Story:
Even if something seems scary at first, with courage, love, and a little help from those who care about you, you can face your fears and discover how wonderful life can be.

In the heart of Willow Pond, under the shade of a weeping willow, a family of ducks had just welcomed a new batch of ducklings. They were small, fluffy, and full of curiosity—except for one. His name was Danny.

Danny was the youngest of the six ducklings. While his brothers and sisters waddled eagerly behind Mama Duck to the edge of the water, Danny hesitated.

The others jumped in with a splash. They laughed, paddled, and floated like little feathers dancing on the water. But Danny stood at the edge, his webbed feet frozen in place.

“I don’t want to go in,” he whispered.

Mama Duck looked at him with kind eyes. “But Danny, swimming is what ducklings do. The pond is safe, and I’ll be right beside you.”

Danny shook his head. “What if I sink? What if I can’t swim? What if something is under the water?”

His siblings swam in circles, quacking and splashing. “Come on, Danny!” they called. “It’s fun!”

But to Danny, the pond looked like a giant bowl of unknowns.

Later that day, Papa Duck waddled over to him. “I was scared too, when I was little,” he said, settling beside Danny.

“You were?” Danny asked, surprised.

“Oh yes,” Papa nodded. “It’s okay to feel nervous. But do you know what helped me?”

Danny looked up. “What?”

“I trusted the ones who love me. I took one little step... and then another. And suddenly, I was swimming.”

Danny thought about that all night. He didn’t sleep much. His tummy felt like it was full of fluttering butterflies.

The next morning, the ducklings lined up again. One by one, they leapt into the pond with happy squeaks.

Danny stood at the edge once more. Mama Duck stood beside him.

“You don’t have to go today,” she said softly. “But I know you will. When you’re ready.”

Danny looked at the sparkling water. The sun danced across the surface like glitter. His brothers and sisters floated easily, paddling and playing.

He took a deep breath. “Maybe I’ll just try putting in one foot…”

He dipped one webbed foot into the pond. It was cool and soft. Then the other foot. Before he could think twice, a gentle wave rocked him forward—and he was in!

For a moment, Danny panicked. “I’m in the water! I’m in the water!”

But then... he didn’t sink.

He floated!

He moved his feet like he’d seen the others do. One kick. Then another. He was doing it. He was swimming!

“I’m swimming!” Danny cried out, laughter bursting from his beak.

Mama and Papa clapped their wings. His siblings quacked and cheered.

From that day on, you couldn’t keep Danny out of the water. He paddled, splashed, and even dove under like a pro. What once seemed scary had become his favorite thing in the world.

Sometimes, he’d spot another little duckling hesitating by the shore, and Danny would paddle over, smile, and say, “I was scared too. But you’re going to be just fine.”

Poem to Remember:
Sometimes fear is big and loud,
Like a stormy, swirling cloud.
But with love and courage near,
You’ll rise above your little fear.
Take one step, then maybe two—
You’ll be amazed at what you do!
With family close and faith inside,
You’ll find your wings, your heart, your pride.

Questions to Talk About:

1.     Can you remember a time when you were afraid to try something new? What helped you feel brave?

2.     Why do you think Danny was afraid to swim, even though ducks are made for swimming?

3.     How can we help others who feel scared about something we already feel confident doing?