Oliver the Otter Gets a Brave Little Shot
By Bill Conley – America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller
Moral of the Story:
Getting a shot can feel scary, but it helps keep you healthy and strong.
Bravery is not about never being afraid—it’s about doing what’s right even when
you are.
A quick pinch today keeps you safe from sickness tomorrow.
Your doctor and parents are always there to hold your hand.
You are stronger and braver than you know inside your heart.
With a deep breath and a smile, you can do anything!
In the sunny riverside town of
Willow Creek lived a curious little otter named Oliver. Oliver was happiest
when he was splashing in the shallow water, chasing minnows through the reeds,
or sliding down the soft, muddy banks into the cool river with a joyful splash!
Oliver’s best friend was Pippa the
Painted Turtle. Every morning after breakfast, Oliver would tug Mama Otter’s
paw and say, “Can I go play now?” And off he’d go, racing Pippa to the biggest
log in the river and seeing who could spot the most dragonflies before lunch.
One bright morning, just as Oliver
was planning another day of adventure, Mama Otter called him back before he
could dash off. “Oliver,” she said gently, “today we’re going to visit Dr.
Heron for your check-up. And you’ll be getting a quick little shot to help keep
you healthy.”
Oliver’s whiskers drooped. His tummy
did a worried flip-flop. “A shot?” he squeaked, hiding his head under Mama’s
tail. “But Mama… shots hurt! What if it really, really hurts this time?”
Mama Otter pulled him close and
stroked his soft head. “Oh, my brave little one. It might feel like a tiny
pinch, like when you step on a small stick, but it will be over before you know
it. And I’ll be there the whole time, holding your paw.”
Oliver peered up at Mama. “Promise
you won’t let go?” he asked.
Mama Otter smiled. “I promise,
Oliver. You are never alone when you’re being brave.”
When they arrived at Dr. Heron’s
cozy riverside clinic, Oliver held tight to Mama’s paw and his favorite blue
blanket. The waiting room smelled like fresh river lilies, and there were
drawings of smiling animals on the walls—beavers brushing their teeth, turtles
washing their flippers, and a big poster of an otter swimming with a shiny gold
star on his chest.
Oliver sat on the soft bench,
hugging his blanket to his chest. He watched as Benny the Beaver came out with
his mom. Benny waved his tail excitedly. “Hi, Oliver! I got my shot today! It
was so quick, and I got a sticker!”
Oliver tried to smile back, but his
paws still felt shaky.
When it was Oliver’s turn, Dr. Heron
met him at the door. He wore his bright green coat and round glasses that made
his eyes look extra kind. “Hello, Oliver!” Dr. Heron said cheerfully. “How’s my
favorite otter today?”
Oliver squeaked a tiny “Okay…” and
climbed up onto the exam table, hugging his blanket tight.
“Let’s check you over, brave boy,”
Dr. Heron said. He listened to Oliver’s heartbeat—thump-thump, thump-thump-and peeked into his ears with a tiny light. He gently pressed Oliver’s tummy and
asked about what he’d been eating lately.
“You’re healthy and growing
strong—just what I love to see!” Dr. Heron said with a wink. “Now, we just need
to give you your quick shot to keep you swimming and playing without any
worries.”
Oliver’s eyes widened when Dr. Heron
held up the small, shiny syringe. “Will it hurt a lot, Dr. Heron?” he
whispered, his voice shaking like a tiny leaf in the river breeze.
Dr. Heron gave him a warm smile.
“You might feel a quick pinch, like a little snap of a twig. But it’s so fast
you’ll hardly notice. How about you hold Mama’s paw and count to three?”
Oliver squeezed Mama Otter’s paw as
tight as he could. He took a big, deep breath. “Okay… okay… I’m ready.”
Mama Otter leaned close and
whispered, “One… two… three—”
Pinch! It was done!
Oliver blinked. He’d felt a tiny
pinch, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as he’d imagined. He let out a surprised
giggle. “It’s over already?” he asked.
Dr. Heron laughed and nodded. He
pressed a soft cotton ball on Oliver’s fur and then placed a colorful otter
sticker on his arm. “You were so brave, Oliver! Now you’re ready for all the
adventures Willow Creek can bring.”
He handed Oliver a shiny gold star
sticker too. “A gold star for my bravest little otter today!”
Oliver clutched his stickers and
looked up at Mama. “Mama, I did it! I really did it! And it didn’t really hurt
at all!”
Mama Otter hugged him close. “I’m so
proud of you, my little river hero. You were scared, but you faced it
anyway—and that’s what makes you brave.”
As they walked home along the riverbank,
Oliver showed his stickers to every animal they passed. He waved to Pippa the
Turtle, who gasped when she saw the gold star. “Wow, Oliver! You were so brave!
Can we play dragonfly tag now?”
Oliver nodded with a big, proud
grin. “Yep! I’m ready for anything now.”
Back home that evening, Oliver
curled up beside Mama and Papa Otter. They listened as he told them every
detail of how he squeezed Mama’s paw and counted to three and how Dr. Heron
made him giggle.
Papa Otter ruffled his fur and said,
“See, Oliver? A brave otter doesn’t need to be unafraid. He just needs to
trust, breathe deep, and do the right thing anyway.”
Oliver beamed. He knew that the next
time he needed a shot, he wouldn’t be nearly as scared. He’d remember his gold
star, his sticker, and his brave little heart that could handle anything, with
one deep breath, one big smile, and someone’s hand to hold.
Moral of the Story Poem:
A quick little pinch and a brave little heart,
A shot keeps you healthy, gives your adventures a start.
When you feel scared, hold someone’s hand tight,
Take a breath, count to three, and you’ll be all right.
Bravery is showing up when you feel afraid inside,
With love and courage together, you beam with pride!
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