Daisy the Duck Learns How to Ice Skate - A Children's Story

Daisy the Duck Learns How to Ice Skate

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral to the Story:
New experiences can feel strange at first, but that is how we discover hidden talents we never knew we had. When we try something new with an open heart, joy often follows where fear once stood. Confidence grows not by standing still but by taking that first wobbly step onto the ice of life. Sometimes what looks like change is really just a new kind of fun waiting to be found. Every time we try, we learn, we grow, and we glide closer to who we were meant to be. Courage turns curiosity into confidence and makes every moment an adventure. Joy is not about being perfect but about trying with a happy heart. And sometimes, we find our wings in the most unexpected places.

In a quiet meadow beside the whispering woods lay a glistening pond, home to a cheerful duck family. The pond sparkled in every season, and Daisy the Duck loved splashing, paddling, and swimming across it with her mother and father.

But one frosty morning, Daisy waddled down to the pond and gasped. The water wasn’t rippling and shimmering anymore. It was hard, shiny, and still. “Mama!” she called. “What happened to the pond?”

Mama Duck smiled. “It’s wintertime, sweetheart. The pond has frozen into ice!”
Papa Duck chuckled. “That means it’s time for something special.”
Daisy tilted her head. “What’s special about a frozen pond?”
Papa winked. “You’ll see. Today, you’ll learn how to ice skate!”

Daisy blinked. “But ducks don’t ice skate! We swim.”
Mama laughed softly. “We can do anything we try, Daisy. It’s good to learn new things.”

Papa stepped onto the frozen pond and began gliding across the ice, his webbed feet sliding smoothly. “Come on, Daisy! It’s just like swimming, only colder and shinier!”

Daisy giggled but hesitated. “What if I fall?”
Papa smiled. “Then you’ll laugh and get back up. Falling is part of learning.”

Taking a deep breath, Daisy stepped onto the ice. Her feet slipped, her wings flapped, and she plopped down on her bottom. “Oh!” she cried, surprised but not hurt. “It’s slippery!”
Mama quacked cheerfully. “Try again, dear. You’ll get the hang of it.”

So Daisy stood, steadied her feet, and took another step. This time, she stayed upright. Then another step—and another. “I’m doing it!” she squealed. “I’m really doing it!”

Papa clapped his wings. “That’s my girl!”

Soon, Daisy began to glide across the ice, her little feet moving in graceful slides. The wind tickled her feathers, and she spread her wings to balance herself. Her reflection shimmered beneath her as she spun and twirled with joy.

Just then, other forest friends arrived to join in the fun. Benny the Beaver waddled out wearing a scarf, using his tail to steer himself. Milo the Mouse had tiny acorn-shell skates and zoomed around in loops. Rosie the Rabbit hopped and slid, giggling all the while, and Freddy the Fox skated carefully but with style, his tail trailing like a golden ribbon behind him.

“Look at me!” Daisy called, spinning in a circle. “This is even better than swimming!”

The animals cheered. Daisy taught Benny how to make gentle turns, showed Rosie how to twirl, and encouraged Milo as he practiced skating backward. Everyone was smiling, laughing, and having the time of their lives.

Snowflakes began to drift down, landing on Daisy’s feathers like little stars. The pond glowed under the winter sun, surrounded by laughter, friendship, and the joy of trying something new together.

As the sun began to set and painted the sky in shades of pink and gold, Daisy’s parents called out, “Time to go home, Daisy!”

She skated back to the edge of the pond, her cheeks warm from happiness. “Mama, Papa, that was so much fun! Can we do it again tomorrow?”

Papa chuckled. “Of course we can. You’re a natural.”
Mama smiled proudly. “See what happens when you try something new?”

Daisy nestled close to them. “I was scared at first, but now I can’t wait to do it again. I didn’t know I’d be good at skating.”

Mama kissed her on the head. “You’ll never know what you’re good at until you try.”

That night, as Daisy drifted off to sleep in the cozy nest, she dreamed of gliding across the pond under a sky full of stars, surrounded by her friends. From that day on, she was known as the little duck who could dance on ice, graceful, fearless, and full of joy.

And every winter when the pond froze again, the forest animals would gather and cheer, “Here comes Daisy!” as she spun, skated, and showed everyone how beautiful courage could be.

Poem:
Step on the ice and take your chance.
The world awaits your joyful dance.
Slip and slide, then try once more,
Each fall will teach you how to soar.
Be brave, be kind, and never hide.
There’s magic waiting when you glide.
For every dream begins this way,
With courage shining bright as day.

Discussion Questions:

1.     Why was Daisy afraid to step onto the ice at first, and what helped her find courage?

2.     What lesson can we learn from Daisy about trying new things, even when we are unsure?

3.     How did Daisy’s friends make the day even more special, and how can we help others feel brave when they try something new?