Give them roots and wings

小步走路 (A step at a time)

The story starts off with the three ducklings losing their way, far away from their home.  (I wondered how they got there in the first place.  But it is a children’s book.  It does not need to always make sense).

The eldest brother duck said :”We are lost!”

The second brother said, “We will find the road soon!”

As is typical in our family, the second born rushed forward to lead the way out.

The little duckling however found the situation too daunting, and asks for mummy.

“I want mummy…” the little duck said softly

The big brother got into action, to encourage the youngest brother.  He taught him the “One-step-walk” “一小步” .  In our family, both brothers will work together to do this part.

The big brother taught the little duckling how to walk a “One-step-walk”

So the three little ducklings started on their journey home.  A few times along the way, the little duckling became discouraged and wanted to stop, but the brothers reminded him of the “One-step-walk” and encouraged him. So they kept on walking, steadfastly, together, towards home.

“One small step… one small step..” the little duck chanted as it walked

Soon they reached the mummy duck, who was delighted to see the little duckling.

“Mum, it’s you!” the little duck shouted. “Oh, baby!”, mummy duck said.

As for the two elder brothers, they greeted mum in the manner of big brothers, “Hi mum!  It is good to see you”. This is exactly how my big boys would say to me when they come home – “Hi mum!” – with pleasure, but not in ecstasy as they would when they were younger.

“My children!” “Hi, mum” the two brothers said, “It is good to see you”

Samuel loves his identity as the youngest brother.  Whenever we read a story about a child, he would ask – does he/she have a brother?  The children’s identity as a family is still very strong.  In many of their pretend games, even the monsters and the superheroes have fathers and mothers.

My three little “ducklings” with their favourite small toys.  Do you see Duckie?