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I`M NOT SCARED OF WATER

by Beanie Baby 

Posted: 16 March 2004
Word Count: 291
Summary: Helping children to overcome their fears with a short, gentle story. The first in a series aimed at 3 - 5 year olds.


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Sometimes, I get scared of water. I think it's too cold. Or too deep. I think it will swallow me up like a huge monster because there's so much of it.

At the seaside, I saw the sea. It was enormous! it stretched on and on forever! I liked the greeny-blue colour. But I didn't like the feel of it.
And I got scared.

Mummy said "Don't be scared, Lee. The sea won't hurt you."

She took me to see some boats. There were red ones, blue ones, green ones. Mummy said, "If there wasn't any water, there wouldn't be boats. Wouldn't that be sad?"
But I was still scared.

At the swimming pool, there was lots of noise! And lots of people. I tried to be brave but when the water splashed me, I got scared. And I cried.

Mummy said "Don't be scared, Lee. Water is very important. I'll show you." When we got home, she showed me the flowers in the garden. She said "They need water to grow."

She showed me the birds in the birdbath. She said "They need water to drink and keep clean." She gave me some orange squash without any water in it. "YUCK!!" I said.

She showed me the goldfish in the fishpond. They were so pretty. She said "Where would the fish be without water to live in?"

She put some washing-up liquid into an old beaker and added some water. She twisted some wire into an 'o' shape and we made lots of bubbles, all pretty colours and floating up to the sky. She said, "We wouldn't have bubbles without water! And where would the ducks be without the duck-pond? Ducks aren't scared of water!"

Can we go swimming please?






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Comments by other Members



Nell at 08:55 on 17 March 2004  Report this post
Hi BB,

I don't often comment on writing for children - my own have grown up now and I'm out of touch, but I liked this, and the idea of helping little ones overcome their fears is inspired. The only thought I had was that it could be longer; it seemed I'd just begun to read when the piece ended, and I could imagine a child just begining to identify with Lee when the story ends.

Best, Nell.

James Anthony at 09:21 on 17 March 2004  Report this post
Nice little story. REALLY good. Could see it in a picture book.

The only thing I was thinking was that if this was in a picture book it should have more of a rhythm,

SAy

She took me to see some boats. There were red ones, blue ones, green ones. Mummy said, "If there wasn't any water, there wouldn't be boats. Wouldn't that be sad?"
But I was still scared.


Then on another page you'd have anpther example of water

She showed me the goldfish in the fishpond. They were so pretty. She said "Where would the fish be without water to live in?"


And tacked on the end on each example

But I was still scared



Until the last example which would have the following quote tacked on the end

Can we go swimming please?


Hope that makes sense, but it maybe a rubbish idea

anisoara at 09:55 on 17 March 2004  Report this post
Beanie - I also like this piece and also feel that it wants to be longer. I really found it interesting how you showed how water is everywhere - in places where we don't think about it. Frankly I had never thought about it like this! In fact, when mum was making the soapy water to blow bubbles, I was also thinking that we wouldn't have any clean dishes to eat from if we didn't have water! You've just opened up the door, and there's SO much you can bring into it!

Ani



Jubbly at 10:30 on 17 March 2004  Report this post
Beanie I thought this was a terrific story. I read tons of stuff to my youngest and I could easily imagine him loving this one. Great potential for illustrations, maybe you could try and tie it in with the Aquarterra Swim School? They sometimes do little promotions, ie. T shirts, trunks, swimming caps and towels, a little encouraging book would make a nice addition.

Best of luck

Julie

Nell at 12:00 on 17 March 2004  Report this post
Beanie, loved James' suggestion, now why didn't I think of that?!

swandale at 21:21 on 17 March 2004  Report this post
Hi,

I thought this was great, and with James' suggestion would be even better. Have you got any illustartions lined up? I'd love to see them, it's a shame there isn't a way to post pictures on this site.

Just a thought, I work for a water company and they run all sorts of community education campaigns promoting water awareness, most recently it was trying to drive out dehydration in schools by providing all kids with a free water bottle. So your local water company might be interested in sponsoring this. Although if you want to do a series, it may not be appropriate. Anyway, just an idea, I'll stop rambling now!

Sam

Beanie Baby at 09:03 on 18 March 2004  Report this post
Wow! Thanks to everyone who responded to this story! I was quite taken aback by your many comments - especially since it's the first piece I've posted for children! I have taken on board all your comments and I shall remember them when I post the next in the series (there's only four of them but I'll just post one more!). Coincidence that Swandale and Jubbly both suggested tying this particular one in with other schemes, so thank you for that! All the best.

Lee Tee Vee at 12:05 on 17 April 2004  Report this post
Hi Beanie,
Just found this and thought it was excellent. Definitely would be good as an illustrated story. It's an eerie coincidence that you have a grandson called Andrew, then I find this and your character is called Lee!
Good Luck with the collection.

Lee TV


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