Zara and the Swan's Golden Feather

Ages 3–5

When a proud swan's crown slips into the reeds by the dock, Zara tries and tries to free it, with a grown-up close by, and earns a shining friendship in return.

Trying again and again to help someone, even when it's hard, earns real friendship.

By the whispering lake where the tall reeds sway, Zara skipped down the path on a bright golden day. "What's out there today?" she wondered aloud, her net swinging softly, her boots on the ground.

A splash and a flutter! A swan, big and white, paddled in circles, not gliding just right. "Oh no," gasped Zara, "something's wrong, I can tell!" The swan named Perla tipped her head, as if ringing a worried little bell.

"My crown!" murmured Perla, "it slipped with a plop, right into the reeds, and it will not stop!" Zara peeked at the water where golden light gleamed, caught in the green like a small tangled dream.

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