The Lost Duckling
A Short Duckling Story for Kids
Here’s a short duckling story for kids about a curious little duckling named Dodo.
Once upon a time, in a quiet green meadow, there was a big blue pond. In that pond lived a happy family of ducks. There was Mama Duck and her five little ducklings. They were fluffy, yellow, and always full of energy.
Every morning, Mama Duck would take her ducklings for a walk. They waddled in a line—quack, quack, quack—through the grass, around the pond, and back home.
But one duckling was different. His name was Dodo. Dodo was the smallest, the fluffiest, and the most curious of them all. He always asked questions.
“Why do frogs jump so high?”
“Where does the sun go at night?”
“Can I fly like a butterfly?”
Mama Duck would smile and say, “One day, you’ll learn everything. But stay close to me, little one.”
A Curious Adventure
One sunny morning, Mama Duck called out, “Time for a walk, little ducklings!”
Quack, quack, quack! The ducklings lined up behind her.
But wait… where was Dodo?
Dodo had spotted something fluttering nearby. It was a bright, beautiful butterfly with orange and black wings. It danced in the air like magic.
Without thinking, Dodo followed it.
The butterfly flew over flowers, around trees, through the tall grass, and past a shiny rock. Dodo waddled as fast as his little feet could go, chasing it happily.
But when the butterfly flew up into the sky and disappeared, Dodo stopped.
He looked around.
The pond was gone.
Mama Duck was gone.
His brothers and sisters were gone too.
Dodo Was Lost
Dodo’s heart beat fast. The grass looked taller now. The trees looked bigger. Everything felt different.
“I’m lost,” whispered Dodo, his eyes filling with tears.
Just then, Ribbit! A green frog hopped onto a rock nearby.
“Hey there, little duckling,” said the frog kindly. “Why do you look so sad?”
“I was following a butterfly,” said Dodo, “and now I can’t find my family.”
The frog gave a warm smile. “Don’t worry. We’ll call for them. I have a loud voice.”
So the frog croaked—RIBBIT! RIBBIT! And Dodo quacked—QUACK! QUACK!
They kept calling and calling.
A Happy Ending
Far away, Mama Duck heard the sound.
“My baby!” she cried and rushed through the grass with the other ducklings behind her.
When she saw Dodo, she scooped him up in her wings.
“Oh, Dodo! You must never wander off like that.”
“I’m sorry, Mama,” Dodo sniffled. “I just wanted to see the butterfly.”
Mama Duck kissed his head. “It’s okay to be curious, my little one. But always stay close.”
From that day on, Dodo still asked questions. He still looked at butterflies. But he never wandered off alone again. And he was the happiest, safest little duckling in the pond.
The End of A Short Ducklings Story for Kids
This delightful short duckling story for kids is ideal for bedtime, as it not only soothes little ones to sleep but also leaves them with a gentle lesson. While the story celebrates curiosity and the joy of exploring the world, it also, at the same time, reminds children how important it is to stay close to those who love and protect them. In the end, this moral story beautifully balances adventure with a heartwarming message about family, safety, and trust.
Learn More About Ducklings
If your child enjoyed this story, they might also love learning about real ducklings! Read fun duck facts for kids on National Geographic Kids. And more stories like this check out this page.