Ollie the Otter Misses Cuddle Time: A Story About New Siblings
Ollie the otter lived a life full of splish-splash fun. He spent his days zipping down the riverbank with his mama, chasing playful fish, and building magnificent mud castles.
But lately, things had been a little different. Ollie’s mama had a giant, round tummy that made it harder for her to swim as fast. She spent more time napping on the riverbank and sometimes looked a little tired. Ollie was curious but mostly excited. His mama had told him a wonderful secret – a tiny otter sibling was coming!
Ollie wiggled with excitement. He loved imagining all sorts of ways to help his parents with the new baby. He would feed him, bathe him, and play with him! But he would NOT change diapers, he announced firmly! His parents laughed. They loved Ollie’s excitement and willingness to help. The days turned into weeks. Ollie felt a tiny pang of impatience. He wished the little sibling would come quicker!
Finally, the big day arrived! Mama waddled into the den, looking even rounder than before. A loud wail filled the air, and Mama emerged with a tiny, pink bundle wrapped in a soft blanket. Ollie’s jaw dropped. It was a baby otter, even smaller than some of his toys! He cuddled him gently. His heart was filled with love for his new baby brother named Oscar.
As the days went on, Mama and Papa were really busy with the tiny new otter. Mama spent most of her time feeding him, rocking him to sleep, and singing him soft lullabies. Ollie helped whenever he could but felt a bit left out. He missed the playtime with Mama, their morning swims, and the cozy cuddles before bedtime. Life was just different with the new sibling.
One evening, as Mama nursed Oscar, Ollie sat by the riverbank, kicking his little paws in the water. A tear slipped down his cheek. Suddenly, his friend Beatrice the beaver, who had been watching him, paddled over.
‘‘Hey Ollie, why the long face?’’ she asked gently.
Ollie sniffled. ‘‘Mama doesn’t have time for me anymore,’’ he mumbled. ‘‘She’s always busy with Oscar.’’
Beatrice understood. ‘‘Being a big sibling can be tough sometimes; I felt the same when I got my baby sister Bella,’’ she said. ‘‘But trust me, Mama still loves you very much. She just needs some time to care for Oscar. Bella and I are best friends now!’’
Beatrice’s words sparked a tiny flame of hope in Ollie’s heart. Maybe he could still be special to Mama, even if things were different.
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Do you have siblings? Tell me more about them. Do you share toys, or does everyone have their own? What’s your favorite thing about your
sibling? (This question allows readers to express their feelings about their siblings and prompts them to see their positive sides.)