The Flamingo's Dance Partner

On a bright morning beside a shimmering lagoon, Flora the flamingo practices her spins, her coral-pink feathers catching the light and a sky-blue ribbon bow fluttering at her ankle. Dancing is her greatest joy, and the rippling water and whispering reeds seem to sway along with her. Then she spots Spoonie, a shy young spoonbill in a tiny yellow scarf, watching from behind the tall grass with hunched shoulders and obvious doubt.

Spoonie confesses a love of dancing but admits being too nervous to try, afraid of looking silly or tripping. Flora neither laughs nor pushes; she recalls her own many falls while learning and offers to go slowly, staying close beside her new friend. Together they practice swaying and spinning, and when Spoonie adds tail wiggles and bouncy hops, the pair invent a wiggle-spin all their own. This gentle tale by Aysel Banu YAVUZAL follows a friendship built on patience and encouragement, and can be read on Masal İzle.