Having a Paddle
A gentle early years story about water safety, featuring characters from the world of Andrew the Pen Maker
🧠 For Educators and Parents
This short story introduces basic water safety for children aged 3–7 through a familiar woodland setting and recognisable characters. It encourages safe behaviour near natural water while highlighting the importance of supervision and swimming lessons.
Use this post alongside water-themed activities, outdoor play, or summer swimming topics. A printable colouring sheet and an optional maze are available below for extended learning.
📖 The Story
It was a bright summer morning, and the woodland pond sparkled in the sun. Toby had taken off his little boots, rolled up his trousers, and was already paddling at the edge, stamping and splashing with delight.
Water sprayed everywhere.
Wilee stood on the bank, tail stiff, letting out a sharp bark.
Ella stepped carefully to the edge with a towel over her arm.
“Not too far, Toby,” she said gently. “The ground gets slippery, and ponds can be deeper than they look.”
Toby stopped and took one careful step back.
“I’m being a fish,” he said proudly.
Wilee gave another little bark — more satisfied this time — and sat beside Ella.
Just along the edge, Pip the squirrel flicked her tail through a puddle. Fergus, bone-dry as usual, raised an eyebrow.
“I once dipped a paw in a stream,” he muttered. “Didn’t like it. Never again.”
Toby splashed again — just once — then wobbled slightly. Ella reached out to steady him.
“Time to come out,” she said, wrapping the towel around him. “You can always splash with your boots on.”
Just then, Andrew appeared along the woodland path, carrying a jug of lemon water and another old towel.
“Well done, Toby,” he smiled. “That looked like fun — but water can surprise us. When I was little, I learned to swim in a river… but that was before we knew how risky that can be. These days, it’s much safer to learn at the swimming baths, where lifeguards are there to keep watch.”
Toby looked up, eyes wide.
“Do they have floaty rings?”
“They do,” said Ella. “And pool noodles. And warm showers after.”
Toby grinned. “Maybe next time.”
Wilee gave one final approving woof as the group settled on a sunny patch of grass — towel-wrapped, water-safe, and ready for lemon drinks.
🖍️ Optional Activity Download
A printable colouring sheet is available to support this story. This can be used in classrooms, summer clubs, or home settings to encourage safe water play conversations.
⬇️ Download Toby's Pond Splash Colouring Page – A4 Portrait
🌿 More From Feather’s Forest News
We publish gentle, story-led blog posts and printable activities to support educators, parents, and storytellers working with early years children. All our materials are based on the characters and themes from Andrew the Pen Maker.
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