Ptodd the Ptarmigan
Ptodd may look like a chicken, but does he have to act like one too . . . ?
Hey Everyone.
It’s September 1st and that means this month it’s BACK TO SCHOOL! Starting a brand new grade means discovering new and exciting things. So, this month’s B-Side Story is all learning something that maybe you never knew before.
For example, do you know what a Ptarmigan is?
Ptarmigan’s are plump, chicken-like birds that are snowy white in the winter and bark-brown in the summer. They camouflage with their surroundings so they will FREEZE, staying perfectly still whenever they are scared. They also make quite the sound when they are alarmed! Ptarmigans live in the Rocky Mountains at a high elevation. When it’s snowy outside they use the feathers on their feet like snowshoes.
Ptarmigan is pronounced TAR – muh – gn. Which is another lesson, all about those sneaky, silent letters. Like the “w” in “write”!
Ptodd also has a silent “P” (it’s actually pronounced T-odd), but it helps us learn that sometimes letters can be very quiet . . . just like a ptarmigan when they want to hide! I know reading can be tricky, but don’t fear.
Ptodd’s tale is all about learning to be brave, even when things feel intimidating.
Now, let the story begin . . .
Ptodd the Ptarmigan
by caitlin nicole evans
Dedicated to Isla Evans, who has a silent letter in her name – just like Ptodd! Thanks for being one of B-Side’s young fans. I hope you will always swim like a mermaid, paint pretty pictures, and read adventurous tales . . .
(In case you missed the memo, B-Side - Live is now included in the same newsletter! Just click the play button below to LISTEN along to this months story . . .)
What do you do when you feel terrified?
Do you run for the hills? Take cover and hide?
Whether you are a human, a marmot, or deer . . .
Is there really such a thing as having NO fear!?
Be fearless, they say, but we all can get frightened.
From nightmares.
Or big bears.
From thunder.
Or lightning.
Just take my good friend, the terrified Ptodd.
Easy to startle, a bird rather odd.
Not only did Ptodd sort of look like a chicken.
He was frightened a lot . . . so, he kind of WAS chicken.
He was scared of loud noises.
He was scared of the night.
He was scared of small spaces,
that squeezed him too tight.
When poor Ptodd would panic, his wings flapped in dread.
Any rational thoughts flying straight from his head.
He had the bad habit of freezing in fright.
He thought he was hidden . . .
but he was still in plain sight!
His feathers were brown like the autumnal leaves.
But, he still could be seen in the summer green trees.
And even though winter made Ptodd’s body white.
The snow didn’t mean he was hidden from sight.
Yet, Ptodd had avoided turning into a feast.
He’d stayed safe from the humans and big hungry beasts.
He may have been anxious, but it helped him survive!
In the great Rocky Mountains fear kept him ALIVE!
Even his friends in the forest felt jolted.
They froze, or they hid. They hissed, or they bolted.
For instance . . .
Penelope the Pika would spend her whole day,
storing her food in the rocks and the clay.
She’d be on the lookout for bad guys who steal.
And snarly-toothed wolves who’d make Penelope a meal.
When she was worried about weasels around.
She’d hide in the rocks, and bark small warning sounds.
Then there was Gary . . . remember that name?
The grumpy old ground squirrel who was looking for fame.
Well, he was Ptodd’s pal, and he got scared too.
But ground squirrels were smart and knew just what to do.
They’d hop in the dirt and hide in their holes.
Just like the rabbits, the mice, and the moles!
Sometimes whenever we feel scared inside,
it’s easy to pop under cover and hide.
Ptodd also knew a pine martin. His name was Pete.
When Pete got the jitters, he would often retreat.
He’d slink in the stones, or “hiss” in his fright.
His claws at the ready to put up a fight.
Gaby the Goose would “hiss” in fear too.
If a human came close, she’d just chase after you!
It wasn’t that martins or geese meant offence . . .
The simply got hissy in stress and defence.
Then there was dear Dawn, who would quiver with fright.
When cars would drive by with their bright, yellow lights.
If you’ve driven past deer, then you know what they do.
They halt in the headlights, their hoofs stuck like glue.
Yes, a fair dose of fear could help one survive.
And each critters tricks kept their own tails alive!
BUT . . .
Ptodd was more anxious than any acquaintance.
And he was losing his feathers!
His peace!
And his patience!
His poor heart would race hearing footsteps, or paws.
Fearful of humans, or beasts with sharp claws.
Being so jumpy, made Ptodd feel alarmed,
by the tiniest thing, which meant him no harm.
The sight of his shadow.
The rustle of leaves.
The dark winding trails,
through the dark wooded trees.
Sometimes our fear only gets in the way,
of simply enjoying a fine sunny day.
It was finally time, after so many years.
For this scaredy-bird Ptodd to banish his fears.
There was only one place, one learned to be brave . . .
So he journeyed up north,
To the infamous CAVE….
Up in this cavern, lived a great bear named Barry.
Who was known to be FEARLESS! . . . and a teensy bit scary.
But, Ptodd only hoped he could teach him his power.
And make him less chicken . . . The BIRD of the hour!
He’d return to his friends with nothing to fear.
They’d call Ptodd a hero! They’d praise him, and cheer!
Ptodd knocked on the rock when he got to the cave.
Clearing his throat he croaked, “Barry the Brave?”
“I’m looking for help, but let’s make a deal.
I really would rather not be your next meal.
All I want is some courage, to be more like you.
Please show me Barry, just what do you do?”
Suddenly, Barry appeared in the light.
And Ptodd couldn’t help turning frozen in fright.
“Don’t worry,” said Barry. “You’re shaking like jelly!”
“But, I promise young friend you’ll stay out of my belly.”
“Ptarmigan’s not really my favourite dish.”
“In fact, I was just in the mood for some fish!”
“Why don’t you join me down by the river?”
“I’ll teach you just how you can shake all your shivers.”
“And be more like bears, a little more bold.”
In the midst of this giant, Ptodd did as he was told.
Barry’s claws were so sharp.
His teeth shone so bright.
Ptodd couldn’t help feeling clammy with fright.
But, he went to the water ignoring his stress.
Hoping his plan wouldn’t end in a mess.
And down by the river, Ptodd got his wish.
As Barry the Bear began hunting for fish.
He saw Barry’s fur was bristling in fear.
He saw Barry quake as the current came near.
It was almost as though he did not like the wet,
and Ptodd watched as Barry broke out in a sweat.
“You now know my secret,” the brave Barry said.
“EVERY creature feels panic and dread!”
“I’m so scared of swimming. I’m scared that I’ll drown.”
“But, the river is where all the salmon are found.”
“So even though rivers can fill me with tears.”
“I know that deep down I must face my fears.”
“Nobody’s FEARLESS! I’m hardly a hero.”
“All that I do is countdown to zero.”
“I take a deep breath and say, 3…..2……1….”
“Then I rush in that river, pretending its fun!”
“And sometimes the water, it even feels nice.”
Ptodd was surprised by this helpful advice.
Who knew that Barry was wary at all!
It made stout, tubby Ptodd feel a little more tall.
His heart felt more brave, and his fears felt more small.
Leaving Barry behind, Ptodd returned to his home.
And quickly he found, in the forest alone.
A series of sounds made his heart patter quick.
So, he tried using Barry the Brave’s little trick.
He took a deep breath and counted to zero.
He whispered, “No more CHICKEN. Pretend you’re a hero.”
Then . . .
Ptodd didn’t freeze.
Didn’t hide.
Didn’t run.
He went toward the sound . . .
though it wasn’t quite fun.
A little bit shaky, he tried to stay poised.
And among all the trees found the source of the noise . . .
A HUMAN!!!!
Which made poor Ptodd want to flee.
But, he had nothing to fear for that human was . . .
ME!
I was out for a hike, and I’d just had a scare.
I had heard all his rustling, and I thought, “IT’S A BEAR!”
Instead, it was Ptodd, and we both locked our eyes.
This plump little bird was a welcome surprise.
“Hello, little chicken!” I said simply because,
I had yet to learn what a ptarmigan was.
Ptodd seemed to relax, and called out, “coo, coo.”
And that’s how this story was written for you.
Ptodd told me his tale, how his scared heart was saved.
By a true humble hero called Barry the Brave.
I told him that humans get scared, like all creatures.
But, those things that we fear can make awfully great teachers.
I’d roamed the unknown and found it quite thrilling.
One just has to breathe, jump in, and be willing.
And thanks to exploring in books and on trails,
I’ve met friends, like Ptodd! And wrote plenty of tales…
Whether it’s thunder . . .
Or reading . . .
Or heights that make you quiver . . .
Just try acting brave – like a bear in a river!
Go and be gutsy. Stand tall in your feathers.
And do not be scared of those sly, silent letters.
The End
Recommended Reading: Since this month is all about lessons – like silent letters and being more brave! – it gives me great pleasure to recommend a book with some of the most wonderful lessons of all. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse, by Charlie Mackesy, has sold over a million copies around the world - a well-deserved accomplishment. The text is woven between the pages of watercolour and ink images, as timeless as the words themselves. Each character provides their own lessons and wisdom for little ones (and grown ups!) hearts to soak in. I can never help but feel moved by this eternal tale, and I hope you and your family will enjoy.
I hope you liked this months B-Side Story, and everyone’s feeling a little less fearful. In the words of Mackesy, “When the dark clouds come . . . keep going!” Or, just like Ptodd, take a deep breath, count to 3, and face your fears . . .
Thanks for reading and listening along. Stay tuned for next month’s original tale, a SPOOK-TACULER Halloween Special . . .
