Freddy the frog lived in a quiet pond nestled in a sunny meadow. The other animals loved playing and chatting, but Freddy was different. He was shy and kept to himself, especially when it came to making noise. While all the other frogs croaked and sang in the evenings, Freddy stayed silent, too afraid to let out even the tiniest croak.

Freddy had always wanted to join in, but he worried his croak wasn’t as good as the others’. What if they laughed? What if I sound silly? Freddy wondered. So, he stayed quiet, watching from a distance as his friends croaked happily by the pond. They splashed and sang, while Freddy sat on his favourite lily pad, wishing he could be part of the fun.

One sunny afternoon, Freddy sat alone, gazing at the other frogs. They were croaking and hopping around, having a wonderful time together. I wish I could join them, Freddy thought. But what if my voice sounds strange?

As Freddy sat there quietly, Tony the toad hopped over and plopped down beside him. Tony was always full of energy and rarely ever shy.

"Hey, Freddy! Why aren’t you croaking with us?" Tony asked with a grin. "It’s a perfect day for croaking!"

Freddy glanced down at the water, feeling unsure. "I’m not very good at croaking," he mumbled softly. "I don’t want to sound silly."

Tony puffed out his chest and smiled. "Everyone’s croak is different, Freddy! That’s what makes it special. You don’t have to be perfect—just try it, and we’ll croak together!"

Freddy hesitated, feeling unsure. "Maybe later," he whispered, still wondering if he’d ever find the courage to join them.

That evening, Freddy sat by the pond, watching the other frogs again. The sun was setting, and the frogs’ croaks echoed across the water. Freddy felt lonely as he watched his friends croaking together. I want to join them, but what if my voice doesn’t fit in? Freddy thought, feeling more alone than ever.

Just then, Benny the bird swooped down from a nearby tree, landing gracefully beside Freddy. Benny was always cheerful, and his beautiful song was one of the loveliest sounds in the meadow.

"Why are you sitting here alone, Freddy?" Benny asked in his friendly voice.

Freddy sighed. "I’m worried my croak won’t sound right. What if it’s too different?"

Benny fluffed his feathers and gave Freddy a kind smile. "Your voice doesn’t need to sound like everyone else’s. Just be yourself, Freddy. That’s always enough. I sing differently from the frogs, but that’s what makes my song special."

As the frogs began their evening croak, Freddy sat at the edge of the pond, listening. His mind was filled with doubts. What if they don’t like it? What if they laugh?

Freddy sat quietly, watching the frogs, when Tony hopped over with a wide smile. "Come on, Freddy! We’ve been waiting for you. You don’t need to be perfect—just croak with us, and we’ll croak together. Everyone’s voice adds to the fun."

Freddy felt nervous. His hands trembled, and his legs felt like jelly as he stared at the water. His throat felt tight. But then he thought about Tony’s encouragement, Benny’s song, and how much he wanted to be part of the group. I have to try. I might never feel ready, but if I don’t try now, I never will, he realised. He took a deep breath. It’s now or never, he thought.

Freddy puffed out his chest, closed his eyes, and let out the smallest, softest croak.

To Freddy’s surprise, no one laughed. Instead, they cheered!

"That’s it, Freddy!" Tony croaked happily. Benny chirped from the tree, and the other frogs clapped their flippers in delight.

Freddy’s heart swelled with joy. For the first time, he felt proud of himself—not because he was perfect, but because he had been brave enough to try. He croaked again, this time louder, and his friends joined in. Soon, the whole pond was filled with croaks, chirps, and cheers. Freddy smiled wider than ever before.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Freddy realised something important: Being brave doesn’t mean being perfect. It just means giving it a try, even if it’s scary.

That night, Freddy croaked with his friends, no longer afraid to let his voice be heard. He had found his place in the pond, and with it, new friendships that made him feel braver and happier than ever.