High on the rocky cliffs above the prehistoric ocean lived a baby Pterodactyl named Pete. The others loved to soar. Pete loved to watch…from a safe rock. His toes would tingle when he peered over the edge.
Mama tucked a warm wing around him. “Don't be afraid,” she said. “We’ll learn together.”
First, Mama taught Pete the wind ladder:
“Take a deep breath. Spread your wings wide. Hold your tail steady. Look to the horizon.
Step up in the air on an imaginary ladder…one rung at a time.”
They practiced on a low ledge. Pete held a big fern leaf, letting the breeze lift it and set it down. Whish…tap. Each time, his smile grew a little.
The next morning, the tide rushed in early. From below came a tiny peeping cry. On a small sand island, a turtle hatchling was stranded. The path around the cove was too slow. A wave would soon cover the sand.
“I can carry this sea-grass line to her!” said Mama, looping one end around a sturdy rock. “But the wind is perfect for a lighter flyer.”