The One and Only Delaney

Good, Better, and Best

Later that day, the three girls sit down together to read some books about whales. At first, Delaney hums happily while reading. But then, her book gets harder to read, and she can’t hum at the same time. Delaney glances over at Skylar, who doesn’t seem to be struggling to read her book at all. Delaney asks Skylar if they can trade books, since Delaney’s book is too hard for her. They do trade books, but Delaney is surprised to find that Skylar’s book is even harder than hers was!

Delaney glances over at Avery’s book. Avery’s book is the hardest of all! Delaney always thought she was a good reader, but now she doesn’t know what to do or think. Now she’s comparing herself to Skylar and Avery. Sadly, Delaney states that she’s not a very good reader. Perhaps she should choose something else for the presentation.

Hallie overhears, and invites Delaney to come work with them. Lindy and Hallie are busy drawing pictures of seabirds. Delaney goes over, and offers to draw a seagull. At first, Delaney is whistling happily when she draws. But then she realizes: her drawing doesn’t look very pretty. She looks over at Lindy’s drawing of a duck. It’s very pretty. She looks at Hallie’s drawing of a pelican. It’s the prettiest of all. Delaney doesn’t know what to do. She always thought she was good at drawing. But now she’s comparing herself to Lindy and Hallie.

Delaney stands up, saying she’ll do something else for the presentation. Connor invites her to come work with him and Gwen. They’re going to demonstrate how a crab walks.

Delaney tries to walk like a crab, but she finds she’s not very good at that either. Both Connor and Gwen can walk sidewalks much faster than Delaney. Delaney stands up again, searching for something else to do.

Logan says she, Spencer, and Nathan are writing funny poems about seahorses, snails, and fish. Delaney thanks Logan for the offer, but she says she’s not funny like they all are. Sadly, Delaney sits down on the piano bench, letting out a big sigh.

Miss Sparks comes over and asks Delaney what she’ll be doing for the presentation. Delaney responds “Nothing.”