The One and Only Delaney
Fish and Snails and Crabs and Whales
When Miss Sparks asks Delaney why she isn’t doing anything, she blurts out that she can’t read as well as Skylar and Avery. She can’t draw as well as Hallie and Lindy. She can’t move as fast as Connor and Gwen. And she’s not as funny as Logan, Nathan, and Spencer. Miss Sparks understands. Delaney comparing herself to the other students has made her very sad. But, Miss Sparks knows of something she does better than anyone else… Delaney is the best at being the one and only Delaney!
Every day, Delaney is humming, whistling, or singing. She loves music, and she loves to share music with everybody. And that makes everybody happy. Delaney ponders on this. Suddenly, she has an idea for the presentation.
A few days later, it’s finally time for the presentation about sea creatures. The whole class is excited. Students from other classes join them in their classroom for the presentation, too.
First, Avery and Skylar tell their interesting facts about whales. Then Hallie and Lindy show their pretty drawings about sea birds. Next, Connor and Gwen demonstrate the crab walk. After that, Logan, Nathan, and Spencer tell their poems, riddles, and jokes. Lastly, Delaney stands up with a tambourine. Delaney explains the whole class is going to sing a song. Delaney changed the lyrics to a song everybody knows! Miss Sparks begins to play “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” and the students sing:
Row, row, row your boat.
Look and you will see.
Fish and snails and
Crabs and whales,
Swimming in the sea.
Everybody bursts into applause. They all begin to sing the normal lyrics, too. Everybody is smiling and singing together. Delaney is thrilled everyone is so happy, but she is happiest that she’s being herself, the one and only Delaney.