A cluster of last year’s frosty edged leaves blew freely across the pond.  The air was sweet and gentle.  Fragments of ice sparkled like colorful crystal beads, dancing along the water’s edge. The brown soil sprouted blades of fresh green grass.  These new sprouts would replace the brown stalks where Duckie had made his home during the past Spring and Summer days, before he left and Winter came.

The sky was a soft blue with sprinklings of dotted clouds, promising a lovely new Spring day.  The Winter forest was about to be reborn with new vegetation and animal life.

Across the sky, shadows flew gracefully.  The ducks were on their way home to enjoy another Spring and Summer in the heart of the forestlands.

From underground nests and burrows, creatures poked out little heads, their pink or brown noses testing the air before emerging from the sanctuary of winter-proof homes.

Duckie knew exactly where he would land as his wings slowed in flight and he glided expertly to the ground.  The grass was damp with dew and melting ice, but the sun’s rays warmed the ground. Duckie’s feathers and webbed feet felt warm.  He would rest from his long journey.

Duckie was excited to see Monkey again.  He quickly surveyed the pond area.  Where is Monkey? he wondered.  Surely she would meet him here as they had agreed last Autumn.  Well, maybe she’s a bit late traveling from her tree house.  She has a long trip through the forest.  Duckie assured himself that at any moment, he would see a bouncing headful of furry hair come dancing across the fields that would soon be filled with fragrant flowers—just like last year!

So Duckie began to build himself a new nest, snuggled near the pond where he and Monkey had first met.  In no time at all, the nest was packed with comfy grass. Duckie relaxed after his long flight, enjoying the sun’s growing heat.

As the day wore on and there was no sign of Monkey, Duckie began to worry.  He wondered if she had forgotten him, during the long winter.  Maybe she had met new friends, and would not remember Duckie at all!  Besides feeling worried, Duckie suddenly felt sad. Best friends—friends forever was the promise they had made, before his brand new wings had taken him on his Winter voyage to a temporary home.  But only for the Winter, they had agreed.  They would meet every Spring.  So where was Monkey?

CHAPTERS: 1)  Return To The Pond   2)  The Search For Monkey   3)  The Machines   4)  The Hunt For Monkey Continues  

5)  A Frightening Discovery  + three additional chapters not listed here, to keep our audience in suspense :-)

WATCH FOR DUCKIE RETURNS - RELEASING THIS SUMMER !! 

You will fall in love with Duckie and his friends - oh and so will your kids ;-)