The Griffin Who Was Afraid of Heights
A gentle tale for young readers about courage and overcoming fear.
age 3-5
The Griffin Who Was Afraid of Heights
The Shy Griffin
Little Griffin lived in a quiet valley. He had brilliant golden feathers and a mane like a lion's. But he was shy and tended to stay on the ground because he feared heights. The wind whispered to him, telling him the valley was not enough. He dreamed of flying, but the thought of the tallest cliff made his heart pound.
The Whispered Winds
One bright morning the winds sang a melody that floated over the hills. They invited Griffin to join them on a flight. But as the wind rose, Griffin felt a shiver slide through his scales. He saw the cliff side and his throat tightened. The wind promised that courage would grow if he listened.
The First Attempt
Determined, Griffin stretched his wings wider than before. He hopped onto a small ledge that touched the top of a gentle slope. The wind rustled his feathers and his friends cheered him. He inhaled, then exhaled. With a tiny hop he left the ledge and caught a gust of wind.
The Courageous Call
The wind carried him farther than he had imagined. He felt the air grow light and the valley grow tiny below. A tiny voice inside him remembered all those brave stories of other creatures. Griffin thought, "I can reach the other side, I can fly if I try." He made a hopeful cry, and the wind guided him up.
The Big Leap
At last, Griffin stood at the top of the tallest cliff. His heart beat fast but he pushed forward. He flapped his wings again and again, feeling the wind under his feathers. A sudden breeze lifted him high above the valley. He saw his friends cheering from below and felt his fear wash away. He realized that fear could be a puzzle to solve, not a wall.
The Celebration
When Griffin returned to the valley, the other creatures gathered to celebrate. They painted his feathers bright colors. Some gave him a crown of flowers. The story of the brave griffin spread through the valley. It reminded everyone that even the largest heart can feel a tiny fear. And so, the valley lived happily, knowing courage begins with a single step.
