Ryers Readers - Penguin Problems

Episode Date: March 15, 2023

It’s too cold. The water is too salty. Sharks. Penguins sure do have a lot of problems….

Let's do this! Thank you so much for tuning into today's story! Don't forget to rate and follow, so you never miss out on all the Ryers' readers fun! Before we get into the story, do you want to know a fun fact? Did you know that the black and white feathers on most penguin species is actually a natural camouflage called countershating? Penguins have black feathers on their backs, so when they are swimming, they blend in with the dark ocean water and are harder to see by predators above them. Their white bellies blend in with the bright surface of the ocean, so it's harder for the prey and predators to see them from below. Pretty cool, huh? Okay, story time. Today, we have a super special Ryer's Reader's Reader's request

from seven-year-old Emerson in Anaheim Hills, California, USA. Emerson would like to hear Penguin Problems by Jury John. I hope you enjoy this story, Emerson. Let's do this. Way too early. My beak is cold. What's with all the squawking, you guys? It snowed some more last night, and I don't even like the snow. It's too bright out here.

I'm hungry. I'd like a fish. Where are all the fish? Hey, fish, get out here. The ocean smells too salty today. I'm not buoyant enough. I sink like a dumb rock. It's way too dark down here.

Burr. I said, Burr. Oh, great. An orca. Oh, great. A leopard seal. Oh, great.

A shark. What is it with this place? I don't like being hunted. I'm still hungry, but my flippers ache. I waddle too much. I look silly when I waddle. See? I wish I could fly, but I can't.

See? Everybody looks the same as me. I look the same as everybody else. I literally have no idea who you are. Dad? I literally have no idea what you're talking about. My name's Mortimer. Nobody even...

Excuse me, sir. What? Good afternoon. I sense that today has been difficult. But look around you, Penguin. Have you noticed the way the mountains are reflected in the ocean like a painting? Have you gazed upon the blue of that claspolet? cloudless winter sky, my friend?

Have you felt the sun as it gently warms your back? Have you simply stood with your penguin brothers and sisters and elders who adore you? Yes, some things are challenging out here. Yes, we all have difficult moments, but from the walruses to the polar bears, from the whales to the penguins. But hear me now, my new friend. I wouldn't trade my life for any other, and I am quite sure you wouldn't either. I am certain that when you think about it, you'll realize that you are exactly where you need to be.

Please think about what I've said, Penguin. Goodbye for now. Who was that guy? Why do strangers always talk to me? Walruses don't understand penguin problems. Okay, okay. Maybe that walrus has a point. After all, I do love the mountains. And the ocean. And the sky.

And I have friends and family. This is my only home and this is my only life. Maybe things will work out after all. My beak is cold. It gets dark way too early. The end. Don't forget to stick around to see if you can answer today's paying attention question. Before you go, do you think you can answer today's

paying attention question? And penguins fly? If your answer was, no, you did it! Great job! You sure were paying attention. I hope you enjoyed that story. I wonder what we're going to read next. Bye, Emerson!