Turtle Cove was usually a quiet place. The waves were gentle, the sand warm, and the animals who lived there all got along. But one sunny morning, a strong wind blew in from the north, and with it came something none of the sea creatures expected: a stranded baby dolphin named Nori.

She had gotten separated from her pod during a storm and had ended up stuck in the shallow tide pools near the rocks. She was frightened, hungry, and too tired to swim back out on her own. Word spread quickly through the reef. Everyone wanted to help, but no one knew what to do.

"She needs her pod," said Granny Starfish. "But they’re miles away by now!" cried a clownfish. And then, from the edge of the tide pool, a small voice spoke up.

“I can take a message,” said Kip, a little red crab with one very strong claw and one that bent a bit funny at the tip. “If someone tells me where the pod was last seen, I’ll find them.” Everyone turned and stared. Kip had never done anything brave before. He mostly scuttled in the shadows, collecting shiny shells and hiding from seagulls.

“You?” asked an old sea turtle. “It’s a long journey, and dangerous for someone so small.” Kip gulped. His shell clicked softly. “I may be small, but I’m fast. And I don’t give up.”

A Hero’s Discovery

After what felt like forever, Kip spotted a flash of silver in the distance, the dolphin pod! He waved his claw wildly and scrambled to the highest rock.

“Hello!” he called. “Wait! I have a message!” At first, the dolphins didn’t notice him. But one young dolphin with kind eyes swam closer and read the driftwood. “It’s from Nori!” she squealed. “She’s safe!”

Soon, the whole pod was clicking and singing in celebration. Nori’s mother swam in circles of joy. “You brought us her message?” she asked, eyes wide with wonder. “I did,” said Kip, “and she’s waiting for you at Turtle Cove.”