Lenny the Lobster
Illustration © 2023 Susan Fleming
When they are out on their exercises the baby subs, Eddie, Freddie, Maisie, Daisie and Sam see Lenny the Lobster, who is crying. They know that Lenny is a long way from home, and they ask him why he is crying. Seeing his friends Lenny stops crying and tells them his story.
“One day I was bored at home. As you know lobsters cannot travel very fast or very far. So I stopped a friendly turtle and asked him for a lift. He said, ‘Sure. Grab hold of my shell.’ And off we went. Turtles do not say much and they swim very slowly so I got bored very soon.
As we passed a skate I asked her for a lift. ‘You are most welcome. Grab hold of my fin.’ She swam much more quickly and it began to be fun, but she soon became tired and dropped down to lie on the seabed.
Just then a basking shark swam above me. I asked him for a lift. He closed his mouth just long enough to say, ‘If I must.’ Before continuing on his way with his mouth open wide. I grabbed hold of his tail and off we went. He swam slowly and on the surface, so there was not much to see. I asked him why he swam with his mouth open and all he said was, ‘Unlike everybody else I eat with my mouth open!’ This was all I could get him to say.
Then a pod of dolphins came past. I asked them if they would give me a lift. ‘Of course,’ said their leader, ‘grab hold of my tail.’ And off we went. It was very exciting – surfing waves, jumping into the air and playing the bow waves of ships. Unfortunately it was too exciting and I held on so tightly that the dolphin said, ‘Ouch!! That hurt.’ He shook me off, and here I am; but, where am I? I am lost and lonely and that is why I am crying.”
“You have had quite an adventure,” said Eddie. “You have come a long way. Grab hold of me and we will soon have you back home.”
The baby subs took Lenny back to his own home. As they were saying goodbye Lenny said, “It was a great adventure, but I now know that I must always know how to find my way home.”
Naughty Sam said, “What was the best bit, Lenny, because I want…”
Quickly Maisie cut Sam short and said, “Enough of that Sam. It is our bedtime.”
Soon they were all asleep in the sub pens, and Sam dreamed of exciting adventures – but Lenny dreamed of being safe at home.