Chad the Aussie Water Dragon and the Wobbly Bridge

Even the bravest hearts can wobble — but with someone by your side, you can steady your steps.

Chad the Water Dragon is usually strong and steady — but when he reaches a wobbly bridge, his courage wobbles too! With the help of his friends and a few small steps, he discovers that real bravery isn't loud or fast... it's quiet, steady, and already inside him.

A story about facing fear with courage and steady support.

🌟Perfect for children learning to face fears with calm, confidence, and the quiet strength of connection.

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📖 Read Along Story

Snuggle up and read the full story with your little one below.

Chad the Aussie Water Dragon and the Wobbly Bridge

A story about facing fear with courage and steady support. By patcho.com.au.

It was a bright sunny day, but the breeze felt quite cold. Chad, Ari and Opal were hiking, what tale would unfold? 🏞️

Chad led the way with a confident grin — Till they reached a long bridge that seemed rather thin!

Ari flew over, wings fast and bright, Opal just glided past — a smooth, silent flight.

But Chad had to walk, with his claws on the wood… "I'm nervous," he said " I don't feel very good." 😟

“What if I slip? What if I fall? — What if I can't take, one step at all?”

His claws gripped the ground, heart thumping loud — He didn’t feel brave in this moment, right now. 💓

“You don’t have to rush Chad” Ari chirped low. “Don't look down!" Ari said, "You can do this, I know!”

Opal glided back, “We can head back from here." — "I'm right by your side, It’s okay to feel fear”

Chad took a breath and let it out slow, One step at a time was the way to go. 👣

He tapped the plank, then took one step more — The bridge gave a wobble, one step turned to four. 

He looked at the leaves, the clouds in the sky, He felt the breeze, gently ripple by.

The wood was creaky, but Chad stood tall — "You're almost at the end!" Ari proudly called.

With one final step — and a flick of his tail — He made it across and let out a proud exhale! 

“Sometimes being brave means, taking it slow, One little step is all you need to go.”

The sun felt warm, the breeze was now sweet — And Chad felt proud, from tail to feet. 😁

He'd faced his fear, not with a roar, — But with steady steps, and thanks to the friends he adores.

“Thanks, Ari and Opal — for being so near. You helped me feel brave when the bridge felt unclear.”  🙏

His friends gave a cheer, and with hearts full of pride, They continued their hike, all smiling inside.

So if something feels big or a bit hard to do, Take one steady breath — let it ripple through you. 

Then one little step, and you might find, that strength can show up when you quiet your mind. 

Now when things feel wobbly or skies turn grey, Chad thinks of the bridge — and that bright, brave day. 

He knows in his heart, come sunshine or storm — His courage and loved ones will help keep him warm. 😌

The end.

💡A Note for Grown-Ups

Trying something new — whether it’s a big slide, a loud room, or a wobbly bridge — can feel overwhelming for young children. Kids often assume they need to be “fearless,” but true courage is about feeling the fear and still taking a step.

In this story, Chad models:

• Naming nervous feelings without shame.
• Accepting support from his friends (loved ones)
• Using sensory grounding (sights, sounds, feelings) to regulate.
• Taking small, steady steps to build confidence.
• Celebrating internal courage rather than external reward

You can support your child by:

• Validating their fears rather than dismissing them.
• Letting them move at their own pace
• Encouraging small wins and celebrating effort.
• Using phrases like, “Let’s do one step together” or “You can feel scared and still try.”
  

Kids don’t need to think courage means doing everything alone — it’s powerful to show them that it’s okay to lean on others while still taking their own steps.

🌈Love this story?

Chad's not the only one with a story to share.

Each of the PatchO Pals has their own heartwarming tale — giving young kids simple stories and tools to help with common challenges like feeling overwhelmed, losing focus, impatience and fomo, overcoming fears, sensory overload and disappointment when things change.

All stories are available for free as read-alongs, and you can unlock the audiobooks as you journey with the PatchO Pals —  by joining our email list, placing your first order, or exploring more with us.  

✨ Collect them all and build your own PatchO Storytime Audiobook Library! 

📚 PatchO Pal Stories & Audiobooks

📖 Pat the Platypus and the Stormy Surprise
🎧 Audiobook — Free to everyone.

📖 Ari the Superb Fairywren Finds His Focus
🎧 Audiobook— PatchO Family email list exclusive: Sign up bonus.

📖 Tilly the Treefrog and the Waiting Game
🎧 Audiobook — PatchO Family email list exclusive: Post-purchase bonus.

📖 Chad the Aussie Water Dragon and the Wobbly Bridge (this story)
🎧 Audiobook — PatchO Family email list exclusive:  Reviewer bonus.

📖 Hazel the Microbat and the Soothing Sounds  
🎧 Audiobook — PatchO Family email list exclusive: 1 month PatchO-versary bonus.

📖 Opal the Sugar Glider and the Rainy Day Picnic  
🎧 Audiobook — PatchO Family email list exclusive: Repeat purchase bonus.

💌Be sure to join our PatchO Family Email list (via the footer) to secure your audiobooks!

✍️Written by the PatchO Team
At PatchO, we’re a small Aussie team on a mission to inspire families to embrace life’s adventures — big and small.

Whether you’re navigating bedtime, busy mornings, or emotional ups and downs, we’re here to help make everyday rhythms feel calmer, more connected, and a little more magical — with the support of nature and our friendly PatchO Pals.

🧸 Want more gentle support for your family’s routines?
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