Sofhie test book

Sophie Starfish Gets the Point Voyage to Greatness

S.S. Leader Ship Series Written by Sheena Newman Illustrated by Hollye Kile

SOPHIE STARFISH Gets the POINT Voyage to Greatness S.S. Leader Ship Series

Written by Sheena

Newman

Illustrated by Hollye

Kile

Š Sheena Newman 2014

Copyright Š 2014 All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photo copying, recording, or otherwise) without written permission from Voyage to Greatness, LLC.

Sophie was a starfish who lived on the ocean floor. She was often tossed about by the waves. Her surface was not smooth or shiny like the stars above. She was bright red and bumpy.

Although she was not very happy about her appearance, Sophie found great joy in helping others.

2

Sophie assisted her mother in keeping the ocean floor tidy.

She helped locate and secure meals for her family. She checked in with the father seahorses to aid in watching the baby seahorses. She made it a point to lend a hand whenever she could.

“Sophie,” her mother assured her, “you are the best starfish a mother could ever hope to have.”

3

One day a huge ocean vessel appeared on the horizon. Sophie was curious. She watched as the ship drew closer. When the ship was almost to the shore, it dropped anchor. Several small boats were launched into the water. Sophie waited in anticipation as rope ladders were thrown over the side of the large ship.

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Even though her family had warned her to be cautious of humans, her curiosity moved her nearer. She waited impatiently to see what would happen next.

The young crew members of the S.S. Leader Ship were taking an excursion to the nearby island. The large vessel could not travel any closer to land, so they were using the small dinghies to go ashore. The children, along with Captain Seaworthy and his wife, Faith, began climbing down the ladders into the dinghies.

5

Sophie had never seen human beings before, and she was a little afraid. She lay low in the water trying to keep her bright red color from being noticed.

As the small boats headed toward shore, one of the students threw a net overboard. Sophie was so busy watching the humans that the net caught her by surprise. Before she knew it, she was entangled in the net and pulled into the small boat.

6

“Wow, a real starfish!� exclaimed Molly, one of the children on board. She had red hair almost the color of Sophie. Molly was captivated by the starfish, and Sophie was just as fascinated by the young human.

7

The dinghies were nearing the shore when a cry was heard, “There’s a hole in our boat! We are taking on water!”

The captain was trying to reach the dinghy, but it was already beginning to sink. Molly began to cry.

8

Without thinking of her own safety, Sophie quickly placed one of her red, bumpy points into the hole to stop the leak in the boat. The bumps on her surface kept her pointed arm from sliding out of the hole.

Sophie held on with all of her might while the children aboard began bailing water out of the boat. Sophie was being jostled about, but she held on stubbornly.

9

As they neared the shore, the children realized that it was the tiny starfish that had kept the boat afloat. “You are our hero!” the children cheered.

“Awe, it was nothing,” Sophie said blushing and turning an even deeper shade of red.

The captain proclaimed, “Sophie, because of you, we were able to make our way safely to the shore. Your bravery is the sign of a true leader. We are making you an honorary member of the crew. You are welcome aboard the S.S. Leader Ship anytime you wish. You truly are a star!”

10

Sophie’s family listened intently as she recounted the events of the day. Her mother said softly, “Sophie, it does not matter what you look like on the outside. The point is greatness comes from within. You have always been a star in our eyes, and now you have proven your greatness to the world. You are a shining example to all of us to use our gifts and talents to help others! Your father and I have never been prouder.”

Sophie took the captain up on his invitation to join the crew aboard the S.S. Leadership. She traveled with the children on many voyages. Sophie and Molly became best friends.

11

One day Sophie noticed that everyone was wearing sunglasses.

She finally got up enough courage to ask, “Why are all of you wearing sunglasses? It is a cloudy day, and the sun is no where in sight.”

“Oh, Sophie!” they laughingly replied. “It’s you! You are shining so brightly, we have to wear our sunglasses.”

12

Sophie looked surprised. She peered at her image reflecting in the ocean water. She could see the glow.

Sophie had been so busy helping others that she hadn’t noticed the amazing change that had been taking place. The more she did for others, the brighter she shined. Even in the brightest sunlight she glowed. Her kind and giving spirit made her radiant!

13

“Sophie, you have always admired the stars in the sky. Now, you are more radiant than even the brightest night stars!� proclaimed Molly.

14

Sophie finally got the point. It was the simple act of serving others, that made her shine! It did not matter how small she was or how she looked ‌ she could do great things. Sophie reached for her sunglasses giggling with delight.

15

Shine, Sophie! Shine! …And that is just what she did!

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N Sophie Starfish Gets the Point Voyage to Greatness

S.S. Leader Ship Series Sheena Newman Illustrated by Hollye Kile

Written by

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LEADERS for Life…

Voyage to Greatness is an elementary leadership program focused on building leaders in the present in preparation for the future. Students learn the “Eight Principles for Sailing” while embracing the life skills needed for success in a global society. Students are empowered to take ownership of their education while participating in leadership experiences in their classrooms. Through the use of Leader Ship Logs, students write mission statements, set goals, and track their progress. Success is communicated to parents through student-led conferences and events. LEADERS for Life is embedded with character education coupled with an aggressive academic focus.

This initiative is dedicated to developing the gifts and talents of young leaders and empowering them to begin their personal voyage to greatness.

For more information: www.voyagetogreatness.com