The Crocodile's Duckling

    By nathan.carasco

    The Crocodile's Duckling cover image

    03 Jul, 2024

    a painting of two alligators in a jungle setting with a river and trees in the background, and a bird flying over the water, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, rossdraws global illumination

    In a swamp lived a family of crocodiles, known for their fierce nature. They were respected and feared by all the swamp dwellers.

    a painting of a river with ducks in it and a sun in the background with trees and grass on the bank, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    One sunny day, they found a tiny, fluffy baby duckling by their nest. The duckling, Ducky, looked at them with curious eyes.

    a frog and two ducks in a pond with lily pads and trees in the background, with a pond with lily pads and a pond with water lilies, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    The crocodiles decided to raise Ducky. They named him Ducky, and he soon became a part of their family. They protected him and taught him their ways.

    a crocodile in the jungle with lily pads and a pond with water lillies and a sunbeam in the background, lyco art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    Ducky tried to blend in, learning to swim like a crocodile, and even attempting a fearsome growl. But, he knew he was different.

    a cartoon of a ducky and her ducklings in a swampy pond with a crocodile in the foreground, context art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    One day, Ducky saw a group of ducklings swimming in a line. He watched them longingly, they looked like him, they were ducks.

    a group of ducks sitting on top of a river next to a forest filled with trees and plants and a duckling, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    Ducky felt a tug in his heart. He loved his crocodile family, but he also yearned to be with his own kind, to be a duck.

    a duck family sitting on a rock in the water with lily pads and lily pads around it, with a full moon in the background, magic realism, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, highly detailed digital painting

    That night, Ducky shared his feelings with the crocodile family. They listened, their eyes soft and understanding.

    a painting of ducks and their babies on a small island in a pond at night time with the moon in the sky, massurrealism, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, highly detailed digital painting

    They told Ducky that he was free to explore his true nature. They promised to always protect him and be there for him.

    a large alligator and its chicks are sitting on a rock in the water near a swampy area with trees, furry art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    The next day, Ducky joined the ducklings, learning to quack and waddle. He was different, but he was happy.

    a mother duck and her two baby ducks in a pond with a crocodile in the background and a crocodile in the foreground, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    He realized he could be both - a duckling and a crocodile. He embraced his unique identity, loved and accepted by all.

    a painting of two alligators in a pond with ducks in the water and a sunset in the background, naturalism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    From then on, Ducky lived happily in the swamp, embraced by the crocodiles and ducks alike. His unique story became a legend in the swamp.

    a cartoon alligator sitting on a rock in a pond with ducks in the water and a sunset in the background, lyco art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    Ducky, the little duckling raised by crocodiles, taught everyone that it's okay to be different and true to oneself.