Page 1
Where Mollie came from, no one knew. Some say she was a girl born in an oyster shell. Yet, she wasn't really a girl. She had fins and flippers. Mollie was a Merbaby.
Page 2
The other sea creatures loved this baby of the sea. Mollie had lots of friends. But her best friends were Sharp Tooth and Silly Fish. Sharp Tooth was a quick little fish with razor sharp teeth.
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Silly Fish was a large, odd shaped fish. He swam crooked. Everyone always laughed and made fun of him. Poor Silly Fish tried to hide this strange swimming skill from the other fish. Mollie had a special place in her heart for Silly Fish.
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Mollie spent her days swimming and playing. All was quiet until one summer morning. Hundreds of fishermen arrived to compete in a fishing contest. Large hooks were dropped into the dark water. A man named Captain Dan was aboard one of those boats.
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His hook fell just above Mollie. Mollie flipped her tail and felt a snag. Her bright beautiful tail was hooked. She wiggled wildly trying to free herself. Nothing seemed to work. Captain Dan felt the pull and was drawing up his prize.
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Sharp Tooth saw what was happening and raced to help. Everyone cheered. They knew how sharp his teeth were. Back and forth, back and forth his teeth glided. But the line would not cut. Mollie was close to the surface and almost gone.
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Her friends looked on helplessly. They were too small to help.
"Silly Fish, Silly Fish," she called in a weak voice. Silly Fish heard her cry. The other fish said to one another, "Silly Fish can't help Mollie."
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Silly Fish swam to grab Mollie. He pulled and pulled, but the line was too strong. Captain Dan was reeling in Mollie. She was leaving their world forever.
Silly Fish had to do something.
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Silly Fish was afraid he would lose his best friend. He forgot all about hiding his crooked swimming. He jerked from side to side, wobbled up and down and wiggled round and round. Snap! The line broke.
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Mollie was free. What a celebration followed. Mollie crowned Silly Fish a hero. Everyone cheered for Silly Fish. Molly cheered the loudest.
Page 11
Captain Dan knew the biggest catch of the day was gone.
