Once upon a time, there was a little rat named Rubber. He lived in a cozy burrow by the riverbank. A sign outside said 'Rubber's Home.' Rubber loved watching the river flow by. He felt happy and safe in his little home.

Rubber often peeked out of his burrow. He watched the children playing by the river. They laughed and splashed in the water. Rubber wished he could join them. But he was too shy to come out.

One day, Rubber felt very sad. He imagined the children running away from him. He thought they would be scared of a rat. Rubber sighed and wished he could be brave. He wanted to make friends.

While Rubber was feeling sad, he met Tilly the Turtle. Tilly was sunbathing on a rock. She was wise and kind. 'Hello, Rubber,' she said with a smile. 'Why do you look so down?'

Tilly listened to Rubber's worries. 'You don't need to be scared,' she said. 'Just be yourself and be brave.' Tilly gestured with her flipper. 'Practice what you love, and you'll make friends!'

Rubber took Tilly's advice to heart. He started practicing different activities. He swam and dived in the river. He balanced on a lily pad. Rubber felt more confident every day.

One sunny day, the river was full of laughter. The children were playing and having fun. Rubber watched them from his burrow. He felt a flutter of excitement. 'Today is the day,' he thought.

Rubber stepped onto the riverbank. He was nervous but determined. The children saw him and smiled. 'Hello, Rubber!' they called. Rubber's heart filled with joy, and he knew he had made new friends.