Chapter 2

The Art of the Toddler Tactic

Laison and his crew, determined to maintain their pirate sanctity, escalate their efforts to deter Ashtin. They concoct increasingly bizarre and nonsensical reasons for his exclusion. 'You can't be a pirate, Ashtin, you don't have a parrot!' Emma chimes in, pointing to a robin perched on the fence. 'And you can't swab the deck, your arms are too short!' adds Tonya, the youngest of the older kids. Laison, the self-appointed admiral, delivers the final blow: 'Pirates need to be able to walk the plank without falling off immediately. You, my friend, would likely end up in the moat.' Ashtin, his frustration bubbling like a cauldron, stomps his foot. The illogical nature of their excuses only fuels his determination. He knows they're just trying to keep him out, and a new, daring idea begins to form in his little head: he'll show them. He'll prove he's not too small, not too clumsy, and definitely not afraid of a little water.