The Lion and the Mouse

Once upon a time there was a tiny mouse named Squeak who was afraid of everything! He shook like a leaf when the wind blew. He jumped at every sound. All the other forest animals teased Squeak for being so jumpy.

One day, Squeak decided to be brave. He marched right up to the lion, the king of the forest, who had just finished eating his lunch. The mighty lion was sleeping outside his cave. Squeak's friends watched in awe as the little mouse climbed up the lion's tail and onto his back! Squeak stood tall, trying to hide how scared he was.

Just then, the lion woke up and shook his mane. Squeak tumbled off onto the ground. The lion looked down surprised and saw the tiny mouse. Squeak's friends gasped, sure the lion would gobble him up!

But the kind lion said "Little mouse, don't be afraid. Tell me, why have you come to see me?" With all his courage, Squeak squeaked "Oh great lion, I want to be rid of my fears. Will you take me under your protection?"

The lion considered the humble mouse's request. He decided not to eat Squeak. "Very well little one, you may go for now," he growled. Squeak scurried away, amazed at his luck.

Some time passed. One day, the lion was prowling through the woods. But he didn't see a trap on the ground and got caught in a net! The lion struggled to get free, but could not break the ropes. He was too proud to call for help.

Just then, Squeak the mouse happened to scurry by. He rushed over to the trapped lion. Without hesitation, he began nibbling on the net with his sharp teeth. At last, the ropes broke! The lion jumped free.

"Quick, climb on my back little friend," the lion said to Squeak. "You were right - even a tiny mouse can help the King of the Jungle!" The new friends rushed off together, leaving the broken trap far behind. And from that day on, whenever Squeak was afraid, he remembered how even a small creature can have big courage.