The Lion and the Mouse

Once upon a time, there was an old, grumpy lion who ruled over the whole forest. When he roared, the sound echoed throughout the kingdom. It told all the animals in the forest to be very careful, because the lion was taking his daily stroll through the forest. Anyone who didn't hide was at risk of being chomped by his sharp teeth.

Today, just like any other day, the lion was sleeping off a good lunch in the shade under the Baobab trees. However, it just so happened that this time he’d lain down by a small mouse hole that he hadn’t noticed.

When the mouse came out of his hole, his tail accidentally tickled the lion right under the nose! The lion woke up and roared so loudly the ground shook. When he saw the tiny mouse, he clutched it in his large claws right away.

“How dare you wake me from my afternoon nap, you little tickly mouse!” he roared.

He was so angry he decided to eat the mouse. He couldn’t just let him go, that would make him a laughing stock for all of the animals in the forest. None of them would fear him or his roar again.

“Stop, please stop,” squeaked a high voice from between the lion’s claws. “What will you gain if you eat me? Think about it! I would get lost in your enormous stomach. You probably wouldn’t even feel me. But if you let me go, I might be useful to you,” pleaded the little mouse. “Please!” he squeaked.

The lion listened to him with curiosity. He had to admit that the little grey mouse was right. It wasn’t really much of a snack and anyway, he was still full from his lunch. So he…