The Lion and the Mouse
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A great lion lay sleeping under a wide old tree. His golden mane spread out around him like a warm blanket.
A tiny grey mouse crept past — and ran right across the lion's nose. The lion's eyes snapped open with a rumble.
His great paw came down gently over the mouse. "Please," said the mouse, "let me go. One day I will help you."
The lion laughed a big, rolling laugh. How could a tiny mouse ever help a lion? He lifted his paw and let her go.
The little mouse ran home through the tall grass, glad to be free.
Many days later, hunters came to the forest. They spread a wide rope net between the trees.
The lion did not see the net. He walked right into it and fell. He roared and roared.
Far away, the little mouse heard that roar. She ran and ran to find her friend.
She found the lion tangled in rope. She began to chew through the thick ropes with her sharp little teeth.
One by one, the ropes snapped and fell away. The lion stepped free and shook out his golden mane.
The lion looked down at his tiny friend. "You kept your promise," he said gently. The mouse smiled up at him.
They sat together as the stars came out. Even small friends can help.