The Monkey and the Crocodile: A Story About Being Clever

Once upon a time, in a jungle where the trees whispered secrets and the rivers sang gentle songs, there lived a wise little monkey named Momo. Momo loved to jump from branch to branch, nibble on sweet mangoes, and watch the sparkling water of the river below. He was very clever and always thought carefully before doing anything.

One sunny morning, as Momo was sitting on his favorite tree near the riverbank, he noticed a crocodile slowly sliding into the water. The crocodile’s big, shiny eyes looked curious but also a little sneaky. This is the beginning of an exciting story that teaches us how having presence of mind can save you from danger.

The Monkey and the Crocodile Meet

The crocodile swam close to the tree and spoke in a deep, calm voice, “Hello, little monkey! What are you doing up there?”

Momo looked down at the crocodile and smiled, “I’m just enjoying the sweet mangoes and watching the river. What brings you near today?”

“I’m hungry, and I was wondering if you could share a mango with me,” said the crocodile. “I have no hands to pick fruits, you see.”

Momo thought for a moment. “Of course, I can share! But you have to promise you won’t try to eat me,” he said carefully.

The crocodile laughed, “Oh no, my friend, I only want the mangoes today.”

Momo dropped a juicy mango into the water. The crocodile happily munched on it, splashing water everywhere. This was the start of a carefully built friendship.

A Surprise Invitation

Days passed, and the crocodile and the monkey became friends. The crocodile enjoyed the mangoes, and Momo liked the crocodile’s stories about the deep river.

One afternoon, the crocodile said, “Momo, would you like to come home with me? My wife has never met you and would love to see you.”

Momo was excited but a little worried. “I’d like to visit, but the river is deep. Will it be safe?”

“I promise I will carry you safely on my back,” said the crocodile with a big smile.

Momo trusted his new friend and climbed carefully onto the crocodile’s broad back. As they started moving across the river, the sun shimmered on the water, and little fish jumped around them.

The Clever Monkey’s Presence of Mind Saves the Day

Suddenly, the crocodile stopped moving. He looked at Momo with a strange glint in his eye and said, “I have a secret to tell you. My wife and I are very hungry. We want to eat you!”

Momo’s heart raced. How could he escape? But he remembered something important—always use your head and stay calm, even in danger.

Momo smiled as if he wasn’t scared at all. “Oh dear,” he said, “I wish you had told me earlier. I left my heart on the mango tree! I can’t live without my heart.”

The crocodile looked confused. “Your heart? Where is it?”

“High up on the mango tree,” Momo said, pointing far back to the riverbank. “If you take me there, I can show you.”

The crocodile didn’t want to lose his chance to eat Momo, so he quickly swam back to the riverbank. When the crocodile stopped near the tree, Momo jumped off his back and climbed up the tree with a quick laugh.

“Thank you for the ride, Mr. Crocodile! But my heart is safe here in the tree,” Momo called down happily.

The crocodile realized that Momo’s quick thinking saved his life. The monkey was clever, calm, and used his presence of mind to escape a dangerous situation.

Why Presence of Mind Is Important

Now, do you know why Momo was able to get away? It was because he didn’t panic. Instead, he thought carefully and used his cleverness to trick the crocodile. Being calm and using your brain quickly, especially when you face trouble, is called having presence of mind.

Momo’s story helps us learn that even when something scary happens, if we stay calm and think carefully, we can find a way out. This is a very important lesson for everyone, big or small!

The River Shines Again

After that day, the monkey and the crocodile didn’t meet in the same way. But the jungle was still full of laughter and songs. Momo continued to jump joyfully through the trees and enjoyed the juicy mangoes.

The river kept flowing, and the fishes kept jumping. And every time the sun shone on the sparkling water, it reminded all the animals that cleverness and calmness could solve many problems.

What We Can Learn From Momo and the Crocodile

This story shows us that:

– When you feel scared, slow down and take a deep breath.
– Think carefully about what to do before acting.
– Use your cleverness to find the best solution.
– Staying calm can help you in difficult times.
– Being smart and careful can keep you safe.

Even little monkeys like Momo can teach us big lessons!

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Now, as you close your eyes and drift off to sleep, remember the wise little monkey who used his presence of mind to stay safe. Maybe, one day, you’ll be just as clever and calm when you face your own adventures!

Goodnight, little dreamer—may your dreams be filled with magical trees, sparkling rivers, and clever, kind friends.