By Jamie, 9, TobagoThere was once a

By Jamie, 9, Tobago
There was once a huge flat field and in the field there was a gnarled oak tree. In the oak tree two birds were making a nest for their young.

When they were half way through the mother bird said, 'I am to tired to continue building this nest you must continue while I rest.'

The father bird wondered how he could ever finish it by himself but he tried and he tried. He worked all night and all day for three days, until he finally finished.

He proudly told his wife that his handy work was done and joyfully the mother bird laid three eggs. As time past they hatched into white fluffy chicks.

Moral - Try hard and it is likely you will succeed.
(August 2008)

Frog and Tortoise
By Sienna, 9 , Pasadena, CA, USA
One day athletic Frog came upon Tortoise going for a canoe ride.

'Tortoise you are as slow as a snail, but I am as fast as lightening and agile,' Frog shouted.

Tortoise was hurt but said, 'I am slow and I take my time but I always get the job done. I challenge you to race me across the lake tomorrow.'

Frog laughed until he could not breath. 'Race you! Of course I will win, so I accept your challenge.'

Frog raced away and soon everyone on the lake knew about the race.

The next day everyone who lived on the lake was there, everyone could see Frog and Tortoise across the lake. Soon the rhinoceros king put up his bulky hand for silence.

Then he hollered, 'We will all be excited to see who wins, but now let the race begin.'

The pistol went off with a tremendous bang. Frog raced forward with impressive speed while Tortoise went forward as if he was going on a cruise. Half an hour went by, Tortoise was still going slowly, Frog was getting tired. 'I think a rest wouldn't hurt' Frog thought. Then he put the anchor down and then he fell asleep.

When he woke up everyone was cheering excitedly. He looked up only to see Tortoise nearing the finish line. He jumped up, shot forward and tried to hoist the anchor. It was stuck! He knew he would lose so he sat down sulkily and waited for help.

Frog learned that you should not boast.
(August 2008)