Once a year, the jungle held a boat race down the Muddy River. Lola the lion built a coconut-shell boat, and painted it bright green. The prize was a crown of orchids.
On race day, the animals lined up. Mia the monkey had a super-fast boat with a pointy front. ‘I’ll win easily,’ said Mia. Lola just smiled. ‘May the best boat win!’
‘Ready, steady, GO!’ The boats shot forward. Mia zoomed ahead. Lola paddled hard but fell behind. Then Lola saw Dylan stuck on a rock, with water rising round his feet.
Lola had a choice. Win the race, or help a friend. Lola turned the boat round without a second thought. ‘Hop on!’ she called. Dylan jumped in, and they paddled on together.
Soon they passed another stuck boat, and another. Lola helped them all. By the time they reached the end, Lola’s boat was full of friends, and everybody was singing.
Mia had won. But when Mia looked back and saw everyone laughing in Lola’s boat, she frowned. ‘It looks more fun over there,’ she said. Lola shared the a crown of orchids, and Mia got the biggest piece.
The little lesson
Teamwork beats speed.
Let’s talk about it
- Who helped Lola at the end?
- What would your boat look like?
Finish stories to collect Lola as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
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The Hidden Waterfall of Yuki
Yuki and friends hike through the jungle to find a waterfall that no one has ever seen.
Daisy Finds a Voice
Daisy has a tiny voice. One day, it turns out to be just the right size.
Beth and the Big Noise
Beth has a tiny voice. One day, it turns out to be just the right size.
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