Zara’s Bridge Over Bubbling River
A storm washes away the only bridge. Every animal has an important job to do.
There was once a river called Bubbling River. A little wooden bridge crossed it, and every animal used it to get to the school. Then one night, a flood came, and in the morning, the bridge was gone.
The animals gathered on the bank. ‘How will we cross?’ sighed Rocco. ‘It’s too wide to jump,’ said Percy. ‘And too deep to wade,’ said Cosmo. Everyone was gloomy.
Zara the squirrel thought hard. ‘We can build a new bridge,’ she said. ‘But we’ll need everybody.’ The animals looked at each other, and started to nod.
Cosmo, who was the strongest, hauled big logs from the forest. Rocco, who was the nimblest, climbed up and tied them with long, strong vines. Percy dug holes for the posts.
And Zara? Zara was the smallest, but she could squeeze into tiny spaces. She wriggled between the logs to tie knots no one else could reach. Every knot counted.
By sunset, the bridge was finished. It wobbled a little at first. Then Cosmo stepped on it. It held! Then Rocco, then Percy, then Zara. They all crossed, cheering.
The new bridge was stronger than the old one. And at the middle, the animals carved: ‘Built by everyone.’ It’s still there today, if you know where to look.
The little lesson
Everybody has something to give, big or small, and together it adds up.
Let’s talk about it
- What job did you think was most important?
- Think of a time you worked together with others.
Finish stories to collect Zara as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
More Animal Tales stories
How Dexter Built the Bridge
A storm washes away the only bridge. Every animal has an important job to do.
Who Is Making That Noise, Amy?
Amy hears a strange knock in the night. Who could it be?
Percy Says Hello
Percy is so shy that he hides from everyone, until a friend needs help.
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