A Monster Surprise

Don't Look Back, The Lion Is Here!"

The Lion thought he was the King of the Forest, and he acted like it! He strutted around with his head held high, never smiling, and always acting bossy to the other animals. Whenever the Lion let out his big, loud ROAR, every bunny, deer, and squirrel would quickly scamper and hide. "I'm the strongest and bravest!" he'd think to himself.

One sunny afternoon, the Lion went down to the river for a big drink of cool water. He was so busy looking at his reflection that he didn't notice anything else.

Suddenly, SPLASH! A giant, bumpy, scaly thing with a huge mouth burst out of the water!

The Lion, who thought he was so brave, took one look and got the biggest fright of his life! He didn't even try to roar. He just yelled and ran! He ran so fast his paws barely touched the ground. He didn't stop running until he had zoomed all the way over the tallest mountain!

Guess what that scary "monster" really was? It was just a big, grumpy Crocodile who was playing a trick!

The Lion never came back to the forest. After that day, all the other animals could finally relax. They could play tag, nibble on tasty leaves, and nap peacefully under the trees, knowing they wouldn't have to worry about a bossy king anymore.

What do you think the other animals did first when they realized the Lion was gone?