Deer And The Lion

The sun was high over the Sparkle Meadows, and a group of deer was in a very big hurry. They were wearing their finest flower crowns because today was the Great Forest Party!

"Oh no! Stop, everyone!" whispered Daisy, the leader of the deer.

Right in the middle of their path sat Leo the Lion. He looked very large, very furry, and very much in the way.

"We are in big trouble," Daisy fretted. "We can’t cross past a lion! But if we turn back, we’ll miss the cake and the dancing. We’re already late!"

The Tip-Toe Plan The deer huddled together. "Maybe," whispered a little deer named Pip, "if we are as quiet as falling leaves, he won't even know we're there."

So, one by one, the deer began to tip-toe.

Step...

Crunch... (Oops, a dry leaf!)

Freeze!

They crept right behind Leo’s giant, bushy mane. Their hearts went thump-thump-thump, but they kept moving, inch by inch, through the tall green grass.

The Lion’s Secret Now, Leo the Lion wasn't actually asleep. He could hear the soft patter-patter of hooves. He could even smell the sweet scent of their flower crowns. He knew exactly what the deer were doing.

Usually, lions are very scary, but Leo was a Good Lion. He had already had a big breakfast of yummy fruit and grass-porridge, and he was feeling very kind.

"If I roar, I’ll give them a tummy-ache from being scared," Leo thought with a secret smile. "And everyone deserves to go to a party."

Leo kept his eyes shut tight. He even let out a big, fake "Zzzzzzz" to help them feel brave.

A Happy Ending The deer finally made it to the other side of the meadow. They didn't look back until they reached the safety of the trees.

"We did it!" Daisy cheered. "We are the bravest deer in the world!"

Back in the meadow, Leo opened one eye and let out a tiny, happy giggle. He stretched his big paws in the sun, happy that his neighbors were going to have a wonderful time dancing.

The Moral of the Story: Sometimes, even the biggest creatures have the biggest hearts!