Perry the Pelican and Finley the Frog

Perry the pelican stood by the cool, green water under the shade of a tall palm tree. Perry wasn't just any pelican; he was a little clumsy, had a very long, wiggly neck, and an enormous yellow beak that often got in his way.

Just as Perry was admiring his reflection in the still water, he noticed something hopping excitedly on the grassy bank. Boing! Boing! Boing!

It was Finley, the little green frog, jumping higher than usual!

Perry leaned his long neck down to get a better look, his huge eyes blinking slowly. "Hey, Finley," Perry asked, his voice a little muffled by his big beak. "What's the matter? You're bouncing around like a rubber ball! Are you okay?"

Finley landed with a soft plop but immediately sprang up again. "Oh, Perry! I'm more than okay! I'm thrilled!" he chirped, bouncing in a happy circle.

"Thrilled about what?" Perry asked, tilting his head. He wished he could bounce like that, but his feet were better for standing than springing.

Finley took a big, delighted breath. "My friends are coming to visit today! My pond pals from the lily pads across the marsh! We haven't played together since the big summer rainstorm. I'm so happy, I can't stop jumping!"

Perry smiled, a very wide, beak-opening smile. "That sounds wonderful, Finley! Having friends visit is the best feeling in the world." He watched Finley bounce a few more times, the sheer joy of the little frog making Perry feel happy too.

"Well," Perry announced, straightening up a little, "since you'll have company, maybe I can help you get ready. Do you need me to use my big beak to clear any extra big leaves out of the way?"

Finley stopped jumping for a second, his big frog eyes wide. "Oh, Perry, that would be marvelous! Thank you!"

And so, Perry carefully used his long beak like a gentle scoop to push aside some fallen palm fronds, while Finley continued to jump—not because he was worried, but because he was so excited for the fun that was about to begin.

What do you think Perry and Finley will do first when Finley's friends arrive?