The Croocked Croc And The Elephants

The mother elephant and her calf were enjoying a sunny afternoon by the river. The little calf splashed through the grass, playing hide-and-seek, while his mother snacked on some sweet, crunchy sugarcane.

Suddenly, a smooth voice drifted up from the water. "Hey there, little one! Why stay on the dry land? Come into the river and play with me!"

It was a crocodile, flashing a wide, toothy grin.

The calf stopped and looked toward the water. He wanted to go, but he remembered his manners. "Let me ask my mom first!" he chirped. "Hey, Mom! Can I go for a swim with my new friend?"

The mother elephant spun around instantly. When she saw the "friend" waiting in the water, she didn't waste a second. She rushed over and pulled her calf back.

"Stay right here, little one," she said firmly. "That’s no playmate—that’s a crocodile. If you go in there, he’ll try to pull you under, and I won’t let that happen."

She wrapped her powerful trunk around her baby in a warm, protective hug. "I am so proud of you for asking permission first. You’re a very smart calf, and you’re safe with me."