the Lion and the Mouse

by
Stephen Woulds

Image: Milo Winter, 1919
Video by Smartoonz, Little Fables

For an interactive digibook version of this story go to www.esoluk.co.uk/digibooks.

Inside this book:

Story	1
Reading test, gapfill	12
Writing frame	20

Here is a lion. He has a long, long tail and a great mane that falls round his face like a veil. He roars out loud. He walks with pride. He’s the king of animals, worldwide.
Here is a mouse. Because he’s so small he’s afraid he’ll get hurt or fall, but with his tiny teeth he can chew through almost anything in his view.
With a rumble in his tummy the little mouse awoke. “I’m hungry, oh so hungry.” He gave his tummy a stroke. “All the food has finished. If only I could find something I could nibble. Oh, that would be divine. Oh, what a nuisance,” the little mouse said.
“I can’t eat pebbles. I need fruit instead. Oh, if I don’t eat something quick I fear my strength will vanish and disappear.”
Then, all of a sudden, he smelled something sweet. He lifted his head and said, “How neat. I can’t believe it. What a wonderful surprise. So much fruit, I can’t believe my eyes. I have to have some. I must eat. I’m wanting to munch them all up. What a treat.”
And though he tried to get a bite he couldn’t, though he tried with all his might.
And then the mouse noticed a great big rock. “If I climb up all the way I can pick myself some fruit.
Hip-hip-hooray!” The mouse started climbing and suddenly got a shock. The rock began to move. “This rock is not a rock. It has a mane and a mouth and two big eyes. This rock is a lion. What a nasty surprise.”
The lion roared. “Rrrr, a naughty mouse I see. How dare you climb on top of me? I’m the king of animals. What do you have to say? I’m very, very angry. What a way to start the day!”
The mouse began to shake and apologised for the mistake. “I’m very, very hungry. All I wanted was some fruit. But the tree is far too tall and I’m so minute.”
The lion felt sorry for the mouse, stretched out his paw and said, “There, there, eat up, next time just ask my friend.” The mouse was very happy and said, “Thank you so much. You’ll see. The day will come when I will help you just as much.”
The lion laughed out loud and said, “Hm-hm-hm – how will you help me? I’m so big and you’re so tiny. Leave now and go in peace. I’d like to go back to sleep.”
The lion went for a walk, after a few days had gone by. “What a lovely day. I think I’ll play catch with a butterfly.” But then, oh dear, he jumped straight into a bush full of thorns and the frightened lion roared and roared. “Oh, I’m in such trouble. What shall I do? Who can help the king of animals? I’m, so, so blue.” The mouse heard the lion’s cries and knew exactly what to do. He understood that his help was due.
“Here’s a chance to prove myself. I can’t go wrong.” He started nibbling away with his little teeth so strong. And when the lion was free, he told the mouse happily, “I remember that you told me the day would come when you would help me and now I know my friend that you were right, indeed, in the end. For even though you’re really small, your generosity is great, your help has been so beneficial, it’s good to know I have a mate.”
THE END

Reading test
Can you find the missing words?
Check your answers by looking at the story or do online at www.esoluk.co.uk/digibooks

END OF READING TEST

WRITE
Complete the sentences on your own piece of paper.

This story begins when
The problem is
The next thing that happens is
Then
After that,
The problem is solved when

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