🐒 The Monkey and the Crocodile

A monkey lived on a berry tree by the river. He became friends with a crocodile and shared sweet berries with him every day.

The crocodile took some berries home to his wife. She ate them and said, 'So sweet! If the berries are this sweet, imagine how sweet the monkey's heart must be. Bring me his heart!'

The sad crocodile did not want to, but he agreed. He told the monkey, 'My wife invites you for dinner. Sit on my back, I will take you across the river.'

In the middle of the deep river, the crocodile said, 'Friend, I must tell the truth. My wife wants to eat your heart.'

The monkey's own heart jumped with fear. But he stayed calm and said, 'Oh no! My heart? I left it on the berry tree! We monkeys keep our hearts there for safety. Quick, take me back and I will get it for you!'

The silly crocodile turned around and swam back. The moment they reached the bank, the monkey leaped high onto his tree.

'My heart is where it should be,' he called down, 'and it will never ride on your back again!'