Once upon a time in a tropical forest, Sammy the Parrot discovered a magical gold coin hidden in the tangled vines. Nearby, a group of forest animals gathered around an ancient statue. The stone monkey shouted, “Only the bravest can find the treasure of the Monkey King!” Sammy, curious and excited, waved his little wing and offered to try. Sammy’s determination shined as bright as the coin.
It was noon the next day when Sammy started his adventure. He waved goodbye to his friends on the way. “Remember, bravery is doing what you must, even when you feel scared!” shouted Shirley the Squirrel as Sammy soared off. The animals cheered, “Sammy! Sammy!”
Sammy flew above shimmering rivers, thick bushes, and under whispering palm trees, until he reached a tall mountain. From the top, he could see all the way to the other side of the island…but what could he do now?
Soon, Sammy spotted Tony the Flamingo in a shady grove by the river blowing bubbles with his bubble gum. Sammy swooped down, and together they planned their next move over a ghastly sandwich and fresh fruit.
“I lost my necklace in a scary cave not far from where you found the coin,” said Tony. “I’ll take you there. It’s easy; all you have to do is roll down the mountain; the cave is at the bottom.”
Sammy’s heart thumped in his chest. He closed his eyes, counted to ten, then bravely rolled and rolled down the mountain all the way to
the entrance of the dark cave. “Can you come with me, Tony?” asked Sammy, shaking in his feathers. “I’m too tired,” Tony said with a yawn, “I’ll wait right here.”
Taking a deep breath, Sammy entered the cave, and at once it was dark, cold, and damp. Sammy suddenly remembered the gold coin; it glowed like sunshine in the gloom. Following the light, Sammy found the missing gold chain with the pearl necklace on the ground and picked it up with his beak. It gleamed as if it held a thousand tiny stars inside.
“You are so brave, Sammy!” Tony exclaimed as they flew back to the shady grove.
Sammy then decided to look for the treasure. That evening, the forest animals sat around the fire and told silly stories. Sammy flapped his wings and said, “Finders are keepers and I’ll share the treasure with all of you!” The animals gave Sammy three cheers in appreciation and started fun dances in the firelight. All the other animals of the forest joined the fun, for everyone learned that day that sharing brings true happiness to the heart.
And if you were to visit the jungle today, you would discover the animals leading merry songs and dances each evening, as the shared treasure of the Monkey King shines even brighter than before because of the friendship and bravery that inspired it.