Toby the tortoise lived in a quiet pond, shaded by tall reeds and whispering trees. But though the pond was peaceful, Toby often felt restless. “I’ve lived here my whole life,” he said one morning. “But I want to see the world beyond this water. I want adventure!” Two ducks, Dilly and Dally, who often visited the pond, heard his wish. “We can help,” said Dilly kindly. “But it’s risky.” ...
Once upon a time, on a busy little farm at the edge of a green valley, there lived a dog named Buster. Buster was small and furry and had a very big attitude. He loved chasing mice, barking at the post van, and finding the cosiest spots on the farm for long, lazy naps. One chilly afternoon, Buster went looking for somewhere warm to rest. He trotted into the big wooden barn and smelled something wonderful: fresh, sweet-smelling hay. ...
Once upon a time, in the middle of a sunlit kitchen, a great glass jar of wild clover honey stood on the edge of a wooden table. The honey inside was thick and golden and sweeter than sugar, and it caught the light in a way that made the whole jar glow. Then a playful gust of wind came through the open window and caught the curtains. WHOOSH! The curtain swung forward, bumped the jar — and TILT… CRASH! ...
Once upon a time, in a valley full of golden sunlight and swaying clover, there lived a magnificent horse named Silver. Silver was the luckiest animal in the whole forest. He had a private meadow all to himself, where the grass was sweet as honey and the stream ran as cool and clear as glass. He spent his days galloping, and grazing, and watching the clouds roll by. But one morning, the peace was broken. ...
In the long-ago time, when the world was brand new, the Great Magician was busy getting everything ready. First, he made the Earth. Then, he made the Sea. Finally, he called all the animals together and said, “It’s time to play!” The animals asked, “Great Magician, what should we play?” “I’ll show you,” he said. He took the Elephant and said, “Play at being an Elephant.” He took the Turtle and said, “Play at being a Turtle.” One by one, he gave every beast, bird, and fish a special job to do. ...