The Lion and the Mouse

On the wide golden savanna, under a tall acacia tree, a great lion named Rumi was having his afternoon nap. His mane spread out like the setting sun.

Along came Nib, a little mouse with pink ears, looking for seeds. She was in such a hurry that she scampered right up Rumi's tail, over his back and onto his nose!

Rumi opened one enormous eye and caught Nib under his paw. "Who dares to wake me?" he rumbled. Nib trembled. "Please let me go, great lion! One day I might help you."

Rumi laughed so hard that the grass shook. "A tiny mouse, help me?" But he liked her courage, so he lifted his paw. "Off you go, little one." Nib bowed and dashed into the grass.

Some days later, Rumi was walking near the river when snap! A hunter's rope net dropped over him. He pulled and roared, but the more he struggled, the tighter the ropes became.

Far away, Nib heard the roar. She knew that voice. She ran and ran until she found Rumi tangled in the net. "Hold still," she whispered, and she began to nibble. Nibble, nibble, nibble went her sharp little teeth.

One rope broke, then another, then another, until there was a hole big enough for a lion. Rumi stepped out free and shook his golden mane.

"You were right, little Nib," said Rumi softly. "Even the smallest friend can be the greatest help." And from then on, the lion and the mouse watched the sunset together under the acacia tree.