Once upon a time, in the heart of a colorful jungle, there stood a very special tree. It was tall and grand, with large green leaves and the juiciest pawpaws you’d ever see. But this was no ordinary tree this was the Singing Pawpaw Tree. Every morning, just as the sun peeked over the hill, the tree would burst into song. Animals from all over the jungle would gather, excited to hear its melodies.
The Singing Pawpaw Tree had a bright, jolly voice that could make the shyest turtle dance and the grumpiest monkey giggle. And the best part was the funny words it sang!
One morning, the tree began:
"Oh, oh, oh, I’m the pawpaw tree,
Swayin’ and swingin’ so wild and free!
My fruits are yummy, juicy, and sweet,
Come on, friends, have a fruity treat!"
The animals clapped and cheered. The parrots squawked along, the monkeys clapped, and even the lazy lions wagged their tails. But today, something strange happened. As the tree finished its song, it gave a mighty shake, and all the pawpaws fell right off the tree!
“Oops!” chuckled the tree. “That’s never happened before!”
The animals laughed. They each picked a pawpaw and took a big, delicious bite.
But suddenly, the ground began to shake. Boom! Boom! Out from behind a bush, a little creature appeared. It was Benny the Bear, the youngest bear in the jungle. Benny loved singing, but he had a problem: he couldn’t carry a tune to save his life. Every time he sang, the birds flew away, the rabbits ran, and the frogs jumped into the pond.
Benny gazed at the Singing Pawpaw Tree and said, “Oh, if only I could sing like you! Maybe then everyone would want to be my friend.”
The tree chuckled and bent one of its leafy branches down to pat Benny on the shoulder. “Why don’t you sing with me, Benny? We can make a funny song!”
Benny’s eyes lit up. He took a deep breath, and together, he and the Singing Pawpaw Tree began:
"Oh, oh, oh, I’m the pawpaw tree,
I’ve got leaves, and I’ve got me!
And here’s Benny the bear, loud and strong,
Singing with me, so come along!"
Benny let out his deepest “RAAWR!” and sang with all his heart. His voice was loud, silly, and, yes, off-key but the jungle animals loved it! The squirrels laughed so hard that they fell off their branches, and the parrots were squawking so wildly that they couldn’t stop. Benny didn’t care. He was having the best time of his life.
For the first time, Benny felt like he belonged. He thanked the Singing Pawpaw Tree, and every morning from then on, they sang together, bringing laughter and joy to the entire jungle.
And that’s how the Singing Pawpaw Tree became the happiest tree in the jungle because it brought joy and friendship to every creature under its big, leafy branches.
The end.
