Hi there and welcome.
I like writing stories about animal friends who each have a special strength.
Something that not only makes them special,
But also very happy.
Today's story is also special since my daughter helped me with it.
As you listen,
See if you can spot Ella's strength.
Ella takes the lead.
Ella is an elephant who loves for there to be peace between everyone.
This means that she often finds herself stepping in and helping out when others don't get along.
Ella lives in a big house that is dark purple with a light purple roof.
She lives next door to Percy,
The prudent pup.
You might have heard of him.
And they are great friends.
This school year,
Ella is not in a class with all of her usual friends.
But that's okay.
Ella knows that this year she will work hard at school and concentrate really well during lessons.
Mrs Moo is teaching art today.
And her bright blue makeup and shocking pink lipstick seem even brighter than usual today.
We will be working in groups today,
She says.
And before you start looking to your friends,
I will be picking the groups.
Some of the young animals look a little sad that they won't be able to work with their friends.
Not Ella though.
This just means that she has an opportunity to make some new friends.
Once Mrs Moo has finished organising the groups,
Ella's group is excitedly talking about what they should draw.
I think we should draw each other,
Carlotta says.
Everyone groans.
No one can draw as well as you,
Carlotta.
I think we should draw a patch of wild mushrooms,
Henry says.
It's far easier and still interesting.
There are a few nods in the group,
But Carlotta frowns.
That's too easy.
I need something more challenging to draw,
She huffs.
We can't do something difficult just because you want to do something fancy,
Perry Parrot complains.
Everyone starts to shout and argue about what they should draw.
The whole time Ella watches them,
A frown growing on her face.
A big one that no one seems to notice.
Please don't argue,
Ella shouts loudly,
Getting everyone's attention.
Arguing isn't going to help us to get to a solution.
Think,
If we all draw the mushrooms,
Maybe Carlotta can draw something more difficult that the rest of us are not able to.
That would make the picture even better.
Everyone looks at Ella,
Realising they'd gotten all worked up for nothing.
Looking down at their toes,
The young animals mumble a few sorries.
A forest,
Carlotta smiles.
Ella smiles back at Carlotta.
That's a great idea.
We will draw the mushrooms and you draw the forest where they grow.
The animals set to work and soon create a fantastic piece of art that makes Mrs Moo moo happily when they show it to her.
By stepping up and helping her classmates work together,
Ella showed how valuable a good leader can be.
