Hi there and welcome.
I like writing stories about a village of animal friends who each have a special strength.
Something that not only makes them special,
But also very happy.
As you listen to today's story,
See if you can spot Arlene's strength.
What Arlene Saw Arlene the Giraffe was having breakfast.
She lived in a very tall house,
Of course,
On Almond Avenue.
She was enjoying her crunchy apple and tasty acacia leaves and looking out of her window.
A gentle breeze came in through the window.
How lovely!
Arlene decided to go for a walk.
She hadn't walked far when she saw Zippy the Zebra out for his second run for the day.
Hello Arlene!
How are you doing today?
Zippy asked as he jogged on the spot.
I'm very well,
Thank you Zippy.
Arlene smiled.
Enjoy your run!
I really admire Zippy's zest and energy,
Arlene thought as she continued her walk.
When Arlene passed the art gallery,
She saw that Carlotta Sheep was having an exhibition.
Fantastic!
She thought.
Carlotta is so creative.
I would love to see some of her art.
So she went for a walk through the gallery.
She saw paintings of flowers.
So beautiful!
A very odd painting of a snail on an apple.
Wow!
So interesting!
She saw paintings of paper animals.
So creative!
And splashes of wild colour.
So colourful!
After enjoying the art,
Arlene continued her walk.
She saw a squirrel run up a tree.
So fluffy!
She saw a field full of red puppies.
Gorgeous!
And she saw a young springbuck helping his granny carry her groceries home.
So helpful!
She had walked for a little while appreciating all the lovely things around her when she saw another friend,
Lenny the Lizard.
Lenny was sitting very quietly on a rock in the sun.
Arlene didn't want to disturb him,
But seeing him made her close her eyes and also appreciate the warm sunshine on her face.
Arlene continued her walk.
As she walked past a ridge,
She stopped and stared.
Wow!
She gasped.
Amazing!
She exclaimed.
Awesome!
She smiled.
What is it?
Asked a little voice down by her feet.
Millie Mouse was looking up at Arlene with interest.
Let me show you,
Arlene said kindly.
She lowered her neck so that Millie could clamber up onto her head.
And together they enjoyed the sunset.
Wow!
Millie and Arlene both said as they stared at the bright and beautiful colours of the sunset.
There are so many beautiful things in the world,
Said Arlene,
But they're even better when you get to share them with a friend.
