Why Elephant Has a Trunk
10 pages · 4 min · ages 5+
Based on: East African Folk Tale
Young Elephant was very small. He had a short, stubby nose. It looked like a little bump. He was a very curious boy. He liked to ask many questions. He asked the tall Giraffe questions. He asked the fuzzy Baboon questions. Everyone loved his happy, noisy spirit.
One day, he had a question. 'What does Crocodile eat for dinner?' he asked. The Zebra looked away quickly. The Hippo stayed under the water. No one would tell him the answer. Young Elephant decided to wait. He sat under a big tree. He was very patient and calm.
The sun was very hot today. Young Elephant walked to the river. He wanted to find Crocodile himself. He walked past the yellow grass. He walked past the tall trees. His short nose sniffed the air. He found a big, green river. The water looked cool and blue.
A pair of eyes popped up. It was Crocodile in the mud. He had a very big smile. Young Elephant felt a little nervous. 'Hello, Mr. Crocodile,' he said softly. 'What do you eat for dinner?' Crocodile winked his big green eye. He looked very mischievous and silly.
'Come closer,' Crocodile whispered playfully. Young Elephant leaned his head down. Crocodile grabbed the short, stubby nose. He pulled with a little tug. 'I eat noses!' Crocodile joked. He was just playing a game. Young Elephant's nose began to stretch. It felt like a long noodle.
Python the snake was nearby. He saw his friend in trouble. Python wrapped around a strong tree. He grabbed Young Elephant’s tail. 'I will help you!' Python cried. They pulled back with all their might. It was a funny tug-of-war. The nose grew longer and longer.
Suddenly, Crocodile let go with a splash. Young Elephant fell back onto the grass. His nose was now very long. It reached all the way down. He tried to shrink it back. It stayed long and very wiggly. Young Elephant felt a little sad. He waited for his nose to change.
A fly landed on his ear. His new trunk swished it away. He looked up at a tree. There were sweet leaves high up. He reached up with his trunk. He plucked a yummy leaf easily. It was the best snack ever. He felt very excited and happy.
Young Elephant went to the water. He sucked up some cool water. Then, he sprayed it over his back. It was a wonderful, cold shower. He saw his mother nearby. He wrapped his trunk around her. He gave her a big hug. His long trunk was a gift.
All the animals came to see. They saw the amazing new trunk. 'We want one too!' they cried. Young Elephant showed them his tricks. He was glad he had waited. He was happy with his nose. Now, every elephant has a trunk. It was a very special day.