2. Hallo. My name is Sal Kandeh. I am going to present to you the story of “The Selfish Crocodile ”

4. Deep in the forest in the river lived a large crocodile. He was a very selfish crocodile. He did not want any other creature to drink or bath in the river. He thought it was HIS river.

5. Every day he would shout to the creatures of the forest “Stay away from my forest. It is my river. If you come in my river I will eat you all.”

6. So there were no fish, no tadpoles, no frogs, no crabs, no creatures. All were afraid of the selfish crocodile.

7. The forest creatures kept away from the river as well. Whenever they were thirsty they went for miles to drink in other rivers and streams.

8. Everyday the crocodile lay on his great big back in the sun picking his big fat teeth with a stick.

9. But early one morning the forest was awakened by a large groaning sound. Something was in terrible pain. The creatures thought that it was an animal caught by the crocodile.

10. But as the sun came out brightly they saw that it was the crocodile who was in pain. He was lying on his big back holding his swollen jaw and he was crying real tears. The creatures grew closer – but not too close. Some of the creatures felt sorry for the crocodile.

12. The animals thought about this. They hung from branches. They hung from cane. The birds flew in the air. They shook their heads at the great big crocodile in pain. No animal tried to help.

13. Suddenly a little mouse appeared leaping in the air. He ran along the crocodiles tail and on to his tummy. The other animals stared.

14. Look at the mouse shouted the monkey. He is either very brave or mad. He is going to be eaten for sure said the iguana.

15. The mouse crept along the crocodiles big neck and in to his open mouth. There was a hush in the forest.

16. The mouse got hold of something and pulled and pulled and pulled. Then he put it on his shoulder and walked out of the crocodile’s mouth. There was a loud cheer from the astonished creatures.

17. The crocodile sat up and said “ I don’t feel any more pain. It’s all gone!” Then he saw the mouse walking down his stomach carrying an enormous crocodile tooth on his shoulder.

18. Don’t worry I will help you take care of your tooth answered the mouse laughing. Soon the crocodiles were the best of friends. “Come back I will have a present for you” said the crocodile. The mouse went a buried the tooth under a tree and when he turned the crocodile had a nice juicy nut waiting for him.

19. As the crocodile watched the mouse the nut he said to him “You were very clever getting rid of my toothache and bad tooth. I am so grateful. But what shall I do if my toothache comes back?”

20. And one day the crocodile sent all the creatures an invitation. Please cone and drink and bath in the river. I wont hurt you. The river belongs to all of us.

21. The creatures were not afraid to drink and bath in the river any more. Although the crocodile was sometimes snappy they grew to love him. And soon the river was full of fish and tadpoles and crabs and crayfish.

22. Bye we hope you enjoyed the story.