Once upon a time, in a land far away,
There were animals of all sorts, who came out to play.
A little duckling, yellow and bright,
Quacked and swam, from morning to night.

A giant dinosaur, with teeth big and strong,
Stomped through the forest, singing a song.
A deer with antlers tall and grand,
Ran through the fields, across the land.

A happy little dog, wagged his tail,
Barking and jumping, without fail.
A drum was played by a little kid,
A rhythmic beat, that you couldn't forbid.

The sun was high, and the air was dry,
The animals all frolicked, without a sigh.
A little duck, waddled along,
Happily joining the animal throng.

And then came a digger, with a loud roar,
Clearing the land, from shore to shore.
The animals watched, with curious eyes,
As the digger dug, and created new highs.

So remember, dear children, as you go to sleep,
Of the animals that play, and the secrets they keep.
Of the duckling and the deer, the dog and the duck,
And the dinosaur that roamed, with such luck.

Reflections

Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the poem:

1. What did the animals in the poem do for fun?
2. Which animal was your favorite and why?
3. What do you think the drumbeat in the poem represents?
4. How did the digger change the landscape in the poem?
5. Do you think the animals in the poem were happy? Why or why not?
6. What kind of adventures would you like to go on with the animals in the poem?