Once upon a time, a giraffe, eagle, polar bear, fish, elephant, whale, and bear went on a wild adventure to find the best gift for their octopus friend's birthday. They traveled far and wide, from the scorching desert to the freezing tundra, and finally found the perfect gift: a magical underwater garden filled with colorful coral and shimmering sea creatures. But when they presented it to the octopus, he was unimpressed. "I already have a garden," he said. "What I really want is some friends to share it with." The animals were so touched by his words that they decided to stay and play with him every day, frolicking and swimming in the garden together. And they all lived happily ever after, without a care in the world!

Reflections

1. What did the octopus really want as a birthday gift?
2. How did the animals feel after they found out what the octopus wanted?
3. Why did the animals decide to stay in the underwater garden with the octopus?
4. Can you think of another gift that the animals could have gotten for the octopus?
5. How do you think the octopus felt after the animals stayed to play with him?