Once upon a time, there was a small and clever mouse named Max. Max loved to have fun and play with his friends, but he also wanted to prove that he was smart and strong. One day, he stumbled upon a tall and pretty giraffe named Gracie, who was known for her kindness. Max challenged Gracie to a race, thinking that he could easily beat her because she was so tall and slow.

But much to Max’s surprise, Gracie was not only tall and pretty, but also incredibly fast and strong! She easily won the race and Max was left feeling embarrassed. But Gracie, being the kind and funny creature she was, told Max that it was okay to lose and that being clever and smart is what really mattered.

From that day on, Max and Gracie became the best of friends and went on many adventures together, always having a great time and making each other laugh. They learned that being kind and funny is just as important as being clever and strong. And they lived happily ever after.

Reflections

1. What did Max learn from Gracie?
2. Why do you think Gracie was kind to Max even though he challenged her to a race?
3. How did the friendship between Max and Gracie change throughout the story?
4. Do you think it's important to be clever and strong or kind and funny? Why?