Once upon a time, in a forest far far away, there lived a big fat brown bear named Buddy. Buddy was known for his soft fur and big loveable ears. He loved to spend his days lazing around, eating honey and berries.

One day, while taking a walk, Buddy tripped and fell. He tried to get up but couldn't because his feet were too fat to reach the ground! Buddy was stuck, and he didn't know what to do.

Just then, a little rabbit hopped by and asked if Buddy needed any help. Buddy explained his predicament, and the rabbit had an idea. The rabbit suggested that Buddy should try to balance on his bottom instead of his feet.

Buddy gave it a try, and to his surprise, it worked! He waddled around on his bottom, and everyone in the forest thought it was hilarious. In no time, Buddy became known as the "Bouncing Bear" and everyone loved to watch him bounce around.

But Buddy didn't mind, he was having the time of his life! He was so happy that he started to sing a song about his new found talent and his love for the forest and its creatures. The animals all gathered around to listen, and they all started to sing and dance along.

From that day on, Buddy was never lonely. He had made many new friends and had become the life of the forest. He continued to bounce around, spreading love and joy wherever he went.

And so, the story of Buddy the Bouncing Bear and his soft fur, loveable ears, and fat feet, became a legend in the forest that was passed down from generation to generation. And every time it was told, the young ones would giggle and smile, just like Buddy did on that day.

Reflections

1. What was Buddy known for in the forest?
2. What happened to Buddy when he was taking a walk?
3. How did Buddy get unstuck?
4. What did Buddy start doing after he got unstuck?
5. Why did everyone in the forest love Buddy?
6. How did Buddy's story become a legend in the forest?
7. What do you think Buddy would say about his new talent of bouncing on his bottom?
8. Do you think you would have been friends with Buddy if you lived in the forest? Why or why not?
9. What do you think the other animals in the forest learned from Buddy's story?
10. How can we spread love and joy like Buddy did in the story?