Henry Hippo bounced into the pond with a joyful running leap — KA-SPLOOSH! — sending a giant wave rippling all the way to the muddy banks.
“WHEEE!” he cheered, water dripping from his ears. “Best splash ever!”
Soon, his friends gathered at the water’s edge, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Can we splash too?” asked Bella Bunny, bouncing on her toes.
“Me too, me too!” chirped Sammy Squirrel.
Henry beamed proudly. “Sure! Everyone jump in!”
But when everyone leaped together at once — SPLASH, SPLASH, SPLASH! — the water grew wild and choppy, tossing everyone around in the churning waves.
“Whoa-whoa-whoa!” Bella wobbled, clinging tightly to a lily pad, eyes wide.
Henry’s smile melted away. His tummy twisted with worry. This isn’t fun anymore… this is scary.
He raised a paw high. “Wait, everyone! Stop! Let’s try small splash, big splash instead — one at a time!”
The animals paused, then nodded eagerly. One by one, they lined up. Sammy went first with a tiny plip! Bella followed with a medium ploosh! And Henry finished it off with his giant, thunderous KA-SPLOOSH!
Everyone cheered together, giggling as the pond settled calm and gentle once more.
Henry’s heart glowed warm with pride. Taking turns hadn’t made the fun smaller at all — it had made it fair, safe, and even more joyful for everyone.
Lesson: Taking turns keeps play fair and fun.
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