One day, long ago, Lion was chosen to be the king of the forest. That day, Zebra gathered all the animals and said, “Let’s have a party to celebrate our new king.” “What a good idea,” said Leopard. “I think Crocodile should be the one to dance with the king on the day of the party.” “I agree,” said Lizard. “But if Crocodile is going to dance with the king, he should bathe in the river so that his skin is clean and shiny, just like mine.” All the animals agreed with Lizard. Crocodile’s skin was much too rough and dull. He needed to bathe in the river so that his skin would be clean and shiny for his dance with the new king.

But poor Crocodile didn’t agree. “I can’t bathe in the river!” cried Crocodile. “I’ve never been in the river before. I don’t even know if I can swim!” But none of the animals listened to Crocodile. They all left the meeting and went home. Crocodile was all alone. He was very worried that everyone would laugh at him if he could not swim. How would his skin become clean and shiny if he could not bathe in the river? Then he thought of a plan. “I will go to the river at night when everyone is sleeping. Then no one will see me try to swim.” That night, while all the animals were sleeping, Crocodile went down to the river. He thought no one was watching, but he forgot that Owl was awake at night! Owl watched as Crocodile slid cautiously into the river and learnt how to swim. But Owl did not make a sound. Finally the day of the party arrived. All the animals gathered at the meeting place. “Does anyone know where Crocodile is?” Lizard asked looking around. “I hope he is clean and shiny for his dance with the king.” But no one knew where Crocodile was. Then Owl said, “I think I know where he is. Follow me!” All the animals followed Owl as she flew towards the river. At the river, they found Crocodile looking angry and miserable. He had been in the river for days, but his skin was still rough, and not shiny at all. “Please get out of the river,” shouted all the animals. “The party is about to begin and you have to dance with the king!”

“No, I won’t!” answered Crocodile. “And if anyone comes near the river, I will eat them. You have all made me very angry.” And that is why, to this day, Crocodile lives in the river. His skin is still rough and he is still very angry. And none of the animals go near him. They are all too afraid that Crocodile might eat them!

Get story active!

• Crocodile was afraid that the other animals would laugh at him, so he went to the river alone. Do think it’s a good idea to go somewhere alone without telling a friend or family member where you will be?
• Why was Crocodile angry at the other animals? Do you think that he had a good reason to be angry? Why is it not good to stay angry with others for a long time?