Once upon a time there was a young boy named Tshego. He was very curious and also a bit mischievous. Tshego loved to explore new places. He asked questions about everything. “Mom, can animals hear? Mom, do animals understand what we say? Mom, can animals talk? Mom, why do cats meow?” He went on and on until his mom told him to go and play outside. Tshego went outside and sat down next to his cat, Frisky. He stared at Frisky, and Frisky stared back at him. It was almost as if Frisky had something to say.

“I wish I could talk to you and that you could talk to me too, Frisky,” said Tshego. But Frisky just meowed and turned his back on Tshego. Tshego gave a big sigh. He wondered what it would be like if animals could talk. Then, instead of dogs barking, cats meowing and birds chirping, they would be able talk and say exactly what they wanted. Tshego chuckled at the thought and knew that this would never happen. “Tshego?” Tshego got such a fright when he heard his name, but it was only Mom standing at the door. She was wearing her colourful outdoor hat. Then Tshego remembered that they were going camping! “Tshego, have you packed everything you need?” Mom asked. “Yes, Mom, I finished packing last night,” Tshego smiled. “Then let’s go!” said his mom. “I can see that your dad is loading the last things into the car.” Tshego knew that camping would be fun. He was curious to find out all about the animals that lived around the campsite. The family got into the car, and as they drove along, Tshego counted the minutes until they arrived at the campsite. The campsite was beautiful. It was surrounded by trees, and Tshego could not wait to explore this new place. “Dad, can I collect some sticks for a campfire while you set up the tent?” Tshego asked. “That’s a good idea, but don’t go too far. I don’t want you to get lost amongst all the trees,” said Dad. “Okay!” Tshego shouted as he ran off to find some sticks. But because Tshego was so curious and also a bit mischievous, he wandered deeper and deeper into the forest without even realising it. He looked under leaves, behind rocks and up at the trees to see all the animals that lived there.  Once Tshego had collected a big pile of sticks, he looked around and realised that he was … lost! By now, all the trees looked the same, and he knew he would not be able to find his way back to the campsite.

Soon it became dark, and there was no moon in sight. Tshego sat down, pulled his knees closer to his chest and cried softly. How would he ever find his parents again? Then Tshego heard voices whispering nearby. He stopped crying and looked around. Had his parents somehow managed to find him? But it was not his parents. In front of him stood a beautiful horse and an owl with big round eyes. “What’s wrong, young man? Why are you crying?” asked the owl. Tshego could not believe his ears. Had the owl really just spoken to him? “You … you can talk?” Tshego stammered. The owl chuckled. “Of course, we can talk. Now, please tell us why you are out here all alone in the dark.” “I got lost while collecting sticks for a campfire,” said Tshego. “You must be starving,” said the horse. Tshego’s stomach growled in agreement! “Wait here and I will fetch you something to eat.” At that, the horse trotted off. The owl stayed and kept Tshego company. The horse returned carrying a branch with big, red apples. Tshego hungrily munched two apples and then he felt much better. “Now, I think I saw your parents that way,” said the horse. “Come, ride on my back, and I’ll take you to them.” Tshego climbed onto the horse’s back, and the owl flew up onto Tshego’s shoulder. Together they set off through the trees.

Soon they arrived at the campsite. Tshego jumped off the horse and thanked both animals for their help. “Will I see you again?” he asked. “Maybe,” answered the owl, and with that, both animals disappeared back into the trees. “Mom, Dad!” shouted Tshego as he ran to give them a big hug. His parents looked worried. “I’m sorry that I was gone for so long, but I got lost. Luckily, a beautiful horse and a kind owl brought me back to you. Did you know that animals can talk?” Tshego could not stop talking! His mom and dad were so happy to see him that they just smiled at each other and gave Tshego another hug. A few days later, it was time to go home. As soon as they arrived home, Tshego ran to find Frisky. “Hello, Frisky. Did you miss me?” asked Tshego. Frisky stretched and gave a soft meow. “I know your secret,” Tshego said, “and when you are ready, you can talk to me.” Frisky rubbed his head against Tshego’s arm and then crawled into his lap. And Tshego knew that Frisky had understood every word he said! 

Get story active!

•  Have you ever been lost in a strange place? How did you feel? How did you find your family again?
•  Do you think animals understand us when we speak to them? Why do you think so?
• Choose any animal. Now write down two questions you would ask it if it could talk. 
•   Write a new ending for the story. Image that Frisky spoke to Tshego. What would Frisky say?