Storyclover
Storyclover
At sunrise, Dapple the donkey found a lion's skin beside the meadow fence. He lifted it carefully. It was wide, golden, and wonderfully shaggy.
The Donkey Who Wore a Lion's Skin Too LongA donkey frightens everyone by wearing a lion's skin, but his bray reveals the truth behind the disguise.
1. At sunrise, Dapple the donkey found a lion's skin beside the meadow fence. He lifted it carefully. It was wide, golden, and wonderfully shaggy.
2. Dapple slipped inside the skin. His ears poked through the lion's mane, but from far away, he looked fierce. He marched toward the farm.
3. The rabbit dropped a carrot. The squirrels froze with acorns in their paws. Even the pigeons forgot to flap. Everyone thought a lion had come to town.
4. Dapple sat on the biggest stone and tried to look grand. The animals hid behind the water trough. He liked the space they gave him.
5. Soon the fox, the goat, and the hen moved away too. Dapple took one proud step forward. The lion skin dragged behind him with a soft, scratchy swish.
6. But the meadow was quiet, and Dapple had no one to talk to. The skin grew hot around his shoulders. He tugged it tighter and wished someone would stay.
7. At the puddle, Dapple saw the truth. Under the lion's face was his own long nose. Under the shaggy skin were his own four sturdy legs.
8. Then the skin slipped over Dapple's mouth. He opened it wide and gave a mighty bray. “Hee-haw!”
9. The animals blinked. Lions did not say “hee-haw.” Dapple lowered his head and stepped out of the skin.
10. Dapple folded the skin and told the truth. The animals came closer. They liked him better when they knew exactly who he was.
11. That evening, Dapple joined the picnic without a lion's skin. When everyone heard his familiar bray, they laughed and made room for him.
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