A Storm is Coming!

High up in a leafy tropical tree, a playful little monkey named Milo swings from branch to branch. The warm sun shines brightly on his brown fur and his favorite yellow scarf. Suddenly, a cool, windy breeze sweeps through the forest, shaking the large green leaves. Milo watches in delight as dry yellow leaves begin to spin and dance in the air. The little monkey holds onto a branch and calls out to his mother. - The wind feels so cool, and look at the leaves dancing!

Mama Monkey climbs quickly to the high branch and sits close to Milo, wrapping her warm arms around him. She points up at the sky, showing him the big clouds. The soft white clouds are turning into heavy, dark gray shapes that cover the warm sun. The air in the tropical jungle becomes damp and cool, and the forest grows quiet. Mama looks at Milo and speaks in a gentle, reassuring voice. - A storm is coming, and the gray clouds are hiding the sun.

Suddenly, a deep rumbling sound echoes from the distant hills, vibrating through the treetops. Milo shivers slightly and hugs Mama Monkey tightly, hiding his face in her soft shoulder. Mama gently rubs his back and explains that the loud sound is just the clouds talking to each other. She points to a flock of little forest birds flying fast toward their warm nests. Milo looks at his mother and asks a question. - What is that loud noise, and where should we go?

The wind blows much harder now, swaying the tall trees back and forth. Mama Monkey guides Milo down the branches, moving quickly through the leaves. She leads him into a cozy little stone cave hidden behind thick green vines. They sit down on the dry ground just as the first cool raindrops begin to fall outside. Milo looks out from the safe cave and smiles happily at his mother. - We are safe and dry inside our little home now.

Outside the cave, a heavy, stormy rain waters the thirsty jungle, washing the green leaves clean. Milo sits at the edge of the dry cave, stretching his arm out to catch the cool water. He giggles as the drops tickle his fingers. Mama Monkey pulls him close, wrapping her warm blue scarf around both of them. Milo snuggles against her chest, listening to the peaceful sound of the rain. - I love watching the rainy forest when I am cozy with you.