The Jealous Little Fox

Little Pip the fox cub had a beautiful, bright orange tail. Every time he walked, his tail wiggled side to side in a funny way. But Pip was rarely happy. He always stared at Sammy, the little squirrel who lived in the oak tree next door. Sammy had a long, dark brown tail that could curl up over his head like a tiny umbrella. Pip felt a little squeeze in his heart, wishing he could have a tail just like Sammy's.

Pip watched Sammy leap quickly from one high branch to another. Pip wanted to do that too. The little fox pressed his two front paws against the rough bark of the oak tree and tried to climb up high. But his claws were not sharp enough to grip the wood like a squirrel. Pip slipped and fell onto the soft green grass. Seeing Sammy laughing happily on a high branch, Pip's cheeks turned warm with jealousy.

Pip sat under the big oak tree, holding his knees tightly. His bright orange tail lay sad and still on the green grass. Mama Fox walked over, sitting down gently next to her little cub. She wrapped her arm around Pip's small shoulder, speaking in a warm, gentle voice. - What is making you feel sad today, Pip? Tell me about it. Pip pouted, looking down. - I hate my tail. I want a long tail that curls up like Sammy's.

Mama Fox smiled kindly. She took her own thick, fluffy tail and wrapped it gently around Pip's shoulders to keep him warm. She spoke softly. - Pip, every animal in this forest has a special gift. Sammy's tail helps him keep his balance when he leaps high. But your tail is very thick and warm. When the cold winter wind blows, you can curl up and use your tail like a blanket to keep your nose cozy.

Mama Fox stood up and invited Pip to play a chasing game on the grassy field. Pip cheered, running as fast as the wind. When he reached a sharp corner, he swished his tail to the left, turning quickly without falling down. Mama Fox ran right behind him, laughing happily. - Do you see that, Pip? Your tail is like a rudder that keeps you balanced when you run fast! Pip giggled, feeling his tail flutter in the warm wind.

When the game was over, Pip rested next to his mother. The little fox curled his soft tail around his nose, feeling very cozy and warm. He looked up at the high branches of the oak tree and swished his tail to say goodbye to Sammy. Pip smiled, no longer feeling jealous of the squirrel. He laughed with his mother, happy to know that his own tail was very special too.