Hello,
My name is Jacqueline and I'm a very proud grandma.
I write stories for my grandchildren and I'm very happy to share them here with you too.
So make yourself comfortable,
Settle back because my next story is about to begin.
A Sloth Named Mango The rainforest is home to millions of plants and animals who all thrive in its lush,
Wet,
Humid,
Tropical conditions.
Exotic birds,
Colorful frogs,
Large insects and many other species live happily amongst the tall,
Thick trees,
Beautiful orchids,
Strange-looking flowers and tasty exotic fruits.
The rainforest's giant trees grow very tall as they compete with other plants for sunlight.
Some grow to 200 feet and spread their branches and leaves out creating a thick canopy over the forest.
My story begins just as a beam of sunlight makes its way through the leaves.
It spreads its golden rays out amongst the flora and glistens upon the brightly colored wings of a beautiful macaw as it flies off to find food.
An enormous butterfly flits from plant to plant and monkeys chatter as they swing from tree to tree.
The rainforest is waking up.
But in the middle of all this activity,
Hanging upside down from a branch of a tree,
A three-toed sloth named Mango continued to sleep.
It's a good thing sloths don't have to go to school because they would never make it on time.
These sleepy tree-dwellers sleep for up to 20 hours a day and even when they are awake,
They hardly move at all.
Sloths have roundish heads,
Sad-looking eyes,
Tiny ears and stubby tails.
They are the size of a small dog with long arms and shaggy fur and look a bit like monkeys but are actually related to armadillos and anteaters.
The sloth's hands and feet have three long curved claws to allow them to hang upside down from branches and because they can't walk are also used to drag themselves along the ground.
Mango was peacefully sleeping,
Oblivious to the rainforest animals who were busy starting their day.
Close by,
A large boa constrictor slithered quietly down the thick trunk of the tree and turned to look at the sleeping sloth.
He flicked his tongue from side to side and let out a hissing sound as he slithered nearer to Mango.
The noise jolted Mango from sleep.
She opened one eye and came face to face with the snake.
What do you want?
Mango asked,
Not at all scared by the sight of the snake.
I'm just out for my morning stretch,
Replied the snake.
What are you doing?
Trying to sleep,
Said Mango a little crossly.
You were in this same position when I came past yesterday,
Said the snake.
Don't you ever move?
Only when necessary,
Answered Mango,
Turning her head away from the annoying creature,
Hoping he would go away.
The snake sensed he was not wanted.
Laziness,
He hissed as he turned to go back up the tree trunk.
You're missing out on life,
He said as he slithered away.
Mango sighed and closed her eyes.
A few minutes later she was woken by a weird croaking sound.
She opened her eyes and looked around just as a toucan landed on the branch next to her.
What is that strange noise you are making?
Asked Mango,
Slightly irritated by it.
I'm singing,
Said the toucan joyfully.
I'm happy to be alive,
Aren't you?
I just want to sleep,
Said the sloth.
Go away and sing somewhere else.
Laziness,
Said the toucan.
You really should move around more,
She said as she flew off.
Am I really lazy?
Thought Mango to herself.
She pondered what the snake and toucan had said for a moment and then went back to sleep.
A while later,
Mango was awakened by something trying to push her off the tree branch.
Oi!
She shouted,
Opening her eyes and lifting her head to see who the intruder was.
Oh,
You're awake now,
Said a mischievous looking monkey who was about to poke her again.
Go away,
Leave me alone,
Snapped Mango.
What are you doing?
Asked the monkey.
I'm trying to sleep,
Said Mango.
You've had all night to sleep,
Said the monkey,
Not seeming to want to go away.
I'm still tired,
Said Mango with a huff.
I've noticed you hanging from this tree for hours,
Said the monkey.
Aren't you bored?
Nope,
Replied Mango.
I'm quite happy hanging here.
I would be bored,
Said the monkey.
I like playing and swinging from the vines,
Exploring the forest and having fun.
Well I like to sleep,
Said Mango,
Beginning to get really annoyed with the monkey.
You are very lazy,
Said the monkey.
Come on,
Get up,
Stretch your legs,
Let's go play.
Just then another monkey appeared,
Swinging on a vine and swiftly landing on the tree branch.
What's happening here?
He asked his friend.
I'm trying to get this lazy sloth to come and play with me,
He said,
Prodding Mango.
I am really tired,
Said Mango,
Yawning.
At that moment a loud chattering noise could be heard in the distance as a group of monkeys called out.
We can't wait for you to change your mind,
Said the first monkey.
We have to go.
Maybe one day you'll stop being lazy and come play with us.
And grabbing a hanging vine,
The two monkeys swung up into the trees after their friends.
Mango thought about what the monkeys had said to her and began to worry.
Maybe she really was lazy.
But she had always been sleepy and uninspired to do very much.
Maybe it was the wrong way to live her life.
Maybe she was missing out on adventure.
Maybe she should try to change and become more like the other animals around her.
Mango decided to find some food.
Food always made her feel happy.
She stretched out her long arms and grabbed a hanging vine which helped her slip down from the branch to the ground below.
Oi,
Watch it!
Croaked a giant green frog who just managed to hop out of the way as Mango landed with a thud on the mushy leaves he had been sitting upon.
Oh,
Sorry,
Said Mango as she watched the frog hop tirelessly away.
All these animals are so energetic,
Mango thought to herself.
Maybe I am lazy and should do something a little different with my life.
Mango tried to gather some enthusiasm to do something,
But she couldn't.
It just wasn't in her to have fun and move as fast as other creatures.
She thought there really was something wrong with her.
Maybe,
As well as lazy,
She was also useless and incapable of having fun.
Mango felt very sad as she dragged herself slowly along the ground towards a bush covered in delicious looking leaves.
She stopped and grabbed a few leaves and munched on them.
This made her feel slightly better,
But only for a moment.
She sighed,
Wondering how she could change her attitude towards life.
Suddenly she heard a noise behind her.
She looked around and saw a giant tortoise moving slowly towards her.
Hello,
Said the tortoise when he finally reached Mango.
What are you up to?
Hello,
Said Mango.
I'm taking a rest.
I like taking a rest,
Said the tortoise.
It's one of my favourite things to do.
This made Mango smile.
An animal who didn't criticise her,
But liked what she liked.
My name's Mango,
She said happily.
What's your name?
My name's Terrence,
The tortoise said.
Nice to meet you,
Mango.
You too,
Terrence,
Said Mango.
Are those leaves any good?
Asked Terrence,
Nodding towards the bush behind Mango.
I noticed you munching on them as I was walking up.
Yes,
They're quite tasty,
Replied Mango.
Terrence began munching on a leaf.
Not bad,
He said,
Although I do normally prefer them a little sweeter.
He looked at Mango.
Why did you look so sad earlier on,
He asked,
And Mango told him about the animals,
Who all thought she was lazy.
Maybe they are right,
She said.
Maybe I should move more and do the things they are doing.
Terrence continued munching as he listened to Mango's sad story.
What do you think,
Mango asked,
Do you think I'm lazy?
Terrence didn't say anything straight away.
He just looked around him and smiled.
Do you see all the gorgeous flowers and trees around us,
He asked.
Mango looked.
Yes,
She said.
I often look around and think how lucky I am to live in this enchanted rainforest.
There are so many different flowers and plants to admire and many animals and creatures to watch playing.
Taking time each day to appreciate my home makes my heart feel warm and cheerful.
And when I fall asleep,
I have peaceful thoughts in my head and I enjoy sweet dreams.
Terrence nodded his head.
And do you have enough food to eat,
He asked.
Oh,
Yes,
Replied Mango.
There is an abundance of leaves to choose from and such a variety.
Every day I am spoilt for choice.
Terrence continued nodding his head as he listened to Mango.
And do you feel fulfilled and content with your life,
He asked,
Looking directly at the sloth's happy face.
Yes,
Oh yes,
Replied Mango dreamily.
Every day I get to do what I want to do and I always feel happy and content.
If I want to stretch,
I do.
If I want to visit a new place,
I do.
If I want to chat to friends,
I do.
And if you want to sleep,
You do,
Said Terrence,
Laughing.
You're just like me,
He said.
The two animals smiled,
Each content with their own life habits.
They were very different in their looks,
But so similar in their mindset and outlook on life.
You've made me feel a great deal better,
Said Mango.
Thank you.
Oh,
I didn't do anything really,
Said Terrence.
I just helped you understand that you are living your best life for you.
You are unique and special in your own way.
You don't have to be like everyone else.
Just be you.
Mango thought about this.
You're right,
She agreed.
But why did I let the words and expectations of other creatures upset me?
When we don't believe in ourselves,
Explained Terrence,
We can allow the opinions of other creatures to affect us.
But we must remember that they are living the life they choose.
And just because it is right for them,
It doesn't mean it is right for others.
Live your life to make you happy.
Don't try to live and behave like other creatures just to make them happy.
That will only make you miserable.
Mango nodded.
Just because I am slow and I like to rest a lot doesn't mean I am lazy,
She said.
I am me and I like being me.
And I like you being you,
Said Terrence.
And another thing,
It's because you are slow and rest a lot that you get to admire,
Appreciate and enjoy nature's loveliness at your leisure every day,
Just like I do,
He said.
No,
Keep your heart filled with happiness and don't allow negativity from the words of other creatures to creep in and upset you.
Thank you for your wise words,
Said Mango,
Yawning slightly.
Is it time for a nap?
Asked Terrence.
I think it must be,
Said Mango.
It's been an unusually busy morning for me.
Me too,
Said Terrence,
Yawning himself.
Thanks for sharing your leaves with me.
They were an enjoyable snack.
I might see you around sometime.
Bye for now.
And Terrence walked away,
Looking for a sheltered spot to take a nap.
Bye,
Said Mango,
As she began pulling herself up a nearby tree until she found the perfect branch to hang from.
Once settled,
She looked around at the picturesque view of the rainforest.
I have the perfect life for me,
She said to herself,
And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Then,
With a deep sigh of contentment,
Mango closed her eyes and immediately fell fast asleep.
Thanks for listening to my story.
I hope you enjoyed it.
Before you go,
I'd like to ask you a question.
What things do you do which make you happy?
Thanks again for listening and come back soon to hear another story from Grandma.
Bye for now.
