In a lush green valley, there lived three goat friends: Pip, a tiny kid; Milo, a medium-sized goat; and Barnaby, a large, strong ram. They were inseparable, but one morning, they realized that all the sweet grass in their meadow had been eaten. To find fresh, juicy clover, they had to cross a narrow stone bridge over a rushing river.
However, a grumpy, hungry bear lived right in the middle of the bridge. 'No one crosses my bridge!' the bear would growl. Barnaby, feeling brave, stepped forward. 'I am strong! I will charge at him and push him away!' he declared. But Pip, the smallest, shook his head. 'If you fight him, he will stay angry and hunt us all. We must use our wits instead.'
They huddled together and whispered a plan. First, little Pip stepped onto the bridge. Clack, clack, clack went his tiny hooves. The bear roared, 'Stop right there! I am going to eat you!'
Pip looked up with wide, innocent eyes. 'Oh, mighty Bear, I am far too small to satisfy your hunger. If you let me pass, I will lead more goats your way. Imagine the feast you will have with a much bigger goat!' The bear, thinking of a giant meal, grumbled, 'Fine, go! But the next one better be bigger!'
Milo, the middle goat, followed. He used the same trick, telling the bear that a huge flock was following him. The bear, growing greedy, let him pass too. Finally, it was Barnaby's turn. The bear was excited. 'Finally! A real meal!' the bear thought, standing up to intercept him.
As Barnaby approached, the bear lunged forward. But Barnaby wasn't there to talk. Just as the bear reached out, Barnaby lowered his heavy head and charged with all his might. BAM! He struck the bear square in the stomach. The surprised bear lost his balance and tumbled into the river with a loud SPLASH!
Before the bear could climb out, the three friends had already raced to the other side. They spent the rest of the day happily munching on the finest grass in the valley, knowing that their teamwork had saved them.
Moral
Intelligence and teamwork can overcome even the greatest strength.
