Tillo and the Little Helpers

One sunny morning, Tillo the storysaur followed a tiny mouse through the tall grass. Wait for me, Pip, he called. Pip stopped beside a sleeping lion. His paws were enormous. His mane was as golden as the afternoon sun. Let's tiptoe, whispered Tillo. But Pip tripped over a root and landed right on the lion's nose. Roar, cried the lion, opening one eye. He gently lifted Pip in his paw. You've woken me up, little mouse. I'm sorry, squeaked Pip. Please let me go. Perhaps I can help you one day. The lion looked at the tiny mouse, then at his own great paws. He chuckled. All right, Pip, off you go. Thank you, said Pip. Tillo's little golden-cheeked star gave a happy twinkle. Later that day, Tillo heard a frightened voice coming from the trees. Help! It was the lion! A fallen fishing net had tangled around him. The more he wriggled, the tighter it became. Tillo tugged at the ropes, but they would not move. Pip, he called. We need your help. Pip hurried over. With his sharp little teeth, he nibbled one knot, then another. Tillo held the loose ropes aside. At last, the net fell away. The lion stood up and shook out his mane. You helped me, he said to Pip. I didn't think someone so small could do that. Pip smiled. I'm small enough to reach the knots. And brave enough to try, said Tillo. The lion lowered his big head beside them. Thank you, my friends. As they walked home together, Tillo's golden star sparkled brightly. He thought of Pip's tiny teeth. The lion's great paws. And how much they had all done together. Then Tillo turned to Pip and said, I think this calls for a song. Lion had a great big paw. Pip was tiny, brave, and small. When the ropes would not let go, Pip said, I can help, you know. Nibble here and nibble there. Tillo helped with gentle care. Soon their lion friend was free. Thank you, Pip, for helping me. Little helpers can do big things. See the joy that kindness brings. Small paws, big paws. Yours and mine. Helping makes our friendship shine. Clap, clap. One, two, three. You can help and so can me. Little helpers come along. Together we are strong. Pick a crayon off the floor. Help a friend find one toy more. If they're sad, sit close and say, Shall we have a little play? You can ask, what can I do? There's a helping job for you. Every kind thing, big or small, Makes a happier day for all. Little helpers can do big things. See the joy that kindness brings. Small paws, big paws. Yours and mine. Helping makes our friendship shine. Clap, clap. One, two, three. You can help and so can me. Little helpers come along. Together we are strong. Can a little mouse help too? Yes, he can. And we can too. Shall we lend a helping hand? Yes, together. Yes, we can. Little helpers can do big things. See the joy that kindness brings. Small paws, big paws. Yours and mine. Helping makes our friendship shine. Clap, clap. One, two, three. You can help a friend with need. Little helpers sing along. Together we are strong. Big or little, we belong. Every helper helps us grow strong.