Danny's Short Tail: the full story
Part One · Danny's Short Tail
Danny Meadow Mouse sat on his front step. He was sad, and he hid his tail under him.
His tail was very short. His cousin had a long one. Danny wished for one, too.
Old Toad hopped by and sat down. "Why so sad, little friend?" he asked.
"I want a long tail," said Danny. "Mine is just a stub. It looks silly."
Old Toad laughed. "A long tail! You would trip on it all day."
"It would catch on every twig," he went on. "You would have to watch it all day."
"Look at me," said Old Toad. "I am lumpy and brown. Nobody calls me pretty."
"But I am glad to be me. I have the sun, and I have plenty to eat."
Danny looked at Old Toad's kind eyes. They had a little twinkle in them.
Danny thought about his own home. He had a warm bed. The sun shone on his step.
"I am sorry I grumbled," he said. "I will be glad of the tail I have."
Old Toad nodded and hopped off. Danny pulled his tail out. The sun felt warm on it.