Once upon a time, in a sunny forest clearing, lived a little rabbit named Rikki. Rikki had long ears that twitched at every sound and super speedy legs. Not far away lived a big, sleepy bear named Barnaby. Barnaby wasn't very fast, but he was strong and loved napping under the big oak tree.
One warm afternoon, Rikki spotted the most wonderful sight: bright red, juicy berries growing right at the top of a little hill. They looked extra sweet and ripe! Rikki zoomed towards the hill, ready to hop up and gobble them all up. But the hill was steeper than it looked, and the berries were just a little too high, even for Rikki’s best hops.
Just then, Barnaby the bear shuffled by, rubbing his sleepy eyes. He saw the same juicy berries and his tummy rumbled. "Oh, yummy berries!" he yawned. Barnaby started to climb, using his big paws. But the little hill was tricky for someone so big and sleepy, and he kept sliding back down a little.
Rikki and Barnaby both huffed and puffed. Rikki couldn't hop high enough, and Barnaby couldn't climb easily. They both wanted those berries very much! They looked at each other, a little grumpy.
A wise old owl, perched high in a nearby tree, hooted gently. "Hoo-hoo! Why do you struggle alone? Perhaps if you listened to each other and worked together, those berries wouldn't be so far away!" she advised kindly.
Rikki and Barnaby stopped and thought. The owl was right. Rikki was fast and could see the best footholds. Barnaby was strong and could reach high.
"Okay, Barnaby," said Rikki. "I can show you the easiest way up. Follow my directions!" Barnaby, trying hard to listen, nodded his big head. Rikki hopped ahead a little, pointing with a paw. "Go left here! Now step on that firm rock!"
Barnaby followed Rikki’s instructions carefully, and slowly but surely, he started to climb better. When they got close to the top, Rikki said, "Now, stand tall, Barnaby! I’ll jump onto your back, and you lift me up! I can reach the berries then!" Barnaby carefully stood up straight, and Rikki hopped onto his wide back. Barnaby gently lifted Rikki up, up, up!
With a little stretch, Rikki could finally reach the brightest, juiciest berries! He picked a pawful and hopped back down. "We did it!" he squeaked. "And the owl was right! When we worked together and listened to each other, it was much easier!" Barnaby smiled, no longer sleepy. "Yes," he rumbled. "And look how many berries there are! Enough for both of us!"
Rikki and Barnaby sat down together and happily shared the delicious berries they had gotten by working together. From that day on, the speedy little rabbit and the strong, sleepy bear were good friends, always ready to help and listen to each other.