The Cat's Monkey Misadventure

The Cat's Monkey Misadventure



Once, the Bushcat family - Mother, Father, and Baby - observed a monkey as he engaged in various activities such as drinking nectar, eating fruits, grooming his friends, and swinging through the branches while making loud noises. The monkey was known for his mischievous antics. After repeatedly having to put Baby Bushcat back in their den, Mother Bushcat commented, "It's easy for some."


"Monkeys have it easy," Father Bushcat said as he stretched and yawned.

Baby Bushcat then asked, "Mommy, can I be a monkey when I grow up?"

Mother Bushcat laughed and replied, "You wish you were a monkey, but no sweetie. You were born a bushcat and will always be a bushcat. That's the way of the jungle."

Baby Bushcat protested, "That's not fair! I bet the monkeys would let me join them if I asked nicely."


"Well, you can try, dear. But I'm sure you'll change your mind," Mother Bushcat said, certain that her baby would soon abandon his desire to become a monkey.

But Baby Bushcat did not forget his dream, and as soon as he was old enough to venture out on his own, with strict instructions to stay close and return before dark, he set out to find the monkeys. He soon came across a monkey sitting by a banana tree.

"Hello, Mr. Monkey, I'm Baby Bushcat, nice to meet you," Baby Bushcat said.

"Nice to meet you too, Baby Bushcat," the monkey said as he peeled a banana.


"I've watched you play, and I want to be a monkey too, if I can," Baby Bushcat said.

"Well, it's not easy for a Baby Bushcat to become a monkey," the monkey said.

"Please, please let me be a monkey. I really, really want to be one. I'll never forget you if you help me, and I'll always groom you whenever you ask," Baby Bushcat pleaded.

"Alright then," the monkey said. "We monkeys appreciate enthusiasm. If you truly want to be a monkey, first you must learn to groom me. I have an itch right in the middle, but be gentle with your claws."

Baby Bushcat groomed the monkey's back, and the monkey said, "Ahh, that's perfect. Can I be a monkey now?"


"Wait, not so fast. Next, you must learn to harvest bananas. Climb that tree and bring me some."

Without hesitation, Baby Bushcat climbed the tree and plucked six bananas with his claws, then jumped back down to the forest floor and said, "I did it! I got some bananas. Can I be a monkey now? Please!"

"Hold on, not yet. We need to fix that tail of yours first," the monkey said.

"What's wrong with my tail? I have a good tail, don't I?" Baby Bushcat asked.

"It's a decent tail for a baby bushcat, but it's not long enough for a monkey," the monkey said.

"What can I do?"


"Alright then, but are you sure this is necessary for me to become a monkey?" asked Baby Bushcat hesitantly.

"Absolutely," replied the monkey as he tied Baby Bushcat's tail to a branch. "It may be uncomfortable for a bit, but trust me, it's all part of the process."

"Okay," said Baby Bushcat, trying to be optimistic. "I'll trust you and go along with it."


"I'm sorry, Baby Bushcat," said the monkey, as he returned from his laughter and saw the tears in the young cat's eyes. "I shouldn't have played such a cruel trick on you. The truth is, you can never truly be a monkey, as you were born a bushcat and that's what you'll always be. I apologize for leading you on and causing you pain." The monkey untied Baby Bushcat's tail and helped him down from the branch. "But," he continued, "you can still learn from us monkeys, and we can learn from you. Why don't we be friends and have fun together?" Baby Bushcat, still feeling a bit disappointed but also relieved, agreed to be friends with the monkey. From that day on, they would often play and learn from each other, respecting and celebrating their differences.

Baby Bushcat's tail was in immense pain, tears streaming down his face. He cried out for his mother. Eventually, his mother came to find him and quickly set him free from the vines. "Who tied your tail to that branch?" She asked. Baby Bushcat, still sobbing, replied, "The monkey."

"And do you still want to become a monkey?" She asked. "No, I don't. Monkeys play mean tricks," he replied.

"Well, you've learned a valuable lesson today," said Mother Bushcat. From that day on, Baby Bushcat was content with being a Bushcat, just like his father. And when he had his own babies, he always reminded them to be mindful of the monkeys, but to never want to be one.

THE END

Understanding the Story (Comprehension)

1. Who are the main characters in the story?
Answer: Baby Bushcat, Mother Bushcat, Father Bushcat, and the monkey.

2. What kinds of things did the monkey do that made Baby Bushcat admire him?
Answer: The monkey drank nectar, ate fruits, groomed friends, swung in trees, made loud noises, and seemed to have fun.

3. Why did Baby Bushcat want to become a monkey?
Answer: He thought monkeys had an easy and fun life and wanted to be like them.

4. What tasks did the monkey ask Baby Bushcat to do?
Answer: Groom the monkey, collect bananas, and try to change his tail.

Feelings and Emotions

5. How did Baby Bushcat feel when his parents said he could not be a monkey?
Answer: He felt upset and thought it was unfair.

6. How do you think Baby Bushcat felt when his tail was tied to the branch?
Answer: He felt scared, hurt, and sad.

7. How did Baby Bushcat feel at the end of the story?
Answer: He felt relieved, wiser, and content being a bushcat.

Choices and Consequences

8. Was it a good idea for Baby Bushcat to trust the monkey right away? Why or why not?
Answer: No, because he didn’t know the monkey well and got hurt as a result.

9. What lesson did Baby Bushcat learn from this experience?
Answer: He learned to be careful about wanting to be someone else and to appreciate who he is.

10. What could Baby Bushcat have done differently?
Answer: He could have listened to his parents or stayed closer to home.

Themes and Life Lessons

11. What does this story teach us about being ourselves?
Answer: It teaches us that it’s okay to be who we are and that we don’t need to change to be happy.

12. What does the story teach about peer pressure or wanting to fit in?
Answer: It shows that trying to be like others just to fit in can sometimes lead to trouble.

13. Why is it important to respect differences between ourselves and others?
Answer: Because everyone has their own strengths, and we can learn from each other without trying to change who we are.

Personal Reflection (Open-Ended)

14. Have you ever wanted to be like someone else? How did that make you feel?
Answer: Yes, I wanted to be like a friend who was good at sports. It made me feel a little sad, but I learned I’m good at other things.

15. What are some things that make you special, just the way you are?
Answer: I’m kind, I like to draw, and I’m good at helping others.

 

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