Hippos Butter Not Fly (But Butterflies Do!)

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

“Oh… butterflies!” Hannah gasped.

Hundreds of colorful butterflies floated over the grassy meadow where the little hippos were resting.

Hannah hopped right into the middle of them, clapping her hands with joy.

But the butterflies fluttered away.

“Come back! I want to see you!” Hannah called.

She spun around, searching the air. That’s when she spotted Harley.

Five big butterflies sat right on Harley’s nose! Harley stood as still as a rock, her eyes sparkling.

“Butterflies!” Hannah shouted, and she ran toward her friend.

Harold and Henry jumped in front of her.

“Slow down,” Harold warned. “You’ll scare them.”

Henry nodded. “See how still Harley is? If you want butterflies to like you, you have to be still too.”

Hannah looked at Harley. She looked at the butterflies.

Then Henry grinned. “Hippos aren’t meant to fly,” he said, “but butterflies are.”

Then—“A-choo!” Harley sneezed!

The butterflies lifted into the air and flew away.

Hannah plopped down on the soft grass and stayed perfectly still, her nose pointed toward the sky.

She waited.

Soon, three butterflies danced in the air above her head. One by one, they landed—right on her nose!

Hannah’s heart thumped with excitement. She didn’t move a muscle.

Her friends tiptoed closer.

“Hannah,” Harley whispered, “you’re a butterfly tamer!”

Hannah grinned. “Good things happen when you wait.”

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Julie Hagel