In a dense, lush jungle filled with towering trees, colorful birds, and chattering wildlife, a tiny monkey named Coco clung tightly to a branch. Normally, Coco was the liveliest creature in the jungle, swinging from tree to tree with unmatched energy. But today was different. Today, something was wrong.
The other animals noticed right away. Rico the parrot, always full of gossip, flew down and landed beside Coco.
“Coco, why are you just sitting there? You’re usually swinging around and playing tricks on everyone!” Rico squawked, tilting his head in concern.
Coco blinked slowly and let out a small, tired sigh. His tiny hands, usually so quick and nimble, barely gripped the branch beneath him. His fur, usually sleek and shiny, looked a little ruffled. Something was definitely wrong.
Sasha the squirrel scurried up the tree trunk to join them. “You don’t look so good, Coco,” she said. “Did you eat something bad?”
Coco shook his head. “I don’t know… I just feel… tired.”
Word spread quickly through the jungle. Soon, Tiko the toucan, Benny the bear cub, and even wise old Grandfather Tortoise had gathered around the tree. Everyone was worried about the tiny monkey. What could be wrong?
“We should figure out what happened,” said Benny, his round little face scrunched in thought. “Let’s think back to yesterday. What did you do, Coco?”
Coco tried to remember. “Well… I woke up early and played with Sasha. Then I had breakfast—some delicious bananas. After that, I raced through the treetops with the other monkeys. Then I found a big mango tree, so I ate a few mangos. Then I had a coconut. Then…”
Coco trailed off. The other animals were staring at him.
“Coco,” Sasha said slowly, “did you eat all of that by yourself?”
Coco nodded. “I was hungry!”
Rico let out a loud squawk. “That’s too much food, you silly monkey! No wonder you don’t feel good!”
Grandfather Tortoise, who had been listening patiently, gave a slow nod. “Too much of a good thing can still be too much, little one. Your tummy needs rest, just like the rest of you.”
Coco’s eyes widened. “So… I just ate too much?”
Sasha giggled. “Yep! That’s probably why you’re feeling sluggish. Your tummy is working hard to digest all that food.”
Relieved to know that it wasn’t something more serious, the animals quickly sprang into action. Benny gathered some soft leaves to make a comfortable resting spot for Coco. Rico flapped his wings and fanned him with a gentle breeze. Sasha even brought over some fresh water from the nearby stream.
Coco lay down on the soft bed of leaves and sighed in contentment. “Thanks, everyone. I think I just need to rest.”
The animals stayed close, keeping Coco company as he napped in the warm jungle air. By the time the sun began to set, Coco woke up feeling much better. He stretched his tiny arms and smiled.
“I feel great! I think I learned something important today.”
“What’s that?” Benny asked.
Coco grinned. “Even when something is really good, I shouldn’t have too much at once!”
The animals all laughed, and Sasha playfully nudged Coco. “That’s right! And next time, maybe share some of that delicious food with us!”
From that day on, Coco was more mindful about his eating. And though he still loved to swing, play, and have fun, he always remembered to take care of himself too. The jungle returned to its usual lively state, but the animals never forgot the day they all came together to help their tiny monkey friend feel better.
And if you ever visit that jungle, you might still hear Rico telling the story of Coco and the day he ate a little too much!
