Timmy the giraffe lived in the savannah. He was so tall he could reach the very top of the tallest acacia tree. The other animals often asked for his help, but Timmy just laughed.
"Grow taller!" he'd say. "I'm too busy!"
One morning, Timmy woke up and stretched. He wanted to eat his favorite leaves—but ouch! Something pinched his neck. He tried to turn left. He tried to turn right. No luck. His neck was stuck!
"Help!" cried Timmy. "Somebody, please!"
Mila the zebra came running. "What's wrong, Timmy?"
"I can't turn my neck! I can't reach the leaves! I'm hungry!"
Mila jumped and jumped, but she was too short. Along came Boingy the kangaroo. "I'll try!" He leaped high, high up—but still couldn't reach the branches.
Timmy sat down on the ground. His neck hurt, and he felt sad. Tears rolled down his long neck. "This is so hard," he whispered. "I guess this is how others felt when I wouldn't help them."
Then something fluttered above his head. Chirpy, a tiny bird, landed on his ear. "I heard you crying," she chirped softly. "I felt sorry for you. I'll bring you some leaves!"
Off she flew to the acacia, plucked the juiciest leaf with her beak, and brought it to Timmy. Then another. And another.
The leaves were small, but oh so tasty! Timmy ate slowly and thought: such a tiny bird, and she cared. She saw he was hurt and came to help.
By evening, Timmy's neck felt better. He turned his head gently—yes, it worked!
The next morning, as the sun peeked over the hill, Timmy stood by the acacia tree. Carefully, he picked leaves and made a little pile.
"These are for Mila," he said softly. "And these for Boingy. And these juicy ones for Chirpy and her babies."
When everyone woke up, they found fresh leaves by their doorways. And Timmy the giraffe stood nearby, smiling.
Chirpy flew onto his shoulder and sang softly, "Thank you, Timmy."
Timmy didn't say anything. He just nodded and went on his way, handing out breakfast to others.
The savannah felt quiet and cozy. All the animals ate together, and the sun shone so warmly, as if it were smiling down on them.