Once upon a time in a bustling city, there was a friendly, bright blue bus named Benny. Benny loved his job, whisking children and adults around town, but he had one important rule: no one was allowed to drive him except his trusty bus driver, Mr. Anderson.
One sunny morning, Mr. Anderson took a short break, leaving Benny parked by the playground. As the children played, a mischievous pigeon named Percy flew over, intrigued by the colorful bus. Percy had heard from his friends that driving a bus could be the most exhilarating adventure imaginable.
“Hey, bus! Can I drive you?” Percy asked, flapping his wings excitedly.
Benny chuckled, “Oh no, little pigeon! It’s not that easy. I need a trained driver to keep everyone safe!”
But Percy was persistent. “Come on! Just for a minute! I promise I won’t crash! I’ve seen enough humans do it, so I know what to do!”
Benny shook his bus body. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, Percy, but there are rules for a reason. If you drive me, it could cause chaos!”
Ignoring Benny’s wise words, Percy climbed onto the driver’s seat and took the wheel in his tiny wings. “Look! I’m doing it! I’m driving!” he cawed gleefully.
But as soon as he turned the wheel, Benny rolled forward! The bus lurched down the street, surprising everyone. Children ran to the side, and grown-ups gasped. “Help! Someone stop that bus!” they shouted.
Panicking, Percy flapped his wings wildly, trying to regain control. “Uh-oh! This wasn’t part of the plan!” he squawked. The bus zigzagged through the streets, honking at cars and nearly bumping into trees.
“Percy, you must listen to me! Pull over!” Benny called out, trying to stay calm. “Just ease off the wheel gently!”
With a deep breath, Percy remembered Benny’s words. He carefully loosened his grip and let the bus slow down. Miraculously, they came to a stop right in front of a playground filled with children. They cheered, clapping for Benny and Percy’s wild ride.
Mr. Anderson returned just in time to see the chaos. “Percy, I told you, driving a bus is a serious job!” he said, trying to hold back laughter.
Realizing the danger he had caused, Percy apologized sincerely. “I just wanted to have a little fun, but I should have listened. I promise to never try driving again without knowing how!”
Benny smiled kindly. “It’s okay, Percy. We all make mistakes. Just remember, driving is a big responsibility. There’s a time for fun, and a time for safety.”
From that day on, Percy became Benny’s honorary helper, reminding everyone to follow the rules and letting them know just how fun it could be to ride along with a bus instead of trying to drive it!
Follow-up Questions:
- What do you think are some important lessons about responsibility and safety that Percy learned from his experience?
- How might Percy share his adventure with other pigeons to ensure they understand the importance of rules?
- If you were in Percy’s position, what would you have done differently to avoid the chaos?