Tommy wandered along the narrow path, his freckled face alight with curiosity. Despite the vibrant hues of the forest, a shadow of doubt lingered in his eyes. Reading, the key to his dream adventures, was a challenge he couldn't quite conquer. "I wish I could read like the other kids," he murmured, his voice barely louder than the rustling leaves.
Benny, a stout and sturdy donkey with large, expressive eyes, appeared at the edge of the clearing. He seemed to sense Tommy's struggle and trotted over with a friendly, wise demeanor. "Hello there, young adventurer," he greeted warmly, nudging Tommy's hand with his soft nose. Tommy blinked in surprise, then smiled shyly. "Hi, Benny. I wish I could read the stories about this forest," he admitted.
Benny led Tommy to the signpost. "Start small, my friend. Try reading this," he encouraged. Tommy squinted at the letters, his fingers tracing the words slowly. "E-n-c-h-a-n-t-e-d F-o-r-e-s-t," he sounded out, his face lighting up with triumph. Benny nodded approvingly. "Very good, Tommy! Each word is a stepping stone to an adventure," he said.
With newfound confidence, Tommy followed Benny deeper into the forest. They stumbled upon a secret glade, where an old book lay half-buried under leaves. Tommy picked it up, eyes wide with wonder. Benny looked on with pride. "Shall we read together?" he suggested. Tommy nodded eagerly, flipping open the cover to reveal pages filled with enchanting tales.
Tommy settled beside Benny, the book open on his lap. With each word he read aloud, the forest seemed to come alive with magic. "Once upon a time," he began, his voice growing stronger and more confident with each sentence. Benny listened intently, occasionally nodding or offering a gentle nudge of encouragement.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Tommy closed the book with a satisfied sigh. "Thank you, Benny. I never knew reading could be so much fun," he said, his eyes shining with gratitude. Benny smiled, his large eyes twinkling in the dimming light. "Remember, every story is a journey. And with each book, you'll travel further and further," he replied. Together, they walked back to the village, the promise of many more adventures ahead.
