In a quiet little village by the edge of the forest, the sun was rising, and delicious smells were drifting through the air. It was festival day, and all the villagers were busy cooking a big pot of steaming hot rice right in the center of the village square.
Hidden behind a tree, Pupu the monkey was watching with wide eyes and a drooling mouth. His stomach growled louder than a drum. He licked his lips and whispered, “Just one bite… just one soft, fluffy bite of that rice!”
Pupu had a reputation. He was the village’s sneakiest little monkey, always up to some silly trick. Last time, he’d stolen a coconut and ended up stuck in a basket. Another time, he tried to take a mango and got chased by chickens.
Today, he was determined. Pupu crouched low, tiptoeing across the grass like a ninja. He hid behind a basket, then rolled under a bench, and finally climbed up a pole to get the perfect view of the rice pot.
He could see it now—steaming, fragrant, golden rice with bits of vegetables and spices. The villagers had just stepped away to bring more plates.
“This is my chance!” Pupu grinned.
He leapt from the pole, landing softly beside the pot. He reached out his little paw, eyes wide with excitement.
“Gotcha!”
Suddenly, a big rooster named Kiki puffed up his chest and flapped his wings, right in front of Pupu. The monkey squeaked, slipped, and fell headfirst into a pile of flower decorations!
Everyone turned to see a dizzy, flower-covered Pupu blinking up at the sky.
The villagers laughed and clapped. “That silly monkey tried again!”
One kind grandmother scooped a small bowl of rice and handed it to him.
Pupu sat up, grinning, and finally took his first bite. “Worth it!” he said with his mouth full.
