Leo Learns to Roar

Leo was a tiny lion cub. He lived on the warm, grassy plains.

Leo loved his father very much. His father had a grand, golden mane.

Every morning, Father Lion stood on a high rock. He opened his jaws wide.

"ROAR!" shook the tall trees. The birds flew into the blue sky.

Leo sat in the soft grass. He wanted to make a big sound, too.

Leo puffed out his little furry chest. He stood up as tall as he could.

He opened his mouth wide. "Squeak!" came out instead.

Leo looked at his small paws. He felt very sad.

Father Lion walked down from the big rock. He gave Leo a gentle nudge with his nose.

"Do not worry, little one," said Father Lion. "Roaring takes lots of time and practice."

"How do I start?" asked Leo. He blinked his big brown eyes.

"First, plant your feet firmly on the ground," Father said. "Next, take a very deep breath into your tummy."

Leo pushed his paws into the warm dirt. He took a huge breath of morning air.

"Now, do not just make a sound in your throat," Father smiled. "Let it rumble all the way up from your heart."

Leo felt the air inside his chest. He lifted his chin high.

He pushed the air out with all his might. "Grrr-RUMBLE!" Leo yelled.

It was not a tiny squeak this time. It was a brave, proud little roar.

The butterflies fluttered above the green grass. Father Lion smiled down at his son.

"That was wonderful!" Father Lion purred. "You are growing stronger every single day."

Leo leaped into the air with joy. He could not wait to practice again tomorrow.