The Little Drum and the Big Pause
Author: YouAndWorld Editorial · Source: YouAndWorld original read-aloud collection, October 2026 · Adapted by YouAndWorld
Bear loved his new drum. Boom, boom, boom! He played through the meadow concert.
Mouse’s flute could not be heard. Bird’s song disappeared beneath the booming.
“Listen to my loudest part!” Bear said.
Owl raised a wing. “Could your drum make room for a quiet part?”
Bear stopped. Mouse played three clear notes. Bird answered with a little trill.
Bear tapped once. Then he waited. Tap, flute, song, pause.
The music sounded different now. Bear could hear everyone, including himself.
When they finished, the meadow was quiet for a moment. Then the audience clapped.
“My favorite part was the pause,” Bear said. “That is where I heard my friends.”
He lifted his drumsticks for the next tune and watched for Mouse’s nod.
Moral of the Story
Taking turns helps every voice belong.
Questions to Discuss
- Why could no one hear Mouse?
- What happened when Bear paused?
- Where else is taking turns useful?
The Lion and the Mouse
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