Once upon a time there was a turtle named Mr. Turtle who lived in Marysville Forest. One day Mr. Turtle got invited to a picnic. Mr. Turtle had to bring a watermelon and this meant that he had to go to the market. So Mr. Turtle went to the market to select a watermelon, though he wasn’t sure how to pick one out. “How do I tell which one is ready to eat?” Mr. Turtle thought. “I need to ask for help.”Just then Mr. Turtle noticed Ducky, the store owner nearby. “Ducky, can you help me select a watermelon for a picnic?” asked Mr. Turtle. “Why, yes!” replied Ducky. “I would be glad to help you.” “Here’s how you pick out a watermelon.” Ducky told Mr. Turtle as he picked up a big watermelon. “You select a watermelon, hold it up to your ear and tap on it. If it sounds empty, it’s ready to eat!” “Oh,” said Mr. Turtle. “I will try!” Mr. Turtle selected a watermelon and held it up to his ear and tapped on it. “Does it sound empty?” asked Ducky. “Yes, I think it does,” replied Mr. Turtle. “Why then, it’s ready to eat!” Ducky told Mr. Turtle. “You can take it to your picnic today.” “Thank you for all your help, Ducky,” Mr. Turtle said and shook Ducky’s wing. Then he headed to the checkout lane to buy his watermelon. After Mr. Turtle had left the market he walked to the picnic to meet his friends. “Hi, Mr. Turtle!” cried Melanie the Squirrel when she saw Mr. Turtle. “Are you here for the picnic?” “Yes, I am and I have the watermelon you asked for,” said Mr. Turtle as he handed Melanie the fruit. “Thank you, Mr. Turtle,” Melanie said as she took the watermelon. Then Mr. Turtle and Melanie sat down with all their friends and enjoyed the picnic!

THE END…