The Bear and the Beehive

    By João Paulo

    The Bear and the Beehive cover image

    15 Aug, 2023

    Once upon a time, in a lush green forest lived a curious and adventurous bear. His name was Benji.

    Benji loved the forest. He enjoyed playing with the fallen leaves, taking dips in the cool streams, and chasing his own shadow.

    One day, while exploring, he caught a whiff of a delicious and enticing smell. It was a smell Benji had never experienced before.

    He followed the smell until he came upon a large beehive hanging from a tree.

    Benji was excited about the new discovery. He quickly realized that the sweet smell was coming from the beehive.

    He knew there was delicious honey inside the beehive. However, the buzzing bees told him that getting to it wouldn't be easy.

    Now, Benji was not a bear to back down from a challenge. He decided right then to figure out a way to taste that sweet honey.

    First, he tried to reach the beehive by climbing the tree. Yet, his size and weight made it impossible.

    Next, he tried to shake the tree to let the beehive fall. But it was too strong for him.

    Benji was determined. He sat down to think of another way. It was then that he spotted something unusual.

    It was a long, straight branch lying at a distance. Light bulb! Benji had a plan.

    He used his strong paws and jaws to pick up the branch. Then he carefully reached up to the beehive.

    The beehive wobbled, the bees buzzed louder, but they didn't sting him. The honey started to drip down.

    A big smile appeared on Benji's face. He tasted the sweetest honey he had ever eaten and it was worth the effort.

    The bees, realizing that Benji wasn't a threat, continued their work, and Benji made sure not to disturb them too much.

    From that day on, Benji had a special bond with the beehive. He would visit them regularly, always ensuring not to take too much honey.

    The bees too began to recognise him. They wouldn't buzzy as loudly when they saw him, almost as if greeting an old friend.

    Benji informed his animal friends about his new bond with the beehive and shared the honey with them.

    News of his deed spread across the forest, and Benji became the forest's beloved hero.

    Years later, little forest animals would still hear the tale of the brave and clever bear and his sweet honey adventure.

    Benji's story was more than just a tale. It taught them that with determination and respect for nature, one could overcome any challenge.

    Benji's story became a legend in the forest. His tale of bravery and wisdom, paired with his sweet tooth, were passed down from generation to generation.

    And so, the bear and the beehive became symbols of courage, intelligence, and harmony within the forest.

    The forest remained lively and peaceful; its inhabitants continued to share and learn from each other, just like Benji did with the bees.

    As for Benji, he still visits his old friends at the beehive, sharing honey and stories, forever a part of the forest's legacy.

    Each visit reminds him of that day, the taste of the first honey drop, and his enduring bond with the bees.

    So whether you're a small bee, a big bear, or any creature in between, remember that respect and determination can build extraordinary friendships.

    Benji's tale of courage and respect continues to resonate and inspire all creatures of the forest.

    His story continues to echo through the woods, bringing joy and wisdom to everyone who hears it.

    And that's the story of Benji, the bear who loved honey and the bees who made it possible.

    The forest is filled with stories like these, and each one carries its own magic, just waiting to be discovered.

    So next time you visit a forest or a park, take a moment to listen, for you never know what fantastic tale you might uncover.

    Benji and the beehive, a tale of a bear's curiosity, determination, and the sweet taste of success. A tale that will continue to inspire many generations to come.