Monkey Baby Bon Bon was known throughout the jungle for two things: an unshakable curiosity and an ability to find trouble even in the safest places. With his tiny hands, bright eyes, and boundless energy, he was always ready for a new adventure. One sunny morning, as golden rays seeped through the canopy, Bon Bon decided he wanted a sweet snack—something special, something delicious, something… sticky.
That was when he spotted it.
High up in a tall kapok tree hung a massive beehive, glistening like a treasure chest made of honey. Bees buzzed in and out of it, busy with their important tasks. Bon Bon’s mouth watered at the sight. “Just one taste,” he whispered to himself. “One teeny tiny taste!”
He scampered up the tree, his tail swishing with excitement. The closer he got, the stronger the sweet smell became. The hive hummed like a living drum, vibrating gently in the warm air. Bon Bon reached out a cautious hand—but he froze when he heard a stern voice below.
“Bon Bon!” It was Tika the toucan, flapping her wings urgently. “Do NOT touch that beehive. The bees will not appreciate a monkey messing with their home!”
“But I just want a little lick,” Bon Bon pleaded.
Tika shook her colorful beak. “A little lick is all it takes to start a big problem.”
Bon Bon hesitated. He knew Tika was usually right… but the honey looked so good. And besides, he wouldn’t take much. Just a fingertip’s worth!
He leaned forward and tapped the hive.
Instantly, the entire thing wobbled. A deep rumble sounded from within, like thousands of tiny engines revving up. Bon Bon’s eyes widened. “Uh-oh.”
The bees burst out in a golden cloud, buzzing furiously. Bon Bon squeaked and scrambled down the tree, swinging branch to branch with desperate speed. The swarm followed closely behind, forming a shimmering, angry storm.
“Run, Bon Bon!” Tika cried, flying above him.
Bon Bon darted through the jungle, dodging vines and leaping over roots. He zipped past a herd of deer, startled a family of mud-loving pigs, and nearly crashed into a sleeping leopard. Through it all, the bees buzzed right behind him, determined to protect their hive.
Finally, Bon Bon spotted the river. Without a second thought, he leaped in with a splash. Cool water closed over his head as the bees hovered above, annoyed but unwilling to follow him into the depths. After a moment, the swarm dispersed back to their hive.
When Bon Bon surfaced, dripping and exhausted, Tika landed nearby with an exasperated sigh.
“I warned you,” she said. “Bees aren’t toys, and honey isn’t free.”
Bon Bon nodded sheepishly. “I know… I’m sorry.”
Tika softened. “You’re lucky you’re fast. Next time, ask before poking things full of bees.”
They walked back to the jungle together, Bon Bon a little wiser—and a lot less sticky than he expected to be. And though the glimmering hive remained tempting, he decided honey tasted better when it wasn’t chased by a swarm of furious bees.
