10 A Better Idea

10 A BETTER IDEA Morning sunlight warmed the woods. Birdsong filled the air. No time at all had passed in Frog Creek. "We have just enough time to get back to recess," said Jack. "Good," said Annie. They climbed down the rope ladder and started through the woods. "That was an amazing adventure," said Annie. "Yeah, it really was," said Jack. He stopped. "But wait… did it really happen? I mean that prehistoric rhino?" "What? You're asking that now?" said Annie. "After a million trips in the magic tree house?" Jack laughed and kept walking. "Yeah, but it was so incredible." "It was real," said Annie. "We had eyewitnesses. Rosie, Rosita, Speedy. And the poachers!"

"Oh, yeah," said Jack, "sure." He shook his head. "Great witnesses." "Seriously," said Annie. "Hey, I have a question," said Jack. "Before you gave Speedy to the rangers, what were you two whispering about?" "I said, Be good, and don't tell anyone our secret," said Annie. "Oh, yeah?" said Jack, smiling. "And what did Speedy answer?" "Well. You know Speedy," said Annie. "He said, Forget it. Of course I'm going to tell the other bush babies and the zebras, wildebeests, lions, elephants, frogs, mosquitoes, and—" "Okay, okay," said Jack. He smiled. "—and all things in the grasslands," Annie added. "And I said, Yes, tell them all. And he said, They'll love the story. And furthermore—" "Okay!" said Jack, laughing. "Enough." Jack and Annie came out of the Frog Creek woods and started down the street toward their school. "Hold on," said Annie. "Are you sure we don't have time to run home real fast and get the folder for my project?"

"I'm sure," said Jack. "There's no way we can go there and then get back to school on time." "Darn," said Annie. "Remember you made a choice," said Jack. "Right. I did," said Annie. They passed the library and church. "So what will you tell your teacher about your science project?" said Jack. Annie frowned. "I'll just have to say I couldn't find my folder of pictures." "I have a better idea," said Jack. "What?" He felt in his back pocket. The booklet from the Safari Ride was still there. He pulled it out and held it up. "Show this to your class," he said. "Tell them about rhinos. And tell them about prehistoric rhinos. Tell them that present-day rhinos might disappear from the earth. Tell them that brave rangers, like Shani and Jomo, are trying to save them. Tell them the sad things and then the good things. That's your science project." "Wow," Annie breathed. She took the booklet from Jack. "I really do have something to say." "You have something huge to say," said Jack.

"I hope everyone listens," said Annie. "They will. If you tell it the right way," said Jack. By now, they were at the edge of the playground. The kids were still shouting and tossing balls and running races. "Thanks, Jack," said Annie. "Good luck," said Jack. Then the bell rang. Recess was over.