In the Swamp with the Burps

In the Swamp with the Burps

Mrs. Burp lived in an old, smelly swamp. She took Thumbelina to a lily pad in a stream nearby. “ This is your new home, ” said the toad. “ I don’t like it here, ” said Thumbelina. “ Well too bad, ” said Mrs. Burp. “ You’re not going anywhere. ” Mrs. Burp disappeared into the darkness.

Thumbelina was scared. Water was all around her, and there was no way to escape. “ I miss my mother, ” she whispered, then cried herself to sleep. The next morning, Mrs. Burp was up early. She woke up her son. “ Croaky! Let’s go meet your bride, ” she said excitedly. “ Be on your best behavior. ”

Croaky blinked slowly. “ Okay, Momma. ” Thumbelina was just waking up. “ What a terrible dream! ” she said. Then she opened her eyes. The two toads were staring at her. Thumbelina stared back.

Croaky was even bigger than his mother. “ It wasn’t a dream, ” the tiny girl said sadly. “ This is Croaky, your future husband, ” Mrs. Burp said to her. “ She’s pretty, Momma, ” Croaky said. Suddenly his eyes moved. A small fly flew by. Croaky quickly stuck out a sticky tongue and ate the fly.

“ Ugh! ” said Thumbelina. “ Now get to know each other, ” said Mrs. Burp. “ I’ll be getting ready for your wedding. ” She hopped away. “ Please take me home, ” begged Thumbelina. Croaky shook his head.