Three friends hopped until they came to a pond.

“I cannot hop over a pond,” Bird said. “I must fly across and wait for you on the other side.”

“I do not see any lily pads,” said Frog, “so I cannot hop over the pond either. I must swim across.”

“I cannot hop or fly that far,” Grasshopper said. “Nor can I swim. If I am to join you, the three of us must work together.”

Grasshopper explained his plan. “Please, Bird, fly to a tree and bring back a large leaf to float on the water. While I ride on the leaf, Frog can guide it across the pond.”

Grasshopper’s plan worked perfectly. Soon the three friends were together on the other side of the pond.

“But, Grasshopper,” said Bird, “I worked to bring the leaf, and Frog worked to push it. What work did you do?”

“I thought of the plan,” Grasshopper said, laughing. “And my plan worked, for here we are, ready to hop.”

“So we are,” agreed Bird and Frog.

And so they did.