Birthday parties can be fun, but getting a gift can be stressful. Usually you end up buying the person something you would like yourself.

 George Monkey was having a problem because he needed a gift and didn't know what to get. This weekend was Snap Crocodile's birthday.

 Snap Crocodile was a kind fellow who got along with everyone. Hearing he was having a birthday party brought joy to all. It would be a grand time, one to talk about around the water hole for weeks.

 "What are you getting Snap Crocodile?" asked Muriel Monkey, swinging by on a vine.

 "I haven't decided yet. Do you know what Snap Crocodile's interests are?" asked George Monkey, hoping to come up with an idea.

 "What else but rock 'n' roll music?" asked Muriel Monkey. "You hear his loud music all the time. Duh!"

 George Monkey shrugged. He should have known that! Snap Crocodile's music was sometimes at a good ten decibels. Everyone knew he liked rock 'n' roll.

 What could he get? He thought and thought and suddenly decided on a guitar. He would be loved by all the animals, as he would get a quiet guitar, not a loud, noisy one.

 George Monkey went to the mall and saw Charlie Lion, who owned the local music shop.

 "How much is a quiet guitar?" asked George Monkey, holding his allowance of $5.35.

 "One fifty," said Charlie Lion holding up a beautiful shiny guitar.

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 "Sold!" said George Monkey, counting out a loonie and two quarters.

 "One hundred and fifty, George!" said Charlie Lion.

 "Oh! I didn't think it would be that much," said George Monkey, trotting out of the store.

 Everything George Monkey tried to buy was too expensive. A CD was $l5 and an album was the same. He couldn't go to the party without a gift. He put on his thinking cap again.

 The day of the party arrived and rock 'n' roll music poured over the jungle.There was lots of food, everyone danced and had a great time.

 Snap Crocodile received present after present, which he opened and acknowledged. He opened George Monkey's present last and everyone gasped in surprise.

 "I knew you loved rock 'n' roll, so I got you a pet rock and a big roll from Nola's Bakery," said George Monkey proudly.

 Snap Crocodile ate the roll immediately and said he had never had a pet rock before. He liked this smooth rock very much.

 George Monkey danced the night away to the rock'n'roll.

 Question about the story: How much was the guitar?

 Winner:  Shyanne Dorey of RR3, Mahone Bay received her prize in the mail.

 Send answers to Storytime, c/o Verna Dunlop RR#1 Moser River, NS BOJ 2KO or e-mail the answer to the question to vernadunlop@yahoo.com. Prizes will be sent to those sending in the answer.

posted on 09/15/09