Most of the animals had their noses pressed against the fence as the ticket gate allowed the visitors to enter. Little mouths were watering as they anticipated the treats the visitors would bring. There were cups at the ticket booth, that for a quarter, could be filled with goodies the animals enjoyed. Most of the visitors took advantage of this chance to feed the smaller animals. Big signs warned that for larger animals, to fill the little feed containers provided in front of their cages, rather than feed by hand.

 The animals' smiles were as sunny as the day, and the visitors rushed to pat their little heads, where allowed. Even the bears and lions rushed to eat from their containers, that was, except Brett Bear.

 Anthony Lion was posing for another picture when he noticed Brett Bear standing with his back to the entrance of his cage.

 "You have to turn around to get your best side," teased Anthony Lion.

 "I don't want any pictures taken of me," growled Brett Bear.

 "Don't be so silly! Turn around and you will get lots of treats," said the lion posing to show his muscles to the best advantage. His smile was spread from ear to ear.

 "I don't want any treats from anyone today," said Brett Bear, twisting his face all scrunched up, which wasn't pretty.

 "Well, aren't we crabby today?" asked Anthony Lion, getting down on one knee and flexing his muscles on his opposite arm.

 "We aren't anything! You seem to be fine," said Brett Bear with both paws made into fists.

 Everyone that came near Brett Bear's cage that day, remarked about how crabby this bear was and then left. Very few took pictures and none left treats in the container provided.

 "What's your problem today?" asked the owner, coming to the cage and looking at the bear. "Turn around like a good fellow and stop being so cranky!"

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 "That's me, one crabby bear!" growled Brett Bear. "Get used to it!"

 "Is that bear always crabby like that?" asked a reporter. "This will make a great story. Crabbiest bear in North America has an attitude problem. Can I take a picture of him for the paper?"

 "Why not?" said the owner, shrugging his shoulders.

 "Is that what you want?" pleaded Anthony Lion. "Your picture will be spread all over the paper with a crabby face and even more people will be coming to see one crabby bear. Think about it before he takes that picture."

 Brett Bear thought of all the cameras and name calling. Maybe this attitude of his wasn't a great idea after all.

 "Look crabby for the paper!" said the newsman, looking into the camera lens.

 Brett Bear smiled his best smile and wouldn't stop until the newsman left, shaking his head. "He must have been having a bad day!" he said to the owner.

 Brett Bear smiled and smiled as a lady put treats in his container. Who was crabby? Not him!

 Question about the story: What problem did the newspaper man think the crabbiest bear in North America had?

 Send answers to Storytime, c/o Verna Dunlop, RR#1 Moser River, NS B0J 2K0 or e-mail the answer to the question to vernadunlop@yahoo.com. Prizes will be sent to those sending in the answer.

posted on 06/15/10