The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse
A city mouse and a country mouse visit each other's homes and learn that everyone loves their own home best.
Benny Town-Mouse loved his cozy city home, where the streets buzzed and there were always crumbs to find. One morning, a letter arrived from his friend Toby Country-Mouse: “Come play on the green grass!” Benny wiggled with excitement, packed his tiniest scarf, and headed off on the train.
Toby greeted him with a huge country smile. The grass was soft, the sky was big, and the air smelled sweet. Toby’s house wasn’t fancy—just a tunnel under a tree with soft leaves for a bed. Breakfast was plump berries and crunchy nuts. Benny tasted a blackberry. It burst with juice, but it was so sticky, it tickled his whiskers!
Out in the fields, Benny tried to keep up. Butterflies fluttered, bees hummed, and a sleepy snail slowed them down. Toby giggled when Benny jumped over a worm. Benny missed his city puddles and the noises, but he liked the wide blue sky and the warm sunshine.
Night came quickly in the country. The burrow was dark and quiet. Benny snuggled close, but the strange sounds kept him awake—an owl hooted, and the wind whispered through the grass. Benny dreamed of twinkly city lights and his squeaky city bed.
In the morning, Benny thanked Toby. “Your home is fun, but it’s so different! I miss my city.” Toby smiled, “I like it here, but I’d love to see your city.” With big hugs, Benny headed home, looking forward to his busy streets and crumbly city treats.
A week later, Toby visited the city. He peeked from Benny’s window at the zooming cars and twinkling lights. They had a picnic of crackers and tiny cubes of cheese. Toby tasted everything, but the city sounds made his nose twitch. At night, he missed the darkness and quiet of his home.
Soon it was time for Toby to go. “Your city is amazing, but I like my country grass best,” Toby said. Benny agreed. They hugged one more time and promised to visit again.
Home is where you feel happiest, and friends make every place special.
Toby greeted him with a huge country smile. The grass was soft, the sky was big, and the air smelled sweet. Toby’s house wasn’t fancy—just a tunnel under a tree with soft leaves for a bed. Breakfast was plump berries and crunchy nuts. Benny tasted a blackberry. It burst with juice, but it was so sticky, it tickled his whiskers!
Out in the fields, Benny tried to keep up. Butterflies fluttered, bees hummed, and a sleepy snail slowed them down. Toby giggled when Benny jumped over a worm. Benny missed his city puddles and the noises, but he liked the wide blue sky and the warm sunshine.
Night came quickly in the country. The burrow was dark and quiet. Benny snuggled close, but the strange sounds kept him awake—an owl hooted, and the wind whispered through the grass. Benny dreamed of twinkly city lights and his squeaky city bed.
In the morning, Benny thanked Toby. “Your home is fun, but it’s so different! I miss my city.” Toby smiled, “I like it here, but I’d love to see your city.” With big hugs, Benny headed home, looking forward to his busy streets and crumbly city treats.
A week later, Toby visited the city. He peeked from Benny’s window at the zooming cars and twinkling lights. They had a picnic of crackers and tiny cubes of cheese. Toby tasted everything, but the city sounds made his nose twitch. At night, he missed the darkness and quiet of his home.
Soon it was time for Toby to go. “Your city is amazing, but I like my country grass best,” Toby said. Benny agreed. They hugged one more time and promised to visit again.
Home is where you feel happiest, and friends make every place special.
