The toad who stopped the rain

A fairy tale

The toad who stopped the rain

Once there was a pond of still, clear water, hidden out of sight. 

Under the water lived creatures of all shapes and sizes. There 

were fish, newts, frogs, eels and others with no name at all. All

of them called this place home and lived happily in their way. 

The creatures of the pond were so content that they never felt 

the need to leave the water.They would often gather to watch 

the sun, moon and stars through the glassy surface, filled with 

wonder at the world above. 

One day great drops of water came falling from the sky without 

warning. The creatures panicked as the heavy rain battered on the

pond, churning up the water and sending them swimming and scurrying

for shelter. 

No one could see the sky or the trees and the creatures felt trapped 

and frightened. After many days an old toad became outraged at the

state of his home. Puffing out his throat he crashed out of the

water and began to croak as hard as he could.

"Rain, I have had enough of you! Leave us alone! 

 

The other creatures could not believe their eyes. No one had ever left 

the water but the old toad was so worked up, he didn't notice what he 

had done. The more the rain fell the angrier he became. He shouted and 

shouted and told it to go away. After many days the rain stopped. Puffed

with pride the weary toad flopped back into the pond.

"Don't worry everyone, I've told it where to go" he croaked contentedly.

The other creatures could not help laughing at the toad but he seemed so 

pleased that they thanked him for his help. Strangely they were never 

frightened of the rain again. Each time it fell they would listen

carefully for the soothing sound of an old toad telling it where to go.