In the distant Greenleaf Forest lived a little rabbit named Barnaby. Barnaby was very cute, but he had a tiny trouble—he was a bit too chubby.
Barnaby loved to eat more than anything. He loved sweet carrot cakes, crunchy apple pies, and big cups of strawberry milkshakes in the afternoon. Because he ate so much, Barnaby’s tummy became round and round, just like a big beach ball.
One day, the forest held the “Spring Hop Contest.” All the little animals joined in to see who could hop the highest and the farthest.
Little Squirrel hopped over the mushrooms, and Little Deer hopped across the stream. But when it was Barnaby’s turn, he took a deep breath and jumped with all his mightPlop!
Barnaby didn’t jump up. Instead, he wobbled like a roly-poly toy and sat down on the ground with a bump. Everyone couldn’t help but laugh. Barnaby’s face turned as red as a big tomato. Sad and holding his round tummy, he ran back home.
“I will never eat again!” Barnaby said angrily, locking himself in his room.
Just then, his best friend, Pip the Hedgehog, knocked on the door. “Barnaby, don’t be sad. If you want to jump high, we can figure it out together,” Pip said gently.
“But I’m too fat. I can’t move at all,” Barnaby whispered.
Pip smiled and said, “Then let’s go to the top of the hill to watch the sunrise tomorrow morning? I heard the view is beautiful, and it’s a long walk.”
Early the next morning, before the sun came up, Barnaby got out of bed. He set off with Pip. At first, Barnaby walked very slowly, panting heavily.
“Keep going, Barnaby! Look, that flower is smiling at you!” Pip encouraged him.
Barnaby looked up and really saw colorful wildflowers blooming by the road, with butterflies dancing in the air. Smelling the flowers, he felt a bit better, and his steps became a little lighter.
As they walked, they met a clear river. Barnaby helped little ants move a stone to cross the river. Passing an orchard, he helped Mother Bird pick up a fallen branch.
Before they knew it, they had climbed halfway up the hill. Barnaby was surprised to find that although he was sweating a lot, his tummy didn’t feel so bloated anymore, and his body felt lighter.
Finally, they reached the top of the hill. Just then, golden sunlight spilled over the entire forest, turning the clouds pink and orange.
“Wow! It’s so beautiful!” Barnaby shouted happily. He spun around on the grass excitedly and even tried a jump—this time, he jumped much higher than yesterday!
Pip patted his shoulder and said, “See, Barnaby? Exercise not only makes you strong but also lets you see more beautiful scenery. Of course, having a slice of carrot cake once in a while is okay, just remember to go out and walk more!”
From that day on, Barnaby didn’t just stay in his room eating snacks. He walked and played in the forest every day. Although he was still chubby Barnaby, he became a happy, healthy, and active little rabbit.
At night, Barnaby lay on his soft bed, touched his not-so-round tummy, and fell into a sweet sleep.
