The Lizard Who Learned to Share the Shade

In the hot desert, a small lizard named Zik felt very thirsty. The sun was like a big, orange fire in the sky. Zik needed water, but the desert was dry and the heat was strong. He looked for shade under a big rock, but the rock was too hot. "I must find water and a cool place," he said. "If I don't, I will not survive."

Zik met a wise old tortoise who was resting in the shadow of a tall cactus. The tortoise, who had lived in the desert for many years, spoke softly. "The cactus stores water inside its thick stem," she said. "You can find a little water if you are patient." Zik learned that desert plants save water to live when there is scarcity. He also learned that animals like him must adapt to the hot sun. "Stay in the shade during the hottest hours," the tortoise advised. "And always remember to help your friends."