The afternoon sun glowed softly over the village, painting everything in a warm golden light. In a cozy corner near the big mango tree, five little monkeys — Lory, Joe, Ellie, Floy, and Jack — sat neatly in a row. Their furry bodies gleamed under the sun, their tails curled politely around their feet, and their bright eyes sparkled with excitement.
But what were they waiting for so patiently? The answer was simple — their favorite snack: roasted potatoes!
The scent drifted through the air, smoky and rich, coming from the small fire pit nearby. It made the little monkeys’ mouths water. They could smell the buttery sweetness of the freshly roasted potatoes, mixed with a hint of salt that made their tiny noses twitch.
“Mm-mm!” said little Joe, his stomach growling loudly. “I can’t wait! I’m starving!”
“Shhh!” whispered Lory, the eldest and the calmest of the group. “Be patient! Mama said we must wait until she calls us.”
Joe sighed dramatically, rubbing his belly. “But it smells soooo good…”
Ellie giggled softly, her round face glowing with delight. “Mama said good monkeys wait. If we’re obedient, we get the biggest ones.”
That promise seemed to work. All five monkeys straightened their backs and folded their tiny hands in front of them, just like they’d been taught.
Mama Monkey, standing by the fire, smiled warmly as she watched them. “Good babies,” she said. “That’s how you behave when waiting for food. No pushing, no grabbing, no shouting. Just wait.”
“Yes, Mama!” they all answered together, their voices high and cheerful.
Mama chuckled. “That’s my sweet troop.” She gently turned the potatoes one by one with a stick. The skins were golden brown, crisp on the outside but soft and steaming inside. Every time she poked one open, a delicious puff of hot air escaped, carrying the rich smell right to the waiting monkeys.
Jack, the youngest and most mischievous, wiggled in his seat. “Mama, are they done yet?”
“Almost, my love,” Mama said kindly. “A little more patience, and they’ll be perfect.”
Jack groaned softly, then leaned toward Floy, whispering, “I could sneak one when she’s not looking…”
But Floy, the serious one, gave him a firm look. “No, Jack. Mama said wait. We’re good monkeys.”
Jack frowned, but then he nodded. He didn’t want to disappoint Mama. After all, everyone knew that when Mama Monkey saw them being obedient, she always gave extra treats.
Minutes passed slowly, the sound of crackling fire and chirping birds filling the air. The little monkeys tried to distract themselves — Ellie picked at a leaf, Joe hummed a tune, Lory brushed a bit of dust off her tail, and Floy tried to count the roasted potatoes (though he kept losing track whenever the smoke blew in his eyes).
Finally, Mama turned and said, “Alright, my sweet ones — your potatoes are ready!”
The five little monkeys’ eyes widened in excitement, but they didn’t move yet. They waited for the next words.
Mama smiled proudly. “Come here, one by one.”
Lory, being the eldest, went first. She walked carefully toward Mama, sat down politely, and received her potato. She bowed her head gratefully and said, “Thank you, Mama.”
Then came Joe, who couldn’t stop smiling as he held his steaming treat. “Thank you, Mama! Oh, it smells so good!”
Ellie skipped forward next, her tiny hands clasped together. “Thank you, Mama,” she said softly, before blowing on her potato to cool it down.
Floy followed, his serious face melting into a grin when he got his share. “Thank you, Mama! I’ll share mine with Jack if he finishes his first.”
Finally, little Jack approached — the one who’d struggled the most to wait. Mama bent down and handed him the last potato. “You did so well, Jack. I saw how hard it was for you to wait, but you did it.”
Jack beamed proudly. “I tried, Mama! I really did!”
“I know, my dear,” Mama said, kissing the top of his head. “That’s why yours is the biggest one.”
The others laughed as Jack’s eyes grew round. “Really?! The biggest?!”
He held it high like a treasure. The golden potato gleamed in the sunlight, and he sniffed it happily. “It smells like heaven!”
They all sat together in a small circle, their warm potatoes steaming in their hands. The first bite made them sigh with joy — soft inside, crispy outside, perfectly roasted.
“Mm!” Ellie said, closing her eyes. “It’s so yummy!”
“Worth the wait,” Lory added wisely.
“Totally!” Joe said with his mouth full. “I could eat ten more!”
Mama laughed gently. “See, my little ones? When you wait patiently and behave well, the reward tastes even better.”
Jack nodded, munching eagerly. “I think you’re right, Mama. It tastes better because we waited.”
After a few bites, the little monkeys started sharing. Joe broke his potato in half and gave a piece to Ellie. Floy offered part of his to Lory, and Jack, though reluctant at first, finally split his big one with Mama.
“You’re sharing?” Mama said softly, touched by their kindness.
Jack grinned. “You made them, Mama. You should have the biggest bite!”
Mama took a tiny piece, smiling proudly. “You’re all growing into such good little monkeys.”
The forest around them buzzed gently with life. The birds sang overhead, the wind rustled the branches, and somewhere in the distance, a stream bubbled softly. It was one of those perfect moments — simple, warm, and full of love.
After the snack, the monkeys cleaned up together. Lory gathered the peels, Joe brushed away the ashes near the fire, and Ellie helped cool down the last few potatoes so they could save them for later.
“Teamwork makes everything easy,” Mama said as she watched them.
“Yes, Mama!” they all chorused happily.
Then, with their bellies full, the little monkeys played. They chased each other through the tall grass, swung from low branches, and rolled around laughing. Even as they played, they stayed close to the tree — always remembering Mama’s rule not to wander too far.
When the sun began to dip below the horizon, the jungle glowed in orange and pink. The monkeys returned to their favorite branch, where Mama was waiting with gentle smiles.
“Did you all have a good day?” she asked softly.
“Yes, Mama!” they answered, their voices sleepy but happy.
“And what did you learn today?”
Jack raised his hand first. “That waiting makes food taste better!”
Ellie added, “And sharing makes everyone happy.”
Joe said proudly, “And good monkeys get big potatoes!”
Lory laughed softly. “We also learned to work together.”
Mama nodded, her eyes shining with love. “I’m proud of all of you. You were so obedient and kind today.”
She wrapped her arms around the little ones as they snuggled close. The stars began to appear above them, twinkling softly through the leaves. The jungle quieted, and soon, all five little monkeys drifted into peaceful sleep in Mama’s arms.
Their fur still smelled faintly of roasted potatoes, their bellies were warm and full, and their dreams were sweet — full of love, laughter, and the promise of more happy days to come.
Yes, that evening, Mama smiled to herself and whispered,
“My obedient little ones — Lory, Joe, Ellie, Floy, and Jack — you make me so proud.”
And somewhere in their dreams, the little monkeys were waiting again, side by side, for another round of their rich, golden potato snacks — because they knew that patience, love, and family always made life delicious. 🥔🐒💛
