The Crocodile's Tea
By Issie smith, age 13

The campervan sat quiet and still
When all of a sudden upon a hill
It spied a creature, bouncy and grey
Jumping on two legs as if to say
"Look at me, aren't I cool?"
Im big and fluffy and springy and tall.”
He stopped near the door and peered inside
“This looks fun” he said, “can I come for a ride?”
“Why not!” said the van and put his headlights on
It revved the engine and zoom they were gone

As they travelled down the deserted street
Looking for somewhere nice to eat
They spied a creature fluffy and round
Laying there quietly asleep on the ground
As they drew nearer he opened one eye
Kangaroo whispered, “Shall we drive on by?”
“This looks comfy “ Koala said with a sigh
“Is there room for one more? Can I come inside? “
“Why not!” said the van and put his headlights on
It revved the engine and zoom they were gone

They carried on driving into the night
Turned a dark corner and saw a sight
They spied a creature prancing around
Dancing in the darkness with a leap and a bound
His eyes shone bright as he got near
Koala hid and shivered with fear
“This looks like a party” dingo cried
“Lets get some music on! Can I come for a ride ?“
“Why not!” said the van and put his headlights on
It revved the engine and zoom they were gone

Through the outback and desert they went
And as the sun came up they spied a tent
And on one side near the ground
There was a little black spider spinning around
“G’day“ he said with a friendly smile
“Welcome” said the dingo “Come aboard for a while“
“Why not!” said the van and put his headlights on
It revved the engine and zoom they were gone

Through the rainforest and marshes they drove
And stopped by a river at the edge of a cove
As they spied the crocs toothy grin
The van quickly turned and did a wheel spin

But the van got STUCK
STUCK IN THE MUCK
“Oh dear” laughed the crocodile “what bad luck!”
“This is terrible,” said the van
“Goodness me! If we don’t hurry up we’ll be crocodile tea!”
As the croc came closer, they thought of a plan
“If we don’t hurry up we’ll be stuck in this van!”

“I can jack us up if I bounce high”
“OK” said the others “Let’s give it a try!”
“I can spin a thread to pull us out”
“OK” said the others “Give us a shout!”
“And I will pull the thread as hard as I can
That should shift it and move the van!”

So they all worked together on the count of three
But the crocodile was approaching and laughing with glee
The van starts to move but the mud is damp
Luckily the crocodile becomes a ramp
“Hurray” they all shouted, “We are free!”
Unfortunately for the crocodile he did not get his tea!

This time…