Milo’s Birthday Surprise: A Story About Surprises, Friendship, and Feeling Loved

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Hi, I'm so glad you're here. Today is a special day. It's Milo the monkey's birthday. His friends want to make him feel happy and loved. Let's go see what they're getting ready.

It's a sunny morning and Zara, Leo and Ella are together on the front porch. They all seem to be thinking the same thing. It's Milo's birthday, Ella says. Let's do something special.

Leo thinks about Milo's favorite food. Bananas, he says. Extra yellow with a few brown spots, just the way Milo likes them. And we can sing to him too, Leo adds. Zara thinks too. She remembers the sandbox where she and Milo dig side by side, taking turns with the shovel and building tall sandcastles. The sandbox, Zara says, that's where Milo and I always play.

Ella remembers Milo swinging from branch to branch. He loves to climb and swing. Just then, Hugo walks over and sits down. He has been listening and he remembers something too. Milo loves a surprise. I have an idea, Hugo says. Let's make it a birthday surprise. Zara claps her hooves. Yes, she says, a surprise just for Milo. Leo's eyes light up. So we won't tell Milo yet, he whispers. It's a secret. Zara's ears perk up. Something about that word doesn't feel right. Wait, she says, I don't think it's a secret. Leo tilts his head, but we're not telling him yet. Hugo nods. That's true, but Milo will find out soon. That's what makes it a surprise. Zara adds, and grownups can always know, we don't keep secrets. Surprises get shared. Leo smiles. I'm so excited for a birthday surprise. The friends start thinking again. Milo loves bananas, the sandbox, climbing, and swinging. And we need a card, Zara says. It's his birthday. And a song, Leo adds. Ella looks at all her friends. That's a lot of special things, she says. How can we do all of that for one birthday surprise? Hugo taps his chin. Maybe we can make it an obstacle course. An obstacle course is a game with different steps. You might climb, swing, or dig from one step to the next. Leo gasps.

Each step can be one of Milo's favorite things. Ella smiles. And at the end, we can give him his card, sing Happy Birthday, and share bananas.

Step one, Ella starts. Milo can climb up and swing through the big tree.

Step two, Zara says. He can go to the sandbox and build a sand castle three buckets high.

Step three, Leo says, is the best one. Hugo adds, a card, a banana snack, and a song. The friends feel proud of their plan. Leo can barely hold still. The best secret. He stops and remembers, no secrets, only surprises. Leo says, this is going to be the best surprise ever.

Now it's time to get everything ready. Ella finds a tree that's just right for climbing and swinging. Zara and Hugo set a shiny blue shovel and yellow bucket in the sandbox. Leo picks out the best bananas. Extra yellow with a few little brown spots. The friends sit together to make the card. Ella folds the paper in half.

M-I-L-O.

Zara sounds out each letter. Milo. One by one, the friends sign their names. All done. A birthday card just for Milo. Just then, the friends hear Milo. Ooh, ooh, ah, ah. When Milo gets closer, the friends jump up together. Surprise. Milo's eyes open wide. For me? For you, Ella says, your very own birthday obstacle course. Hugo points to each part. Step one, the big tree. Step two, the sandbox. Step three, the surprise.

Milo bounces on his tail. He feels excited. The friends cheer him on. Milo runs straight to the big tree. He climbs up, up, up. Then he grabs a branch and swings. Wee! Step one, done! He shouts. Next, he races to the sandbox. He grabs his shiny blue shovel and yellow bucket. Scoop, pat pat. Scoop, pat pat. The friends count as he stacks the sandcastle higher. One, two, three. They call, yay, Milo! Step two, done! Milo cheers.

Now, it's time for the best part. Ella hands him the card. Leo passes out bananas to everyone. Ready? One, two, three. The friends count. Then, they all sing, Happy birthday to Milo.

Milo smiles from ear to ear. He looks at his card, then at his friends. You did all of this for me?

We wanted you to feel happy and loved, Ella says. Milo looks at each of his friends, Ella, Zara, Leo and Hugo. His heart feels full of love. The best birthday surprise ever, he says. The end.