Can you imagine if you didn’t know the names of any of your neighbors? They would all be strangers, and life would be pretty lonely, since we’ve all been taught not to talk to strangers. This was the case for Owl, who lived in a faraway village where he and the other strange animals did not have names. So, one day, Owl decided to give himself a birthday, and for a birthday present, he gave himself a name. That way, he would be able to introduce himself to his neighbors, and they wouldn’t be strangers anymore. The whole town gathered for Owl’s birthday party, and soon they were all named by Owl, each according to his or her looks and talents. Then, they were able to exchange kind words with one another as they performed their everyday chores. They got to known each other and became friends.
One day, Snake found a stranger with no name, who was lost at Pond Park. He looked a little like Duck, but he had four legs, like Cow and Horse. Will Owl and his friends find a name for the stranger? Or will he remain lonely without any friends of his own? Read The Birthday Present by Roy Stanley to find out.
