2018 Kipling Award Finalist: Lucas Majer, Academy School, Anne Moore Odell, Teacher

How The Zebra Got Its Stripes 

You must know that the Zebra didn't always live in the dry,dry areas it does today. They lived in cold, cold area of the Great Green Grimmy Lebombo River back then. So a Zebra was not black, or white, just a mustardy yellow color. So a Mustardy Yellow Zebra was walking through the forest that was frozen to the touch. And then he met a wolf just walking. You must know that this Zebra, came from a rude family so he was rude as a camel. So the Rude Mustardy Yellow Zebra said, “Get out of my way, wolf!” And in response the wolf said”No, I shall not move. For I am the wolf who walks alone at night. ”

And so the Rude Mustardy Yellow Zebra threatened the wolf by saying. ”If you do not move I shall have to kick you. Shall I have to? ”  ”I do not want to get kicked so shall I let you go. When I return, you shall pay the wrath of my owner. ” So the Zebra with no idea what the wolf's owner would, do just continued to walk. He walked without a care in the world what the wolf's owner would do. After a few minutes had passed. And The Rude Mustardy Yellow Zebra was still just walking. 

Then came along the wolf. The Rude Mustardy Yellow Zebra said. ”What do you want, where is your owner, wha-”The wolf interrupted by saying, ”Too many questions, you will pay for what you did. ”Then it was silent. So silent you could hear a mouse under the snow kind of silent. ”*BARK*”said the wolf, (or in this case howled) . This single bark caused an avalanche. 

So as a normal Rude Mustardy Yellow Zebra would do, he ran. He ran so fast he couldn't see where he has going. So one thing leads to an another then ”The Rude Mustery Yellow Zebra" fell into a tar pit. And then one thing lead to an another” The avalanche got him” oh wait this a children story so. He survived the avalanche but since he was in a tar pit he was buried in the snow. The Zebra made his way up to the top with the wolf”s help. “Look at what you have done. I am not A Mustardy Yellow Zebra! ” ”I am a black and white Zebra, I must move to a far far away place so the snow can turn into water, And then the tar will run off! ”exclaimed the Zebra. “Don't even try, the tar and snow will still stick. ” said the wolf in annoyance. 

But the Zebra still went off alone. So in conclusion next time you see a black and white Zebra, just know that under the tar and snow, It's a Rude Mustardy Yellow Zebra.