In a big, green jungle, there lived a little gorilla named Gilbert.

Gilbert had soft black fur and big, bulging eyes.

But Gilbert was afraid of many things.

He was afraid of the dark.

He was afraid of loud thunder.

And most of all, he was afraid of the rushing river in the middle of the jungle.

One morning, Gilbert heard a sound.

Peep! Peep!

A tiny bird had fallen from its nest and landed on the other side of the river!

"Help!" chirped the little bird. "I can't fly yet! I can't get home!"

Gilbert looked at the rushing river.

He wanted to hide.

Gilbert's friend Octavius the Orangutan walked over.

"You can do it, Gilbert", he said in his calm voice.

"Being brave doesn't mean you aren't scared. It means you try anyway."

Gilbert took a deep breath.

He put one foot into the cold water. Then another. And another.

The river pushed and pulled, but Gilbert held on to the rocks.

Step by step, Gilbert crossed the river.

The water splashed in his face.

His legs wobbled.

But he kept going.

At last, Gilbert reached the other side!

He picked up the tiny bird and tucked it safely against his chest.

"You're okay, I've got you."