A retelling of The Sing-Song of Old Man Kangaroo from The Just So Stories By Rudyard Kipling
In the era when Time itself was just a youngster, a very proud animal lived in the heart of Australia. He wasn’t the Kangaroo we know today. Oh no! He was grey and woolly, with four short legs, and he loved to dance.
This animal was so proud that he wanted to be different from all the other animals. So, one day, he decided to ask the Wise Elders of the land to change him.
These three ancient beings had walked the land for countless generations. They were known far and wide for their deep understanding of every plant, animal, and secret of the outback. Animals would often seek them out for advice or help with problems only the wisest could solve.
Early one morning, before breakfast, the proud animal set off on his four little bunny-like legs. First, he visited Elder Nqa, who made his home on a warm sandflat.

“Oh, Elder Nqa,” he said, “please make me different from all other animals by this afternoon!” Up jumped Nqa from his seat on the sandflat and shouted, “Go away!” before settling back down on his warm sand to continue his nap.
Next, our proud animal, dancing across the desert on his four short legs, arrived at a cozy burrow in the spinifex grass. The animal found the Middle Elder, Nquing, sitting at the entrance of his home, weaving the long, spiky grass blades.

โOh, Elder Nquing,” he pleaded, “make me different and popular!โ
Nquing paused his weaving and looked at the animal, considering the request. After a moment, he shook his head slowly.
“Young one,” Nquing said in his ancient voice, “the power to change lies within you. But be warned: true transformation often comes through unexpected challenges and perseverance.”
He then returned to his weaving, his fingers moving swiftly as he disappeared back into the cool shadows of his grassy home, leaving the disappointed animal to ponder his words.
Finally, the determined animal approached Elder Nqong, who was soaking in his salt-pan bath. Gathering all his courage, the animal said, โOh wise Elder Nqong, please hear my request. Make me different from all other animals, make me popular, and give me lots of followers!โ

Nqong, known to be the wisest among Elders, thought for a moment. Then he smiled and said, “Yes, I will!”
Nqong used an ancient whistle to summon Dingo, a yellow dog who was always hungry. “Dingo,” said Nqong, “chase this dancing animal and help him become different!”
And so the chase began! Dingo ran after the proud animal across deserts, mountains, and rivers. The animal ran and ran on his four little legs, getting very tired.
When they reached the wide Wollgong River, the animal didn’t know how to cross. So he stood on his back legs and jumped! He jumped again and again, each time going further.
As he jumped, something magical happened. His back legs grew stronger and longer. His front legs were tucked up, and his tail grew to help him balance. He was turning into a Kangaroo!
The chase went on and on until finally, Nqong called out from his salt pan, “The sun touches the horizon! Time to stop!”
The new Kangaroo was amazed at how he had changed. He could now hop faster than he had ever run before. Dingo was tired, too, and very confused about how the animal he was chasing had transformed.

Nqong, the wisest Elder, reminded Kangaroo that this was exactly what he had asked for – to be different from all other animals. And indeed, he was!
From that day on, Kangaroo hopped everywhere he went. He may not have been the best dancer anymore, but he could jump higher and further than any other animal in Australia.
And that, my dear, is the story of how Kangaroo got his hop. Remember, sometimes, when we wish to be different, we might change in ways we don’t expect. Yet, often, these changes make us special in our own unique way.
Now, hop off to sleep, and remember: whether you’re dancing or hopping, do it with joy, for you are truly special. Sweet dreams!
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