Sylvester Looks for a Job

Author: Mervat Al-Beltaji

Illustrator: Rama Hatamala

3asafeer.com

The original work of this book was made possible through the generous support of the All Children Reading: A Grand Challenge for Development (ACR GCD) Partners (the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), World Vision, and the Australian Government). It was prepared by Asafeer Education Technologies FZ LLC and does not necessarily reflect the views of the ACR GCD Partners. Any adaptation or translation of this work should not be considered an official ACR GCD translation and ACR GCD shall not be liable for any content or error in this translation.

Hello everyone. Please note that this job is for birds only. So kindly give us your CV and be prepared explain how you will fly to the top of the tower without falling or having an accident.

Let’s start with

Mrs. Pigeon. First in line.

Well! Well! Well! I am a homing pigeon. When I start to fly, I leap and then I slowly flutter my wings till I soar into the sky.

Thank you, Mrs. Homing

Pigeon.Who is next?

Why is it that your name is “Homing”?

Well! Well! Well! That’s because I like traveling and delivering news and letters.

I’m Sylvester the elephant. I can…

But I …

What are you doing here, baby

elephant? This vacancy is for birds only. You can’t be here. Please excuse yourself and go.

You are excused…

I’m Hook, the hawk. I open my wings wide and fly. My feathers are perfectly aligned. Air cannot pass through my wings which allows me to soar above the highest of things.

Ok, Mr. Hawk, thank you. Next…

Why are your claws so sharp, Mr. Hawk?

My claws! Oh! What can I tell you about my claws? They help me to hunt and with my perfect vision, I never miss my prey - rabbits and small birds.

I’m Sylvester, the elephant. I can…

Yes, but I can…

You are not a bird. You are an elephant and elephants can’t fly.

But I …

What are you doing here again, baby elephant? This vacancy is only for birds. No exceptions.

Next… Come in Ms. Pelican.

But why do you have such a huge beak, Ms. Pelican?

Thank you, Ms. Pelican. Next.

You see, sir, I use it to find fish in the water. Not only that… you see, sir, I also store my food in it to eat it later. I love fresh fish.

Hello, Hello!... As you can see sir, I’m strong and I have twenty-five thousand feathers in my wings. The bones in my wings and tail are lightweight and help me fly but I only go so high.

No! Not you again, Sylvester. I told you this vacancy is only for birds. You are an elephant and elephants can’t fly.

Next…

I’m a wild goose. Quack, quack. I can fly and swim in fresh water. I get my energy from high-calorie food. I soar along easily with other geese during their winter migration.

Quack, quack. I migrate twice, to the south in the fall and to the north in the spring.

Thank you, Mrs. Goose. Come in, Mr. Parrot.

And how many times a year do you migrate?

Yes, sir. Hi,I’m Sylvester. I can…

That is enough, stop disturbing us. Mr. Parrot, please come in.

I’m the parrot, yes I’m the parrot, the parrot. People like me because I’m always talking. I proudly spread my colorful wings. When I breathe, air doesn’t enter my lungs. It is absorbed into air pockets all over my body. My blood absorbs oxygen which allows me to fly up high.

Thank you, Mr. Parrot. Next…

What do you like to eat, Mr. Parrot?

I eat balanced meals. Fruits, vegetables, carrots, apples and lettuce.

You again?

I’m Sylvester, the elephant…

I know, I tried to fly with my ears but it didn’t work.

Sir, there’s no one else outside now.

Then why did you come?

But you can’t fly, baby elephant.

I came to tell you that I built a strong, fast elevator. I can use it to easily go up the tower.

Wow! That is wonderful, Sylvester. It’s a great idea. Let me think about it. Hmm…for this job we need someone who can climb the tower, someone who doesn’t like travelling, migrating or hunting or someone who is not greedy or a gossip. That’s why...

...You are the best candidate for this job, Sylvester.

Hip hip hooray! I’m Sylvester and I got the job! I got the job!.

I’m going to bed early tonight so I won’t be late for work.

Sylvester, don’t forget to bring the elevator with you.

THE END