The Eager Elephant Read Online Free PDF Page A

Zoe’s forehead. “Andyour head feels hot. Let’s take your temperature.”
    She went to the kitchen cupboard and pulled out a first-aid box, then popped a thermometer in Zoe’s mouth. She left it for a couple of minutes and then checked the reading. “Oh dear, you’ve got a temperature. I think you’d better hop straight into bed and I’ll bring you up some medicine.”
    Zoe put on her blue dolphin pyjamas and climbed into bed. She normally hated going to bed early, but today she felt too sleepy to complain. Her throat felt sore now, and her nose was tickling even more. Her mum brought her a box of tissues and a bottle of medicine, and Zoe swallowed two sticky spoonfuls. Then her mum tucked Zoe’s covers round her and drewthe curtains. “I would have made you a hot water bottle, but you have Meep to keep you toasty!” she said, stroking Zoe’s head. “Poor Zoe. Get some sleep now, and I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”

    â€œWhat about school?” Zoe asked croakily. “And I’m taking Oscar and Bertie for a walk tomorrow. I can’t miss that!”
    â€œLet’s see how you’re feeling in the morning,” said Lucy, switching the light off. “Then we can decide if you’re well enough, OK? Night night.”

    As Zoe closed her eyes she felt Meep snuggling up next to her, his furry little body very soft and warm. The last thing Zoe heard before she drifted off to sleepwas his tiny voice whispering in her ear. “I’ll look after you, Zoe,” Meep promised.
    â€œYou’ll feel better soon!”

Chapter Seven
Zoe’s Day Off
    When Zoe woke up the next day she yawned, stretched, then glanced at the panda clock on her bedside table. Then she looked at it again, feeling very confused. It was almost lunchtime!
    â€œMeep, what’s going on?” she said, sitting up in bed. “I’m late for school!”
    Meep was perched by her feet, wideawake. “You were still poorly, so your mum decided you needed to stay in bed!” he chirped. “She rang up school and explained you were having the day off. She keeps peeping through the door to see how you are, like when she checks on the animals at the zoo hospital! Goo and Kiki came too. Goo tucked your blankets round you so you were extra snug. But I’ve been taking the best care of you,” he added proudly.
    Zoe was still a bit sniffly but her shivers had gone away. Apart from her bunged-up nose, she felt fine! She went downstairs and into the kitchen, realising her tummy was rumbling. She took some biscuits out of the cupboard, and just as she was popping one into her mouth, Lucy walked through the front door, her special vet bagslung over her shoulder.
    â€œYou’re awake!” she said, kissing Zoe’s head. “How are you feeling?”
    â€œA lot better,” Zoe said, taking a big bite of biscuit. “I was asleep for hours!”

    Lucy looked at her watch. “Well, it’s too late to go to school now. I think you can go out into the zoo for the rest of the day and get some fresh air. But I want you to take somemore medicine first, and you’re not to get wet again! And stay away from the cold enclosures, please. No visiting Bella today, or the penguins.”
    Zoe nodded happily, winking at Meep. Suddenly she was excited – she had a whole extra afternoon to spend at the zoo, and she’d still get to go on the walk with Oscar and Bertie! As Lucy set off to visit a baboon with a poorly eye, Zoe quickly ran upstairs and got dressed, being careful to wrap up warm. Then she and Meep headed out into the zoo, stopping to chat to their animal friends along the way.
    One of the first enclosures they passed belonged to Harold the hyena. Harold padded straight up to the fence and gave a friendly bark. “Thanks, Harold! I feelmuch better today,” replied Zoe, smiling. “But how did you know I was