The river was loud, hitting the rocks. Jumbo, the smallest elephant in his herd, stood near the edge, feeling worried. His big ears moved with the wind as he watched the water.

"Be careful, everyone!" shouted Moti, the herd’s wise leader, as the elephants gathered at the riverbank. Moti’s trunk pointed at the wild water. “This crossing is very dangerous today.”

Jumbo’s mother, Ganga, stood close to him. “Stay close, Jumbo,” she said softly, wrapping her trunk around him. “We will cross together.”

Jumbo nodded but felt uneasy. The river was rougher than he had ever seen. His friends, Rani the monkey and Chintu the rabbit, sat in a tree, looking scared.

“What if we can’t get across?” Rani whispered to Chintu. “What if the river takes us away?”

“Don’t worry,” Chintu said bravely, though he looked nervous. “We’ll be fine.”

Moti spoke to the herd. “We need to hurry and be careful. The river is getting higher, and we have to move now.”

The herd started to cross the river, their big feet splashing in the water. Jumbo watched as his friends and family walked through, but the water grew higher and more dangerous.

Then, a loud crack echoed through the jungle. A big tree branch had fallen and blocked part of the river, making the water behind it rise even higher.

“We’re stuck!” cried Moti. “The path is blocked, and the water is rising too fast.”

Jumbo’s heart beat quickly. He wanted to help, but he was so small compared to the big river. Then he saw a narrow path next to the fallen branch. It was too small for the big elephants, but maybe Jumbo could fit.

“Maybe I can find a way around,” Jumbo thought, feeling brave.

“Jumbo, where are you going?” Ganga called out as Jumbo moved towards the narrow path.

“I think I can find a safer way!” Jumbo shouted back, hoping to be helpful.

Jumbo squeezed through the narrow path, his little legs moving fast. The water was cold and strong, but Jumbo kept going, his heart full of bravery. He jumped over rocks and small branches, following the river’s edge.

He soon saw a small island in the middle of the river. The island had a hidden path leading to the other side. The island was covered in soft grass and flowers, a good place for the elephants to rest.

Jumbo hurried back to his herd. “I found a way! There’s an island with a safe path to the other side!”

Moti’s eyes brightened. “Jumbo, you are a hero! We can use that path to get to safety.”

The herd carefully followed Jumbo. When they reached the island, they felt safe from the strong water. Jumbo led them across the island and through the hidden path to the other side.

When they finally reached the other bank, the herd cheered for Jumbo. Moti patted him with his trunk. “You saved us all, Jumbo. You are braver than anyone ever thought.”

Ganga smiled proudly. “I knew you could do it, my little one.”

Jumbo grinned, happy and proud. He had faced his fears and saved his family. As the sun set over the jungle, the elephants celebrated their safe crossing with happy trumpets and cheerful laughter.

From that day on, Jumbo was known as the bravest little elephant in the herd. Whenever the animals faced a challenge, they remembered how the smallest member had saved the day with his courage and quick thinking.

And Jumbo knew that even the smallest creatures can make a big difference.