Mason's Safari Adventure - By Mark James

Written By: Mark James

Category: Short Story - Children's bedtime story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the enchanting world of children's literature, Mark James presents "Mason's Safari Adventure," a delightful short story crafted for the imaginations of young readers. Submitted as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this charming bedtime tale invites children to embark on an imaginative journey alongside Mason and his mischievous friend, Markie the monkey. As they navigate a world filled with playful adventures and whimsical animals, the story captures the essence of childhood wonder and the joy of storytelling.

About the Work

"Mason's Safari Adventure" is a heartwarming tale that captures the innocence and exploratory spirit of childhood. Through vivid imagery and rhythmic prose, Mark James paints a picture of Mason's day filled with playful antics and lessons learned. The narrative is rich with adventure and humor, as it gracefully unfolds the story of Mason and Markie's mischief, while gently imparting a moral about the bounds of imagination and the importance of storytelling.

Mason's Safari Adventure

Original Submission by Mark James

Mason’s Safari Adventure

“Where do you come from my Mason?” Mason’s Papi asked.

“I was flying with Markie – high above where the lions lay and bask”.

“That sounds like fun!” Exclaimed Papi, with a slight little giggle.

“Did you fly through dirty clouds? Why are you so muddy?

“Stop! Turn right around and do the piggy wiggle -

straight into the piggy bath, my cruddy little buddy”.

So Papi bathed our Mason, till he was shiny and new.

Dressed him in his PJs, and brushed his baby hair.

Then they ate a delicious bowl of Mama’s lentil stew.

Where Mason promptly fell asleep – right there in his chair.

Papi scooped him up like jelly and kissed him on his forehead.

“I wonder what he did today?” thought Papi as he tucked him into bed.

Well, let me tell you. I was there – much earlier that day.

It all started when his Papi let Mason out to play.

The brave Achilles, and sweetie Bear were feasting on their food.

So no one saw that naughty monkey in the tree, where Mason stood.

Markie the monkey is notoriously bad.

Come to think of it, now that we mention it, so was his dad…

And his mom and all his brothers and sisters and even… I digress.

Given half of half a chance, monkeys make a merry mess!

Down came Markie and landed, next to Mason, on the floor.

Can you believe it? Just five metres from the kitchen door.

Of course I flew around screaming as loud as I could, to raise the alarm.

But pretty soon, there they were – Markie and Mason skipping off arm-in-arm.

All I could do was fly along, with my tiny little wings.

After all, we butterflies are modest, majestic things.

I heard Markie telling Mason about his plans for the day…

His lifelong dream to be an aviator.

He was slowly leading our little boy astray…

Pretending to be a famous innovator.

Regaling our Mason with tall tales of monkeys with wings.

Can you imagine it? Of all the things!

Up they climbed, Mason and Markie,

To the tippy-top of the tallest tall tree.

Now; I don’t want to be a titling tattle-tale

But that naughty monkey had fallen hard, and more than once.

Try as he might to take flight, to soar, to sail…

All he ever did was fail and fall and bounce.

Here at the top of the bushwillow tree,

That malevolent monkey was showing our baby

The elephants and zebras and buck roaming free.

“If we flap our arms hard and fast, then maybe..”

I heard that monkey say, “we could fly like a bird”.

It was so high up there, I could hardly breathe,

I almost fainted when I saw how far the ground was beneath…

So I screamed and I screamed, and of course, no one heard.

No one, except an old crow, and his crew…

They encouraged the mischief even though they knew

That monkey can’t fly and neither can boys.

I screamed again, but no one could hear me above their noise.

“Go ahead jump! You can do it.”

Those black-hearted blighters guffawed and played.

“Come on jump! See, nothing to it.”

“Ha, ha, ha! And off they flew, while I winced and prayed.

Then all of a sudden, and silent as a mouse

A giant head appeared, as huge as a house.

Gerry the giraffe was picking little leaves

With his long luscious lips from the tops of the trees.

“Here’s our chance!” Markie whispered to our boy.

“Grab the horns and hold on!” shouter Markie with joy.

Needless to say, dear old Gerry bolted.

For a split-second there, everything halted.

Then Chaos! “Hold on tight!”

Markie screeched.

His eyes watering, the whole world in sight.

As old Gerry reached

The height of his flight.

He ran and he ran like a man bewitched!

Then all of a sudden, he stepped in a ditch.

And his ankles got tangled and long legs gave a twitch and…

With a crash that could cause the lions to flee,

And a rumble not unlike a hippo’s belly,

With a scream and a shout from the zebras “Look out!”

More a fall from grace than a gracious fall

Long neck and legs and feet and all.

The commotion caused the hyenas to hysterically laugh

But my little heart was broken in half…

Mason! Where’s Mason?

Now the baboons were barking.

Oh no! Poor Mason.

Roaring and bellowing, hysterical larking.

Then I heard a little voice remarking:

“We should do that again!” but where… right there!

It's Mason and Markie, all arms and legs and mud and hair!

Lucky, for them, they crash-landed in a puddle.

Lucky for all, the muddy water broke their fall.

Like a building-site crane Gerry lumbered up again,

Stretched his legs out of their huddle,

Tipped his head and stood up tall.

Dignity and decorum sir, and not a hint of pain.

Scarcely had it happened, when peace was again restored.

Just to create some drama, the great king Lion roared,

And of course that vile miss Crocodile gave a great big smile,

Trying to hide a monstrous yawn, to mask that she was bored.

Meanwhile Markie and Mason walked home again a mile.

Laughing as they went toward their journey’s final chord.

The Song:

I can fly, I can fly

Watch me soar way up high

Like a bird in the sky

I can fly, I can fly.

Way up high, way up high

Watch me soar in the sky

Like a bird I can fly

Way up high, way up high

In the sky, way up high

I can fly, I can fly!

Papi prayed for Mason, as he dreamed a million dreams.

Of talking raindrops and singing winds and shiny coloured beams.

“I wonder where he went today?” Mason’s Papi pondered.

Even in his wildest dreams he would have never wondered

That monkeys and little boys could fly, and now are counting sheep.

And why there is a beautiful butterfly watching little Mason sleep.

In case you were wondering what’s the point of this tail?

Well, the point is my friend, that we try and we fail,

But failing my friend, if you live to tell the story,

Is just part of the journey that leads you to glory.

You may ask, “What’s the moral and in short – why?”

Well, just because you’re high, doesn’t mean you can fly.

________________

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and imaginative storytelling from around the world. This prestigious event invites writers to share their unique stories, poems, and creative works, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts. It serves as a platform for participants to showcase their talents and contribute to the rich tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mark James for sharing "Mason's Safari Adventure" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This delightful tale of imagination and adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression on young readers and reminds us all of the simple joys found in storytelling. Thank you, Mark, for your wonderful contribution.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.