Rainforest Friends and Family

By Sharon C. Williams

Life in the jungle is never boring.

From the moment he was born, Jasper's curiosity has consumed him. With his brother Willie, they've made new friends and learned more about the Amazon rainforest.

The youngsters have grown close. Jasper's main job is to make sure his brother stays safe, but that's easier said than done: the jungle is full of dangers, and if they're not careful, things can quickly get out of hand.

New challenges are always around the corner. Determined to make his mother proud, Jasper vows to protect himself and his friends. If they're to make it home in one piece, they'll need to trust one another, and those they come across. It never hurts to give someone a helping hand, either.

As they discover Amazon's secrets, each new experience opens their minds to new possibilities, and new friends make their unexpected trips worthwhile. Though trouble tends to follow them, Jasper and his friends do their best to overcome the adversities and come up on top.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Next Chapter
• Release date: Jan 13, 2022
• ISBN: 4867478350

Sharon C. Williams

Sharon C. Williams is a native of New England, raised in Northern Maine. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and son. She is also owned by a flock of seven birds.Sharon has a B.S. degree in Chemistry. She loves to read, sketch, take pictures, walk, exercise, go to the movies, and listen to music. She is a budding bird watcher, and knits on the side. She is a huge sports fan of baseball, basketball, hockey, and football.Two of her short stories were published in the anthology, "Cassandra's Roadhouse” and two in “Dragons in the Attic” which was written by her writing group. The Wonder Chicks. Her children's chapter book “Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure” was released by Fountain Blue Publishing in September of 2013.Sharon stays busy as her comedy novel about her war with her backyard squirrels, “Squirrel Mafia” was just released in Spring of this year.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Sally stared at Jasper, listening to his every word.

He described the strange creatures he and his brother had seen at the edge of the jungle.

Charlie called them ‘humans,’ Jasper said, noticing the fact that she wasn’t happy.

She frowned heavily at him.

They’re not like us at all, he continued. They don’t have a long tail like Charlie. Plus, they don’t have the long arms he has, so I don’t think they can swing from tree to tree. I’m not even sure if they eat bananas like he does.

Sally sighed and looked at Willie. Do you have anything to say for yourself?

Jasper should know better, Mama, he quickly replied, saying the first thing that came to his mind.

Willie was afraid to look at his brother, who was now in big trouble. Being the oldest, it was Jasper’s responsibility to take care of him.

Sally shook her head. Don’t you start! Anything could have happened to the two of you!

Earlier that day, her children had made their way to the outskirts of the jungle with their friend, Charlie, a spider monkey.

Jasper had ventured close to the humans, while Willie stood waiting near a tree for safety.

The two of them had fully planned on telling her about their exploration upon getting home. To their surprise, she’d stood at the door, waiting, when they’d appeared and entered their tree. Upon seeing them, she’d asked, Did you two have a good time with Charlie?

The boys had known immediately that she knew. How much, they weren’t sure. They hadn’t mentioned they’d planned to spend the afternoon with Charlie.

One of Sally’s friends had witnessed the whole scene, however, and had flown straight to Sally to tell her about what she’d seen.

Willie stared at his feet, studying them carefully. He left it up to Jasper to continue with the story.

We were safe, Mama. I even had Willie stand by a tree. He never went near the humans, Jasper explained.

And what about you? Sally asked.

Jasper looked away and didn’t say a word. Anything he might have said would make it worse.

Willie remained quiet.

Jasper wasn’t making her feel any better. With her wings crossed and the frown still on her face, she looked quite mad.

Well? I’m waiting.

Yes, ma’am, the boys answered automatically.

Do you know how dangerous this adventure was?

But Charlie was with us! Willie cried.

I know Charlie is your friend, but you are my children and I worry about you.

Yes, Mama, they said in unison.

Sally shook her head. These were her babies, no matter how old they’d grow up to be.

Jasper, do you think Charlie’s mother would mind a visit from me?

If she is as swell as Charlie, I don’t think so.

She chuckled. Charlie’s mother had just been given the highest compliment ever.

Next time you see Charlie, ask him when it would be a good time for me to come over.

You’re not going to get Charlie in trouble, are you, Mama? Jasper asked.

No, no. Nothing like that. I just want to learn more about these humans. I’ve seen them a few times while flying around, but I’ve never gone near them. If you’re going to hang around Charlie, I would feel better if I knew more about them, that’s all.

Willie, who’d spent most of the time listening to the conversation between her and Jasper, suddenly spoke up. Sooo, can we go play now?

Not yet. Come give me a hug.

The boys noted the look of relief spreading across her face. They moved forward to hug her tightly.

I love you both, but you know this.

Yes, Mama, the boys replied once more.

We didn’t mean to worry you, Jasper said.

"Oh, boys. I