How the Leopard Got His Spots

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

Descriptive nature imagery and gentle humor. The theme—adapting to change—lands softly at bedtime.

Story Synopsis

In the beginning, the Leopard has no spots. He hunts with the Ethiopian in a forest where animals are easy to see. Then the world shifts: shadows deepen, grasses and leaves become patterned, and animals start blending in. A zebra’s stripes and a giraffe’s patches make hiding easier. The Leopard and the Ethiopian realize they must change too. With cleverness and a bit of magic, they learn the value of camouflage. By the end, the Leopard wears spots—not as decoration, but as a new way to fit the changing world.

Story Excerpt

Long ago, when the world was new, the Leopard lived on the High Veldt. The High Veldt was a wide, flat place with golden sand, pale rocks, and tufts of sandy - yellow grass. Everything there was the same dusty golden color. The Giraffe and the Zebra and the Eland and the Koodoo lived on the High Veldt too. They were all sandy - yellow - brown, just like everything else. But the Leopard was the most sandy - yellow - brown of all. He was a grayish - yellowish cat - shaped creature, and he matched the color of the High Veldt perfectly. This was very difficult for the Giraffe and the Zebra and all the others. The Leopard would lie down beside a yellowish - brown rock or a clump of grass, and when the animals came by, he would leap out and catch them by surprise. There was also a man who lived on the High Veldt with the Leopard. In those days, he too was grayish - brownish - yellow. He carried a bow and arrows, and he and the Leopard hunted together. The Leopard used his teeth and claws, and the man used his bow and arrows. The Giraffe and the…

In One Glance