There once was an elephant named Berty who wanted to delight her friends with a ride around the world in a hot air balloon. After working hard for money to rent a balloon, she invited all her friends - everyone from Cona the Camel and Prump Possum to Surnal Snake and Gilliup the Singing Giraffe. She encouraged them to bring as many friends and relatives that wanted to join in on the fun. As she traveled, Berty introduced herself to strangers and also invited them on her adventure.

On the day of the trip, as Berty stood in a meadow next to a blue and purple hot air balloon, she was surprised to see so many creatures come over the hill ready to travel. One by one she helped them climb aboard, scrunching themselves in the basket of the balloon, until Berty squeezed in herself. But as they were about to take off, all Berty heard were moans and groans from the squirming passengers, for they were too crowded and everyone was arguing about who should get out. So Berty climbed out of the basket, untied the ropes, and allowed the balloon to take off. As the balloon climbed high into the sky, the generous soul sat in the soft grass and waved goodbye to her friends.

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