Long ago, in a wide green valley between the mountains and the sea, there flowed a beautiful river. It was deep and sparkling, with big trees growing along its banks. The land was full of flowers, animals, and good grass for sheep and goats.

A big city stood on a hill near the river. The people there had plenty of food and water, and they worked hard in their gardens and fields. But sometimes, something strange happened: the river would stop flowing. Even when the skies were clear and the days were warm, the water would disappear, and the rocks at the bottom would show through.

No one knew why.

The people had to walk for hours to find fresh water. The King and his helpers tried everything to fix the river, but nothing worked.

All except for one person—Princess Timba. Timba was the youngest daughter of the King. She was kind, quiet, and loved to walk alone in nature. And somehow, she always had water. Her water jar was full and clean, even when the river was dry.

One hot summer morning, after a big storm, all the girls from nearby villages went to the river to get water. They walked in long lines, carrying jars on their heads. But when they reached the river, they gasped—the water was almost gone. Only a tiny stream flowed through the Red Pool.

Sadly, they filled their jars with muddy water and headed home.

Only Timba returned with clear water and flowers tucked around the edge of her jar. Her sisters finally asked, “Where do you get your water?”

Timba smiled. “From a friend in the river. She watches over it.”

“A friend?” they asked, puzzled.

“You’ll see,” Timba said, but she didn’t explain more.

A few days later, the river suddenly filled again—higher than anyone had ever seen. The people were amazed.

That evening, Timba walked quietly along the riverbank. She followed a path to a quiet pool surrounded by flowers and trees. There, from the water, rose a large water serpent with gentle eyes and shimmering scales. She was beautiful and calm, with green leaves woven around her head like a crown.

“Hello, Timba,” said the serpent. “You have been kind and patient. You never took more water than you needed, and you always shared with others.”

“I try to be helpful,” Timba said, bowing politely.

“I am the Guardian of the Waters,” said the serpent. “I care for the rivers, lakes, and streams. When people waste or forget to care for nature, the water hides. But you have shown kindness. That’s why I come to you.”

The Guardian smiled and said, “I have a gift for you.”

She led Timba through the forest and down the river until they reached a pool that glowed like a mirror. Timba looked down and saw tiny fish and water plants below the surface.

“This is the Heart of the River,” said the Guardian. “You are welcome here any time. When you care for the world, the world takes care of you.”

Timba thanked her new friend. The next morning, she told the other children what she had seen. Together, they cleaned the riverbanks and planted new trees. They stopped wasting water and shared what they had.

The river never dried up again.

And on quiet nights, Timba would return to the shining pool. She and the Water Guardian would talk, laugh, and sit under the stars—just two friends helping the world stay full of life.

_{“Timba and the Water Guardian” by Nina D. Smith, published by Bright Bunny Books © 2025. Retelling of “The Serpent’s Bride Part 1” from Fairy Tales from South Africa by E. J. Bourhill and J. B. Drake, originally published in 1908.}

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This story is ideal for students in grades 3–5, offering accessible language, rich imagery, and positive themes of friendship, nature, and problem-solving.