I’m just a little cricket, hopping through this big, quiet house, feeling the sun on my back and the wood beneath my feet. I’ve got my umbrella, my hat, and a song in my heart—'I’m a Happy-go-Lucky Fellow,' and I mean it.

I wander into the living room, where a record player sits like a treasure chest. I flip through the records until I see one that catches my eye: Bongo. 'Hmm, sounds exotic,' I say to myself. I put it on, give it a spin, and suddenly—music. A story begins.

It’s about a bear, see? A circus bear named Bongo. Trained to perform, but his heart’s in the wild. One night, he escapes—jumps off the train and lands in the forest. Free at last! But freedom’s not all berries and sunshine. He meets a lady bear, Lulubelle, and falls head over paws for her. Trouble is, there’s another bear—Lumpjaw. Big fella. Thinks a slap means 'I love you.' Bongo’s got to fight for her. And fight he does—right off a waterfall!

The music swells, the story ends with them together, and I wipe a tear from my eye. 'Aw, that’s sweet,' I mutter. Then I spot something on the table—a birthday invitation. 'Luana Patten. Across the street. Party at 3.'

Well, why not? I hop out the window, make my way over, and slip in quietly. There’s Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy, Mortimer Snerd—telling jokes, making kids laugh. I climb onto a shelf and listen.

Edgar clears his throat. 'Let me tell you another story…'

And just like that, the room fades, and I’m back in a tale.