Image description: A colourful, hand-drawn illustration shows a jungle clearing where all seven Wombles and all seven Care Bears stand facing each other, ready for a friendly showdown. On the left, the Wombles are lined up, each with their own distinct hat and outfit — Great Uncle Bulgaria with his tartan scarf, Orinoco looking slightly sleepy, Tobermory in his workshop gear, Madame Cholet in a chef-style outfit, and the others in bright caps and waistcoats. They appear determined but curious. On the right, the Care Bears stand in a neat row. Tenderheart Bear is at the front with his red heart symbol. The others include Funshine Bear with a sun, Good Luck Bear with a four-leaf clover, Cheer Bear with a rainbow, Grumpy Bear with a rain cloud, Share Bear with lollipops, and Harmony Bear in calming purple. They look cheerful but focused. In the background, green jungle trees and palm leaves surround the clearing under a bright blue sky. Across the top of the image, large yellow and black text reads: THE WOMBLE IN THE JUNGL
Chapter Four – The Big Debate
By lunchtime, the jungle clearing smelled delicious.
There were mango peels scattered like confetti, sizzling banana skins on a sun-heated griddle rock, and something bubbling in a recycled saucepan that was either soup or a science experiment.
At the heart of the action stood Madame Cholet, apron tied tightly, feather duster in one paw, a ladle in the other. Her fur was slightly singed at the tips, and her eyes sparkled with determination. “I am here to feed the debate,” she declared, “and win it with flavour.”
Across from her, Share Bear arrived in a swirl of sparkles and giggles, her purple fur dusted with icing sugar. She had brought an armful of heart-shaped cupcakes and a bag full of spoonfuls — one for every creature in the jungle.
“I thought we could share snacks and ideas,” she said kindly.
Madame Cholet sniffed. “Ideas, yes. But first — let us establish the importance of flavour profiles, non?”
The parrots squawked their official announcement: “ROUND FOUR!”
And so began the most delicious round of the jungle showdown.
Share Bear laid out a glittery picnic blanket and invited everyone — bats, beetles, and even a bashful badger — to take a treat. “Sharing is caring!” she beamed, handing out cupcakes and care cookies.
Meanwhile, Madame Cholet was stirring, sizzling, and scolding a vine that had dropped leaves in her broth. “This stew is made with jungle-foraged vegetables, seven types of root, and just a pinch of hope.”
“Mine are baked with hugs,” said Share Bear.
Cholet blinked. “Hugs? You bake with hugs?”
“They’re surprisingly effective,” said Share Bear.
As the round continued, a heated (but polite) discussion broke out:
“Sharing is a strategy,” said Share Bear. “Cooking is a calling,” replied Cholet. “Sharing builds connection.” “Cooking builds community!”
They paused. A small lemur waddled over, clutching a cupcake in one paw and a spoonful of stew in the other. “Excuse me,” he said, licking both. “They taste better together.”
The jungle went silent.
Then Madame Cholet and Share Bear looked at each other… and burst out laughing.
“Oh très bien,” said Cholet. “Let us mix your hugs with my garlic.”
“Let’s stir it up,” said Share Bear.
By the end of the round, they had created a jungle buffet from shared resources: banana bread baked in a rock oven, compost-crusted tarts, stew served in hollowed-out pawpaws, and a giant sharing spoon carved from driftwood.
As the jungle animals feasted together, Madame Cholet offered Share Bear the wooden spoon like a trophy.
“You are a very generous opponent,” Cholet said with a proud smile.
“And you are a fabulous Womble,” Share Bear replied.
They clinked ladles. Peace through pudding.
Blind Man Makes 