✦A classic animal fable
The Greedy Dog
A little dog learns to be grateful for what she has instead of reaching for an imaginary extra treat.
A story to read together
The Greedy Dog
Take your time. Let the story unfold.
Poppy the dog found a tasty bone near the bakery. The baker had set it aside for her, and Poppy carried it proudly along the path. She was glad to have a treat for later. As she crossed a little wooden bridge, the still water below caught her eye.
A lucky find
Poppy held the bone gently and thought about the nice walk home. She could already smell the warm soup waiting in her bowl. “This is plenty for today,” she told herself. Then she reached the middle of the bridge and glanced down at the clear water.
A dog in the water
Poppy saw a dog-shaped image below. It seemed to be carrying a bone too. The picture was only her reflection, but Poppy did not know that. “That dog has a treat!” she thought. “Perhaps I can have two.” She leaned toward the rail, forgetting to pay attention to the bone in her own mouth.
A moment to pause
The bone slipped and landed on the bridge beside her paw. Poppy quickly picked it up and stepped back from the water. She looked again. The other dog moved whenever she moved. “Oh, that is my reflection,” she realized. “Wanting more made me forget to take care of what I already had.”
A thankful walk
Poppy carried her bone safely home. She thanked the baker the next morning and shared a cheerful wag with the shop cat. From then on, whenever she wanted something extra, she paused to think about what was already good. Her walks became happier—and the bridge felt like an ordinary bridge again.
The end
After the final page
There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.
What did Poppy already have before she saw the reflection?
Why did the image in the water look like another dog?
What could Poppy tell herself the next time she wants more?
Make something: Draw Poppy on the bridge and add a thought bubble showing what she is grateful for.
