The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs
A farmer’s remarkable goose brings a choice between patience and wanting everything at once.
A story to read together
The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs
Take your time. Let the story unfold.
A farmer and his partner cared for a goose that laid one beautiful golden egg each morning. They sold the eggs and soon had enough to live comfortably. At first they were grateful, but then they began wishing for more.
A remarkable goose
Each day the farmer found one golden egg in the nest. He used the money carefully to repair the roof and buy food. The goose was healthy and well cared for.
Wanting everything now
One morning, the farmer and partner decided to look for more gold inside the goose. They frightened her while trying to find a secret store of eggs.
A loss they could avoid
The farmer searched for the goose and found her beside the pond. He apologized and promised to care for her without forcing her to give more than she could.
Patience and care
After many days, the goose chose to come home. She was welcomed gently, and the farmer made a safer enclosure near the pond.
The end
After the final page
There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.
What makes the goose special to the farmer?
How does wanting more change the ending?
How did wanting more at once put the farmer’s good fortune at risk?
Make something: Draw a “one step at a time” path. Add three patient choices that help protect something valuable.
