The Tumbling Tangerine
Fifi and Momo help a neighbor carry heavy groceries and learn that even small hands can make a big difference.
Fifi was digging in the backyard with Momo beside her. Grunts came from next door. Through the fence, they saw Mrs. Chen struggling with two heavy grocery bags.
Momo asked, 'Why doesn't she put one down?' Fifi said, 'Maybe she's trying to get home fast.' Momo's nose twitched. 'But she looks so tired. What if something falls?'
Fifi stood up. 'We should help.' Momo whispered, 'What if we make it worse?' 'We'll be helpers, not worse, ' said Fifi. They hurried to Mrs. Chen's yard. 'Can we carry a bag?' Fifi asked.
Mrs. Chen smiled. They each took a handle. Suddenly, a tangerine bounced free. Momo sprang after it, caught it in his soft mouth, and pranced back. Mrs. Chen laughed. 'What a clever fox!'
Together they carried the bag to the porch. 'Thank you, ' said Mrs. Chen. She picked a bright marigold from her garden and tucked it behind Fifi's ear. 'For being kind, ' she said.
Walking home, Momo sniffed the flower and sneezed. Fifi giggled. The marigold shimmered in the sun like a little piece of gold.
This English moral short story was checked for clear language, age-appropriate content, and a lesson that follows naturally from the story.