I help run an educational enrichment program in the evening that focuses on a story at the center. Here are two tales from that program for Taiwanese children.
Timmy’s Invisible Friend
Hello children. I’m Mr. Yattle, the teller of tales. Today’s story explains that sometimes things happen, and we aren’t aware of them.
“He’s real, I tell you, I’m not making it up,” cried Timmy when his mother asked who broke the bowl.
Timmy and Spooky had been playing chase when Spooky knocked over the table and broke the snack bowl.
Afraid he would scolded, Timmy hid the bowl under the chair. Later, his mother found the bowl and asked who had broken it.
“Timmy, who broke this bowl,” asked his mother.
“It was Spooky; he hit the table and knocked it over,” said the boy.
“I thought you promised not to make stories up and always tell me the truth, ” his mother asked.
Timmy went to his room to think about what happened. “I’m sorry, Timmy, I was careless,” said Spooky.
“If I tell Mom I did it, she will be mad, but get over it. If I tell her you did it, she will not believe me. Why is telling the truth so hard?” said Timmy.
“I can’t help you because adults can no longer see me. Only children can. You must choose what to say,” explained Spooky.
Timmy went to see his Mom and told her he did not want to lie. “I can only tell you that it was not me who broke the bowl,” said her son.
Timmy’s mother gave him a big hug and said she believed him. “Sometimes things happen that we are unaware of, like hitting a table while playing,” said Tim’s Mom.
“I understand. I thought it was Spooky, but it was only me,” said Timmy with a smile.
Timmy promised to be more careful and watch where he was going in the future. Mom thought that was an excellent plan, too.
Not Your Fault
Hello children. I’m Mr. Yattle, the teller of tales. Today’s story shows how vital truth-telling and friendship can be.
As Franny walked home alone, she felt terrible about what had happened in school that day.
“I didn’t mean to get Randy in trouble by telling the teacher. I’m so silly I didn’t need to say a thing,” muttered the fox.
Ahead on the forest path sat Randy. He smiled as Franny approached his sitting rock.
“Hello, Franny, how are you doing?” asked the raccoon.
“I’m sorry I told on you and made you miss playtime today,” said the Franny.
“It wasn’t your fault. You didn’t know it was me who broke the pencil sharpener. Besides, Ms. Smith understood when I explained what had happened,” replied Randy.
“But you miss playtime,” insisted the fox.
“I told the teacher I knew how to fix the sharpener but needed her help. During playtime, we fixed the machine,” explained Randy.
“So you didn’t get in trouble?” asked Franny.
“Not at all,” said the raccoon.
“I’m relieved. I hated the idea I caused you trouble,” said Franny.
Randy climbed down from his rock and took his friend’s arm. “I’m glad you were honest, Franny. It means a lot to me. Let’s get some tea and cakes at my house,” the raccoon suggested.
“That suits me fine,” replied Franny with a big grin.
Telling the truth is sometimes hard, especially when it can get a friend in trouble. Randy knew this and told Franny how proud he was to have a friend who believed in being honest.
For More Fun Visit:
Folksburywoods Story Blog 
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