Why the Bear Has a Stumpy Tail

5 pages · 1 min · ages 4+

Based on: Norwegian Folk Tale

Big Bear was very hungry. He saw Fox with fish. The fish were very shiny. "Where are those from?" Bear asked. Fox wanted to be silly. He told a little lie. He wanted to trick Bear. Bear listened to his friend.

Fox pointed to the ice. "Put your tail in there." "The fish will bite it." Bear believed his friend Fox. Bear sat on the ice. He put his tail down. The water was very cold. He waited for a fish.

Bear sat for a long time. It was very, very cold. His tail felt very heavy. "I have a fish!" Bear said. He pulled with his legs. He pulled with his back. Snap! His tail was short. Bear looked at his tail.

Fox ran to the lake. He saw Bear's short tail. Fox did not feel happy. He felt very, very bad. "I am sorry," Fox said. "I told a big lie." Lying made Fox feel sad. He wanted to help Bear.

Fox gave Bear his fish. They ate the fish together. Bear liked his cute tail. Fox told the truth now. Truth made them both happy. They are now best friends. Fox always shares his fish. Bear is a happy bear.