A Short Story for a Young Child4

A Short Story for a
Young Child

Out of the forest runs Otto the
squirrel.

Otto sees Courage, the
cowardly dog, slowly walking
to school licking a great big
red lollipop.

“Oh boy,” says Otto to himself, “that
lollipop will make a great treat for me to
eat. All the animals in the forest know

Courage is a coward!”

Otto walks over to Courage and says, “I’m
very hungry and I want your lollipop! Give it
to me or I will punch you. All the animals in
the forest know you are a coward.” Courage
quickly hands him the lollipop.

Now Courage, the cowardly dog, has a
bag of cookies hidden in his fur. He takes
out a big chocolate chip cookie and
begins to eat it as he walks to school.

Out of the forest hops Ploppy, a little
bunny. “Oh boy, says Ploppy to himself,
“that cookie will make a great treat for
me to eat. All the animals in the forest
know Courage is a coward!”

Ploppy walks over to Courage, the
cowardly dog, and says, “I’m hungry and
I want your cookie. Give it to me or I will
hop on your head so hard you will have a
big bump that will hurt.” Courage gives
Ploppy the cookie.

Out of the forest runs Squeaky, a cute
little mouse, and a great big lion chasing
him. “I’m hungry and when I catch you,
you will be a nice treat,” roars the lion.

“Oh no you won’t you big bully,” shouts
Courage. Quickly, Courage jumps onto
the lion’s nose and bites it with all his
strength.

“Ow!” cries the lion. Off jumps Courage
and back into the forest runs the lion.

All the animals now know that Courage
is not a cowardly dog, but the bravest of
all the animals.