The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf

The shepherd boy watched over his flock on a wide green hill. The white sheep nibbled the grass, and the sun was warm. Everything was peaceful and still.

But the boy was bored. He thought of a sneaky trick and grinned. He cupped his hands and called out, "Wolf! Wolf!"

Down in the village, everyone heard him. They dropped their work and came running up the hill.

But there was no wolf. The boy laughed and laughed at them. The villagers shook their heads and walked slowly home.

The very next day, the boy did it again. "Wolf! Wolf!" he shouted at the top of his lungs. The villagers came running once more.

Again, there was no wolf, just the laughing boy. The villagers felt tricked. They walked away upset and tired.

That evening, a real wolf slipped out of the dark forest. It crept low through the tall grass toward the sheep.

The boy's eyes went wide. "Wolf! Wolf!" he cried as loud as he could.

In the village, the people heard him. But they only sighed and shook their heads. They did not come.

The wolf chased the sheep and vanished into the trees, taking the whole flock. The boy looked around in shock.

The boy sat down on the cold, quiet grass. The hill felt very empty, and the sun was going down.

He looked at the village lights and felt very sorry. Always tell the truth, so people believe you when you need help.