Corvus was a little crow who loved shiny things. Not just any shiny things, *all* shiny things! He collected bottle caps, lost buttons, sparkly pebbles, and even a little piece of foil from a picnic. He kept them all in his cozy nest, built high up in an old oak tree.
Corvus loved looking at his collection. He’d arrange and rearrange the shiny treasures, cawing happily to himself. But he didn’t like anyone *touching* them. “These are *mine*!” he’d squawk if another bird came too close.
One sunny afternoon, Rosie the robin and Barnaby the bluebird came to visit. They wanted to play a game of chase, but Corvus was too busy admiring his shiny things. “I’m busy,” he said, puffing out his chest. “Go play somewhere else.”
Rosie and Barnaby looked sad. “We just wanted to play with you,” said Rosie. Barnaby added, “It’s more fun to play *together*.” Corvus watched them fly off, and suddenly, his shiny things didn’t seem so bright anymore.
He looked at his collection. It was beautiful, but it felt…lonely. He remembered how much fun he had playing with Rosie and Barnaby before he started collecting. He took a deep breath and flew down to find his friends.
“Rosie? Barnaby?” he called. “I’m sorry I didn’t want to play. Would you like to see my shiny things?” Rosie and Barnaby’s eyes lit up. Corvus carefully showed them his collection, and this time, he let them touch and admire the sparkly treasures.
“Wow, these are amazing!” said Rosie. Barnaby picked up a shiny pebble. “Can we use these to decorate our nests?” Corvus hesitated for a moment, then smiled. “Of course! You can have some.”
Rosie and Barnaby were so happy! They used the shiny things to make their nests even more beautiful. Then, they all played chase together, laughing and soaring through the sky. Corvus realized that sharing his shiny things and playing with his friends made him feel much happier than keeping everything to himself.
As the sun began to set, Corvus flew back to his nest, feeling warm and fuzzy inside. His shiny things still sparkled, but now, they sparkled with the joy of friendship. He knew that the best treasures weren’t just shiny objects, but the happy memories he made with his friends. And that’s a very shiny thought indeed.
Now close your eyes, little one, and dream of shiny things and even shinier friendships. Sweet dreams!