Harry the hedgehog loved berries. Red berries, blue berries, even the tiny yellow ones! He spent all morning collecting them in his little basket. He had SO many, the biggest berry pile in the whole wide wood. “These are ALL mine!” he declared, hugging his basket tightly.
Soon, Rosie Rabbit hopped by. “Wow, Harry! Those look delicious! Could I *maybe* have just one? I’m having a little picnic with Barnaby Bear, but we didn’t find many berries ourselves.” Harry frowned. He really didn’t want to share. He imagined all his berries disappearing!
Then, Finley Fox trotted over. “Those berries smell amazing, Harry! I’m building a berry tower, but I’m short on the red ones. Could you spare a few?” Harry’s frown deepened. He clutched his basket even closer. He started to feel a little bit lonely, even with all his berries.
Old Man Turtle, who was very wise, slowly ambled past. He saw Harry’s sad face and asked, “What’s troubling you, little one?” Harry explained about his berries and how he didn’t want to share. Old Man Turtle smiled gently. “Sometimes,” he said, “the joy of having something is even bigger when you share it with others.”
Harry thought about this. He looked at Rosie and Finley, who were looking a little disappointed. He took a deep breath and offered Rosie a handful of blue berries. Rosie’s face lit up! Then, he gave Finley a pile of red berries. Finley wagged his tail happily.
Suddenly, Harry didn’t feel lonely anymore. Rosie and Finley invited him to join their picnic and berry tower building. They all laughed and played together, enjoying the berries even more than Harry thought possible. He realized Old Man Turtle was right!
Sharing his berries hadn’t made him have less fun; it had made his day much, much better. He learned that having friends to share with was the sweetest treat of all. As the sun began to set, Harry snuggled into his cozy nest, feeling warm and happy. He knew tomorrow he would collect even *more* berries… and share them too.
Now close your eyes, little one, and dream sweet dreams of berries and friends. Remember, sharing is caring, and kindness always comes back around.