Little Ruby loved visiting her Grandma. Grandma always had the best stories and the warmest hugs. One sunny afternoon, Ruby’s mom baked a basket full of yummy berry muffins for Grandma. “Ruby, dear,” Mom said, “Please take these to Grandma, but remember to stay on the path and be polite to everyone you meet.”
Ruby promised she would, and skipped happily along the path. The forest was full of wonderful sights! She saw a bright blue butterfly fluttering among the flowers and a busy little squirrel gathering nuts. Soon, she met a friendly rabbit with long, floppy ears.
“Hello!” said the rabbit. “Those muffins smell delicious! Are you going far?” Ruby, remembering her mom’s words about being polite, smiled. “I’m going to Grandma’s house,” she replied. “It’s a little way down the path.”
The rabbit wiggled his nose. “The path can be tricky,” he warned. “Old Man Tiber, the tortoise, knows the best route. He’s just around the bend.” Ruby thanked the rabbit and continued on her way. She found Old Man Tiber slowly munching on a dandelion.
“Excuse me, Mr. Tiber,” Ruby said politely. “Do you know the best way to Grandma’s house?” Old Man Tiber blinked slowly. “The path splits up ahead,” he explained. “The left path is shorter, but it’s very bumpy and full of prickly bushes. The right path is longer, but smooth and easy.”
Ruby remembered her mom saying to stay on the path, and she also remembered the rabbit’s warning about the tricky path. She realized the bumpy path might make the muffins fall! “Thank you, Mr. Tiber!” she said. “I’ll take the longer, smoother path.”
As Ruby walked, she noticed a little bird with a broken wing. It chirped sadly. Ruby carefully set down her basket and gently scooped up the bird. She remembered her mom always helped injured animals. She used a soft leaf to make a little sling for the bird’s wing.
“There,” she said to the bird. “That should help a little.” She continued to Grandma’s house, holding the bird carefully. When she arrived, Grandma was delighted to see her! She helped Ruby care for the bird and they both enjoyed the delicious berry muffins.
Grandma smiled. “You were very kind to help that little bird, Ruby. And you were very wise to listen to the rabbit and Old Man Tiber.” Ruby realized that listening to advice and being kind had made her journey even more special. She snuggled close to Grandma, happy to be safe and sound, and ready for a wonderful story before bedtime.