Little Dumpling wasn't like the other dumplings. They were all perfectly round and smooth, golden brown and shiny. But Little Dumpling? She was a little bit lumpy, a little bit pale, and had a tiny dimple on one side. She worried she wasn't a *proper* dumpling.
Every night, the dumpling family gathered in the warm steamer basket, ready for bedtime. Mama Dumpling would tuck each dumpling in with a soft, fluffy cloth. When she came to Little Dumpling, she smiled. "You are perfect, my dear," she said.
But Little Dumpling sighed. "I'm not round like everyone else! I'm lumpy and pale! Will anyone choose *me*?"
Mama Dumpling chuckled. "Oh, Little Dumpling. Being different is what makes you special! Each of us is unique, and that's what makes our family so wonderful. Look at Papa Dumpling – he has a little curl on his edge! And Auntie Dumpling has a sprinkle of sesame seeds that always fall off!"
Little Dumpling looked around. She hadn't noticed before! Papa Dumpling *did* have a little curl, and Auntie Dumpling was always leaving a tiny trail of sesame seeds wherever she went. They didn't seem to mind at all.
Just then, a little girl named Lily peeked into the steamer basket. Lily loved dumplings more than anything! She carefully chose… Little Dumpling! "This one!" she exclaimed. "This one is the cutest! I love her little dimple!"
Little Dumpling’s heart warmed. Lily didn't care about her lumps or her pale color. She loved her *because* of them! Lily gently placed Little Dumpling in a bowl with a little bit of soy sauce and a sprinkle of green onions.
As Lily ate her, Little Dumpling felt so happy. She realized Mama Dumpling was right. Being different wasn't bad at all. It made her special, and it made someone very happy. She was a perfect dumpling, just the way she was.
Snuggled in Lily’s tummy, Little Dumpling drifted off to sleep, dreaming of all the wonderful, unique dumplings in the world. And she knew, even in her dreams, that she was loved, lumpy dimple and all. Now close your eyes, little one, and dream sweet dreams, just like Little Dumpling.