The Turtle Who Talked Too Much
A turtle lived in a pond with two geese for friends. One summer the pond began to dry up.
"Come with us," said the geese. "We will carry you to a big lake."
They held a stick in their beaks. "Bite the middle," they said, "but do not open your mouth."
Up they flew. Children below looked up and shouted, "Look at that funny flying turtle!"
The turtle wanted to answer back. He opened his mouth to speak.
Down he tumbled into a soft field, and learned to hold his tongue.
Sometimes the wisest thing is to say nothing at all.
Self-ControlDid you know?
Some turtles can live for more than a hundred years.
Try this at home
Next time you feel like answering back, count slowly to five first.
Questions to talk about
Ask these after reading. The answer is underneath each one.
How did the turtle travel?
Answer: On a stick held by geese
Why did he fall?
Answer: He opened his mouth
What is the lesson?
Answer: Know when to stay quiet
Bring this story to life
In the Superkids app your child reads this story with pictures, hears it read aloud, answers the questions as a game, and earns stars for every story finished.
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