Leo the little lion loved to play, but he loved cookies even more. One sunny afternoon, Mama Lion baked a big tray of yummy, golden cookies. “These are for our friends coming later,” she said, placing the tray on a high shelf. “Please don’t touch them, little one.”
Leo promised he wouldn’t. He went to play with his toy blocks, but the smell of the cookies floated through the air, all warm and sweet. Leo’s tummy rumbled. Just one little cookie, he thought. No one would ever know.
He stretched and stretched, standing on his tiptoes. He couldn’t quite reach. He found a small stool and carefully climbed up. He reached out and grabbed a cookie. It was so delicious, he gobbled it down in one big bite!
Soon, his friends came over, and Mama Lion went to get the cookies. She looked at the tray and saw there was one missing. “Oh my,” she said gently. “Where did the cookie go?”
Leo’s heart thumped. He wanted to say, “I don’t know,” but a little voice inside him said, “Tell the truth, Leo.” He looked at his mama’s kind eyes. Taking a deep breath, he whispered, “I ate it, Mama. I’m sorry.” Mama Lion didn’t get angry. She gave him a big hug. “Thank you for being brave and telling the truth, my little lion. That’s what makes me the proudest.” She smiled. “It’s okay to make a mistake, as long as you are honest about it.”
Leo felt much better after telling the truth. From that day on, he remembered that honesty is important, because it makes everyone feel safe and loved.
Have a good night, my dear.