Old Man Coyote Learns to Share

Old Man Coyote woke up in the Green Forest one bright morning. His tummy gave a loud rumble. He set off to find something good to eat.

Soon Coyote came to a sunny meadow. He spotted Peter Rabbit sitting beside a big pile of sweet clover. Coyote's mouth began to water.

Old Man Coyote thought of a trick. He stepped out with a big grin. "Peter! I found a golden pond just around the bend!" he called.

Peter Rabbit twitched his nose slowly. "I don't believe you, Old Man Coyote," he said calmly. He tucked his clover under his arm and hopped away.

Old Man Coyote did not give up. He saw Mrs. Duck waddling down the path with a basket of seeds. "I found a golden pond just around the bend!" he called to her.

Mrs. Duck shook her feathers and laughed a big quacking laugh. "We all know your tricks, Old Man Coyote!" she called back. She waddled away, keeping her seeds close.

Old Man Coyote walked on alone, feeling very sorry for himself. He was not watching where he stepped. He slipped right into a deep muddy ditch and could not get out.

"Help! Help!" Coyote called as loudly as he could. Peter Rabbit heard him and came hopping fast. Mrs. Duck came flapping right behind.

Peter grabbed one paw and Mrs. Duck grabbed the other. They pulled and pulled together until Coyote was free. Coyote sat on the grass, muddy but safe.

"I am sorry for my tricks," Coyote said quietly. Peter Rabbit smiled and held out a big bunch of sweet clover. "Friends share," said Peter.

The three friends sat together in the meadow as the sun turned soft and golden. They ate clover and seeds and felt warm all over.

That night, Old Man Coyote curled up under the bright stars, full and happy. Being kind feels much better than any trick.