The Boy Who Only Wanted

Once, there was a boy named Tim. Tim loved toys, but he never said, "Thank you." All day, Tim would say, "I want! I want! I want!"

One sunny day, Tim was playing in his yard. He said, "I want a new truck!" Suddenly, a tiny, sparkly creature popped into view. "I am a Gratitude Sprite!" she sang. "And I hear you only say, 'I want!' Let me show you what you already have."

The Sprite waved her wand. POOF! Tim and the Sprite shrunk down to the size of ants. "Look!" said the Sprite. Tim saw his house. It looked giant. He saw his mom and dad working in the yard. "You have a home and a family who loves you," said the Sprite. Tim never thought of that before.

Next, the Sprite waved her wand again. POOF! Now they were in Tim's room. It was full of toys. There were books to read and games to play. "Wow!" said Tim. "I have so much!"

Then, the Sprite took Tim to the park. They saw kids laughing and playing. Tim had friends! He could run and jump and play with them. Tim smiled. He felt happy.

Finally, the Sprite grew Tim back to his normal size. "Now do you see, Tim?" she asked. "You have so much to be thankful for." Tim nodded. "Thank you!" he said to the Sprite. Then, he ran to hug his mom and dad. He was happy for everything he had. From that day on, Tim always said, "Thank you!"