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The Dog and His Reflection

Quick Answer

A dog carrying a bone sees his reflection in water, thinks it’s another dog with a bigger bone, and snaps—dropping his own. It’s a simple fable about greed and gratitude, perfect for a quick bedtime lesson.

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

The story is short and clear, with one crisp cause-and-effect moment. Kids can understand the lesson without fear, and the calm wrap-upā€”ā€˜Be glad for what you have’—fits bedtime well.

Story at a Glance

RECOMMENDED AGES

5-9 years

READING TIME

2 min

THEMES
reflectivereflectiveproblem solvingconsequencesconsequencesself-controlself-controlshort storyshort storyclassic taleclassic taleproblem solving
Also available inEspaƱol

Story Synopsis

A dog trots proudly down the road with a fine bone in his mouth, already dreaming of enjoying it at home. When he crosses a stream, he glances into the water and sees what looks like another dog holding an even bigger bone. In a flash of envy, he decides to snatch the ā€œotherā€ bone. He opens his mouth to bark and bite—only to drop his own bone into the stream. The reflection vanishes, and so does his dinner. The dog learns a quick, gentle truth: wanting more can make you lose what you already have. It’s an easy bedtime fable to pair with gratitude: naming one good thing from today before sleep.

Story Excerpt

A Dog was trotting along the road very pleased with himself The butcher had tossed him a fine bone and he carried it proudly in his mouth hurrying home as fast as his paws could go Soon he came to a narrow footbridge that crossed over quiet water The bridge was just wide enough for him to step carefully across As he went he happened to glance down In…

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In One Glance

In The Dog and His Reflection, a dog carrying a bone sees his reflection in water and mistakes it for another dog with a larger bone. He snaps to grab it, drops his own bone, and loses everything. The fable teaches that greed and envy can cost you what you already have.

Frequently Asked Questions

A dog mistakes his reflection for another dog with a bigger bone and loses his own by trying to grab more.

No—it’s a simple, quick fable with a mild consequence.

Gratitude and contentment: chasing ā€˜more’ can make you lose what you already have.

Ages 4–9, great for short bedtime reads with a clear takeaway.