The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It has suspense, but it ends with comfort and restoration. It’s great for bedtime because it reinforces a simple safety rule and finishes with everyone safe and together.

Story Synopsis

A mother goat must leave home to find food, but before she goes she gives her seven little kids a clear rule: do not open the door to anyone. The wolf, she warns, is clever and dangerous, and he will try to fool them. The kids promise to listen. Not long after, the wolf comes knocking. He tries to sound sweet, but the kids recognize the rough voice and refuse. The wolf changes tactics—softening his voice and even whitening his paws so they look like the mother’s. One by one, his disguises work. The kids open the door, and the wolf bursts in. The seven kids scatter, hiding in different places around the house. The wolf finds most of them and swallows them whole, then lies down to sleep, pleased with himself. One little kid remains hidden, safe but trembling. When the mother goat returns, she senses something is wrong. The hidden kid tells her what happened, and the mother follows the trail until she finds the wolf asleep. She hears movement inside his belly and realizes her children may still be alive. With careful hands, she cuts open the wolf’s belly and frees the kids, one after another. Then they fill the wolf’s belly with heavy stones and sew it shut. When the wolf wakes and stumbles to drink, the stones pull him down, and he collapses. The home becomes safe again. The story ends with relief, togetherness, and a strong reminder: listen to wise rules, especially when it comes to safety.

Story Excerpt

Once upon a time there was an old mother goat who had seven little kids. She loved them with all the love a mother can hold. One morning she said, “Dear children, I must go into the forest to fetch food. While I am gone, be on your guard against the wolf. If he gets inside, he will snatch you up and carry you away. The wretch often disguises himself, but you will know him by his rough voice and his black feet.” The seven kids answered, “Dear Mother, we will take good care of ourselves. You may go without worry.” The mother goat gave a last gentle bleat and went on her way. Not long after, there came a knock at the door. A voice called out, “Open the door, dear children; your mother is here, and has brought something back with her for each of you.” But the little kids listened closely. The voice sounded scratchy and rough. “We will not open the door!” they cried. “You are not our mother. She has a soft, pleasant voice, but your voice is rough. You are the wolf!” Outside, the wolf frowned. His first trick had failed. He hurried to a shopkeeper and bought a great lump of chalk. He ate it, and it made his voice sound smoother. Then he went back to the little house and knocked again. “Open the door, dear children,” he called in his new, sweetened voice. “Your mother is here and has brought something back with her for each of you.” The kids pressed close to the window. “Yes,” they whispered, “the voice sounds softer…” But then they saw what mattered most: two black paws resting against the window frame.

In One Glance