Tilly the Turtle Who Wanted to Fly
The Story
In a lush green forest lived a little turtle named Tilly. Tilly was kind and good-hearted, but she carried a little sadness inside her. She would watch her neighbor, the swift rabbit, as he leaped and dashed like an arrow, while she walked ever so slowly, carrying her heavy home on her back. She wished she could feel the wind rush past her as she ran freely.
One day, as she was wandering sadly, a long snake with eyes that glittered like jewels appeared before her. The snake whispered in a soft voice, "I know the secret of your sadness, Tilly. You wish you were fast, don't you?" Tilly nodded. "I can grant your wish, but in exchange for something precious."
"What is it?" Tilly asked eagerly.
"I want the little house you carry on your back." Tilly agreed instantly, as she felt her shell was nothing but a heavy burden.
The snake gave her a shimmering green potion. As soon as Tilly drank it, she felt a strange lightness. She lifted her head and began to run with a speed she had never dreamed of. She felt as if she were flying! She laughed with joy as she raced with the butterflies.
But her happiness did not last long. Suddenly, a huge lion with a terrifying roar emerged from between the trees. Tilly ran to hide, but she realized with horror that she had nowhere to go. She had given away her safe shelter! She managed to escape by a miracle, but her heart was pounding violently.
After that, the sun's rays became scorching on her soft, unprotected skin. She felt tired, scared, and deeply regretful. She missed her shell, her warm home that protected her from danger and the sun. She ran back to the snake and said, with tears filling her eyes, "Please, give me back my shell. I don't want to be fast anymore."
Tilly realized in that moment that she had possessed a great treasure. Her shell was not a burden; it was her strength and her safety. She learned that happiness is not about becoming like others, but about appreciating what makes us unique and loving ourselves just as we are.
Moral Values & Lessons
- Self-Love and Appreciation: We should love ourselves as we are, for each of us has unique qualities that make us special.
- Hidden Blessings: Sometimes, the things we consider flaws or burdens (like the turtle's slowness) can actually be our greatest strengths and sources of safety.
- Don't Be Fooled by Shiny Promises: Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, as we might lose something more valuable in return.
- Contentment is a Treasure: True happiness lies in being content with what we have, not in constantly striving for what others possess.
Story Comprehension Questions
Simple Questions
- Why was Tilly the turtle sad at the beginning?
- Who appeared to Tilly in the forest and offered to help her?
- What did the snake ask for in exchange for speed?
- What was the first danger Tilly faced after she became fast?
- In the end, did Tilly want to remain fast or get her shell back?
Critical Thinking Questions
- Why did Tilly believe her shell was a burden and not a blessing?
- Was the snake really trying to help Tilly? What might have been its real motive?
- How did Tilly's idea of "happiness" change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Connecting to Your Life
- Have you ever wished you were like someone else? Why?
- What is something special about you that you are proud of?
- Describe a time you realized the value of something you owned only after you almost lost it.
Fun Interactive Activities
- Design Your Own Shell: Draw a big turtle shell on a piece of paper, then decorate it with all the things you love and that make you feel safe and happy.
- The Slow and Fast Game: Play "Red Light, Green Light." When the leader says "Rabbit," run fast. When they say "Turtle," move as slowly as you possibly can.
- The Gratitude Box: Get a small box. Every day, write on a small piece of paper one thing you are thankful for in your life and put it in the box.