Paulie the Parrot’s Big Discovery: A Story About Politeness and Respect
Once upon a time, in a lush, green jungle, there lived a little parrot named Paulie. Paulie was a beautiful bird with vibrant feathers of red, blue, and yellow. But despite his beautiful feathers, Paulie had one big problem – he was very rude. Whenever Paulie wanted something, he would squawk loudly, ‘‘Give me that!’’ or ‘‘I want this!’’ He never said ‘‘please’’ or ‘‘thank you,’’ and he didn’t show respect to the older animals in the jungle. One sunny morning, Paulie flew to the watering hole where many animals gathered to drink and chat. He saw a ripe, juicy mango on a branch near Ellie the Elephant. Without thinking twice, Paulie swooped down and squawked, ‘‘Give me that mango, Ellie!’’
Ellie the Elephant, who was very wise and patient, looked at Paulie and said, ‘‘Paulie, it would be much nicer if you asked politely and said ‘please.’’’
But Paulie just flapped his wings impatiently and flew away, muttering, ‘‘Why should I? I want it now!’’
Later that day, Paulie saw Leo the Lion, the king of the jungle, lounging under a tree. Leo had a big piece of meat in front of him. Paulie, feeling hungry, flew down and demanded, ‘‘Give me that meat!’’
Leo, with his deep, rumbling voice, replied, ‘‘Paulie, you must learn to ask nicely and show respect. You should say, ‘Can you please share some of your meat with me, Leo?’”
Paulie just huffed and said, ‘‘I don’t need to be polite to get what I want!’’ Then he flew away, still hungry and annoyed.
That evening, Paulie perched on a branch near Wise Old Owl’s tree. The owl was known for his wisdom and kindness. Paulie, still feeling grumpy, blurted out, ‘‘Why do I have to be polite to get what I want? I just want things now!’’
Wise Old Owl blinked his large, thoughtful eyes and said, ‘‘Paulie, politeness is about showing respect and kindness to others. When you are polite, you make others feel happy and respected, and they are more willing to do what you ask them. It’s also important to respect those older than you, such as your parents, for they have much to teach you.’’
Paulie listened quietly, for Wise Old Owl always made sense. But he still wasn’t sure why he had to change.
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How did the other animals react to Paulie when he was rude? Why do you think they didn’t want to share food with him? Can you remember a time when someone wanted you to do something but they didn’t say please, or they were rude? How did you feel? (This question helps readers understand the connection between behavior and how others respond to them.)