The Boy Who Cried Wolf
By Josh Katzker
The Boy Who Cried Wolf Study Guide
Jackie and Jamie are tucking in for bedtime with a big book of their favorite stories! The only problem? They “borrowed” the book from Jackie’s grandfather without asking permission. When Grandpa George comes looking for his book, the two tell a fib to cover up their crime. Feeling guilty, they confess—but Grandpa points out that this is becoming a pattern for the pair. He knows just the right story to send them off to sleep with: Aesop’s classic “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” He takes them back to a time when…
Young George is very excited to take on his role as the town shepherd! But he soon learns that watching the flock can be tedious–and at times downright boring. George even falls asleep his first day on the job! Mother warns him that he must stay alert, as the townspeople are counting on him to keep a keen eye on the flock. There’s a hungry wolf nearby who would love a wooly snack!
When George misses out on a fun day of swimming with friends, he decides to make his own fun out on the hillside. To relieve his loneliness, he cries “Wolf!”, knowing that the townspeople will come rushing to his aid. After three false alarms, they tell George that they’ll think twice before they venture up the hill again. Sure enough, the starving wolf becomes so desperate for food that he really does show up—and George’s cries for help go unanswered. He must tell the townspeople that their sheep are gone for good.
George tells the whole sorrowful tale to his mother, and learns that “liars cannot be believed…even when they are telling the truth.” If only he hadn’t fibbed, the whole mess could have been avoided! In time, he earns back the trust of the town and is awarded a special medallion for his truthfulness. The medallion serves as a constant reminder of the very important lesson he learned.
