The Little Girl and the Hungry Fox 

Lisa skipped through the meadow, a basket swinging happily by her side. Filled with freshly baked cookies, a warm scent tickled her nose with every hop. She was on her way to Grandma's cozy cottage, nestled deep within the woods.

Suddenly, a rustle in the bushes caught her attention. A pair of bright eyes gleamed from the foliage. It was Foxy, the little fox known for his mischievous ways. Lisa always felt a mix of nervousness and amusement when she saw him.

"Well, hello there, little one," Foxy rasped, his voice sly. "Off to see your grandma, are we?"

Lisa clutched her basket tighter. "Y-yes," she stammered, "and I baked her cookies!"

Foxy's eyes widened. "Cookies, you say? Now that sounds delightful! Perhaps you could share a few with a hungry fox?"

Lisa's heart pounded. Grandma had warned her about Foxy's love for stealing treats. But something in his gaze, a hint of loneliness perhaps, made her hesitate.

"I only have a few left," she mumbled, peeking into her basket.

"Even one small crumb would be a kindness," Foxy pleaded, his voice softer than usual.

Lisa sighed. Grandma would understand, she decided. Carefully, she reached into the basket and pulled out a slightly misshapen cookie.

Foxy snatched it up eagerly, his bushy tail twitching with excitement. He took a bite, his eyes widening further. "Wow! These are the most delicious cookies I've ever tasted!"

A smile bloomed on Lisa's face. "I'm glad you like them," she chirped.

Foxy finished the cookie in a few bites, then let out a satisfied sigh. "Thank you, little one. You've saved a hungry fox from a grumbling tummy."

Lisa giggled. "You are welcome, Foxy. But promise you won't try to take Grandma's cookies, alright?"

Foxy chuckled, a sound surprisingly gentle. "Don't you worry, little one. Your kindness has filled me up more than any cookie ever could. Perhaps your grandma wouldn't mind a new friend for tea?"

Lisa's eyes sparkled. Maybe, just maybe, Foxy wasn't so bad after all. Together, they continued their walk towards the woods, Lisa skipping a little faster, the scent of cookies mingling with the crisp autumn air.

Vocabulary and Meaning

·         Meadow: A field of grassy land.

• Swung happily: Moved back and forth in a carefree way.

• Tickled her nose: Caused a pleasant tingling sensation.

• Nestled: Settled comfortably in a cozy spot.

• Rustle: A soft, whispering sound made by movement.

• Foliage: The leaves of plants.

• Gleaned: Shone brightly, especially in a hidden or mysterious way.

• Sly: Cunning and untrustworthy.

• Rasped: Spoke in a rough, harsh voice.

• Stammered: Spoke with hesitation and difficulty.

• Clutch: Held something tightly.

• Pounded: Beat quickly and forcefully (referring to her heart).

• Hesitate: Paused or wavered before doing something.

• Mumbled: Spoke in a low, unclear voice.

• Pleaded: Begged in a sincere way.

• Softly: In a quiet and gentle way.

• Sighed: Breathed out slowly and deeply, often expressing relief or sadness.

• Bushy tail: A thick and furry tail.

• Twitched: Moved suddenly and briefly in a small way.

• Misshapen: Not formed correctly or perfectly shaped.

• Snatched: Grabbed something quickly and forcefully.

• Satisfied sigh: A deep breath out expressing contentment.

• Grumbling tummy: An unhappy stomach that makes noises because it is empty.

• Giggled: Laughed in a light, high-pitched way.

• Chirped: Spoke in a happy and cheerful way.

• Sparkle: Shin brightly with joy or excitement.

• Mingling: Mixing together in a pleasant way.

Comprehension Questions for "The Little Girl and the Hungry Fox"

Remembering the Story:

1. Where was Lisa going with her basket?

2. Who did Lisa meet on her way?

3. What did Foxy want from Lisa?

4. What did Lisa give Foxy?

5. What did Foxy Promise Lisa at the end of the story?

Thinking About the Story:

6. How did Lisa feel when she first saw Foxy? (Use clues from the story)

7. Why do you think Lisa decided to share her cookie with Foxy, even though she was worried?

8. How did Foxy's behavior change after Lisa gave him the cookie?

Learning a Lesson:

9. The story shows that kindness can sometimes change people. Can you think of another story where someone being kind has a positive outcome?

10. Sometimes we might judge someone based on first impressions. Do you think it's important to get to know someone before making a judgment? Why or why not?

Bonus Question:

11. Imagine you are Foxy the fox. Write a short diary entry about your encounter with Lisa and the delicious cookies.