How The Goldfish Got Its Name
A Fable
by
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One day, some birds were flying beneath a rainbow, looking down on the jungle which glistened with fresh rain. They spotted something so shiny that it almost blinded them. There, at the base of the rainbow, was a pot of gold! It was overflowing with gold nuggets and coins, and was unlike anything the birds had ever before encountered. They swooped down from the sky for a closer look and realized this was something very special. They worked together to grasp the pot’s handle in their beaks and then they flew with the treasure deep into the jungle, to a spot where the animals meet near a glistening blue pond.
“Tweet, tweet,” called a bird. “Caw, caw,” sang another. Slowly, the animals heard the call and made their way to the meeting place. As they approached, they could not believe their eyes. There, in the center of the clearing, next to the shiny blue pond, was this magnificent pot of gold. They touched it, and smelled it, and circled it to make sure it was real. To all of them it was the most beautiful sight they had ever seen!
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About the Book
In a beautiful, peaceful jungle, all of the animals get along. They spend long, lazy days enjoying each other and their glorious home. They rest in the warm, soft sun or swim in the cool, refreshing water. Then, suddenly, something unusual happens.
One day, some birds flying high above the jungle spot a glistening pot of gold at the end of a rainbow and immediately tell all of the other jungle animals about it. But soon, the beauty of their treasure brings out jealousy and greed, and the animals argue over who should own the gold. The only jungle creatures who stay quiet and make no claim to the treasure are the plain white fish swimming in the pond, deep in the jungle, at the gathering place where the animals meet. The fish don’t think they are special enough to possess something as beautiful as the gold. Then, as all of the animals are arguing and proclaiming their own greatness, something magical happens that changes the fish forever and teaches their jungle friends a lesson in kindness and humility.
With beautiful illustrations and engaging text, this inspiring fable communicates a powerful message of how greed can ruin friendships and how kindness and humility are rewarded.
About the Author
Elena Schietinger is the author of numerous children’s books, including There’s a Spider in My Closet and I Know You Can Do It, You Know You Can, Too! Her stories seek to both entertain her young audiences and help her readers grow. She is the mother of three sons, who inspired her writing as they were growing up. A lifelong storyteller, she has a background in journalism and extensive experience as a writer of fiction and nonfiction.