The Cow, the Cat, and the Jingly Bell

Once upon a time, in a big, green meadow, lived a happy cow named Betsy. Betsy loved to munch on the sweet grass. Around her neck, she wore a shiny little bell that went “Jingle-jingle!” every time she moved her head.

One sunny afternoon, a curious little cat named Chester tiptoed by. Chester had big, green eyes and loved to chase things.

“Moo-ve over, Betsy!” said Chester. “What is that funny little thing on your neck that goes ‘Jingle-jangle!’?”

Betsy smiled her cow smile. “This? It’s my bell! I love it! It tells my friends where I am, and it tells me I’m never all alone in this big field. It makes me feel safe and happy!”

“Wow!” thought Chester. “A bell sounds wonderful! If it makes Betsy happy, maybe it will make *me* happy too!”

A Bell for Chester

Chester zipped off to the village locksmith—the person who makes metal things.

“Please, please, please,” purred Chester, “can you make me a beautiful little bell to wear around my neck?”

The locksmith laughed. “What a fun idea!” He made Chester a tiny, shiny, silver bell and tied it with a bright red ribbon.

Chester bounced with excitement! “Jingle-jingle!” went the bell with every hop.

“This is the best!” thought Chester. He felt so important!

A Hunting Problem

Now, Chester loved to play games, and his favorite game was quietly sneaking up on fast little mice and busy little squirrels.

Chester spotted a plump mouse nibbling a crumb. He crouched down low, ready to pounce… “Jingle! Jangle! JINGLE!” The bell rang loudly.

queak! The mouse heard the sound and zipped away into a hole!

“Hmmph!” Chester pouted.

Next, he saw a silly squirrel burying a nut. Chester tiptoed slowly… “Jingle-jingle!”

Chirp! The squirrel heard the sound and scurried up the nearest tree!

Chester tried and tried, but every time he moved, his bell gave him away. He couldn’t play his favorite hunting game anymore.

“Oh dear,” sighed Chester. “This bell is not for me! It’s perfect for a big cow who wants everyone to know where she is, but a cat needs to be super quiet to catch a snack!”

Quiet Time

Chester sadly went back to the nice locksmith.

“Mr. Locksmith,” he said, “Can you please take this lovely bell off? It’s too noisy for a sneaky cat like me!”

The locksmith gently untied the red ribbon and took the bell away.

Chester stretched. No more “Jingle-jangle!” He was a quiet, sleek, and sneaky cat once again. He raced off to play, feeling much happier now that he could be himself.

What do you think was the most important lesson Chester learned?