In a village named Jinglewood, lived a boy named Milo who loved to play every day, especially in May. He had a knack for finding coins, which made his pockets jingle-jangle like a happy bell.
One sunny day, as Milo was skipping along the winding Way-Too-Fun Trail, he saw something rather curious—a tree with sparkling leaves and golden bark. 'What's this?' Milo mused.
His eyes widened, and with a twinkle of curiosity, he whispered softly, 'Could it be? A Magic Money Tree?' The leaves shimmered as if to say, 'Yes indeed!'
Milo reached out and plucked a shiny coin from the tree's gleaming branches. To his delight, it sang a little tune, 'Ching-a-ling, ding-a-ling, I'm your new cha-ching!'
He raced back to the village, coins dancing in his pockets, proclaiming, 'Everybody, look! A Money Tree in Jinglewood! A Money Tree, oh so good!'
Soon, folks from all around gathered under the marvelous tree, plucking coins and laughing with glee. They bought treats, toys, and gifts galore. No one had ever felt this rich before!
But as time ticked by, the tree's sparkle began to fade. The once bright coins turned dull and gray. The villagers murmured, 'Oh dear, what’s amiss? The tree no longer grants us monetary bliss!'
Milo pondered and wondered, what turned the joy to blunder? Then he spotted Squeaky Squirrel, with fur so gray, clutching an empty plate and looking away.
'Dear Squeaky,' Milo began, 'Why do you look so bleak?' The squirrel sighed, 'In all the haste, kindness was forgotten and left to waste.'
Realizing their folly, Milo cried, 'We took the magic all for gold, forgetting kindness, young and old!' The villagers nodded and made it right, sharing their treasures day and night.
As they helped and cared, the tree began to glow. Leaves turned emerald, and coins shimmered so! Milo smiled and shouted, 'Hooray! The Magic Money Tree shines again today!'
From that day forward, Jinglewood thrived not with money, but with generosity and smiles so sunny. Milo and the Magic Money Tree taught all that it’s love and kindness that make us truly rich.
Reflection Questions