The Proud Turkey Many years ago there lived a turkey who was proud of his looks. He would stare at himself in the mirror for hours. Then he would brag out loud, I am the most wonderful and colorful animal around. Every day he would walk past the other animals. He would show off his feathers and boast. I am so beautiful. Move out of my way! One day Turkey trotted past without saying a word to anyone. This made the animals mad. They thought Turkey was too proud. They wanted him to quit acting better than others. Together they formed a terrific plan. Porcupine pulled out one of his quills. He dipped it in red berry juice. He scribbled a note inviting Turkey to dinner. Rabbit delivered the invitation. He read it aloud:
Turkey was so excited, he hurried Rabbit out the door. Then he began to preen and poof out all of his grand feathers. As the sun went down, Turkey arrived at Fox s door. Turkey looked wonderful. The animals rolled out a red carpet. Turkey strutted down the carpet. All the animals bowed and cheered. Turkey walked around and showed off his feathers. Then Mole led Turkey to the dining room. Goose served a fantastic feast. Turkey began stuffing himself. Just as Turkey was eating the last bite of dessert, a beautiful peacock entered the dining room. Turkey was shocked at such a fine display of feathers. He choked on his tart and became speechless. The only sound he could make was, Gobble, gobble, gobble. All his friends began to laugh. Turkey was horrified. I look like a fool, thought Turkey. He waddled out the door as quickly as he could. Away he flew into the woods. For several days no one saw Turkey. The animals went looking for him, but he was nowhere to be found. Everyone began to feel bad about what they had done. They just wanted to teach Turkey to be more humble. They didn t want to hurt his feelings. What they needed was a new plan. This time they asked the wise owl for help. The wise owl listened to the story. After some time, he spoke. Look to the safety of the trees and you will find whoooo you seek! I know where he is! shouted Squirrel. Follow me!
Deep in the forest stood an old oak tree. Its branches were a good place for a turkey to roost. As the animals approached the old oak, they heard a gobbling sound. It came from high in the tree. The search was over. There sat Turkey. He looked very sad and lonely. Porcupine began to climb up the tree. Peacock stopped him. He would fly up to Turkey. He would ask Turkey to come down and talk. After all, he had been the one who upset Turkey. Peacock flew to the branch where Turkey sat. Your friends are worried about you, said Peacock. They are sorry for what they did. Before long the two birds flew to the ground. All the animals gathered around them. We are sorry for the mean trick we played on you, Turkey, the animals said. And I am sorry I was so proud and rude, replied Turkey. I think we should have another party! said the clever fox. Off they headed to Fox s den. They would plan a grand dinner party together. Moral: Be proud of your wonderful qualities. But do not think that they make you better than others.
The Proud Turkey
Turkey