The King Who Wouldn’t Try

Once there was a royal, bossy King who wanted everything right away. He told everyone, “Bring me food! Bring me toys! Bring me gold!” But the King never wanted to help or do any work at all. In the town lived a homeless kid named Milo, who did small jobs to survive. He swept steps, carried baskets, and helped neighbors, and he always said, “I can try!” People began to trust Milo, and soon he earned enough to buy warm food and save coins. One day the castle ran out of helpers, and the King had no idea how to care for himself, so he had to leave and learn to start from the beginning. Milo kept working and saving until he bought a very nice, big house, and he shared soup with anyone who was hungry. The King met Milo again, and Milo kindly taught him how to do simple chores, and the King smiled and said, “I will try too,” and things got better for him.