Ellie the Otter Tries New Things - A Children's Story

 

Ellie the Otter Tries New Things

By Bill Conley

Moral of the Story:

Being open-minded and adventurous helps you grow into a kind, brave, and respectful person. Saying “I don’t want that” or “I don’t like that” before trying something closes the door to wonderful new experiences. Listening, obeying, and treating your parents with respect shows that you trust them to guide you well. Life is full of surprises, but only if you’re willing to say “yes” with a cheerful heart.

Ellie the Otter lived on the banks of Ripple River with her big, loving family. She was fast in the water, great at skipping stones, and loved playing otter tag with her cousins.

But Ellie had a little habit that made things tough sometimes.

Whenever her parents suggested something new, she’d cross her arms and say:

“I don’t want to!”
“I don’t like that!”
“That sounds boring!”

Whether it was trying a new food, helping with a chore, or going somewhere unfamiliar, Ellie’s answer was always the same: no.

One morning, her mom called, “Ellie, come help me gather river berries for breakfast!”

“I don’t want to,” Ellie huffed. “Why can’t we just eat otter cakes again?”

“That’s not very respectful,” her dad said gently. “We asked you to help. It’s part of being in a family.”

Ellie rolled her eyes. “Ugh, fine,” she mumbled, dragging her paws behind her.

Her parents looked at each other, concerned.

Later that day, Aunt Olive invited Ellie and her cousins to a new playground on the other side of the bend.

“There’s a rope swing, a climbing tree, and a slide made of smooth stone!” Aunt Olive said excitedly.

Ellie shrugged. “I don’t like rope swings.”

“You’ve never tried one,” said her cousin Milo.

“Well, I don’t want to try,” Ellie snapped.

That night, Ellie sat in her room, grumbling. “Why does everyone want me to do things I don’t want to do?”

Her mom walked in and sat on the edge of her bed. “Ellie, can I tell you something important?”

Ellie nodded slowly.

“When you always say ‘no,’ you miss out on so many adventures. And when you talk back or refuse to listen, it hurts our hearts. We love you. We want to teach you to be brave, not bratty.”

Ellie’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m not trying to be mean…”

“I know,” Mom said kindly. “But being respectful means listening, trying, and trusting that your parents know what’s best.”

The next day, something in Ellie shifted.

When her dad asked her to help pack snacks for their river picnic, she stood up and said, “Okay!”

When her mom offered a taste of crunchy cattail root, Ellie wrinkled her nose—but tried it anyway.

“Huh,” she said, chewing. “That’s actually pretty good.”

Later that afternoon, her cousins begged her to try the rope swing.

Ellie froze.

She didn’t want to seem scared. But she was a little scared.

Then she remembered what her mom had said—be brave, not bratty.

“Okay,” she said. “I’ll try it… once.”

She climbed to the edge, grabbed the rope, and leapt.

Wheeee!

The wind whooshed past her fur. Her feet skimmed the water. And her heart leapt with joy.

“That was awesome!” she laughed.

Her cousins cheered. “See? You do like it!”

That evening, back at home, Ellie helped set the table, cleared her plate, and even brushed her tail without being asked.

Her dad smiled. “We’re proud of you, Ellie. You’ve been kind, respectful, and adventurous today.”

Ellie beamed. “It actually feels pretty good!”

From then on, whenever something new came her way—like a new food, a new rule, or a new challenge—Ellie stopped herself from saying “I don’t want to” or “I don’t like that.”

Instead, she said:
“I’ll try it.”
“Okay, let’s see what happens.”
Or even just, “Yes, Mom.”

She still had opinions. But she shared them kindly. She still had fears. But she faced them bravely.

And her family? They noticed. And they loved her even more.

Ellie the Otter wasn’t the “no” girl anymore.

She was the yes girl.
The I’ll try girl.
The I can do it, girl.

And the world opened up for her in ways she never imagined.

Moral Poem to End the Story:

Say “yes” to life and all it brings,
Try new foods, new games, new things.
Listen, trust, and don’t delay—
Kind and brave wins every day!