Benny the Bunny Says, “That’s Not Mine!” - A children's Story

Benny the Bunny Says, “That’s Not Mine!”

By Bill Conley—America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral to the Story:
A cheerful home is one where every creature lends a paw.
Saying, “That’s not mine!” doesn’t help keep the den clean.
Even if you didn’t make the mess, you can still fix it.
We all share the space, so we all share the work.
Taking pride in our home shows love, care, and maturity.
Kindness means pitching in—even when no one’s watching.

In a cozy burrow tucked under the roots of a towering old oak tree lived Benny the Bunny with his family—Mama Bunny, Papa Bunny, his little sister Bella, and his baby brother Bo. Their home was snug and warm, with soft moss carpets, a pebble path that led to the front door, and shelves carved into the burrow walls stacked with books, toys, and baskets of fresh clover.

But lately, the Burrow had started to look a little different. Toys were scattered across the floor. Carrot tops were left on the table. Bits of apple cores and empty berry bowls popped up in every corner. It seemed every time Mama or Papa asked the young bunnies to help clean, the same words echoed through the burrow:

“That’s not mine!”

“Not mine either!”

“I didn’t do it!”

One morning, Mama Bunny hopped into the living room and stopped in her tracks.

“Yikes! Who left all these wooden blocks in the walkway?” she asked.

Benny looked up from his coloring. “Not mine,” he said with a shrug.

“I haven’t played with blocks all week,” said Bella.

Bo giggled and tried to hop over the blocks, knocking more onto the floor.

Mama sighed and carefully picked her way through the mess.

Later that day, Papa Bunny found a muddy trail leading from the front door all the way to the family table.

“Can someone please clean this up?” he asked.

“Not me,” said Benny.

“I didn’t even go outside,” said Bella.

Bo squeaked and hid under the bench.

That evening, after supper, Mama and Papa sat their three bunnies down on the moss mat.

“We need to have a family chat,” said Papa gently.

“We’ve noticed something,” Mama added. “Every time we ask for help around the burrow, you all say the same thing—‘That’s not mine.’ But little ones, that’s not how a family works.”

Benny frowned. “But it’s not fair to clean up what we didn’t mess up.”

“Is it fair for Mama to clean up everyone’s mess every day?” Papa asked.

Benny looked at his paws and stayed quiet.

Mama smiled softly. “When we live together, we all help each other—even when it isn’t our mess. That’s what families do.”

“But what if I really didn’t do it?” Bella asked.

“Even then,” Papa said. “Helping out shows you care. You’re not just cleaning up—you're showing kindness.”

Benny thought about it. “So… if I see a mess, I should just help clean it?”

Mama nodded. “Exactly. Don’t worry about who made it. Just do what’s right.”

The next day, Benny saw a paintbrush lying on the floor near the kitchen.

He glanced around. “Not mine,” he whispered… then paused.

He remembered what Mama said.

So, he picked it up and put it in the art box.

Later, Bella noticed a book sticking out from under the moss mat.

She hadn’t read it—but she tucked it back onto the shelf anyway.

And when Bo accidentally knocked over the basket of napkins, Benny was the first to hop over and help him clean up.

No one had to ask.

No one said, “That’s not mine.”

They just helped.

By the end of the week, the burrow looked tidy again. Even Papa noticed.

“You bunnies have really been pitching in,” he said proudly.

Mama nodded. “It feels peaceful again in here.”

Benny smiled. “I guess when we all help, we all win.”

From that day on, the Burrowtailbunnies lived by a new rule:

If you see something that needs to be done, just do it!

It didn’t matter who made the mess.
What mattered was the love behind the help.

And if you peeked inside their burrow today, you might hear a bunny hop by and say with pride:

“I’ve got it!”

Poem to the Story:
When something’s out of place or seems a bit askew,
Don’t ask whose job it is—just do what you can do.
Lend a paw, a heart, a smile—help without delay.
Clean it up or fold it neatly; don’t look the other way.
A helpful home is built with care, with kindness all the while—
So be like Benny Bunny, and do it with a smile.

Three Thought-Provoking Questions:

1.     Why is helping out important, even if you didn’t make the mess?

2.     How can teamwork make a family stronger?

3.     What are three things you can do this week to help around your home?

About the Author
Bill Conley is a dedicated storyteller, life coach, and faith-filled guide whose heartfelt children’s stories have brought smiles and timeless lessons to families everywhere. As the author of hundreds of moral-rich tales, Bill believes in planting seeds of kindness, gratitude, responsibility, and faith in the hearts of children while they’re young. His signature style weaves simple yet powerful truths into colorful adventures featuring animal heroes, each story carefully crafted to impart values that last a lifetime.

Bill’s passion for writing comes from his own journey and years of experience as a father to six children, grandfather to six grandchildren, mentor, and devoted husband. He understands that children need stories that do more than entertain; they need stories that shape character, spark imagination, and open conversations between parents and kids.

Whether he’s writing about a brave little beaver, a wise turtle, a fast cheetah, or a gentle cloud that forgets how to rain, Bill pours his love for faith, family, and old-fashioned values into every word. He knows that small lessons today become big strengths tomorrow.

In addition to his books, Bill is a certified life coach who has helped countless people build stronger relationships, grow in faith, and navigate life’s storms with confidence and hope. His words encourage children and grown-ups alike to be kind, stay positive, honor commitments, and always believe they are enough.

When he’s not writing, Bill enjoys spending time with his six children and six grandchildren, sharing laughter and lessons across generations. He also finds joy in serving his church and community, living out the very values he writes about so passionately.

Bill Conley’s greatest hope is that every story will help families build warm memories together—reading aloud, asking questions, and inspiring children to grow into caring, courageous, and thoughtful adults.

He invites you to keep reading, keep talking, and keep believing that the smallest good things we do can change the world for the better.