Benny the Bear Beats Boredom - A Children's Story

Benny the Bear Beats Boredom

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

Moral of the Story

Boredom is not a sign that there is nothing to do, but a signal that it is time to look differently at the world around you. When Benny the Bear complained of being bored, he discovered that the forest was filled with opportunities to notice, to help, and to create. He learned that every small task, from sweeping the cave to gathering sticks, could become an adventure if he used his imagination. By shifting his focus from what he wished he had to what was already in front of him, Benny uncovered new ways to learn and grow. He realized that chores, play, and even helping friends could turn into fun when approached with curiosity and a willing heart. Boredom was no longer an enemy but a doorway to discovery, creativity, and kindness. The truth is that life will always offer something meaningful when we ask how we can help, what we can learn, and what we can create. Benny’s journey shows us that the cure for boredom is not more things, but more wonder, imagination, and action.

 In a cozy cave on the edge of Bright Leaf Forest lived a young bear named Benny. Benny had soft brown fur, curious eyes, and a habit of declaring, “I’m bored!”—at least ten times a day.

One morning, Benny woke up with a big yawn and said, “Mama, I’m bored.”

His mother, a wise and gentle bear, looked up from her knitting. “Already? The sun just woke up, Benny.”

“There’s nothing to do,” Benny grumbled. “I’ve played with all my toys, and I don’t want to play with them again.”

“Well,” Mama said, “then it might be time to do something different.”

“Like what?”

She smiled. “You’ll have to find out.”

Benny wandered outside and flopped down under a tree. “Bored, bored, bored,” he muttered, just loud enough for the squirrels overhead to hear.

“What’s that you said?” called Sandy the squirrel, peeking down.

“I’m bored,” Benny moaned. “There’s nothing fun to do.”

Sandy leapt down. “Why don’t you help me collect acorns? It’s actually quite fun if you make a game out of it.”

“Collecting acorns?” Benny made a face. “That sounds like work.”

Sandy shrugged and dashed off, laughing. “Suit yourself!”

Next, Benny saw Fiona the fox digging in the dirt. “What are you doing?” he asked.

“Digging up old roots,” Fiona said. “They help my mom with her stew.”

“Can I try?” Benny asked, perking up.

Fiona handed him a small stick. “Dig near the tree roots.”

Benny poked around for a few minutes but then gave up. “This is hard. I’m still bored.”

He sat on a rock and sighed loudly, hoping someone would rescue him from his dull day.

Just then, wise old Owlbert flew down from his perch and landed beside Benny.

“I’ve heard you’re having a boring day,” Owlbert said.

“Yes,” Benny groaned. “The most boring day in the whole forest.”

Owlbert blinked slowly. “Do you know what boredom is?”

“It's when there's nothing to do,” Benny replied.

“Not quite,” Owlbert said. “Boredom is what you feel when you don’t want to do what there is to do.”

Benny scratched his head. “What do you mean?”

“There are always things to do, Benny. You just might not see them because you’re too focused on what you wish you were doing.”

“Like playing new games or getting new toys?” Benny asked.

“Exactly,” Owlbert nodded. “But great adventures come from ordinary things. Look at the sky, the trees, the ants. Each one has a story. It’s up to you to discover it.”

Benny looked around. He saw ants building a tiny tunnel. He saw a bird pulling string into its nest. He saw butterflies floating like little dreams through the air.

Owlbert continued, “When you’re bored, ask yourself three things:

1.     What can I learn?

2.     Who can I help?

3.     What can I create?”

Benny sat quietly for a moment. Then he stood up and ran to his cave.

“Mama!” he shouted. “Can I help with anything?”

Mama Bear was surprised but smiled. “Sure, you can sweep the cave floor.”

Benny grabbed the broom. It wasn’t long before he started humming a tune and pretending he was sweeping gold in a treasure cave.

After that, he gathered sticks to build a small fort. Then he climbed his favorite tree and imagined it was a rocket ship. He even went back to Fiona and helped dig up a few roots, which led to a bowl of warm stew at her house.

By the time the sun was setting, Benny’s day had flown by.

At bedtime, he cuddled into his blanket.

“Did you have a boring day?” Mama asked with a wink.

Benny grinned. “No way. I had the best adventure ever.”

Moral of the Story Poem

When boredom comes and nothing feels right,
Look around closely, there’s joy in plain sight.
A broom can be a treasure, a stick can be gold,
A cave can be a castle, adventures unfold.
Helping a friend brings laughter and cheer,
Creating with love makes dullness disappear.
With eyes full of wonder, the world turns bright,
And boredom gives way to delight every night.

 Thought-Provoking Questions for Parents and Children

1.     What are some things you can do when you feel bored at home or in the car?

2.     Why do you think it’s better to find something to do than to say “I’m bored”?

3.     How can helping others or doing chores actually make your day more fun?