Carlos the Coyote Celebrates Courage
By Bill Conley - America’s Favorite
Children’s Storyteller
Moral
of the Story:
True courage is not found in
fighting but in standing proudly for what is right. Unity and pride come from
working together, lifting one another up, and celebrating the gifts that make
each of us special. Carlos the Coyote learns that bravery comes in many
forms: the bravery to be kind, to honor one’s heritage, and to bring others
together in joy. Cinco de Mayo reminds us that courage and freedom go hand in
hand and that together, we are stronger than we could ever be alone.
In the golden desert valley where
the tall cactus reached for the sky and the sun painted everything with warm
light, lived a young coyote named Carlos. He had soft sandy fur, curious
brown eyes, and a tail that wagged whenever he got excited, which was almost
always.
Carlos loved his home in the village
of Sol de Esperanza, where families of animals worked together, sang songs, and
celebrated life under the stars. His favorite time of year was Cinco de Mayo,
the day when everyone in the village came together to honor courage, freedom,
and unity.
But this year was extra special.
Carlos had been chosen to lead the Festival of Flags, a grand parade
through the village. He couldn’t believe it. “Me?” he asked, his voice full of
surprise. “But I’m just a little coyote. I’ve never led anything before.”
His mother smiled. “That’s why you
were chosen. You have a brave heart, Carlos. Courage isn’t about being the
biggest or loudest. It’s about believing in yourself and standing tall for
others.”
Carlos tried to feel brave, but his
paws trembled. What if he tripped? What if he forgot the song he was supposed
to sing? What if the others laughed at him?
The morning of Cinco de Mayo
arrived, and the air buzzed with excitement. Brightly colored banners waved in
the breeze. The scent of warm tortillas and sweet churros drifted through the
air. Guitars strummed, maracas rattled, and laughter filled every corner of the
village.
Carlos peeked from behind a stall,
clutching his flag. He saw Luna the Lizard hanging tiny paper lanterns, Diego
the Donkey tying ribbons on the fence, and Rosa the Roadrunner
practicing her dance steps. Everyone looked so confident and happy.
“I don’t belong up front,” Carlos
whispered to himself. “I should stay in the back.”
Just then, he heard a gentle voice.
“Carlos, why so glum?”
It was Señor Armando, the
wise old armadillo, who played the guitar every year at the celebration.
“I’m scared, Señor,” Carlos
admitted. “What if I make a mistake? Everyone’s counting on me.”
Armando smiled kindly. “Do you know
why we celebrate this day?”
Carlos nodded. “Because a long time
ago, people in Mexico showed courage in the face of great odds. They stood
together and won their freedom.”
“Exactly,” said Armando. “And how
did they do it?”
Carlos thought for a moment. “They
didn’t give up. They worked together.”
“Sí, mi amigo,” Armando said,
strumming his guitar. “Courage doesn’t mean you’re not afraid. It means you
keep going even when you are. Today, you carry that same courage inside you.
You carry the spirit of your people.”
Carlos took a deep breath. “The
spirit of my people,” he repeated softly. “I think I can do this.”
When the parade began, the music
filled the air. Carlos stood at the front, his colorful flag held high. His
heart pounded like a drum, but he remembered his mother’s words and Armando’s
song.
Step by step, he marched forward,
his tail swishing proudly. Children waved little flags, and the animals clapped
their paws and hooves to the rhythm of the mariachi band.
“¡Viva México!” they cheered.
Carlos’s voice grew strong as he
sang the festival song:
“Stand tall, stand proud, let colors fly,
Together we rise beneath one sky.”
His voice echoed across the valley,
and soon everyone joined in. The entire village danced, sang, and laughed as
Carlos led the way through the streets.
When the parade ended, the animals
gathered in the plaza. Rosa the Roadrunner twirled in her bright dress, Luna
lit the last of the paper lanterns, and Diego served fresh tamales to everyone.
Armando called out, “A toast to
Carlos, the bravest coyote in Sol de Esperanza!”
Carlos blushed. “I was scared at
first,” he said honestly, “but I learned that courage isn’t about being
fearless. It’s about standing together with love and pride.”
His mother smiled. “That’s the true
heart of Cinco de Mayo.”
As the sun set, the sky turned shades
of orange, pink, and purple. Fireworks began to sparkle above the desert,
bursting like flowers in the night.
Carlos sat on a rock beside his
friends and gazed at the stars. “You know,” he said softly, “today didn’t just
celebrate courage from long ago. It celebrated our courage, too. The courage to
believe in ourselves and in each other.”
Armando strummed his guitar and
nodded. “That’s right, little one. Every generation must find its own bravery.
And tonight, you found yours.”
Carlos smiled proudly. “Next year,
I’ll lead again, and I’ll help someone else find theirs.”
The friends laughed, cheered, and
clapped along to the rhythm of the guitars. The sound of celebration carried
through the warm desert night, a reminder that courage, unity, and love always shine
brightest when shared together.
Moral
of the Story Poem:
Be brave, be kind, and stand up
tall,
Let courage lift the hearts of all.
Our colors shine, our voices sing,
Together we can do anything.
Through love and pride, our spirits soar,
United, we are strong once more.
The heart of courage beats inside,
Where joy and honor both reside.
Let’s
Talk About It Together:
1.
What did Carlos learn about courage
and leadership?
2.
Why is Cinco de Mayo an important
celebration of unity and pride?
3.
How can we show courage and kindness
in our own lives every day?
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