Toby the Tortoise Dines Out - A Children's Story

Toby the Tortoise Dines Out

By Bill Conley

Moral to the Story:
Good manners show respect to everyone around us. When we’re kind, quiet, and thoughtful in public, we help make the world a more pleasant place. Eating out is a special treat—one that deserves our very best behavior. Whether at home or in a restaurant, using polite words, listening, and showing gratitude makes every meal better.

Toby the Tortoise lived in a cozy den nestled in the shade of Lemon Tree Grove. He loved spending time with his family—especially when they went out to eat together at their favorite restaurant, The Lily Pad Café.

Toby had been looking forward to dinner all week. Mama Tortoise promised they could go out if Toby helped around the house, finished his reading, and remembered to use his manners.

“I’ll be the politest turtle in the world!” Toby had said.

Now the big night had come. The sky glowed with sunset colors, and the lights of The Lily Pad twinkled like fireflies as Toby and his family arrived.

The Arrival

As they entered the restaurant, Toby saw other animals sitting at their tables, talking quietly and smiling. Soft music played in the background. The smell of warm rolls and roasted carrots made his tummy rumble.

“Remember,” whispered Papa Tortoise, “when we walk in, we use our inside voices.”

Toby nodded and stepped carefully. He held the door for his little sister, Tina, and smiled at the host.

“Good evening,” he said politely.

“Welcome to The Lily Pad,” said the host. “Your table is right this way.”

At the Table

Toby slid into his chair and placed the cloth napkin on his lap—just like Mama had taught him.

He noticed his elbows wanted to rest on the table, but he remembered that wasn’t polite.

“What do we say when we’re ready to order?” Mama asked.

“Please and thank you,” Toby answered with a grin.

A cheerful frog waiter named Finn hopped over to their table. “Hello there, Tortoise family! My name’s Finn, and I’ll be your server tonight.”

Toby looked at the menu and carefully made his choice.

“I’d like the veggie pasta, please,” he said. “And some apple slices on the side, if that’s okay.”

“Excellent choice!” Finn smiled.

Toby handed over his menu and said, “Thank you.”

“Very polite,” said Papa.

Toby beamed.

Waiting Patiently

While they waited for their food, Toby looked around. Some animals were chatting. Some were laughing softly. No one was yelling, climbing on seats, or tapping their silverware loudly.

Toby took a deep breath and folded his hands in his lap.

“I brought crayons and a puzzle book,” Mama whispered.

Toby colored quietly and helped Tina find a hidden turtle in a picture.

“When we wait patiently, it shows we’re respectful,” Mama said. “And it helps the kitchen do its best work.”

Toby nodded. He felt proud.

Meal Time Manners

When the food arrived, Toby waited until everyone had their plate.

“Let’s say grace,” said Papa.

They bowed their heads together, then began to eat.

Toby remembered to chew with his mouth closed. He didn’t slurp or talk with food in his mouth.

When Tina needed help cutting her carrot, Toby offered kindly.

“You’re doing great,” Mama whispered.

Then Toby accidentally knocked over his water glass.

“Oh no!” he said.

The waiter came over quickly with a towel.

“I’m sorry,” Toby said. “It was an accident.”

“That’s okay,” Finn replied. “Thanks for telling me and not making a mess on purpose.”

Toby felt relieved. Accidents happen—but polite words make them better.

Being Thoughtful

During dinner, Papa told a funny story about the time he got stuck in a picnic basket.

Everyone laughed softly.

Toby listened, waited his turn to speak, and didn’t interrupt. He remembered that dinner conversations are better when we listen as much as we talk.

He also noticed the table next to them had a grumpy skunk who seemed upset about his soup.

Toby whispered, “Why is he so angry?”

“Sometimes people have bad days,” Mama said. “That’s why it’s even more important to be kind.”

Saying Thank You

When the meal was finished, Toby folded his napkin and pushed in his chair.

“Did you enjoy everything?” asked Finn.

“It was wonderful, thank you,” said Mama.

“Thank you very much,” said Toby. “You were a great server.”

The frog smiled wide. “You’re welcome. Come back soon!”

As they left, Toby held the door again and waved at the host.

“Good night,” he said.

Back in the soft moonlight of Lemon Tree Grove, Mama put her arm around Toby’s shell.

“You were so respectful tonight,” she said.

“I’m proud of you,” Papa added. “You showed kindness, patience, and manners. That’s what makes dining out feel special.”

Toby felt warm inside. “Can we come back next week?”

Papa winked. “Let’s see how many days you use those good manners at home first.”

Toby smiled. “I’m on it.”

Moral to the Story Poem:
Polite words and quiet ways
Make for kind and peaceful days.
When we dine and treat folks right,
We make the world shine warm and bright.