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Cover of The Golden Goose
ILLUSTRATED STORY · FOUR READING LEVELS

The Golden Goose

A kind heart and a very sticky goose

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Two older brothers refuse to share food with a little gray-haired man in the forest

Page 1

The eldest son went into the forest with cake and wine. A little gray-haired man asked for a bite and a sip, but the son refused. While chopping wood, he hurt his arm.

The second son went next. He also refused to share and hurt his leg. Their youngest brother, called Simpleton, then asked for a chance.

Simpleton shares his humble cake and drink with the gray-haired stranger

Page 2

Simpleton’s mother gave him a rough cake baked in the ashes and a bottle of sour drink. The little gray-haired man asked to share them. Simpleton welcomed him at once.

As they ate, the plain cake turned sweet and the drink became fine wine. The stranger thanked Simpleton for his kindness and pointed to an old tree.

Simpleton discovers a living goose with golden feathers among tree roots

Page 3

Simpleton followed the stranger’s directions and cut down the tree. Nestled among its roots sat a living goose whose feathers were pure gold.

He lifted her carefully and carried her to a nearby inn. The innkeeper’s three daughters noticed the shining bird and wished they could have a feather.

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