Room in the Moat

Ages 3–5

During a rowdy game of tag, bouncy Priya spots a quiet child sitting alone at the sandbox curb, breaks away from the crowd, and runs over with a spare shovel to ask the question that changes everything: "Want to dig a moat with me?"

Children learn that true fun grows bigger when you notice who's left out and invite them in.

Tag time! Tag time! Priya loves to run. Round the climbing structure, having so much fun. "Catch me if you can!" she laughs, fast as fast can be. "Tag, tag... not today," she says, when something makes her stop and see.

There, by the sandbox, sits someone small and still. Not laughing, not running, just sitting on the sill. Priya's feet slow down. Her tummy feels a tug. "Tag, tag... not today," she says, and gives her friends a shrug.

Priya looks at her shovel. Red and true and small. "I have a spare," she says. "I know just what to do." She waves bye to the tag game and walks toward the curb, straight and true.

Make it with your child's name and photo · Browse the Story Library