Once upon a time, in a beautiful land surrounded by rolling hills and sparkling rivers, there was a giant who lived in a grand, walled garden. The garden was filled with beautiful flowers, towering trees, and lush grass, and it was the most magnificent garden anyone had ever seen.

But the giant, whose name was Grendel, was very selfish. He loved his garden so much that he didn’t want anyone to come near it. The children from the nearby village would often play in the garden, running through the grass, climbing the trees, and laughing joyfully. But every time the giant saw them, he would roar loudly, “Go away! This is my garden, and no one is allowed to play here!”

The children, frightened of the giant, would quickly run away and play in other places. The garden became quiet, and the once joyful sounds of laughter disappeared. The flowers stopped blooming, the trees stopped growing, and the garden grew cold and empty.

One winter, the weather grew harsh. The wind howled, the snow fell heavily, and the garden was covered in a thick layer of frost. Grendel, feeling quite lonely, sat by the window of his home and looked out at the icy garden. He had everything he could wish for—his garden, his treasures, and his big house—but he felt empty inside. Something was missing.

One day, while walking through his cold garden, Grendel heard a soft sound. It was faint at first, but then it grew louder—a sound of tiny footsteps, followed by laughter. He looked around, and to his surprise, he saw the children sneaking into the garden through a small gap in the wall. They had found a way in, and they were playing again!

Grendel felt anger rise inside him, but as he looked at the children, something strange happened. He saw how happy they were, running and laughing, climbing the trees, and playing in the grass. It reminded him of how the garden used to be before he had chased them away. His heart softened for the first time in many years. He realized that the garden wasn’t truly his—it belonged to everyone, especially the children who brought life to it.

Feeling something new and warm in his heart, Grendel walked over to the children and, in a gentle voice, said, “I’m sorry for not letting you play here. You are welcome in my garden now.”

The children were surprised but happy, and they ran to him with smiles. Grendel smiled back and, for the first time, felt truly happy.

From that day on, Grendel welcomed the children into his garden every day. The flowers bloomed brighter, the trees grew taller, and the birds sang sweetly. The garden was full of joy, laughter, and life once again. Grendel’s heart had transformed, and he no longer felt lonely or selfish. He understood that by sharing his garden with others, he had found the true meaning of happiness.

Years passed, and Grendel became known as the kindest giant in the land. His garden flourished, and the children loved to visit him, knowing that the giant had learned the greatest lesson of all—that sharing and kindness make the world a better place.

Moral:

Selfishness only brings emptiness, but when we share with others and treat them kindly, we fill our hearts with joy and love.

Parenting Tip: Use this story to help your child understand the value of sharing and kindness. Discuss how selfishness can lead to loneliness, and encourage your child to think about how they can share their toys, time, and resources with others. The story can also open a conversation about the importance of empathy and considering the needs of others.

Fun Questions for Curious Kids:

• Why do you think Grendel didn’t want anyone to play in his garden at first?
• How did Grendel’s heart change when he saw the children playing in his garden?
• How would you feel if someone shared something special with you?
• Can you think of a time when you shared something with a friend or family member?
• Why do you think it’s important to share with others?
• How did the garden change when Grendel started sharing with the children?
• What are some things you can share with others today?
• Why do you think sharing made Grendel feel happier?
• How would the story have been different if Grendel hadn’t changed his attitude?
• Do you think it’s more fun to have things all to yourself or to share with friends? Why?

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Giants and Gardens:

1. The concept of giants has appeared in myths and stories all over the world, from Greek mythology’s giants like the Titans to the giant in “Jack and the Beanstalk.”
2. The largest living organism on Earth is a fungus in Oregon, stretching over 2,000 acres! Imagine how big it would be if it were a giant plant.
3. Gardens are full of wonders! Did you know that some trees can live for thousands of years? The Bristlecone Pine is one of the oldest trees in the world, living for over 5,000 years.
4. The tallest flowers in the world are sunflowers, which can grow up to 12 feet tall or more!
5. Grendel’s garden was like a fairy tale garden, with trees, flowers, and grass. In real life, gardens help provide homes for many animals and insects.
6. Giant pumpkins, like the ones grown for competitions, can weigh over 1,000 pounds! That’s as heavy as a small car!
7. In some myths, giants are known to live in places like mountains or faraway lands. They are often kind-hearted but misunderstood creatures, just like Grendel.
8. The earliest known gardens date back to around 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, where they grew flowers, vegetables, and even herbs.
9. The idea of magical gardens appears in many stories, from “The Secret Garden” to the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
10. Trees in the real world, like oak and sequoia trees, can live for hundreds of years, just like Grendel’s garden flourished when he started sharing with others.

Download Free Coloring Pages Related To This Story

Bring the story to life with coloring pages designed to spark creativity and make story time even more fun. Coloring helps kids express their creativity, improve focus, and reinforce the story’s themes in a fun, engaging way. After reading together, let them bring the story to life with colors!

Click on any of the free coloring pages below to download or print it!