The Little Red Truck a modern day folk tale inspired by “The Little Red Hen”

1. The Little Red Trucka modern day folk tale inspired by “The Little Red Hen” Created by Ms. Palacios

2. Joseph was 15, almost old enough to drive. Knowing that his family would not be able to afford a new car, he was on the lookout for a nice used one.

3. One day, as he and his dad were leaving the hardware store, he spotted an old, red Chevy sitting in a parking lot. Determined to have his way, he started a conversation. “Dad,” he pleaded, “you must buy me that truck. It’s cheap, and I know it can look cool if we fix it up.”

4. “Now, hold your horses, young man,” his dad admonished. “That truck needs lots of work. I’m not sure you’re willing to sacrifice your time to work on such a project. Maybe it’s best if you wait a while, give yourself time to save up some money. Not everyone has a car the moment they get a license.”

5. “Dad, I promise,” assured his son, and after hours of discussion, Dad went to the bank, withdrew $500 dollars and went to purchase the truck. “This will be a good thing,” he told himself. It will teach my son responsibility, help him develop some skills, and, most likely, it will help us grow closer.”

6. The next day Dad got up early and went to work repairing the radiator, the part that cools the engine. As he worked, Joseph slept as soundly as an infant, for he had been up late after the football game the night before.

7. Later that afternoon, Dad drove to the Auto Zone to pick up some wax to bring some shine back to the dull paint. “Joseph, do you want to ride along?” has asked. “Sorry, Dad,” he replied, “I’m in the middle of this video game, and I’m just about to win.”

8. Weeks went by, and each time Dad worked on the truck, Joseph was busy. “I’ve got a science project,” he said one weekend. “My favorite show is on right now,” he said one afternoon.” All along, Dad kept working, repairing the bumpers, replacing the fuel filter, and working on the exhaust.

9. As Christmas neared, Joseph felt sure the box under the tree held the keys to his newly refurbished vehicle. Knowing that he would soon be driving the Chevy, he made camping plans with his friends. “I’ll take my truck,” he explained. “It will be just perfect for hauling our tent and supplies.”

10. When Christmas Day arrived, he could hardly contain his excitement. He was up early that morning, running like a fireman to a fire. “No sleeping in today, huh,” his dad commented.

11. Before he could finish his sentence, Joseph had ripped open the box; he was shocked to find a book. The Little Red Hen

12. “A book?” he asked, knowing full well that it was a message and not a joke. He remembered the story from childhood. It told of a hen who found a seed, planted it, nourished it, and harvested it all without the help of the other barnyard animals who, despite her pleas for help, had always been too busy to lend a hand. In the end, she ate the bread while the others sat and watched.

13. As Joseph looked up from his book, he heard the little red truck start up and back out of the driveway. His dad waved, a big smile on his face. Joseph waved back and returned the smile, but inside he was crying. If only he had done what he had promised. If only he had made the time to help. Perhaps then he would be the one driving the little red truck. Instead, he was left behind to read and reflect.