Sunny the Sheep and the Word That Felt Too Big

Chapter 1: Learn To Say No

In a rolling green valley called Clover Dale, there lived a young sheep named Sunny. Sunny had the fluffiest wool in the valley and the softest heart. She was always ready to help, and she was terrified of disappointing anyone.

"Sunny, carry my basket!" called Mrs. Goose.

"Yes!" said Sunny.

"Sunny, play ball with us!" called the lambs.

"Yes!" said Sunny.

"Sunny, lend me your lunch!" called Barnaby the pig, who had already eaten his own.

"Um... yes," said Sunny, though her tummy rumbled.

Everyone in Clover Dale liked how helpful Sunny was. But Sunny herself felt more tired every day. Her homework was late. Her wool was tangled. Her favorite painting sat unfinished in the corner because she never had time for it. And at night, she lay awake wondering why she felt so sad when she had done so much for others.

One evening, a friend named Wilbur the donkey asked her to walk his little brother home from school, then help him paint his fence, then stay up late to finish his math homework.

Sunny opened her mouth to say yes. But her throat felt tight, and her eyes began to sting.