Nina and the Extra Coins
Nina, ten, is handed seven coins of change instead of two at the corner shop. A gentle story about honesty — and what one small, brave choice can grow into.
About this story
A short story for readers of roughly seven to eleven, set in a corner shop where an ordinary Saturday errand turns into a choice. It reads aloud in about twelve minutes, keeps its lesson inside the plot instead of stating it, and ends with a friendship rather than a reward. If a child has ever found something that was not theirs, this is the story to read with them.
Honesty Is The Best Policy
On the corner of Marigold Street stood a small shop called Pennywise Provisions. Its shelves held jars of buttons, bundles of pencils, tins of tea, and a whole wall of sweets in glass jars that glittered like jewels.
The shopkeeper, Mr. Ostrander, was a tall, stooped, quiet man with half-moon glasses and a habit of muttering sums under his breath. He kept his shop spotless, his prices fair, and his heart tucked away somewhere behind the counter, where most people never thought to look.
He didn't smile much. Children thought he was grumpy. Grown-ups thought he was lonely. Both were a little bit right.
Nina was ten years old, with two braids, a missing shoelace, and a very important job.
Every Saturday, her mother sent her to Pennywise Provisions with a small list and a few carefully counted coins.
"Two pencils, a ball of string, and a tin of tea for Grandma," said Mother, pressing the money into her palm. "And hold on tight. We don't have any extra."
📖 Start reading Nina and the Extra Coins free
Quick answers about Nina and the Extra Coins
What is Nina and the Extra Coins about?
Nina, ten, is handed seven coins of change instead of two at the corner shop. A gentle story about honesty — and what one small, brave choice can grow into.
Is Nina and the Extra Coins free to read?
Yes. Every story on RapidTale is free to read in the browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.
How long does it take to read?
This story runs 1 chapter — most readers finish in one sitting, and you can stop and return to any chapter using the contents list.
Who wrote it?
Nimra Khan — original fiction published on RapidTale.