Snoggle stomped through the Enchanted Forest. His paws were tight. His tail drooped. “Joy is big jumps and big roars,” he muttered. “I do not feel any.”

Alderwise, the old oak tree, opened his kind eyes. “Snoggle, little one, why is your heart so heavy tonight.”

“They say I am too much,” Snoggle said. “So I tried to be quiet. Now I feel empty.”

“Try one small joy,” Alderwise whispered. “Wait. Watch.”

Snoggle found a soft feather. He stroked it on the moss. A tiny laugh slipped out. He bounced a pebble into the pond. Ripples shone in the water.

Fireflies glowed like tiny lanterns. Snoggle sat very still. He listened to the gentle night.

“Is this joy,” he asked softly.

“Patience lets joy grow slowly,” Alderwise said. “Loud or quiet, joy can live in you.”

Snoggle took slow breaths. With each breath he named one good thing. “Mud on my paws. Quiet rain. Sharing berries.”

Warmth spread in his chest.

“I can be a gentle storm,” he said.

Leaves rustled above. The forest felt glad. Snoggle’s patient joy filled the soft night. Alderwise watched kindly as Snoggle smiled, calm and bright inside.

Quiet Joy & Emotional Patience

This story helps children see that:

Joy is not only big laughs and bouncing energy.

It can also be calm, thoughtful, and found in small moments.

Being “too much” or “too quiet” are stories others tell; real joy comes from feeling safe being yourself.

Discussion Starters

• Why did Snoggle feel sad when he tried to be quieter?
• What small things helped his joy return (feather, ripples, fireflies, naming good things)?
• How can we find joy on days when we don’t feel super excited or loud?
• What does it mean when Alderwise says, “Patience lets joy grow slowly”?

Take-Home Idea

Create a “Small Joy List” before bed: each night your child names three gentle joys from their day (a sound, a color, a taste, a hug). This builds the habit of noticing quiet happiness, just like Snoggle.