Nuti Knows What to Do

Then Nuti remembered Mama’s words. Her tail trembled, but her voice was strong. “No! I don’t go anywhere with strangers!”

Zip! Nuti dashed up the nearest tree and vanished into the leaves. Down below, the wolf grumbled something under his breath. Then he slunk back into the bushes. Nuti let out a big breath. Then she hurried home, branch by branch, to find Mama.

Nuti told Mama all about the wolf, the candy, and the secret place. Mama listened closely. Then she hugged her tight. “You said no, you ran, and you told me. I’m so proud of you! Sneaky strangers often use candy to trick little ones. We only go with someone if Mama or Papa says it’s okay. And if it ever happens again, come tell me.”

From then on, Nuti never went off with a stranger or took a thing from one. She told her friends how she said no and ran away. “Always run to your grown-ups!” she said.

And you, little one? If someone you don’t know offers you candy or a toy, don’t take it. If they ask you to come along—even if they say something happened and you must hurry—don’t go. Say “No!” and run to your own grown-ups: your mom or dad, your grandma, or your teacher.

Good grown-ups don’t ask little ones to come along to secret places. If something ever feels scary or strange, tell your mom, your dad, or another of your grown-ups. That’s just what Nuti did. She said no, she ran, and then she told Mama everything. And Mama held her close.