The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
A cunning wolf's disguise and a shepherd's watchful eyes
Page 1
High above a wide, green pasture, a hungry wolf watched a flock of sheep. He was a lean, grey wolf, and his stomach rumbled. Day after day, he saw the sheep grazing peacefully, guarded by a shepherd and his faithful dogs. The wolf longed to catch one of the plump, white sheep, but he knew he was far too easily spotted. His grey fur stood out against the green grass, and his sharp teeth and hungry eyes would send the whole flock scattering in an instant. He tried to think of a way to get closer, a clever trick that would let him move among the unsuspecting animals without causing alarm. He paced restlessly on the sun-baked rocks, his yellow eyes never leaving the flock below, searching for an idea.
Page 2
One day, as the wolf crept along the very edge of the pasture, hidden by thorny bushes, he stumbled upon something unusual. Tucked away in a small, leafy nook was a discarded sheepskin. It must have belonged to a sheep that had been shorn, or perhaps one that had died of old age and been left behind. The skin was old and a little dusty, but still surprisingly intact, with its fluffy white wool still attached. A spark of an idea flickered in the wolf’s mind. He nudged the skin with his nose, then pawed at it, his yellow eyes gleaming with a sudden, mischievous cunning. This was it! This was the disguise he needed to get close to the sheep.
Page 3
The wolf dragged the sheepskin to a hidden hollow behind a large, moss-covered boulder. He looked around to make sure no one was watching, then began the tricky task of putting on his disguise. It wasn't easy. The skin was awkward and a little too small in places, too big in others. He pushed and pulled, twisting his body to make it fit, his paws struggling with the loose wool. He managed to get his head through a hole, and then worked his body inside, grunting with effort. Slowly, clumsily, the grey fur of the wolf began to disappear under the white, fluffy wool of the sheepskin. He shook himself, trying to make it settle, hoping he looked convincing.
Page 4
With his disguise complete, the wolf cautiously stepped out of the thicket and into the open pasture. He walked slowly, mimicking the gentle gait of a sheep, trying to keep his long tail hidden beneath the wool. His heart thumped with a mix of fear and excitement. The sheep, busy grazing on the sweet green grass, barely lifted their heads. A little lamb, bleating softly, even nudged him gently as it passed by. None of them suspected a thing. The wolf, now looking just like another member of the flock, began to graze alongside them, careful not to make any sudden moves or draw attention to himself. His plan was working perfectly.
Page 5
Further across the pasture, near a sturdy old oak tree, the shepherd watched over his flock. He leaned on his wooden staff, his grey beard catching the gentle breeze. He counted his sheep, his eyes scanning the familiar white forms scattered across the green. Every animal seemed to be present and accounted for, all peacefully grazing under the warm afternoon sun. He noticed a new lamb playing nearby, and a large, fluffy sheep that looked particularly healthy. The shepherd felt a deep sense of contentment. His flock was safe, well-fed, and thriving. He had no idea that a cunning, disguised wolf was hiding in plain sight among his precious animals, patiently waiting for his chance.
Page 6
As evening approached and the sun began to dip low, painting the sky in soft oranges and purples, the shepherd knew it was time to bring his flock indoors. He raised his staff and called out in a gentle, clear voice, summoning the sheep towards the sheepfold. Slowly, obediently, the entire flock began to move, a river of white wool flowing across the pasture. The disguised wolf, now very hungry and growing impatient, moved with them, keeping his head down, trying to appear as docile as the others. He could feel the excitement building in him. Soon, they would be enclosed, and his opportunity would surely come. He followed the shepherd and the rest of the flock through the open wooden gate, into the safety of the fold.
Page 7
Inside the cozy sheepfold, filled with fresh straw, the sheep settled down for the night. They found their usual spots, huddling together for warmth and comfort. The air was thick with the gentle bleating of lambs and the soft rustling of wool. The shepherd carefully closed and latched the wooden gate, securing his flock. He then walked among them, checking on the youngest and oldest, making sure all were well. The disguised wolf lay down too, trying to appear calm, but his heart was racing. He was so close to his meal. He watched the shepherd's movements, calculating which sheep might be easiest to snatch once the shepherd left and darkness fully fell. He held his breath, hoping his disguise would hold for just a little longer.
Page 8
The shepherd walked slowly through the sheepfold, his eyes scanning his beloved animals. He paused in a quiet corner, where the disguised wolf lay trying to look like the most innocent sheep of all. The shepherd had decided to check on what he thought was a particularly large and healthy ewe, thinking it might need a little extra attention. He bent down, his hand reaching out towards the animal, entirely unaware that he was about to touch the very predator he sought to protect his flock from. The wolf, feeling the shepherd’s presence, froze. A shiver ran through his body, not of cold, but of sheer terror. His heart pounded against his ribs. He dared not move, dared not make a sound, hoping against hope that the shepherd would simply pass by.
Page 9
As the shepherd reached out, his hand brushed against something rough and distinctly un-sheep-like beneath the wool. A moment of confusion turned to sudden, stark realization. This was no sheep! With a gasp, the shepherd grabbed a loose part of the sheepskin and yanked it off. The disguise came away, revealing the snarling grey wolf underneath, its yellow eyes wide with panic. Exposed and terrified, the wolf let out a furious snarl. It twisted violently, breaking free from the shepherd’s grasp. With a desperate leap, it bolted away from the sheepfold, disappearing into the dark, distant woods. The shepherd stood there, staff in hand, shaken but relieved, the empty sheepskin lying at his feet.
Page 10
The next morning, the sun rose, bright and clear, over the wide green pasture. The wolf was long gone, having fled deep into the woods, never to return. The shepherd, having learned a valuable lesson about trusting appearances, watched his flock with even greater care than before. The sheep, safe once more, grazed peacefully on the dewy grass, their white forms dotting the vibrant green landscape. A little lamb skipped playfully, entirely unaware of the danger that had been so close. The shepherd smiled, leaning on his staff, content in the knowledge that his beloved flock was truly safe. He knew he would always be vigilant, protecting them from any hidden dangers, no matter how clever the disguise.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
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