Rufus, the Moon Dog: Stories For Kids

Rufus was a very special dog. He was born on the moon, where his parents were part of a team of astronauts who were exploring the lunar surface. Rufus loved the moon, because it was his home. He enjoyed bouncing around in the low gravity, digging holes in the dust, and chasing the moon rocks that rolled down the craters.

Rufus was curious about everything, and he always wanted to learn new things. He liked to listen to the stories that his parents and the other astronauts told him about Earth, the blue planet that shone brightly in the sky. He wondered what it was like to see the sun, the stars, the clouds, and the oceans. He wondered what it was like to smell the flowers, to feel the wind, and to hear the birds. He wondered what it was like to meet other dogs, and to play with them.

One day, Rufus decided that he wanted to go to Earth. He asked his parents if they could take him with them on their next mission, but they said no. They said that Earth was too dangerous for a moon dog, and that he would not be happy there. They said that he belonged on the moon, where he was safe and loved.

Rufus was sad, but he did not give up. He thought that maybe he could sneak into the rocket when no one was looking, and hide until they reached Earth. He waited for the right moment, and then he ran towards the rocket. But before he could get inside, he was stopped by a friendly voice.

“Hey, where are you going, little one?” the voice said.

Rufus looked up and saw a robot. It was a rover, a machine that explored the moon and collected data. It had wheels, a camera, a solar panel, and a antenna. It was one of Rufus’s friends, and he often played with it.

“I’m going to Earth,” Rufus said. “I want to see what it’s like.”

The rover shook its head. “That’s not a good idea, Rufus. Earth is not for you. You wouldn’t like it there.”

“Why not?” Rufus asked.

“Because Earth is very different from the moon,” the rover said. “It has a lot of things that you are not used to. It has a lot of noise, a lot of people, a lot of pollution. It has a lot of dangers, like cars, animals, diseases, and natural disasters. It has a lot of rules, like laws, customs, and manners. You would have to wear a special suit, and a special collar, and a special leash. You would have to stay indoors most of the time, and follow orders from strangers. You would have to give up your freedom, your fun, and your friends.”

Rufus frowned. “But Earth also has a lot of good things, right? It has a lot of beauty, a lot of diversity, a lot of wonder. It has a lot of things that I want to see, and smell, and hear, and touch. It has a lot of things that I want to learn, and experience, and enjoy. It has a lot of things that I want to love.”

The rover nodded. “That’s true, Rufus. Earth also has a lot of good things. But you can’t have them all. You have to choose. You have to decide what is more important to you. You have to decide where you belong.”

Rufus thought for a moment. He looked at the rocket, and then he looked at the moon. He looked at the Earth, and then he looked at the rover. He realized that the rover was right. He had to choose. And he knew what he wanted.

He smiled and said, “I belong here. I belong on the moon. This is my home. This is where I’m happy.”

The rover smiled back and said, “I’m glad you feel that way, Rufus. You are a very special dog. You are a moon dog. And I’m proud to be your friend.”

Rufus wagged his tail and said, “Thank you, rover. You are a very special robot. You are a moon rover. And I’m happy to be your friend too.”

They hugged each other, and then they went to play. They bounced around in the low gravity, dug holes in the dust, and chased the moon rocks that rolled down the craters. They had fun, and they learned new things. They enjoyed the moon, and they loved each other.

And they lived happily ever after.

Kids Activity 1:

Discuss The Moral Lessons From This Story With Your Friends And Family

The moral lesson of this story is that home is where you are happy and belong. Luna wanted to explore Earth because she was curious, but she ultimately realized that her true home and happiness was on the moon with her friends. It teaches us to appreciate and cherish the place we call home and to recognize that our happiness and sense of belonging can be influenced by where we are. Additionally, it teaches us to make choices that align with our values and what is important to us.

Kids Activity 2:

Use The Words & Expressions From This Story In Your Everyday Expression

Sneak

To sneak means to do something quietly and carefully, without being seen or heard. It’s like trying to move around without anyone noticing you. For example, if you want to sneak a cookie from the kitchen, you might try to move quietly so that nobody hears you and sees what you’re doing. However, it’s important to remember that sneaking is not always a good thing to do, and it’s always better to ask permission first!

Customs

Customs are traditions or practices that are common in a particular society, culture, or group. Customs can include things like holidays, ceremonies, foods, clothing, and behaviors that are specific to a certain group of people. For example, some customs might include wearing certain types of clothing for special occasions, or saying “please” and “thank you” when speaking to others. Customs are often passed down from generation to generation and can help to create a sense of identity and belonging for a group of people.

Manners

Manners are the polite and respectful ways of behaving towards other people. It’s a way of showing kindness and respect towards others. Manners include things like saying “please” and “thank you”, waiting for your turn to speak, listening when others are talking, and saying “excuse me” when you need to interrupt or get someone’s attention. Manners can help people feel valued and respected, and can make interactions with others more positive and pleasant. It’s important to learn good manners and practice them every day!

Collar

A collar is a type of accessory that goes around the neck of a pet, such as a dog or cat. It can be made of different materials like leather or nylon and it can come in different colors and designs. The collar has a buckle or clip that keeps it securely in place. The collar usually has a tag with the pet’s name and the owner’s contact information, in case the pet gets lost. Some collars are also used to attach a leash so that the owner can walk their pet outside. Wearing a collar is important for pets because it helps keep them safe and identifiable.

Leash