Nickel, penny, quarter, dime,
Coins we have, oh so fine!
With a dollar we can buy,
Treats that make us smile and sigh.

But to get that dollar bill,
We must save with all our will,
Every penny, every dime,
Putting them away in time.

In a jar or in a bank,
Our savings grow, step by step,
Adding up our coins so bright,
To reach our goal with all our might.

And when we've saved up quite a sum,
We'll have dollars, not just some,
To buy the things we've dreamed to own,
A reward for all we've sown.

So save your nickels, pennies too,
Quarters, dimes, all that you accrue,
And soon enough, you'll see the way,
To reach your goals, day by day.

Reflections

1. What did the poor boy receive that changed his life?
2. How did the paintbrush work?
3. What did the boy draw with the paintbrush, and what happened to his drawings?
4. Why did the greedy emperor want the magic paintbrush?
5. What did the boy learn about using the paintbrush wisely?
6. Can you think of a time when you wished you had a magic paintbrush? What would you draw with it?
7. How did the story make you feel? Why?