The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Three goat siblings lived on a dry, barren hill and longed to cross the bridge to reach the lush green field on the other side. But under the bridge lived a huge, fearsome troll.

The smallest goat crossed first. The troll popped up, threatening to eat him. The little goat said, "Don't eat me — wait for my brother, he's much fatter than I am." So the troll let him pass.

The middle goat crossed next. The troll threatened to eat him too, so the middle goat said, "Wait for my big brother coming behind me — he's much fatter than I am." So the troll let him pass as well.

When the biggest goat stepped onto the bridge, his hooves thundered mightily against the wood. The troll popped up to threaten him as before, but this time the big goat wasn't scared at all.

The big goat lowered his head and charged with his mighty horns, sending the troll tumbling into the stream below. Then he crossed the bridge to join his siblings in the lush field, and all three goats grazed happily all season long.

Knowing when to wait for the right moment, and working together cleverly, can overcome even the scariest obstacle.