Once upon a time, there were three billy goats who lived in a field. There was Tiny Billy Goat Gruff, who was the smallest. There was Middle Billy Goat Gruff, who was not small and not large. And there was Big Billy Goat Gruff, who was the largest of all. They loved their field, but across a little stream, reached by a sturdy stone bridge, was another field filled with the most delicious, greenest, yummiest grass you could ever imagine. Oh, how they longed to eat that grass!
The only problem was, under the bridge lived a grumpy old troll. This troll was not very friendly and grumbled whenever anyone tried to cross his bridge. He thought the bridge belonged only to him, even though it just went over a little stream. The billy goats knew they had to be very clever and patient if they wanted to reach that wonderful grass on the other side.
One sunny morning, Tiny Billy Goat Gruff decided he would try first. Tip-tap, tip-tap went his tiny hooves across the bridge. Up popped the grumpy troll! "Who's that trip-tapping over *my* bridge?" he grumbled. Tiny Billy Goat Gruff shivered a little but spoke bravely, "Oh, it's just I, Tiny Billy Goat Gruff. I'm going to the field to eat some yummy grass." The troll looked down. "You're too small for my breakfast! Wait for the next one!" So, the troll let Tiny Billy Goat Gruff cross, hoping for a bigger meal later.
Next came Middle Billy Goat Gruff. Trip-trap, trip-trap went his hooves, a little louder than Tiny's. Up popped the grumpy troll again! "Who's that trip-tapping over *my* bridge?" he roared. Middle Billy Goat Gruff replied, "It is I, Middle Billy Goat Gruff. I'm going to eat the delicious grass." The troll looked him over. "Hmm, you're better than the last one, but wait! The biggest billy goat is coming, and he'll make a much better meal!" So, the troll let Middle Billy Goat Gruff pass, his tummy rumbling with the thought of the largest goat.
Finally, it was time for Big Billy Goat Gruff. TRIIIP-TRAP, TRIIIP-TRAP went his big, heavy hooves! The bridge shook a little under his weight. The grumpy troll sprang up, angrier than ever! "WHO'S THAT TRIIIP-TRAPPING OVER *MY* BRIDGE?!" he bellowed. Big Billy Goat Gruff stood tall on the bridge. "It is I, the Big Billy Goat Gruff! And I am coming across!" He didn't sound scared at all. The troll looked up at the very, very large goat, with his big horns and sturdy legs. He looked at the width of the bridge and the size of the goat. The troll scratched his head and sighed. "Oh, alright," he muttered. "You're just... too much goat. Go on then!"
And with that, the grumpy troll stepped aside, and Big Billy Goat Gruff walked proudly across the bridge. Tiny Billy Goat Gruff and Middle Billy Goat Gruff cheered happily when they saw him. All three Billy Goats Gruff were finally in the field of yummy, green grass. They ate and ate until their tummies were full and happy. They had been patient, waiting for the right time, and clever, using their plan to outsmart the grumpy troll. And they had the most wonderful dinner together under the twinkling evening sky.