Little Dumpling was a very happy dumpling. She wasn't made of flour and yummy fillings *to eat*, oh no! Little Dumpling was a tiny, fluffy dumpling who lived in a cozy kitchen with Mama Dumpling. Every night, Mama Dumpling would tuck Little Dumpling into a warm pot holder bed.
Tonight, Little Dumpling couldn't sleep. She peeked out of her pot holder bed and saw Mama Dumpling looking worried. "What's wrong, Mama?" she asked. Mama Dumpling sighed. "Old Man Noodle is feeling sad. He’s all alone and his noodles are tangled!"
Little Dumpling wanted to help! She was small, but she was full of kindness. "I can help!" she squeaked. Mama Dumpling smiled. "You are a very sweet dumpling. But Old Man Noodle lives far away, across the kitchen counter!"
Little Dumpling didn't give up. She rolled and rolled and rolled, right off the counter and onto a big, red spoon! The spoon was like a little boat, and she steered it carefully across the counter, past the sugar bowl and the spice rack.
Finally, she reached Old Man Noodle. His noodles *were* a mess! Little Dumpling, even though she was tiny, carefully untangled each noodle with her fluffy edges. It took a long time, but she didn't mind.
Old Man Noodle’s face lit up. "Why, thank you, Little Dumpling! You are a very helpful dumpling!" He wasn't sad anymore. He offered Little Dumpling a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon as a thank you.
Little Dumpling rolled back to Mama Dumpling on her spoon, feeling very proud. "I helped Old Man Noodle!" she said. Mama Dumpling gave her a big hug. "You did, my sweet dumpling. You showed him kindness and made a new friend."
Mama Dumpling tucked Little Dumpling back into her pot holder bed. Little Dumpling snuggled down, feeling warm and happy. Helping others felt *so* good. She closed her eyes, dreaming of untangling noodles and making friends. And as she drifted off to sleep, she knew that even the smallest dumpling could make a big difference.
Goodnight, Little Dumpling. Goodnight, everyone. Sweet dreams!