Page 1 of 8
Part 1
Wally Worm wanted to carry a message from the lettuce bed to the tomato plant. Two safe garden paths began beside him.
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Wally Chooses the Short Garden Path
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Wally Chooses the Short Garden Path
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Page 1
Part 1
Wally Worm wanted to carry a message from the lettuce bed to the tomato plant. Two safe garden paths began beside him.
Page 2
Part 2
Both paths had same-size leaf steps placed edge to edge. The pebble path used six steps, while the moss path used three.
Page 3
Part 3
Wally first liked the shiny pebble path. Before leaving, he remembered that he wanted the shorter way, not the shinier way.
Page 4
Part 4
Wally moved one same-size leaf step at a time along each path. He counted six on the pebble path and three on the moss path.
Page 5
Part 5
Three same-size steps were fewer than six, so Wally chose the moss path. He wiggled beneath the wide leaf arch.
Page 6
Part 6
Wally passed step one, step two, and step three. The red tomato plant stood directly beyond the last leaf step.
Page 7
Part 7
He delivered the message and returned by the same moss path. This time, the three leaf steps felt familiar and easy to follow.
Page 8
Part 8
The pebble path was shiny, but the moss path used fewer same-size steps. Counting the steps helped Wally choose the shorter path.
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Try the story activityWally Finds the Short Garden Path
Share a rhyme inspired by the story. Read the words together, tap a gentle beat, or make up your own tune.
A rhyme based on an earlier story edition; some words and events differ from the reading edition.
Open the rhyme
Intro
Wally carries one bright drop
To the thirsty tomato crop.
Verse 1
Two safe paths curve through the green.
Which is shorter? Count and see.
Seven stones go far around.
Three stones make the shorter ground.
Chorus
Count the steps on every way.
Shorter paths can save the day.
One, two, three—across we go.
Keep the water shining so.
Verse 2
Wally starts toward seven stones,
Then turns back before he roams.
At the fork he counts once more
And picks the path with only three.
Final Chorus
Count the steps on every way.
Shorter paths can save the day.
One, two, three—the plant is near.
Wally brings the water clear.
Outro
Compare first, then choose your track.
Wally found the quicker path.