In Argentina there is a pigman who lives in the mountains. He is old, big and tall. He has a very big farm with many animals that are very colorful and he grows many vegetables and grapes.

At the bottom of the mountain there is a small town in a valley near a river. The people in the village have no land, so they have no food and now they are starving.

Every day people go up the mountain to ask the pigman for food.

First, the men go up the mountain to talk to the pigman:

–Pigman, we want your wheat to make bread and your cows to make meat and leather.

–No, they are mine! I love my animals because they are my friends and I need this wheat for myself.

–You are selfish, pigman. You must share with us.

–No!

The men leave very angry.

The next day, the women go up the mountain to talk to the pigman:

–Listen, we want your asparagus and carrots to eat and your grapes to make wine.

–No, they are mine! I grow these vegetables and grapes for myself.

–You are selfish, pigman. You must share with us.

–No!

The women leave very disappointed.

One day, the youngest girl in the village and her dog go up the mountain. The pigman sees the little girl:

–Are you here to ask for food too?

–No, I brought firewood for you.

The pigman is surprised.

–Why are you giving me this gift?

–Because it is cold in the mountains and you need firewood to keep from being cold.

–Thank you! You are very generous, so I am going to share my food with you.

–I’m not hungry, but the townspeople are very hungry. I share my firewood with you, pigman. Can you share your food with my people?

–Yes, of course. You are a very generous girl with your people too. I am going to share my food with everyone.

He says: –thank you for teaching me to be generous!

–Pigman, look at your face! –says the little girl– You are no longer a pigman! Your face now is like the face of the other men in town.

Moral: Generosity gives good health and good friends.

Media Attribution

• Illustrations by Cheyenne Pokeda