Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

Short Stories for Kids

Complete lesson plans, including stories, listening, classroom activities, quiz questions and more!

The Dazzling Doughnut

A dazzling doughnut brings magic and happiness to a sleepy town, teaching the power of kindness.

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There was a little town called Sugarville, with a magical bakery named Sweet Delights. This bakery was famous for its really good sweets, especially a doughnut named Mr. Sprinkles. Mr. Sprinkles wasn’t just a regular doughnut; it had a special sparkle that made it shine like it was covered in magic.

One day, the baker, Mrs. Jellyroll, was making doughnuts when a tricky wind blew Mr. Sprinkles out of the bakery. The doughnut rolled through streets and yards, leaving a line of sparkles behind. The people in Sugarville heard what happened and started looking everywhere for Mr. Sprinkles.

Lily, who loved adventures, saw the shiny doughnut and ran after it. She felt like she was chasing magic. The doughnut took her on a wild chase until it stopped at the home of a lonely old man named Mr. Whiskers.

Mr. Whiskers saw the doughnut, took a bite, and suddenly, bright sparkles went everywhere. Then a magic forest appeared behind his house! Mr. Whiskers was amazed. He found out that this magic could make his life fun and not lonely anymore.

Lily told Mr. Whiskers they should share the doughnut’s magic with everyone in Sugarville. They had a big party where everyone ate pieces of the magical doughnut. People laughed a lot, and their faces lit up just like the doughnut. Sugarville became a happy place where people cared for each other. They even changed the bakery’s name to “Sweet Harmony” to show how the doughnut brought everyone together. Every year, Sugarville had a big parade to remember when they found Mr. Sprinkles, reminding themselves that being kind can make the world a happier place.

🎧 Listen:

Slow

Normal

📖 Vocabulary:

1magicalHaving special powers or enchanting qualities
2famousWell-known by many people
3sparkleA small flash or glint of light
4trickyDifficult to deal with or understand because of being clever and deceptive
5adventuresExciting experiences that involve risks or challenges
6shinyReflecting light, bright, and gleaming
7wildCrazy, uncontrolled, or exciting
8lonelyFeeling sad because of being alone or without friends
9amazedGreatly surprised or impressed; astonished
10laughterThe sound of people chuckling or giggling
11litMade to glow or become bright with light
12caredShowed concern and looked after someone
13HarmonyA state of agreement, peace, and understanding
14paradeA large public celebration with a lot of people marching or using vehicles
15kindBeing nice, generous, and considerate towards others

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What made Mr. Sprinkles different from regular doughnuts?
2. How did Mr. Sprinkles end up outside of the bakery?
3. Why did Lily decide to chase after the shiny doughnut?
4. What happened when Mr. Whiskers took a bite of the doughnut?
5. How did Mr. Whiskers feel after discovering the doughnut’s magic?
6. What did Lily suggest they do with the doughnut’s magic?
7. Why did the people in Sugarville change the bakery’s name to “Sweet Harmony”?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

There was a little town called Sugarville, with a (1)______ bakery named Sweet Delights. This bakery was famous for its really good (2)______, especially a doughnut named Mr. Sprinkles. Mr. Sprinkles wasn’t just a regular doughnut; it had a special sparkle that made it (3)______ like it was covered in magic.

One day, the baker, Mrs. (4)______, was making doughnuts when a tricky wind blew Mr. Sprinkles out of the (5)______. The (6)______ rolled through streets and (7)______, leaving a line of sparkles behind. The people in Sugarville heard what happened and started looking everywhere for Mr. Sprinkles.

Lily, who loved adventures, saw the shiny doughnut and ran after it. She felt like she was chasing magic. The doughnut took her on a wild chase until it stopped at the home of a (8)______ old man named Mr. Whiskers.

Mr. Whiskers saw the doughnut, took a bite, and suddenly, bright sparkles went everywhere. Then a magic (9)______ appeared behind his (10)______! Mr. Whiskers was amazed. He found out that this magic could make his life fun and not lonely anymore.

Lily told Mr. Whiskers they should share the doughnut’s magic with everyone in Sugarville. They had a big (11)______ where everyone ate (12)______ of the magical doughnut. People (13)______ a lot, and their faces lit up just like the doughnut. Sugarville became a happy place where people cared for each other. They even (14)______ the bakery’s name to “Sweet Harmony” to show how the doughnut brought everyone together. Every year, Sugarville had a big (15)______ to (16)______ when they found Mr. Sprinkles, reminding themselves that being kind can make the world a happier place.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your favorite sweet treat? Why?
2. How would you feel if you found a magical doughnut like Mr. Sprinkles? Why?
3. Do you think magic exists in the real world? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever gone on an adventure? What was it like?
5. How do you think the people in Sugarville felt when they found out about the magical doughnut? Why?
6. What do you think it means to have a “fun” life? Why?
7. Do you think it’s important to have friends? Why or why not?
8. How do you think the people in Sugarville felt after eating pieces of the magical doughnut? Why?
9. Have you ever been to a parade? What was it like?
10. Do you think being kind can make the world a happier place? Why or why not?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. magical
2. famous
3. sparkle
4. tricky
5. adventures
6. shiny
7. wild
8. lonely
9. amazed
10. laughter
11. lit
12. cared
13. Harmony
14. parade
15. kind

Meanings:
(A) Made to glow or become bright with light
(B) A small flash or glint of light
(C) Crazy, uncontrolled, or exciting
(D) The sound of people chuckling or giggling
(E) Reflecting light, bright, and gleaming
(F) Being nice, generous, and considerate towards others
(G) Exciting experiences that involve risks or challenges
(H) Well-known by many people
(I) Having special powers or enchanting qualities
(J) Showed concern and looked after someone
(K) Greatly surprised or impressed; astonished
(L) Feeling sad because of being alone or without friends
(M) Difficult to deal with or understand because of being clever and deceptive
(N) A state of agreement, peace, and understanding
(O) A large public celebration with a lot of people marching or using vehicles
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What was the name of the magical bakery in Sugarville?
(a) Sugar Haven
(b) Magic Treats
(c) Sprinkle Palace
(d) Sweet Delights

2. What was special about the doughnut named Mr. Sprinkles?
(a) It was filled with chocolate
(b) It had a special sparkle
(c) It was shaped like a star
(d) It had a secret ingredient

3. Who was the baker of Sweet Delights?
(a) Mr. Whiskers
(b) Lily
(c) Sherlock
(d) Mrs. Jellyroll

4. What happened to Mr. Sprinkles?
(a) It was blown out of the bakery
(b) It was eaten by Lily
(c) It disappeared into thin air
(d) It was stolen by a thief

5. Who chased after Mr. Sprinkles when it rolled out of the bakery?
(a) Mrs. Jellyroll
(b) Lily
(c) Mr. Whiskers
(d) Sherlock

6. What happened when Mr. Whiskers took a bite of Mr. Sprinkles?
(a) He turned into a doughnut
(b) He became invisible
(c) Bright sparkles went everywhere
(d) He started flying

7. What did Lily and Mr. Whiskers decide to do with the doughnut’s magic?
(a) Share it with everyone in Sugarville
(b) Keep it a secret
(c) Sell it to the highest bidder
(d) Use it for their own benefit

8. What did Sugarville change the bakery’s name to?
(a) Sprinkle Paradise
(b) Magic Delights
(c) Sweet Harmony
(d) Sugarville Bakery

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Mr. Whiskers took a bite of the doughnut and was amazed when bright sparkles filled the air, revealing a magical forest behind his house.
2. Lily and Mr. Whiskers opted to keep the secrecy of the doughnut from the people of Sugarville, bringing indifference, gloom, and division to the town.
3. The cookie drove Lily to the home of a content young woman named Mrs. Whiskers.
4. One day, a weak breeze swept Mr. Sprinkles out of the bakery, leaving behind a trail of crumbs as it rolled through the town.
5. The people of Sugarville heard about the missing doughnut and began searching for it.
6. The town of Sugarville had a mediocre bakery named Bland Bites known for its tasteless snacks, especially a regular doughnut named Mr. Sprinkles.
7. Lily, an adventurous person, spotted the shiny doughnut and chased after it, feeling like she was pursuing something magical.
8. Mr. Sprinkles was not an ordinary doughnut; it had a magical sparkle that made it shine.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this story in two sentences. Here are some hints:
Who are the main characters?
What happens in the story?

Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What made Mr. Sprinkles different from regular doughnuts?
Mr. Sprinkles had a special sparkle that made it shine like it was covered in magic.

2. How did Mr. Sprinkles end up outside of the bakery?
A tricky wind blew Mr. Sprinkles out of the bakery.

3. Why did Lily decide to chase after the shiny doughnut?
Lily loved adventures and felt like she was chasing magic when she saw the shiny doughnut.

4. What happened when Mr. Whiskers took a bite of the doughnut?
Bright sparkles went everywhere and a magic forest appeared behind his house.

5. How did Mr. Whiskers feel after discovering the doughnut’s magic?
Mr. Whiskers felt amazed and realized that the magic could make his life fun and not lonely anymore.

6. What did Lily suggest they do with the doughnut’s magic?
Lily suggested they share the doughnut’s magic with everyone in Sugarville.

7. Why did the people in Sugarville change the bakery’s name to “Sweet Harmony”?
The people in Sugarville changed the bakery’s name to “Sweet Harmony” to show how the doughnut brought everyone together and made Sugarville a happy place.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) magical
(2) sweets
(3) shine
(4) Jellyroll
(5) bakery
(6) doughnut
(7) yards
(8) lonely
(9) forest
(10) house
(11) party
(12) pieces
(13) laughed
(14) changed
(15) parade
(16) remember
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. magical
Answer: (I) Having special powers or enchanting qualities

2. famous
Answer: (H) Well-known by many people

3. sparkle
Answer: (B) A small flash or glint of light

4. tricky
Answer: (M) Difficult to deal with or understand because of being clever and deceptive

5. adventures
Answer: (G) Exciting experiences that involve risks or challenges

6. shiny
Answer: (E) Reflecting light, bright, and gleaming

7. wild
Answer: (C) Crazy, uncontrolled, or exciting

8. lonely
Answer: (L) Feeling sad because of being alone or without friends

9. amazed
Answer: (K) Greatly surprised or impressed; astonished

10. laughter
Answer: (D) The sound of people chuckling or giggling

11. lit
Answer: (A) Made to glow or become bright with light

12. cared
Answer: (J) Showed concern and looked after someone

13. Harmony
Answer: (N) A state of agreement, peace, and understanding

14. parade
Answer: (O) A large public celebration with a lot of people marching or using vehicles

15. kind
Answer: (F) Being nice, generous, and considerate towards others
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What was the name of the magical bakery in Sugarville?
Answer: (d) Sweet Delights

2. What was special about the doughnut named Mr. Sprinkles?
Answer: (b) It had a special sparkle

3. Who was the baker of Sweet Delights?
Answer: (d) Mrs. Jellyroll

4. What happened to Mr. Sprinkles?
Answer: (a) It was blown out of the bakery

5. Who chased after Mr. Sprinkles when it rolled out of the bakery?
Answer: (b) Lily

6. What happened when Mr. Whiskers took a bite of Mr. Sprinkles?
Answer: (c) Bright sparkles went everywhere

7. What did Lily and Mr. Whiskers decide to do with the doughnut’s magic?
Answer: (a) Share it with everyone in Sugarville

8. What did Sugarville change the bakery’s name to?
Answer: (c) Sweet Harmony
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Mr. Whiskers took a bite of the doughnut and was amazed when bright sparkles filled the air, revealing a magical forest behind his house. (Answer: True)
2. Lily and Mr. Whiskers opted to keep the secrecy of the doughnut from the people of Sugarville, bringing indifference, gloom, and division to the town. (Answer: False)
3. The cookie drove Lily to the home of a content young woman named Mrs. Whiskers. (Answer: False)
4. One day, a weak breeze swept Mr. Sprinkles out of the bakery, leaving behind a trail of crumbs as it rolled through the town. (Answer: False)
5. The people of Sugarville heard about the missing doughnut and began searching for it. (Answer: True)
6. The town of Sugarville had a mediocre bakery named Bland Bites known for its tasteless snacks, especially a regular doughnut named Mr. Sprinkles. (Answer: False)
7. Lily, an adventurous person, spotted the shiny doughnut and chased after it, feeling like she was pursuing something magical. (Answer: True)
8. Mr. Sprinkles was not an ordinary doughnut; it had a magical sparkle that made it shine. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 3 stories?

A magical swan named Saffron and a brave boy named Milo embark on a journey to defeat an evil sorcerer and teach a lesson about friendship.

The Saffron Swan

A special swan named Saffron and his friend Milo show that friendship and kindness are the real magic.

Silly Sally's interactive circus cake, complete with a mischievous kitten, wins The Great Cake Contest.

The Great Cake Contest

In Sweetopia, bakers compete in The Great Cake Contest, and Silly Sally’s playful circus cake wins because of a brave kitty named Sprinkles.

A sleepy snowman named Frosty embarks on a quest to find his missing carrot nose.

The Sleepy Snowman

Frosty, the sleepy snowman, embarks on an adventure to find his lost carrot nose and discovers the importance of friendship and staying positive.

In the magical land of Sprinkleville, a mischievous gnome named Minty Mischief plots to steal all the cupcakes from the famous cupcake castle, but a young girl named Ella is determined to stop him and save the town from chaos.

The Cupcake Castle Caper

A mischievous gnome named Minty steals cupcakes, but a girl named Ella catches him and teaches him a lesson about honesty.

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