

Sara loved books. She liked to look at the pictures and listen to the stories. She had many books at home, but she always wanted more. One day, she went to the library with her mom. She saw a brilliant book on the shelf. It had a shiny cover and a big dragon on it. She wanted to take it home.
"Mom, can I have this book?" she asked.
"Sure, honey, but you have to pay for it," her mom said.
"Pay? What is pay?" Sara asked.
"Pay means you give something to get something. If you want this book, you have to give the librarian some money. Then you can borrow the book for a few weeks. But you have to bring it back, or you have to pay more money," her mom explained.
Sara nodded. She took the book to the librarian. The librarian scanned the book and told Sara how much money she had to pay. Sara gave the librarian some coins from her piggy bank. The librarian gave her a receipt and a date. She said Sara had to return the book by that date, or she would have to pay a fine.
Sara thanked the librarian and hugged the book. She was so happy. She went home with her mom and read the book. She loved the story and the pictures. She read the book every day until the date came. Then she remembered what her mom and the librarian had said. She had to bring the book back, or she had to pay more money.
Sara did not want to pay more money. She also did not want to keep the book from other children who might want to read it. She decided to do the right thing. She put the book in her backpack and went to the library with her mom. She gave the book to the librarian and said goodbye to the dragon. The librarian smiled and said Sara was a good girl. She did not have to pay any fine. She also gave Sara a sticker and a new book to borrow.
Sara was proud of herself. She learned that paying was fair and that returning was kind. She also learned that there were many brilliant books in the library. She could not wait to read them all.
