While grownups understand the magnitude of guarding sheep, children may lack an ability to see the bigger picture. Nicholas finds tending his family's sheep to be mind-numbingly boring, which is why he ultimately makes the impulsive decision to cry "Wolf!" To his delight, his alert prompts the townspeople to drop everything and rush to his aid, but when the people discover they have been duped they are livid.

Nicholas finally comprehends the ramifications of his foolhardy decision when the wolf genuinely attacks. This time, no one comes to help resulting in disastrous consequences. A retelling of Aesop's classic fable for children, this story goes beyond the wolf's attack and illustrates the power of honesty and forgiveness.