This thoughtful story for kids aged 6–11 teaches the importance of kindness, empathy, and understanding how our words can affect others. Follow Mary and her friends on a fun camping adventure that turns into a gentle lesson about self-worth and friendship.
It’s a heartwarming short story perfect for bedtime or classroom reading, helping children learn how to be kind to themselves and others.
Scroll down to read the full story or listen to the audio version below.
The Weight of a Marshmallow
“Children, please listen. As soon as we get off the bus, don’t wander off. Wait for me, okay?” said Scout Leader Marcus.
“Alright!” the children replied in unison.
“This is so exciting! I can’t wait to roast marshmallows and tell stories around the campfire,” said Mary.
“Me too! This year the camp is going to be amazing,” replied July. “We’re not the youngest anymore!”
“That’s right,” agreed Mary.
The two friends giggled until the bus came to a stop.
“We’re here!” they shouted together.
Once off the bus, the children were led by the scout leader to the campsite, where they found the cabins they would sleep in.
“Alright girls,” said a kind, slightly older lady standing in front of them, “your cabin is 21B. Go ahead. If you need anything, just call me. And don’t forget tonight’s ‘Marshmallow and Stories’ event!”
“How could we forget! Thank you, Miss Rose!”
As the two walked toward their cabin for the week, they overheard Charlotte talking.
“Honestly, if Mary ate a few fewer marshmallows, it wouldn’t hurt.”
Those words deeply saddened Mary. It wasn’t the first time someone had judged her for what or how much she ate.
Throughout the day, Mary tried to distract herself and have fun, but those words kept echoing in her head. So, when evening came, she didn’t accept even a single marshmallow.
“Hey Mary, are you okay? You’ve been sad all day. Is it because of what Charlotte said? Look, it’s not important,” said July.
“Well… yes, it is because of that. But I don’t want to talk about it. I think I’ll go to bed,” Mary replied.
“Alright…”
A little later, July went to check on Mary. Hearing her crying, she decided to go get Scout Leader Marcus.
July briefly explained what had happened, and together they went to find Charlotte.
“Charlotte?” called Marcus.
“I’m here.”
“Is it true you said Mary should eat fewer marshmallows?”
“Yes… I did, but she wasn’t supposed to hear it.”
“Well, Mary did hear it, and now she’s feeling really hurt because of your words. You have to understand that not everyone has the same body, and often people fight invisible battles related to food. That’s why it’s wrong to make comments like that. Do you understand?”
“Yes… Can we go to Mary? I want to apologize.”
“Of course we can.”
Soon after, Marcus, Charlotte, and July arrived at Mary’s cabin.
“Mary? Can we come in?” asked the scout leader.
A weak “yes” came from inside the room.
When the door opened, Mary was sitting on the floor with red eyes.
“I’m really sorry, Mary!” exclaimed Charlotte.
“I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. You see, at home, I always have to eat healthy—lots of salads and vegetables—and it’s so boring, even though I know it’s good for me. So when I see someone like you, who can eat whatever they want, I get jealous because I wish I could too. What I said was wrong. Please forgive me.”
“Sure, eating only vegetables must be awful. I’d probably be jealous too. Okay, I forgive you,” Mary replied.
“How about we go eat some marshmallows now? I haven’t touched a single one all evening!” said July with a smile.
Everyone burst out laughing.
“Yes! Let’s go!” said Charlotte, helping Mary up.
“Well done, girls. I’m really proud of you. You talked things out and made peace. For that, you all earn a star badge that will give you ten points in the final challenge! Congratulations!”
“Hooray!” shouted the girls, and after receiving their badges, they went off to eat lots of marshmallows.
If you liked this story, we invite you to check out Storyender for powerful values-based stories for kids. Each one helps children understand important life lessons in a gentle, fun, and memorable way.
