Jack the catfish lives in a cave in the Trout River.

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In his cave, Jack has a lot of food.

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Jack gathers and stocks food in the fall when the water is warm.

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Jack LOVES cheeseburgers, pizza,and chicken!  He is always as hungry as a bass.

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In the winter, the water and the plants underneath it freeze.

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The frozen plants can't be eaten. Which makes it hard for many fish to get food.

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Jack loves food so much, that he won't share it with the other fish.   

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One freezing day, four fish ask Jack for a little food. 

"Can we PLEASE have some food, we are starving and have nothing to eat."

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Shocked, Jack responds, "NO!  Get your own food and leave me alone.  I saved it, so it's mine, and no one else can have it."

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The four fish frown and flee.  They leave sad and hungry.

"He is so mean!"

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Jack's friend, Barry the Bluegill, hears the fish complaining and goes over to Jack to see what the commotion is all about.

"Yo Jack, Why are those fellas all worked up?  I can hear them complaining all the way over here."

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"Barry, those lazy fish want my food.  Are they crazy?  It's mine! I'm not giving them any."

"That seems a bit harsh.  Can you really not spare just a little bit?  I can't believe you did that."

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"That's so wrong.  When you realize how stingy you're being, I might want to hang out with you again."  

Barry cannot believe how his old friend reacted.  He does not want to hang out with him today.  

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Jack considers what he said, but doesn't change his mind.  Instead, he eats and plans what to eat at the Trout River Fall Festival.  

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The next day, Chuck the crawfish is ready to perform at the festival.  He is the best banjo player around, but before he goes on stage, his stomach GRROWWLS.

"Hey Jack, can you spot me some grub before I pick a lick on this banjo here?"

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"Nope Chuck ,I only have enough for me."  

"What? Why won't you share with me?  I thought we were friends. I'm starving!" 

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"Sorry everyone, but the show's cancelled.  Chuck is sick."  

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