Ethan loved the library more than anywhere else in the school. Every Wednesday, he picked a new book to take home. This week, he chose a book about dinosaurs with shiny pictures inside.

On Thursday, Ethan brought the book outside during recess. He sat under a tree and read about the Tyrannosaurus Rex. When the bell rang, Ethan jumped up and ran inside. He did not notice the book sitting in the grass.

That night, Ethan looked everywhere for the library book. He searched his backpack, his desk, and under his bed. His stomach felt like it was tied in knots. The book was due tomorrow.

"What is wrong?" his mother asked.

"I lost my library book," Ethan whispered. He was afraid he would be in trouble.

His mother sat beside him. "Losing something happens to everyone. What matters is what you do next. Can you think about where you last had it?"

Ethan thought hard. He remembered reading under the tree. "The playground!" he said.

The next morning, Ethan rushed to the tree. The book was there, a little damp from the morning dew, but safe. He wiped it off carefully and returned it to the library.

"Thank you for being honest and returning it," said the librarian.

Ethan smiled. He learned that being responsible means taking care of the things other people trust you with.