14. Vocational Stories

These are the stories that will aid in preparing young people in choosing their life-work, or that will inspire them with the highest ideals in their work. Such stories may be found among all types. For example, the fairy story, “Boots and His Brothers,” shows the value of being prepared; the Bible story, “When Jesus Was Lost,” shows when Jesus found his life-work; “The Legend of St. Christopher” reveals ideals of service, and such legendary or historical stories as “Horatius at the Bridge,” “King Bruce and the Spider,” and “Dick Whittington” illustrate the rewards of service. Biographies are almost all vocational. This vocational interest, either clearly revealed or simply implied, may transform a story, otherwise distasteful to young people, into one full of interest, inspiration, and profit.