Henry and his cat Scraggles were hungry. Stomach-growling-howling hungry.

“I will get a job,” Henry said. “Then I can buy food.”

“Meow,” agreed Scraggles.

They came to a restaurant. Henry said, “I can work here.”

“Meow,” agreed Scraggles.

Henry got a job washing dishes.

The boss looked at the dishes Henry had washed. “The dishes are dirty,” he said. “You are not a good dishwasher. Out you go.” He did not give Henry any money.

Henry got a job at another restaurant. This time Henry was very careful to wash the dishes clean. He washed the dishes again and again.

“You are too slow,” the boss said. “I need a fast dishwasher. Out you go.” He did not pay Henry any money.

“Don’t worry, Scraggles,” Henry said. “I will get a job at another restaurant. Then we will have money to buy food.”

“Meow,” agreed Scraggles.

Henry washed dishes at that restaurant, too. He washed hard. He washed fast.

Crash! Smash! Bash!

“Stop!” yelled the boss. “You are breaking all my dishes. Out you go.” He did not pay Henry any money.

Poor Henry and Scraggles were more hungry than ever.

“This is bad,” Henry said. “Stomach-growling-howling bad.”

“Meow,” agreed Scraggles.

Henry said, “Washing dishes is not a good job for me. But I need a job to get money. I need money to buy food. And we need food to eat.”

“Meow,” agreed Scraggles.

Henry saw a sign. “WORKERS NEEDED TO BREAK UP OLD STREET.”

“I CAN break things,” Henry said.

“Meow,” agreed Scraggles.

Henry worked hard. The boss said, “You are a good worker.” He gave Henry money.

Henry bought milk and bread and fish and cheese. Henry and Scraggles ate and ate. “This food is good,” Henry said.

“Meow!” agreed Scraggles.