Duncan the Donut Wants a Job – Short Stories for Kids
Updated: 02 Sep, 2025
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Let’s enjoy this funny short story, Duncan the Donut Wants a Job – Short Stories for Kids. Duncan isn’t just any ordinary donut—he’s sweet, round, and full of dreams!
One day, Duncan decides that sitting on a bakery shelf isn’t enough. He wants a job! But what kind of job can a donut do?
From trying to be a lifeguard at the beach (oh no, the seagulls!) to helping out at a library (uh-oh, sticky frosting on the books), Duncan quickly learns that finding the perfect job isn’t easy.
With determination, creativity, and a sprinkle of humour, Duncan discovers that everyone—even a donut, has a special role in the world.
A delightful, laugh-out-loud story that teaches kids about trying new things, never giving up, and finding where they truly belong.
Duncan the Donut Wants a Job – A Kids Bedtime Story
Duncan wasn’t just any ordinary donut. He was soft, round, and covered with shiny rainbow sprinkles that glowed under the bakery lights.
Every day, Duncan sat in the display case, watching children press their noses against the glass, pointing at their favorite treats.
Most donuts were happy to be eaten. But not Duncan.
“I want more than just being breakfast,” Duncan whispered. “I want a job! I want to be useful, helpful, and important.”
So, one sunny morning, when the baker opened the door, Duncan rolled outside to search for the perfect job.
Duncan Tries to Be a Firefighter

Duncan’s first stop was the fire station. He looked up at the big red truck and said, “I want to be a firefighter! I’m brave and fast—I can roll to emergencies!”
The fire chief laughed kindly. “You’ve got courage, Duncan. But fire is hot, and your frosting might melt.”
Still, Duncan wanted to try. He climbed onto the truck, ready to help. But when the alarm rang and the fire blazed, Duncan’s glaze started dripping down his sides. “Oh dear!” cried the firefighters. “You’re sweet, Duncan, but firefighting isn’t for donuts.”
Duncan Becomes a Librarian (Almost!)
Next, Duncan rolled into the library. “I can keep things quiet,” he said proudly.
The librarian gave him a chance. Duncan whispered, “Shhh…” as people walked by.
But the children spotted him and giggled. “Look! A donut with sprinkles!” They laughed so loudly that the library turned into a playground of giggles. And when one curious child touched Duncan, sticky frosting smeared across a book.
The librarian shook her head gently. “You’re delightful, Duncan, but this job isn’t right for you either.”
Duncan the Lifeguard?
Not ready to give up, Duncan rolled to the swimming pool. “I’ll be a lifeguard!” he announced. From the tall chair, he kept watch, proud of his new responsibility.
But soon, seagulls flew overhead and spotted him. To them, Duncan looked like the tastiest snack in town! They swooped down, and Duncan had to roll for his life.
“Help! I need saving instead!” Duncan shouted, diving under the chair. Clearly, being a lifeguard was not his calling.
Feeling Crumb-y and Lost
By now, Duncan’s sprinkles had smudged, and he felt soggy from the pool water. He rolled under a bench and sighed.
“Maybe I don’t belong anywhere,” he thought. “Maybe I’m just meant to sit on a shelf and wait.”
Just then, a little girl walked by, holding a flyer. It read: “Help Wanted at the Bakery – Customer Greeter Needed!”
Her eyes lit up when she saw Duncan. “You’re perfect for this job!” she said, scooping him up gently.
Duncan’s Perfect Job

Back at the bakery, Duncan was no longer just another donut in the case. He stood proudly at the counter, welcoming everyone with a cheerful smile.
“Hello! I’m Duncan. Can I help you pick the tastiest treat today?”
Children laughed with joy. Parents took pictures. Soon, the bakery became the most popular spot in town—not just for the pastries, but for Duncan the Donut, the friendliest greeter anyone had ever met.
Duncan finally found his dream job. He wasn’t just sweet to eat—he was sweet at heart, too.
And from that day on, Duncan proved that no matter who (or what) you are, everyone has a special place in the world.
The End.
10 Fun Facts about Donuts for Kids
- Donuts have holes on purpose! – The hole in the middle helps the donut cook evenly so it’s soft and fluffy all around.
- Donuts are really old! – People have been making fried dough for hundreds of years. The modern donut became popular in the U.S. in the 1800s.
- National Donut Day exists! – It’s celebrated on the first Friday of June every year. It started in 1938 to honor women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.
- Donuts come in many shapes! – Some are round with holes, some are filled with cream or jelly, and some are even shaped like twists or hearts.
- The world’s biggest donut was a giant jelly donut made in New York in 1993—it weighed over 3,500 pounds (as heavy as a car!).
- Sprinkles have lots of names! – In some places they’re called “jimmies” or “hundreds and thousands.”
- Donuts can be savory too! – Some countries make donuts filled with meat, cheese, or even noodles instead of sweet frosting.
- Police officers and donuts – There’s a funny tradition in movies and TV where police officers love donuts. This started because donut shops used to be open late when officers were on night shifts.
- Donuts travel the world! – In Spain they have “churros,” in India “gulab jamun,” and in the Netherlands “oliebollen.” All are yummy fried dough cousins of donuts!
- Donuts inspire art and toys! – From donut pillows to donut costumes, people love turning donuts into fun designs and characters (like Duncan!).
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