A Traveler about to set out on a journey saw his Dog stand at the door stretching himself. He asked [the dog] sharply: “Why do you stand there gaping? Everything is ready but you, so come with me instantly.” The Dog, wagging his tail, replied: “O, master! I am quite ready; it is you for whom I am waiting.” The loiterer often blames delay on his more active friend.

The elements of the above excerpt from the story that would appeal to children are the animal character and the dialogue.

Explanation:

Children are drawn to animals and animal images because of their cuteness and lack of danger. Younger children may sympathize with animal characters more easily than human beings. It appeals to animal-loving kids. As a result, interactions become simpler to comprehend and accept. Animals can make children smart, loving, and empathetic. Animals help youngsters overcome their helplessness. Young children view animals as "human-like" and do not consider them "other." It is also fascinating to youngsters to hear stories about talking animals and the dialog between the traveler and the dog. Stories like these also demonstrate how connections work and how to accept one another's differences. They expose kids to circumstances that are beyond their comfort zone, especially difficult emotions. Animal stories provide a unique and pleasant setting for youngsters to learn tough concepts.

The moral lesson could actually be also appealing to children, maybe when they are in a classroom set up where there is a teacher that will guide them to figure out the moral of the story. However, if they are reading on their own, I think it would be hard especially for very young ones to figure the moral lesson themselves.

And yes, the humor in the above excerpt can also be appealing to children, especially when the dog responds to his master. For English-speaking children, it is easier to see the humor in it. However, for young English as Second Language learners, it may be difficult to understand it. But generally speaking the humor in the story makes it appealing to children since it offers fun and amusing features.