Once upon a time, there was a friendly little dog named Max. One sunny afternoon, Max found a tasty treat—a juicy bone—while exploring the meadow. He was so happy! He picked up the bone in his mouth and trotted along, his tail wagging with joy.

Soon, Max came to a small wooden bridge that crossed over a sparkling stream. As he walked carefully across the bridge, he glanced down and saw something surprising in the water below. There, in the gentle ripples, was the reflection of another dog. 

This dog looked just like Max and, to Max’s amazement, it also had a bone in its mouth. But the bone in the reflection looked even bigger and juicier than Max’s own!

Max thought, “Oh, that dog has a much bigger treat than mine! Maybe I can have it, too.” Without thinking, Max opened his mouth to bark at the other dog and try to grab the bigger bone. 

But as soon as he did, his own bone slipped from his mouth and fell—plop!—into the stream below. The water carried it away, and Max watched as both the bone and the reflection disappeared.

Max felt a little sad, but he learned something important: sometimes, when we want more than we have, we might lose what we already own. 

From that day on, Max remembered to be happy with his own special treats, and he never chased after shadows again. And so, Max trotted home, ready for a cozy nap, dreaming of new adventures to come.

The Dog and His Reflection is a classic bedtime fable about a little dog named Max who learns the importance of being content with what he has.

The Dog and the Shadow

Once upon a time, there were two little mice who were cousins. One lived in a busy, bustling town, and the other lived in the quiet, peaceful countryside. One day, the Town Mouse decided to visit his cousin in the country. The Country Mouse was so happy to see him! He welcomed his cousin warmly and shared all the food he had: beans, bacon, cheese, and bread. It wasn’t fancy, but he gave it with love.

The Town Mouse nibbled at the food, but he wrinkled his nose. “Cousin,” he said kindly, “how can you eat such simple food? In the town, we have so many delicious things! Why don’t you come with me and see how wonderful life can be?”

The Country Mouse was curious, so he agreed. Off they went to the big town, and when they arrived, the Town Mouse led his cousin into a grand dining room. There, on the table, were leftovers from a splendid feast: jellies, cakes, and all sorts of tasty treats. The two mice began to nibble happily.

But suddenly, they heard a loud growling and barking. “What’s that?” asked the Country Mouse, his ears trembling. “Oh, just the dogs of the house,” said the Town Mouse. But before they knew it, two huge dogs burst into the room! The mice ran as fast as they could to hide.

Shaking, the Country Mouse said, “Thank you, Cousin, but I think I’d rather have simple food in peace than fancy food in fear.” And with that, he went back to his quiet, cozy home in the country, where he lived happily ever after.

“Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.”

The classic fable teaching children about different lifestyles and the meaning of true happiness.

The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse

The beloved fairy tale with beautiful illustrations teaching a lesson about self-acceptance and inner beauty.

The Ugly Duckling

One sunny summer day, a cheerful Grasshopper was hopping through a green field, singing sweet songs and enjoying the warm sunshine. As he danced along, he saw a little Ant working hard, carrying a heavy grain of corn back to her nest.

“Why don’t you stop and talk with me?” called the Grasshopper. “It’s such a lovely day to sing and play!”

The Ant smiled kindly and said, “I am gathering food for the winter. I think you should do the same.”

The Grasshopper laughed and replied, “Why worry about winter now? There is plenty of food and sunshine today!” But the Ant kept working, carrying her corn back to her cozy home.

When winter finally arrived, the field was cold and empty. The Grasshopper had no food and felt very hungry. He saw the Ant and her friends sharing the food they had saved during the summer. 

Then the Grasshopper knew:

It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.

The timeless fable with colorful illustrations teaching children about hard work, preparation, and the rewards of planning ahead.

The Ant and the Grasshopper

Once upon a time, in a warm, sunny forest, a mighty Lion was taking a peaceful nap under a shady tree. As he slept, a tiny Mouse scurried by, playing and exploring. The little Mouse accidentally ran up and down the Lion’s back, tickling his fur. The Lion woke up with a start! With a gentle but firm paw, he caught the Mouse and looked at him with big, curious eyes.

“Oh, please, great Lion,” squeaked the Mouse, “I didn’t mean to wake you. Please let me go, and I promise I’ll never forget your kindness. Maybe one day I can help you, too!”

The Lion chuckled softly, amused by the idea that such a small Mouse could help him. But he was a kind Lion, so he lifted his paw and let the Mouse go free.

Some days later, the Lion was walking through the forest when he got caught in a hunter’s net. He tried to break free, but the ropes were too strong. Just then, the little Mouse heard his roars and hurried over. With his tiny teeth, the Mouse nibbled and nibbled until the ropes broke. 

The Lion was free! The Lion smiled and thanked his little friend, learning that even the smallest friends can be great helpers.

The classic fable teaching kindness and the value of helping others.

The Lion and the Mouse

The Hare was once boasting of his speed before the other animals. “I
have never yet been beaten,” said he, “when I put forth my full speed.
I challenge any one here to race with me.”

The Tortoise said quietly, “I accept your challenge.”

“That is a good joke,” said the Hare; “I could dance round you all the
way.”

“Keep your boasting till you’ve beaten,” answered the Tortoise. “Shall
we race?”

So, the animals chose a path for the race. The Hare darted almost out
of sight at once, but soon stopped and, to show his contempt for the
Tortoise, lay down to have a nap. 

The Tortoise plodded on and plodded on, and when the Hare awoke from his nap, he saw the Tortoise just near the winning-post and could not run up in time to save the race. Then
said the Tortoise:

Plodding wins the race.

The classic tale with a simple moral about patience and perseverance for children.

The Hare and the Tortoise

One sunny morning, a clever Fox was strolling through the woods when he spotted a Crow perched high in a tree. The Crow had found a delicious piece of cheese and was holding it tightly in her beak. The Fox’s mouth began to water as he gazed up at the tasty treat. “That cheese would make a perfect snack,” thought the Fox, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

He walked quietly to the foot of the tree and called up in his friendliest voice, “Good morning, Mistress Crow! How beautiful you look today! Your feathers shine so brightly, and your eyes sparkle in the sunlight. I have never seen a bird as lovely as you.” The Crow listened, feeling quite pleased with herself. The Fox continued, “I am sure your voice must be just as wonderful as your appearance. Would you sing a song for me? I would love to hear your beautiful voice.”

The Crow, flattered by the Fox’s kind words, lifted her head and opened her beak to sing her best song. But as soon as she did, the piece of cheese tumbled down from her beak and landed on the ground only to be snapped up by
Master Fox. “That will do,” said he. “That was all I wanted. In
exchange for your cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future —

“Do not trust flatterers.”

The Flatter doth rob by stealth,
His victim, both of Wit and Wealth.

The timeless fable with charming illustrations

Animals

Stories in category (7)