Classic Fables for Kids in Simple English
Fable 1: The Owl and the Firefly
In a dark forest, an owl named Oscar hunted at night.
He was proud of his sharp eyes, boasting, “I see everything in the dark!”
A firefly named Fiona, small and glowing, heard him. She twinkled nearby, lighting the path for a lost mouse.
“Fiona, your light is weak,” Oscar hooted. “My eyes are better than your glow.”
Fiona blinked. “My light helps others, Oscar. What do your eyes do?”
Oscar scoffed. “I don’t need to help. I’m the best!” He flew off to hunt alone.
One foggy night, the forest was pitch black. Oscar couldn’t see a thing. He bumped into trees and missed his prey.
Hungry and grumpy, he perched on a branch. Below, Fiona’s glow led a squirrel to its nest. Oscar watched, jealous.
“Fiona,” Oscar called, “I can’t see tonight. Can your light guide me?”
Fiona twinkled. “Only if you help someone, too.”
Oscar sighed. He spotted a lost frog and hooted to Fiona. Her light showed the frog the way home.
Then she lit Oscar’s path to a clearing where he caught a meal. Oscar felt good helping.
From then on, Oscar used his eyes to spot lost animals, and Fiona lit their way. The forest was safer because of them.
Moral: Helping others makes your talents shine brighter.
Fable 2: The Donkey and the Salt
A donkey named Danny carried heavy sacks for a merchant. One day, he carried salt across a stream.
He slipped, and the sacks fell into the water. The salt dissolved, making the load light. Danny was delighted. “This is easy!” he thought.
The next day, Danny carried salt again. Remembering the stream, he fell on purpose. The salt melted, and his load was light. He brayed happily. The merchant watched, frowning. He knew Danny’s trick.
The third day, the merchant loaded Danny with sponges instead of salt. Danny, thinking he was clever, fell in the stream again.
But the sponges soaked up water, making the load heavier. Danny struggled to stand. His legs wobbled, and he brayed sadly.
The merchant helped Danny up. “No more tricks, Danny,” he said. “Work honestly, and I’ll lighten your load when I can.”
Danny felt foolish. He carried the wet sponges to town, tired but wiser. From then on, he walked carefully and didn’t try to cheat. The merchant rewarded him with extra hay, and Danny was content.
Moral: Tricks may work once, but honesty works always.
Fable 3: The Cat and the Mice
A cat named Clara lived in a barn full of mice. She chased them daily, but the mice were quick, hiding in tiny holes.
One day, Clara had an idea. She lay still, pretending to be dead. Her eyes were closed, and she didn’t move.
The mice peeked out. “Is Clara gone?” one whispered. They crept closer, sniffing. The youngest mouse, Mikey, wasn’t sure. “She might be tricking us,” he said.
The older mice laughed. “She’s not moving! Let’s eat the grain!” They ran to the grain pile. Clara sprang up, catching two mice. The rest scurried away, but Mikey stayed hidden, watching.
The next day, Clara tried the trick again. The older mice, still greedy, crept out, thinking Clara was dead. But Mikey shouted, “It’s a trap!” Most mice ran back, but a few got caught.
Mikey told the others, “Clara’s clever, but we can be smarter. Watch for tricks.” The mice learned to check Clara’s whiskers for tiny twitches or listen for her breathing. Clara’s trick stopped working.
Clara, hungry, gave up pretending. She chased fairly, and the mice respected her. Mikey led the mice to share a little grain with Clara, and the barn was peaceful.
Moral: Stay sharp and don’t fall for the same trick twice.