Image: ShutterStock
Moral stories for kids are a fun way to teach important life lessons and values. They can help children learn about good and bad, an essential step in becoming a better individual. You may teach children morals and values without being didactic when you take the storytelling route. So why not share interesting short moral stories or parables with your kids to help them imbibe values in a fun way? If you are still unsure and feel confused, here is a collection of fun moral stories for kids with videos that you may share with them.
Key Pointers
- Moral stories can impart valuable life lessons and ethics to children.
- They aid in keeping children away from vices like greed, cheating, or lying.
- Children may learn how to conduct themselves and treat others with respect.
- Some can also acquaint them with the importance of honesty, kindness, and friendship.
- Morals are best imbibed through stories as children interpret and remember them well.
Cultural Relevance Of Moral Stories
Moral stories often take inspiration from our surroundings and culture. They present values, traditions, and wisdom in an entertaining manner that appeals to people across ages. From the Indian Panchatantra to the Greek Aesop’s Fables, these stories instill universally recognized values that are relevant across times and generations. Above all, these moral stories help imbibe cultural values in children.
Young children are highly impressionable, and these stories are an engaging way to build a positive attitude. In addition to helping children learn about their culture and traditions, these stories encourage empathy and a deeper understanding of the world. They make children compassionate towards all beings irrespective of their backgrounds and beliefs.
Very Short Stories For Children With Morals
The classics are the best. These are short stories with morals we have heard more than once and even told more than once. But we like listening to a story with moral lessons and telling them to our kids and anyone who is willing to listen!
Classic Moral Stories
1. The Boy Who Cried Wolf
Once upon a time, there lived a shepherd boy who was bored watching his flock of sheep on the hill. To amuse himself, he shouted, “Wolf! Wolf! The sheep are being chased by the wolf!” The villagers came running to help the boy and save the sheep. They found nothing and the boy just laughed looking at their angry faces.
“Don’t cry ‘wolf’ when there’s no wolf boy!”, they said angrily and left. The boy just laughed at them.
After a while, he got bored and cried ‘wolf!’ again, fooling the villagers a second time. The angry villagers warned the boy a second time and left. The boy continued watching the flock. After a while, he saw a real wolf and cried loudly, “Wolf! Please help! The wolf is chasing the sheep. Help!”
But this time, no one turned up to help. By evening, when the boy didn’t return home, the villagers wondered what happened to him and went up the hill. The boy sat on the hill weeping. “Why didn’t you come when I called out that there was a wolf?” he asked angrily. “The flock is scattered now”, he said.
An old villager approached him and said, “People won’t believe liars even when they tell the truth. We’ll look for your sheep tomorrow morning. Let’s go home now”.
Moral
Lying breaks trust. Nobody trusts a liar, even when he is telling the truth.
Did you know?2. The Midas Touch
In ancient Greek, there was a king named Midas. He had a lot of gold and everything he needed. He also had a beautiful daughter. Midas loved his gold very much, but he loved his daughter more than his riches.
One day, a satyriA God in Greek mythology whose upper body resembles a human body and lower body and horns are like that of a goat named Silenus got drunk and passed out in Midas’ rose garden. Believing that Satyrs always bring good luck, Midas lets Silenus rest in his palace until he is sober, against the wishes of his wife and daughter. Silenus is a friend of Dionysus, the god of wine and celebration. Upon learning Midas’ kindness towards his friend, Dionysus decides to reward the keg.
When asked to wish for something, Midas says “I wish everything I touch turns to gold”. Although Dionysus knew it was not a great idea, he granted Midas his wish.
Happy that his wish was granted, Midas went around touching random things in the garden and his palace and turned them all into gold. He touched an apple, and it turned into a shiny gold apple. His subjects were astonished but happy to see so much gold in the palace.
In his happiness, Midas went and hugged his daughter, and before he realized, he turned her into a lifeless, golden statue! Aghast, Midas ran back to the garden and called for Dionysus. He begged the god to take away his power and save his daughter. Dionysus gives Midas a solution to change everything back to how it was before the wish. Midas learned his lesson and lived the rest of his life content with what he had.
Moral
Do not get greedy. Be happy and content with what you have.
3. The Golden Egg
Image: Shutterstock
Once upon a time, a farmer had a goose that laid a golden egg every day. The egg provided enough money for the farmer and his wife for their day-to-day needs. The farmer and his wife were happy for a long time. But one day, the farmer got an idea and thought, “Why should I take just one egg a day? Why can’t I take all of them at once and make a lot of money?”
The foolish farmer’s wife also agreed and decided to cut the goose’s stomach for the eggs. As soon as they killed the bird and opened the goose’s stomach, to find nothing but guts and blood. The farmer, realizing his foolish mistake, cries over the lost resource!
The English idiom “kill not the goose that lays the golden egg” was also derived from this classic story.
Moral
Think before you act.
This is one of the most intriguing stories with a moral lesson for kids that will surely give them a new perspective on situations.
4. The Miser And His Gold
Image: IStock
An old miser lived in a house with a garden. The miser hid his gold coins in a pit under some stones in the garden. Every day, before going to bed, the miser went to the stones where he hid the gold and counted the coins. He continued this routine every day, but not once did he spend the gold he saved.
One day, a thief who knew the old miser’s routine, waited for the old man to go back into his house. After it was dark, the thief went to the hiding place and took the gold. The next day, the old miser found that his treasure was missing and started crying loudly.
His neighbor heard the miser’s cries and inquired about what happened. On learning what happened, the neighbor asked, “Why didn’t you save the money inside the house? It would’ve been easier to access the money when you had to buy something!”
“Buy?”, said the miser. “I never used the gold to buy anything. I was never going to spend it.”
On hearing this, the neighbor threw a stone into the pit and said, “If that is the case, save the stone. It is as worthless as the gold you have lost”.
Moral
A possession is just as worthy of what it is used for.
5. The Tortoise And The Bird
Image: Shutterstock
A tortoise was resting under a tree, on which a bird had built its nest. The tortoise spoke to the bird mockingly, “What a shabby home you have! It is made of broken twigs, it has no roof, and looks crude. What’s worse is that you had to build it yourself. I think my house, which is my shell, is much better than your pathetic nest”.
“Yes, it is made of broken sticks, looks shabby and is open to the elements of nature. It is crude, but I built it, and I like it.”
“I guess it’s just like any other nest, but not better than mine”, said the tortoise. “You must be jealous of my shell, though.”
“On the contrary”, the bird replied. “My home has space for my family and friends; your shell cannot accommodate anyone other than you. Maybe you have a better house. But I have a better home”, said the bird happily.
Moral
Better a crowded hut than a lonely mansion.
Did you know?6. The Cows And The Tiger
Image: IStock
Four cows lived in a forest near a meadow. They were good friends and did everything together. They grazed together and stayed together, because of which no tigers or lions were able to kill them for food.
But one day, the friends fought and each cow went to graze in a different direction. A tiger and a lion saw this and decided that it was the perfect opportunity to kill the cows. They hid in the bushes and surprised the cows and killed them all, one by one.
Moral
Unity is strength.
7. The Fox And The Stork
Image: Shutterstock
A fox and a stork were friends. One day, the fox invited the stork for lunch. The stork, very happy, arrived at the fox’s home on time. The fox served soup in bowls. The stork, unable to drink the soup with her beak, watched the fox lap it up quickly. She felt very sad and went home hungry.
A few days later, the stork invited the fox to her home for dinner. The fox also arrived on time. The stork served soup in a narrow-mouthed vessel. She easily drank the soup by inserting her beak into the container, but the fox couldn’t drink it. He felt very sad and went home hungry.
Moral
As you sow, so shall you reap.
8. The Rooster And The Jewel
Image: Shutterstock
A rooster was scratching the earth for food. Suddenly, he uncovered a precious stone. The stone shone brilliantly and made the rooster very happy.
But then, he realized the stone was worthless to him. He thought, “Dear stone, I am sure you are priceless to your owner. But I will be happy with a grain of barley or corn. What can I do with you?” The rooster continued digging for food.
Moral
Know what is truly valuable to you.
9. The Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing
Image: Shutterstock
A wolf used to lurk outside a sheep’s pasture trying to eat the sheeps. However, he couldn’t get to any of them due to the watchfulness of the shepherds.
One day, the wolf stumbled upon a sheepskin by chance. He was very happy and made a cunning plan.
He wore the sheepskin and slipped into the pasture among the sheep. The shepherds did not notice the wolf. Now the wolf could easily take sheep away from the others to eat them. The wolf was quite happy with this arrangement.
However, one day, the shepherd had a hankering for lamb broth. He came out looking for a healthy sheep. He saw the wolf – now fat and satisfied – lying on the ground and thought, “Now this is a healthy one!”
He picked up the wolf, killed, and ate it; that was the end of the cunning wolf’s story.
Moral
Deceit ultimately leads to downfall.
10. The Oak And The Reeds
Image: Shutterstock
In a forest was a strong oak. Though quite young, it was firm. The oak was proud of its strength.
Near him, several reeds grew. The oak often boasted to them about its strength. It always made fun of the reeds for having such weak stems. The reeds heard these things but kept quiet.
One day, a storm broke out in the forest. The trees swayed alarmingly. But the oak was confident that it would withstand the storm. However, the wind was so strong that after a while, the oak began to lose its strength. In a matter of time, its trunk broke and fell over.
When the storm waned, it noticed that the reeds were still standing. “How are you still here when I fell?” it asked in amazement. The reeds replied, “We bent over when the wind blew. So we did not break.” The oak was silenced.
Moral
Be flexible in your approach; rigidity may harm you.
11. The Dog In The Manger
Image: Dall.E
A dog was asleep in a manger filled with hay. When the cows and bulls returned, tired after a whole day of work, they awoke the dog. But instead of getting out, the dog started barking and snarling viciously to keep the cattle at bay.
The cattle were angry as they were unable to get at their food. They were disgusted at the dog’s behavior. “How selfish he is!” a cow said. “He cannot eat the hay, and yet he is not letting us eat, even though we are hungry!”
Finally, the farmer arrived and witnessed the dog’s behavior. He grabbed a stick and chased the dog out of the manger. The dog also received a few blows for its selfish behavior.
Moral
Do not grudge others for the things you cannot enjoy yourself.
Witty Moral Stories
Who says moral stories for kids need to be all serious or morose? Here are a few that have a touch of humor.
12. The Four Students
Image: IStock
There were four friends who hated studying. They partied all night before their exams and planned to skip the test by lying to the professor. So they went to the dean and told him that they had been to a wedding the previous night and on their way back, they had a flat tire. They continued to say that they had to push the car all the way back, as they didn’t have a spare tire and hence, were not in a position to write the exam.
The dean listened and agreed to let them take the test on a later date. Happy that they got a second chance, the four friends studied hard and were ready for the exam. On exam day, the dean asked the students to sit in separate classrooms, which the students agreed to.
The examination paper had only two questions, for a total of 100 marks. The questions were thus:
- Your name:
- Which tire of the car burst: a) Front left b) Front right c) Rear left d) Rear right
Moral
You may be smart, but there are people smarter than you in the world.
13. The Boasting Traveler (Aesop’s fables)
Image: IStock
A man came back from a tour and boasted about his adventurous journeys. He talked at length about the different people he met and his amazing feats that got him fame and praise from people everywhere. He went on to say that he went to the Rhodes where he had leaped to such distances that no man could ever match his feat.
He even went on to say that there were witnesses who would vouch for his words. Hearing the man boast so much, a smart bystander said, “Oh good man, we do not need any witnesses to believe your words. Imagine this place to be Rhodes and leap for us”.
The lying traveler didn’t know what to do and went away quietly.
Moral
He who does a thing well does not need to boast.
14. The Camel And The Baby
Image: Shutterstock
One day, a camel and her baby were chatting. The baby asked, “Mother, why do we have humps?” The mother replied, “Our humps are for storing water so that we can survive in the desert”.
“Oh”, said the child, “and why do we have rounded feet mother?” “Because they are meant to help us walk comfortably in the desert. These legs help us move around in the sand.”
“Alright. But why are our eyelashes so long?” “To protect our eyes from the desert dust and sand. They are the protective covers for the eyes”, replied the mother camel.
The baby camel thought for a while and said, “So we have humps to store water for desert journeys, rounded hooves to keep us comfortable when we walk in the desert sand, and long eyelashes to protect us from sand and dust during a desert storm. Then what are we doing in a zoo?”
The mother was dumbfounded.
Moral
Your strengths, skills, and knowledge are useless if you are not in the right place.
A short moral story for kids that will enlighten their minds always to follow the right path in life.
Did you know?15. The Farmer And The Well
Image: Shutterstock
A farmer looking for a source of water for his farm bought a well from his neighbor. The neighbor was cunning, though, and refused to let the farmer take water from the well. On asking why, he replied, “I sold the well to you, not the water”, and walked away. The distraught farmer didn’t know what to do. So he went to BirbaliAdvisor and commander of the emperor Akbar who was known for his wit and intellect , a clever man and one of the nine courtiers of Emperor AkbariThe third emperor of the Mughal dynasty who was known to be one of the greatest Mughal kings , for a solution.
The emperor called the farmer and his neighbor and asked why the man was not letting the farmer draw water from the well. The cunning man said the same thing again, “I sold the well, not the water. So he cannot take my water”.
To this, Birbal replied, “All that sounds fine to me. But if you have sold the water and the water is yours, then you have no business keeping your water in his well. Remove the water or use it all up immediately. If not the water will belong to the owner of the well”.
Realizing that he’s been tricked and taught his lesson, the man apologized and left.
Moral
Cheating will not get you anything. If you do cheat, you’ll pay for it soon enough.
This is a small moral story that is sure to give your tiny tot a lifelong lesson.
16. The Ant And The Grasshopper
Image: Shutterstock
Once, there was a grasshopper who didn’t like to work. Throughout the summer, he sat under a tree, singing songs. Nearby, an ant was busy collecting food. The grasshopper invited her to join him in singing. “No, thank you,” said the ant. “I’m gathering food for the winter, and you should too instead of singing.” The grasshopper laughed and replied, “There’s plenty of time until winter, so let me have fun!”, said the grasshopper, ignoring the ant’s advice. The ant continued collecting food, while the grasshopper spent the entire summer singing and dancing.
When winter arrived, snow quickly covered all the food sources. The grasshopper grew hungry but couldn’t find any food. Finally, he knocked on the ant’s door, asking for food. She politely refused and suggested he look elsewhere. The grasshopper then realized the importance of planning for the future.
Moral
Work hard today to be prepared for tomorrow.
17. The Donkey And The Load Of Salt
Image: Dall.E
A merchant had an overworked donkey. The donkey was tired, but his owner wanted him to work more.
One day, the donkey carried a heavy load, and while crossing a shallow river, his legs buckled, causing him to fall into the water. The load got thoroughly drenched. Although the owner shouted at the donkey for his clumsiness, there was nothing he could do.
The donkey slowly got up and was surprised that the load was considerably lighter. After reaching home, he learned the load was salt, which had dissolved in the water. The next day, with a new load, the donkey repeated the same stunt. His load lessened considerably, making him happy.
The owner soon realized the donkey’s trick. A few days later, the owner took the donkey out again with another load. This time, the donkey was sure that falling in the river would lighten his burden. He did the same thing again. However, to his dismay, the load was pretty heavy when he got up.
He reached the destination bogged down with the load and learned that it was full of sponges, which had soaked up the water and become heavy. The donkey realized that he could not escape work through dishonesty.
Moral
A single trick does not help every time.
18. The Wolf And The Crane
Image: Dall.E
Once a wolf was eating a fish when a bone got stuck in his throat. He struggled to remove it but the bone was stuck fast. The wolf started to panic.
He ran here and there until he came across the crane standing in a pond. He had an idea. He asked the crane to put her head inside his mouth and pull out the bone with her pointed beak. He even said he would reward her handsomely.
The crane was nervous but the wolf pleaded with her so she relented. She carefully bent down and pulled out the bone from the wolf’s throat.
Once the bone was out, the wolf was very happy and started walking away. The crane called out to him about the reward.
“What?” the wolf snapped. “Don’t you think that the fact that I didn’t bite your head off is reward enough?”
The crane hung her head in disappointment.
Moral
Do not expect a reward for helping the wicked.
19. Two Silly Goats
Image: Shutterstock
Once, two goats began crossing a narrow bridge from opposite ends simultaneously. Meeting in the middle, they couldn’t pass each other. The river flowed swiftly beneath, and the bridge was so narrow that only one could cross at a time.
The first goat told the second one to go back. The second said the same to the first. Neither would back down and were still stuck.
Soon, both of them started getting angry. The first goat butted the second one, and they were suddenly locked in battle. As both were young and strong, it was tough competition. Suddenly, both of them fell into the rushing river below and drowned.
Moral
Anger and quarrels do not solve problems.
20. The Wind And The Sun
Image: Shutterstock
The wind and the sun once had a competition about who is stronger. Each of them claimed to be strong, but even after many hours, they could not decide.
Then, the sun came up with an idea. A traveler was walking down the road with a shawl wrapped around his shoulders. The sun proposed that the victor would be whoever could persuade the traveler to remove the shawl. The wind agreed.
The wind started blowing. Initially, it blew gently, just a breeze. But soon, it picked up, rustling violently through the leaves. However, though the traveler’s shawl flapped, he gripped it more tightly to keep warm. Even with its best efforts, the wind could not blow off the shawl.
When the sun’s turn came, the heat started gradually. First, it was pleasantly warm. Later, the sun kept getting hotter until it became quite hot. The man, unable to bear the heat, finally removed the shawl.
Hence, the sun won the competition and was declared stronger than the wind.
Moral
Kindness and gentleness are more effective than force and bluster.
Fables From Everywhere
This section has fables and good short stories for kids with morals from different parts of the world.
21. True Friends Love You Anyway
Image: IStock
Lord KrishnaiA significant deity in the Hindu religion, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and SudamaiA childhood friend of the Hindu deity Krishna were childhood friends. While Krishna thrived and prospered, Sudama didn’t. He led the life of a poor BrahminiCaste of the priest in Hinduism man, living in a small hut with his wife and kids. Most days, the kids wouldn’t even get enough to eat from what Sudama got as almsiMoney, clothing, or food given to the needy or poor as a charitable act . One day, his wife suggested that he go and ask his friend Krishna for help.
Sudama was reluctant to seek favors, but he also didn’t want his kids to suffer. So his wife borrows some rice from the neighbors to make some rice snacks that Krishna liked, and gave it to Sudama to take it to his friend. Sudama took it and set out to DwarakaiAncient Indian city famous for its Hindu pilgrimage sites . He was amazed at the gold that was used to build the city. He reached the palace gates and was obstructed by the guards, who judged him by his torn dhoti and poor appearance.
Sudama requested the guards to at least inform Krishna that his friend Sudama has come to meet him. The guard, although reluctant, goes and informs the lord. On hearing that Sudama was here, Krishna stops doing whatever he was doing and runs barefoot to meet his childhood friend.
Krishna hugs Sudama, welcomes him to his abode and treats him with utmost love and respect. Sudama, ashamed of the poor man’s rice snacks he got for Krishna, tries to hide it. But the all-knowing Krishna asks Sudama for his gift and eats his favorite rice snacks that his friend brought for him.
Krishna and his friend spend time laughing and talking about their childhood but Sudama, overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion showed by his friend, is unable to ask for help. When he returns home, Sudama finds that his hut has been replaced by a huge mansion and his wife and kids are dressed in fine clothes.
Sudama realized how lucky he was to have a true friend like Krishna. He didn’t even ask, but Krishna knew what Sudama wanted and gave it to him.
Moral
True friends do not distinguish between rich and poor. They are always there for you when you need them.
22. Elephant And Friends
Image: Shutterstock
A lone elephant wandered the forest looking for friends. She came across a monkey and asked, “Will you be my friend, monkey?” “You are too big and cannot swing on trees as I do. So I cannot be your friend”, said the monkey.
The elephant then came across a rabbit and asked him if she could be his friend. “You are too big to fit inside my burrow. You cannot be my friend”, replied the rabbit.
Then the elephant met a frog and asked if she could be her friend. The frog said “You are too big and heavy. You cannot jump like me. I am sorry, but you cannot be my friend”.
The elephant asked a fox, and he got the same reply, that he was too big. The next day, all the animals in the forest were running in fear. The elephant stopped a bear and asked what was happening and was told that a tiger has been attacking all the animals.
The elephant wanted to save the other weak animals and went to the tiger and said “Please sir, leave my friends alone. Do not eat them”. The tiger didn’t listen and asked the elephant to mind her own business. Seeing no other way to solve the problem, the elephant kicked the tiger and scared it away.
She then went back to the others and told them what happened. On hearing how the elephant saved their lives, the animals agreed in unison, “You are just the right size to be our friend”.
Moral
Friends come in all shapes and sizes!
23. The Wolf And The Shepherds
Image: Shutterstock
This is one of the many Aesop’s fables that one can relate to in any day and age.
One day a wolf was chased away from a farm for trying to steal some of the sheep for food. Later that week, the wolf came back to the farm hoping to find some food. He peeped inside the house and found the farmer and his family feasting on lamb roast.
“Aha!”, he thought. “If I were to do the same thing that the farmer and his family are doing now, I would be shunted and chased, or even killed for killing a weak, innocent lamb.”
Moral
We are quick to judge and condemn others for what they do, but see nothing wrong in doing so ourselves.
24. The Young Crab And His Mother
Image: Shutterstock
One day, a young crab and his mother were on the beach, spending some time together. The young crab gets up to move, but it can only walk sideways. His mother scolds him for walking sideways and asks him to walk forward by pointing his toes out front. The young crab responds, “I would like to walk forward mom, but I do not know how to”.
Hearing this, his mom gets up to show him how, but even she is unable to bend her knees forward. She realizes that she was being unfair, apologizes sheepishly, and sits back in the sand.
Moral
Don’t condemn someone for not doing something that you yourself are unable to do.
25. The Other Side Of The Wall
Image: Shutterstock
A young woman inherited a beautiful garden from her grandmother. She loved gardening too and was very proud of her garden. One day, she saw a very beautiful plant in a catalog and wanted that for her garden. She ordered it and planted it at the base of the stonewall in her backyard. She took great care of the plant, which grew quickly and had beautiful green leaves on it.
Months passed, but not a single flower bloomed on the tree. Vexed, she almost wanted to cut the tree down. At such a time, her invalid called and said, “Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers. You have no idea how much I enjoy looking at the blooms of the vine you have planted”.
Hearing this, the young girl rushes to the neighbor’s side of the wall and sees the most beautiful flower in bloom. All the care she took had paid off. Only the vine crept through the crevices because of which it did not flower on her side of the wall but did generously on the other side.
Moral
Just because you cannot see the good results of your efforts does not mean that it bore no fruit.
26. The Fisherman And The Little Fish
Image: Shutterstock
A fisherman was out on one of his fishing trips. He spent quite some time in the water but was unlucky. Eventually, he managed to catch a small fish.
To his surprise, the fish started talking. It said, “I am only a tiny fish. Please let me live.” The fisherman looked at it in amazement. “Why should I let you go?” he asked.
“I am just a small fish. You have a large family. How will I fill all their stomachs? Let me go, kind sir, and you will find a bigger fish to feed your family,” the fish said. The fisherman was tempted to release the fish.
But then, he thought, “What if I cannot catch another fish? I spent a lot of time catching only this one! If I fail to catch any more, my family will go hungry today.” So he changed his mind and took the small fish home.
Moral
A small gain is better than a potential loss.
27. The Thirsty Crow
Image: Shutterstock
Once, a crow was very thirsty. He searched everywhere for water but couldn’t find any. Soon, he came across a pot with a little water at the bottom. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t reach the water. He looked at it sadly.
Then, he noticed some stones lying around and had an idea. He picked up a stone and dropped it into the pot. He quickly gathered more stones and dropped them one by one. As the number of stones increased, the water level rose. Eventually, the crow could reach the water.
He drank to his heart’s content and flew away happily.
Moral
Where there is a will, there is a way.
28. The Honest Woodcutter
Image: Dall.E
A woodcutter used to go to the forest daily to cut wood. One day, while cutting trees by a large river, his axe accidentally fell into the water. Terrified, he pleaded with the river to return his axe, essential for his livelihood.
The river deity appeared before him and advised him to be patient, assuring him that she would return his axe.
The Goddess wished to test his honesty. First, she retrieved a golden axe with diamonds from the water. When she presented it to the woodcutter, he promptly said, “This is not mine.” Next, the deity presented a silver axe studded with precious stones, but the woodcutter insisted it was not his.
Finally, she retrieved his axe—a simple wooden one with an iron head. The woodcutter was overjoyed to see his axe and claimed it. Impressed by his honesty, the river Goddess gave him the other two axes as well. Thus, the woodcutter never faced poverty again.
Moral
Honesty is the best policy.
29. The Fox And The Grapes
Image: Shutterstock
A hungry fox was roaming the forest, looking for food. He soon spotted a bunch of vines with grapes on them. The grapes looked plump and juicy, and the fox’s mouth watered at the sight of them. However, they were hung quite high.
The fox jumped to reach the grapes but couldn’t reach them the first time. He jumped again and again, but even after repeated attempts, he could not reach the grapes.
“The grapes must be sour,” he thought to himself and walked away.
Moral
It is easy to despise what you don’t have.
Modern Moral Stories
Morals that most fables come with are timeless, although the stories may be ancient. So, here are a few modern inspirational stories with morals for kids that age-old fables come with.
30. The Dog At The Well
Image: IStock
A dog and her pups lived on a farm, where there was a well. The mother dog told the pups, do not go near the well or play around it. One of the pups wondered why they shouldn’t go to the well and decided to explore it. He went to the well. Climbed up the wall and peeked inside.
There, he saw his reflection and thought it was another dog. The pup saw that the other dog in the well (his reflection) was doing whatever he was doing, and got angry for imitating him. He decided to fight with the dog and jumped into the well, only to find no dog there. He barked and barked and swam until the farmer came and rescued him. The pup had learned his lesson.
Moral
Always listen to what the elders say. Question them, but do not defy them.
Did you know?31. Controlling Anger
Image: Shutterstock
There was once a young boy who had a problem controlling his temper. When he became angry, he would just say anything that came to his mind and hurt people. So his father gave him a bag of nails and a hammer and said, “Every time you get angry, hammer one nail into the fence in our backyard”.
The first few days the boy hammered so many nails that he emptied half the bag. Over the weeks, the number of nails he hammered to the fence reduced and gradually, his temper was much in control. Then came a day when he didn’t lose his temper at all. His father asked him to remove one nail each day so that he manages to control his temper.
Finally, on the day the child was removing the last nail, his father says, “You have done well, boy. But do you see the holes in the wall? The fence is never going to be the same, even after repainting. Likewise, when you say mean things in anger, you will leave a scar in the person’s mind, as the nails did to the fence”.
Moral
Anger is a dangerous weapon like a knife. When you put a knife in a man and draw it out, the wound heals but the scar remains.
32. The Wet Pants
Image: Shutterstock
A nine-year-old boy was sitting at his desk in class, when suddenly, his pants felt wet, and there was a puddle at his feet. His heart almost skipped a beat, as he got worried that his classmates would see that and make fun of him.
He quickly wanted to do something, and saw the teacher and his classmate Susie walking towards him. Susie was carrying a bowl of goldfish. As they came closer, the boy thought that the teacher noticed his wet pants, and suddenly Susie trips and drops the fishbowl in his lap. While thanking God for helping him, he pretends to get angry with Susie and yells at her.
Everyone in the class thinks it is Susie’s fault that the boy’s pants got wet. The teacher helps the boy change into dry clothes, and the class continues. Later that evening, the boy asks Susie, “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” “I wet my pants once too”, whispers Susie.
Moral
Each one of us goes through good days and bad days. Only those who help you out on your bad days are your true friends.
33. Bad Habits
Image: IStock
A wealthy businessman was worried about his son’s bad habits. He sought counsel from a wise, old man. The old man met the man’s son and took him out for a stroll. They walked into the woods, and the old man showed the boy a small sapling and asked him to pull it out. The boy did so with ease, and they walked on.
The old man then asked the boy to pull out a small plant. The boy did that too, with a little effort. As they walked, the old man asked the boy to pull out the bush, which he did. The next was a small tree, which the child had to struggle a lot to pull out. Finally, the old man showed him a bigger tree and asked the child to pull it out.
The child failed to pull it out even after trying several times, in different ways. The old man looks at the boy, smiles and says, “So is the case with habits, good or bad”.
Moral
Bad habits are hard to get rid of once they have settled in our system. It is best to get rid of them early on.
34. Good Company, Bad Company
Image: Shutterstock
Two parrots built a nest in a banyan tree. They lived with their two young ones, which they took good care of. The mother and the father parrot went out to gather food in the morning and came back home by evening. One day, when their parents were away, the young parrots were taken by a cruel hunter.
One of the birds managed to escape and flew away from the hunter. He ended up at a hermitage and grew up listening to kind words and compassion. The hunter put the other parrot in a cage, and soon it learned a few words and phrases. The hunter and his family were crude and didn’t care much about kind words.
One day, a passerby was resting outside the hunter’s hut. Sensing someone outside, the parrot said, “Fool, why are you here? Fool! Leave! I’ll cut your throat”. Scared, the traveler went away, and on his journey, he reached the hermitage where the other parrot was. The parrot at the hermitage spoke, “Welcome traveler. You are free to stay here as long as you want”.
Surprised, the traveler told the parrot that he encountered a similar parrot elsewhere and it was very cruel. How is that you are so kind?” The parrot replied, “That must be my brother. I live with the sages, and my brother lives with hunters. I learned the sage’s language, and my brother learned the hunter’s language. The company we keep decides who we will be”.
Moral
Keep good company if you want to be a good person.
35. The Man And The Cat
Image: IStock
One day, a man was walking by a road when he heard a cat meowing from the bushes nearby. The cat was stuck and needed help getting out. When the man reached out, the cat got scared and scratched the man. The man screamed in pain but didn’t back down. He tried again and again, even as the cat continued to scratch his hands.
Another passerby saw this and said, “Just let it be! The cat will find a way to come out later”. The man didn’t pay heed but tried until he helped the cat. Once he let the cat free, he told the other man, “The cat is an animal, and its instincts make him scratch and attack. I am a human and my instincts make me compassionate and kind”.
Moral
Treat everyone around you like you want to be treated. Adhere to your own rules or ethics, not theirs.
36. The Tortoise And The Hare
Image: Shutterstock
Once, a proud hare believed no one could match his speed. He often teased the slow tortoise, challenging him to a race. The tortoise, initially ignoring the taunts, eventually accepted the challenge.
On the race day, with the forest animals watching, the hare mocked the tortoise, sure of an easy win. As the race started, the hare raced ahead, confident of victory. However, seeing the tortoise steadily walking, the hare decided to take a break, eat cabbages, and even nap.
Waking up later, the hare panicked, realizing the tortoise was near the finish line. Surprisingly, the tortoise won, teaching the hare a lesson about humility and not underestimating others.
Moral
Slow and steady wins the race.
37. The Wolf And The Goat
Image: Dall.E
Once, a hungry wolf was roaming the forest in search of food. Suddenly, he spotted a goat munching on grass on a cliff before him. Since the goat was too high for him to reach, the wolf devised a cunning plan.
“Hey Goat!” he called out. “Why are you standing so close to the edge of the cliff? You might fall off! The grass here is much sweeter too. Come down and try it.”
The goat looked down and smiled. She replied, “You’re not inviting me for my dinner but for yours. Thank you, but I’ll stay up here.”
Dejected, the wolf walked away.
Moral
A selfish invitation should not be accepted.
38. The Lion And The Mouse
Image: Shutterstock
Once, a tiny mouse was playing on a sleeping lion. Disturbed by the mouse’s movements, the lion woke up and caught the mouse. The mouse was terrified and struggled to escape, but the lion opened its mouth to eat the mouse. Begging for mercy, the mouse promised to help the lion someday.
Amused by the mouse’s bold claims, the lion decided to spare her life. Grateful, the mouse ran away.
One day, a hunter cast a net in the forest. Unfortunately, the lion got caught in it. Unable to escape, he roared. Hearing the roar, the mouse hurried to the scene. Observing the lion’s state, she devised a plan, and quickly began gnawing at the net’s cords until they snapped. Soon, the net broke off, and the lion escaped.
The lion expressed profuse gratitude to the mouse and was glad he had spared her life earlier.
Moral
Even small acts of kindness can go a long way.
39. The Two Friends And The Bear
Image: Shutterstock
Once, two friends were walking through a dense forest to get to the next town. They were well aware of the forest’s dangers and hence promised each other to stay together throughout the journey. Suddenly, they saw a huge bear approaching.
Scared, they started to panic. But before they decided on a plan, one friend climbed a nearby tree. The other friend was left on the ground without any help.
He quickly lay down and played dead. The bear approached him and sniffed him over. But he didn’t move a muscle, and the bear left him alone.
After the bear walked away, the first friend climbed down the tree and started apologizing. But the friend who played dead now knew he could not depend on his friend to protect him.
Moral
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
40. The Bundle Of Sticks
Image: Dall.E
A farmer had four sons. They were all hardworking but quarreled constantly with each other. The farmer was sad to see this.
Soon, he was on a sickbed. He called his sons to him. The farmer had a bundle of sticks tied together tightly. From the bundle, he removed four sticks and handed one to each of his sons. Then he instructed them to break the sticks.
Every son could easily break the stick in his hand. Then the farmer passed the bundle of sticks to his eldest son and asked him to break it. Despite his efforts, the son could not break the bundle. As the bundle changed hands, neither of the sons could break the sticks.
The farmer smiled and said, “Each stick represents you. When you are alone, anyone can break you. But when you are together, you will be stronger than ever.” The sons realized their mistake and decided to live in harmony together.
Moral
Unity is strength.
41. The Cap Seller And The Monkeys
Image: Dall.E
Once, a cap seller was walking through a wooded area with a sack of his caps. After walking for a long time, he grew tired and rested beneath a tree, eventually drifting off to sleep.
When he woke up, his sack of caps was missing. He searched all around before finally looking up. There were many monkeys in the trees, each wearing a cap on its head.
The cap seller shouted and threw sticks at the monkeys but couldn’t grab a single cap. Then, he had a brilliant idea. He threw the stick in his hand to the ground. The monkeys did the same.
Next, the cap seller took off the cap on his head and threw it to the ground. The monkeys took off their caps and threw them down too. Quickly, the cap seller collected the caps in his sack and set off on his way.
Moral
Wisdom and smartness can help solve problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of stories are good for my child?
At their nascent stage, children enjoy reading or listening to stories that are simple, easy to follow and have a fascinating storyline. Storytelling for children helps them to stay grounded and prevents them from straying away from moral values. Fairy tales, fables and folktales, trickster tales, anecdotes, allegories, legends, myths, and rhyming stories, are some of the examples of the story types that children may love.
2. What makes a story interesting?
An engaging and exciting story has memorable characters, a gripping narrative, plots, and subplots. It should have drama, suspense, emotion, relatability, and spark your child’s imagination.
3. What are the different types of children’s story books?
They are primarily of two types- fiction and nonfiction. They are further classified into chapter-based story books, classic fairytale story books, children’s literature, pictures or illustrative books, folklore, juvenile fiction or nonfiction books, novels, and more.
Moral stories for kids are a wonderful way to teach your children some important life lessons. Making moral education an integral part of their upbringing fosters the development of strong character and ethics. These short stories will foster moral values in kids that will shape them into better individuals. ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf,’ ‘The Golden Egg,’ and ‘The Miser And His Gold’ are some classic stories that they will love. Hence, incorporating moral stories into a child’s bedtime routine not only creates a relaxing and engaging storytime but also imparts valuable wisdom, helping children effortlessly absorb good values.
Are you worried about not being prepared for a situation? Believe in yourself! Explore the power of self-belief in this inspiring moral story for kids. Learn how to stay positive and achieve your dreams!
References
- Tortoise Anatomy; Tortoise Group
https://tortoisegroup.org/faqs/ - 13 Fun facts about camels; Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad
https://spana.org/blog/13-fun-facts-about-camels/ - 10 Amazing facts about dogs; The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/10-amazing-facts-about-dogs
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Dr. Neha Mehta
Read full bio of Harshita Makvana
Read full bio of Deepa Thomas
