Story Prism

Sun, Moon, and Wind Went out for dinner is a folktale about how the sun got its scorching rays and the moon its coolness.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/sun-wind-and-moon-went-for-dinner

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Transcript

One day, the sun, moon, and wind went out to dine with their uncle and aunts.

Children, can you guess who their uncles and aunts were?

Yes, indeed their uncles and aunts were the thunder and lightning. Their mother, one of the most distant stars you see far up in the sky, waited alone for her children's return.

Both Sun and Wind were greedy and selfish. They enjoy the great feast that had been prepared for them, without a thought of saving any of it to take home to their mother. But the gentle moon did not forget her. Of every delicacy that was brought around and that the moon ate, she saved a small portion for her mother.

Children, what dishes do you think were served at dinner?

Wow! You know many dishes.

On their return, their mother star, who had kept watch for them all night long with her little bright eye, said, “ Well children, what have you brought for me?”

The Sun, who was the eldest said, “I have brought nothing home for you. I went out to enjoy myself with my friends not to fetch a dinner for my mother!”

And the wind said, “I have not brought anything home for you either, mother! You could hardly expect me to bring food for you when I had gone to have fun with my cousins.”

Children, how do you think the mother would react to what the Sun and the Wind said?

Let’s listen ahead.

But the moon with love in her eyes said, “Mother dear, please wait, let me fetch a plate.” Then the moon laid down all the delicacies that she had saved for her mother.

The mother star had never seen such an array of food and enjoyed every morsel.

Then the mother star turned to Sun and said, “As you say that you only went to enjoy with your cousins, and feasted and enjoyed, without any thought of your mother at home, you shall be cursed. From now on, your rays shall be so hot and scorching, and they shall burn all that they touch. People will hate you, and cover your head every time you appear.”

Then mother Star turned to the wind, “ You to forgot your mother in all the merriment and selfish pleasures-Hear your doom. You shall always blow in the hot dry weather and parch and shrivel all living things. People will detest you.”

"But you dear daughter," mother star turned to the moon and said, “ Because you remembered your mother, and kept a share even while rejoicing, from now on you shall be cool, calm, and bright. No harmful glare shall accompany your pure rays and people shall always call you blessed.”

And children, one of the legends says that that’s how the mon got her coolness

Happy Forest School is a story about the first day of school after the summer holidays and all the activities that day with someone learning that school is fun.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-happy-forest-school

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Transcript

There was once a big forest with tall and short trees, huge and tiny leafed creepers, vibrant and pastel-coloured flowers and of course lots of animals.

There was a famous school in this forest called the “Happy Forest School”.

Children, who do you think are the students in this school?

The long summer holidays had ended, and it was the first day of school. All the animals were very happy to return to school.

The blue jays and the eagles were the first to reach. They took their seat in the lush green banyan tree. The well-disciplined horses neighed good morning to all the friends and strode towards the stable and took their places there. Next, the pigs snorted and reached the sty, rolled in the mud and sat quietly. The cows mooed joyfully as they entered the school and went to their shed. After that, the sheep bleated and greeted all. They smiled and went to their pen.

The school which had a deserted all through the summer holidays look now was bubbling with life.

Children, when you went to school after the summer holidays, what two new things did you observe in the school?

That’s interesting.

All the animals were talking and sharing their summer holiday stories.

It was also the little green parrot’s first day of school. She was not happy about going to school and wanted to be home with her family. She was afraid to be away from her parents and she just knew the school wouldn’t have her favorite food – the red chili. Her mother coaxed her and helped to get ready. As tears were rolling down her green cheeks, the soft sobs got converted into loud cries.

With a great difficulty, mom and dad made her fly to the school, packing one chili in her bag in case she was hungry, and promising yummy guavas when she returned. They helped her settle in the tree where all the birds were sitting.

Children, what’s your favourite snack to take to school?

Great!

As her parents flew away, the parrot reached into her bag to grab her chili to comfort her. As she placed it into her mouth, she let out a sneeze and the chili fell to the floor. She stared at the ground as she watched a horse in her class step on it and kick it out of sight. “How careless,” she thought as tears rolled down her face.

The other birds welcomed her to the class, “Good Morning green parrot!” The green parrot heard it but turned the other way choosing not to reply.

She was still sobbing and hopped to the furthest branch of the tree, away from all other birds.

Children, what was she trying to do by going away from all the other birds?

Yes, she wanted to tell everyone that she was not happy in the school.

It was at that moment that the teacher walked into the “Happy Forest School”. The teacher was the wise and old owl. The owl hooted loudly, “Good Morning! Welcome back to school. Hope you all enjoyed your summer holidays!”.

All the animals except the parrot waved good morning.

The owl further added, “How about we share what all did we do in these holidays!”

One piglet from the sty raised her hand, “I had so much fun playing hide and seek with all my cousins who visited us.”

“And we all were sheared as we had grown a lot of wool, that sure helped us deal with the summer better,” bleated the sheep in unison.

“I am glad, the wool on your body must be making you feel so hot,” added the owl.

“How about the horses? How were your summer holidays?”

“We had fun galloping in the meadows!” they all neighed.

All the other animals shared their stories. All were excited to listen to each other’s stories, except the baby parrot.

By now the sun was shining, and it was starting to get hot. The green parrot was sweating.

The owl asked them to open their books and start reading. The papers flapped, but the baby parrot revolted, “I don’t want to read in this heat. I want to go back home.” And she started whining again.

All the other birds asked her to be quiet.

But the parrot whined, “I want to go home. I want to go home!”

One of the Blue Jays said, “Your nest is in a tree, and this is also a tree. Think of this as your home.”

“No! My home is the lovely nest mummy made in the neem tree, not this banyan tree,” screeched the green parrot.

The owl teacher asked everybody to focus on their books and read the lesson.

Soon it was mealtime. The owl teacher said, “All the birds go and clean your beaks and claws.”

“The cows and sheep wash your mouths,” advised the owl.

“The horses you must clean your muzzle properly,” hooted the owl.

“Ummmm…pigs! Try to be clean and do not dirty your pen,” requested the owl.

The animals rushed to the water tap.

The animals washed and reached back to their seats. The owl gave the cows and sheep green grass and leaves.

The horse got a treat of some hay.

Next, the teacher gave seeds in a neat heap to the birds. The little green parrot stayed in the tree crying, “I don’t like nuts. I want a chili!”

All the birds were enjoying the nuts trying to ignore the green parrot, when they heard the green parrot who had started crying loudly, “I need to eat, I am hungry.” A cow came and offered some green grass. The parrot yelled, “I don’t eat grass, go away!” The owl asked her to speak softly and not to be rude.

Children, what do think, was the cow kind or unkind?

Yes, she was kindhearted as she gave some green grass to the little parrot.

The sheep rushed to the parrot with an idea. They told the parrot to go to the steep hill to the east of the school and get some chilies. The word chilies made the parrot’s mouth water, and at that very moment she flew to the hill. It saw the green chilly plant with red chilies hanging. Her mouth watered and she started eating the chilies.

The mealtime was now over. All the animals were back in their seats.

But the parrot was not there in the tree.

The teacher sent the eagle to bring her back.

The eagle flew and asked the parrot to return. But the parrot wanted to eat and play. It did not want to go back to school. The eagle comforted her and said, “It is Wednesday today and only two more days of school then the week will be over. You will be free over the weekend to play the whole day. Let us return to the school now.”

The parrot shook her head and laughed, “Why would I leave my chilies?” she told the eagle. The eagle knew that she could not change the parrot’s mind, so she decided to fly back. But before she did, she asked to share a bit from the parrot for she had never had chili. The parrot didn’t want to share but the eagle seemed hungry, and the green parrot shared one red chili. As the eagle took its first bite of chili, its eyes lit up. “Wow! No wonder you want to stay, these are delicious!” the eagle said smiling. The parrot was delighted, “Have more.” The two friends ate a few more chilis and started to talk. After some time, the eagle asked again if they could head back to school since she was getting thirsty now.

Children, what do you think, would the parrot return to the school?

Let’s listen ahead.

The parrot’s mood had changed after making a new friend and she was more accepting to ideas. She sure liked the eagle’s idea. She was happy and went back to the banyan tree. After lunch was playing time, and the baby parrot played hide and seek with everyone. Soon, they were back in their places to read again.

Children, what do you think their books were about?

Ahaa! That’s great imagination.

Fortunately, the baby parrot also started reading. She was comfortable and happy.

Soon, the bell that marked the end of school rang, all the animals bade goodbye to each other and the teacher. The owl asked the parrot, “I hope to see you tomorrow. I’ll have chilies ready for you.” “Yes! I will be here! I think I like it here!” she waved her wings and flew back home.

Now she was eager and delighted to attend the school every day, for the school was indeed - Happy Forest School.

Description: IThe two friends is a simple adapted Egyptian folktale on friendship.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/two-friends

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Transcript

Once upon a time in a faraway land, there were two elephants who always went to the river Nile to quench their thirst and enjoyed playing in the water like elephants do.

It was a hot summer day, and the sand on the banks of the Nile was very hot.

The two elephants were merrily playing they splashed about in the water.

Children, what games do you think you can play in the water?

That’s interesting.

“I can spray higher than you can,” Abu boasted. He filled his trunk with the water from the Nile River and sprayed it up into the air. It shot high into the sky, and fell back down, landing with lots of little plops in the river.

I can do better than that, Sian said competitively. “Watch this,” she bragged. She filled her trunk up with river water, tipped her head back, and blew with all of her might. The water sprayed up into the sky, much higher than Abu’s had gone. Little plops of water splattered all around the two elephants. “Ha, ha, ha!” she laughed triumphantly

Abu felt a bit angry, and stomped out of the water onto the sand. It felt very hot even on his tough skin. He sat with his chin resting on one of his legs. “Hmmpphh!” he said, watching Sian blowing water higher and higher. To snub her he turned and looked behind him. Large red granite rocks were scattered about on the peachy-coloured sand. An occasional acacia tree grew here and there, but not much else could be seen. Tired of the scenery, he turned back around to see what Sian was doing. She had stopped showing off and was nowhere to be seen.

Children, where do you think Sian was?

Let’s listen ahead.

The river was dotted with huge boulders, much like those that lay in the sand near the river’s edge. Abu knew that Sian was hiding from him, pretending to be one of the boulders. He plodded back down into the river and swam over to where the boulders were. “Aha, I know that’s you,” he said, taking his trunk and hitting the boulder. “Ouch!” he cried when he realized he was hitting stone. That’s not Sian. It’s a rock! He stuck his head under the water and swam around the boulders.

Abu looked up at the river. There were more boulders, and he knew one of them was Sian. So he swam slowly up to the next one. He swam around it a couple of times. It was the same colour as Sian, and it was as big as Sian. “It must be this one”, he said. He lifted his trunk and brought it down hard, slapping the rock. “Ouch!” he cried out again. That’s not her either, he whined. His trunk was a little bit sore. He was also beginning to get frustrated. He knew she was in the river somewhere.

Children, what do you think has happened to Sian?

Ummm. Let’s see.

On he went, from boulder to boulder, swimming around each one, knowing it was surely Sian this time, but after hitting each with his trunk and discovering each one was indeed, just a boulder, he had had enough. His trunk was so sore he could hardly carry it.

He decided to go back to the shore and climb up to the top of one of the cliffs. This way he could look down and see where Sian was. He stood at the top gazing down at the beautiful blue waters of the Nile. He saw all the boulders in the river, that he had thought were Sian. His eyes wandered up and down the riverbank. Then he spotted a huge boulder. “Maybe I’ll go down and climb on that. It’s closer to the river and I’ll be able to get a better view,” Abu said to himself. He came down from the cliff and went over to it. He was about to climb up when it suddenly moved. and a huge spray of water hit Abu right in the face. It knocked him backwards into the sand.

“Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha,” giggled Sian, as she sprayed his trunk, his huge ears, his tusks, his eyes, and his tough leathery hide. “I got you!” she teased.

Children, do you think Abu will be angry now?

NO, friends don’t stay angry with each other for long.

Abu stood up. “Sian! Stop it!” he called out. “All right. All right. Enough!”

But Abu couldn’t be angry with his friend. It was so hot out there in the desert sun, and the water felt so good as it sprayed all over his body. He ran down to the river, filled his trunk up, and sprayed it back on Sian. The two elephants enjoyed each other’s company for the rest of the day, playing together, and keeping each other cool. 

Description: In today's story-The Kettle Who Gave Birth, Nasiruddin tricks his neighbour. Listen to the story to find out if he succeeds.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-kettle-who-gave-birth

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Transcript

Nasiruddin admired his neighbour Ali’s kettle very much.

Children, can you imagine what it looked like?

Indeed, it was big and beautiful, painted and glazed in many vibrant colours with exquisite designs.

Every time he went over to the neighbour, he was offered tea and he couldn’t stop admiring the kettle so much so that he wanted the kettle for himself.

Being witty and an intelligent man, Nasiruddin decided to play a trick, by which he could get the kettle.

Children, do you play any tricks on your friends? These should only be friendly and not harm anyone.

One day Nasiruddin went to Ali and said, “My dear neighbour, I need to borrow your kettle as mine has developed a leak, and I have some relatives visiting me shortly.”

Ali willingly gave the kettle without suspecting anything.

Many days passed and when Nasiruddin didn’t return. So, Ali went to Nasiruddin's house and said politely, “I have been waiting for so many days. Why did you not bring my kettle back?”

Nasiruddin replied, “Oh my friend! I have great news for you.”

Children, can you guess the great news?

Listen ahead.

Nasiruddin added, “Your kettle gave birth to a little kettle. I was just waiting for the little kettle to gain strength before I brought the mother and the child to you.”

So saying, Nasiruddin returned the kettle with a smaller one.

Ali was amazed as well as overjoyed. He took his kettle and the other little one wondering at the miracle.

After a few days, Nasiruddin again went to Ali’s house and again asked if he could borrow the kettle. And Ali without hesitation gave the kettle.

Ali waited for a few days for Nasiruddin to return, but when the latter did not, Ali Went to Nasiruddin's house and asked for it.

Children, what excuse do you think Nasiruddin will give this time.

Let’s see.

“Oh, my friend! How I wish I had better news,” clasping his hands and in a sad tone Nasiruddin said, “That kettle was old and sick, and she died. I  looked for you but couldn’t find you so buried her lest she would rot.”

Ali was furious and stormed out of Nasiruddin's house only to reach the court of justice and put the matter before the judge.

The judge called Nasiruddin and asked,” Why did you take this man’s kettle for your own?”

Nasiruddin said confidently, “The kettle was old and sick and she died. I looked for Ali, but couldn’t find him that day, so buried the old kettle.”

Children, think for a moment that you were the judge, what verdict you would give?

Let’s see what happens in the story next.\

“What is this? How can a kettle die? “retorted the judge.

“Oh yes! If a kettle can give birth to a baby kettle, it can also die. Whatever is born eventually dies.”

The judge was baffled and he asked for the complete story. Nasiruddin narrated all the incidents. The judge laughed and understood that Nasiruddin was very shrewd and decided that Nasiruddin be given the kettle.

Proudly Nasiruddin went back home becoming the legal owner of the kettle he so loved and desired.

Today's story, The Puppy learns is a story about a puppy who understands the importance of listening to elders.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-puppy-learns

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Transcript

A mother dog and her puppies lived on a farm. The mother took real good care of the puppies and taught them all that they should know to be safe in the world.

Children, what do you think the mother taught them?

Right, how to look for food, how to be safe etc.

On the farm, there was a well. The mother dog always told her puppies never to go near or play around it.

One day, one of the puppies who was extremely curious. He was overcome by curiosity and wondered why they weren’t allowed to go near the well. So, he decided to explore it.

Children, can you guess what will happen in the story next. Let’s listen ahead.

He went down to the well and climbed up the wall to peek inside. In the well, he saw his reflection in the water but thought it was another dog. The dog in the reflection was doing exactly what he was doing. If the puppy kicked with one leg, the dog in the reflection too kicked with one leg. If the dog nodded, the reflection also nodded. This made the little puppy very angry, so he decided to fight it.

Forgetting all about how to be safe that his mother taught, The little puppy jumped into the well, only to find there was no dog. Now, the puppy was scared and realized why his mother told him never to play around the well. He began to bark and bark until the farmer came to rescue him.

The puppy thanked the farmer and learned his lesson that one must listen to elders. The puppy certainly never went back to the well and always listened to his mother.

Today’s story, The Naughty Monkeys And The Lion, is a story about three naughty monkeys trying to make a lion and his friend move out of their area through their tricks.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-naughty-monkeys-and-the-lion

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Transcript

There was a big tree in a dense forest in which three monkeys lived. They were happy with each other and enjoyed playing different games amongst them. But one day a lion arrived with his fox and stayed in a cave that was next to the monkeys' abode. Naturally, the three monkeys got nervous.

Children, why were three monkeys nervous?

Indeed, we too would be nervous, won't we?

So, the three monkeys started thinking that the lion should leave from there. First, they decided to go and talk to the lion. So, they went inside the lion’s cave and told them, “Dear lion, this is our place. And we request you to please go away from here. We live here for a long time and we don’t want any dangerous lion to be here.”

Children, do you think the lion will agree?

Let’s listen ahead.

Hearing this, the lion roared, “I will not leave from here. Where I live, that place becomes mine. Am I not the king of the jungle?” He further added, “. my colleague and I will stay here come what may. You can do whatever you want but we will not leave here. I promise you I won’t bother you as long as you don’t bother me.” Along with the lion, the fox also said, “Yes, this is our place from now on, we will not leave from here.”

Children, what do you suggest the monkeys should do? 

Let’s see what happens in the story.

After listening to the lion and the fox the monkeys got even more nervous and they tried to convince them yet again, “But we will stay here and you will get disturbed by our activities like jumping and shouting. That’s what we are afraid of.” Even after pleading, the lion did not listen and he stayed at that place. Now the worried monkeys left there and sat in the tree. They started thinking even harder among themselves that in some way the lion would have to be removed from there or else problems could increase for them.

The monkeys made a lot of efforts so that they could drive the lion away from there. But the lion was not ready to go.

One day the lion ordered the fox, “Walking from here to the river and going there to drink water is very hard work. From today, you will bring water for me and put it in a big pot.”

Children, what does this tell you about the lion?

Yes, that’s right. He was a lazy lion. 

Let’s listen ahead to find out if the lion was really lazy or not.

On hearing the lion, the fox said, “Yes, I will do as you say.” 

After this, the fox started to fill water in a vessel. She would get up every day to fetch water from the river and fill it in the pot. After filling the water, she went back towards the forest. 

Then the monkeys saw the opportunity and descended from the tree 

 and threw the water down and quickly climbed back on the tree. Then the lion came out of the cave and saw that the vessel was empty. He got angry and waited for the fox to come. As the fox returned, the lion shouted at her,“ Why have you not filled the water yet?”

The fox said, “I had water in it but it might have dried up due to the heat. I will fill it with more water from tomorrow.” The next day the fox filled more water in that vessel and then left it. 

The monkey came again and threw the water down. The lion came out of the cave and saw the pot empty again. Seeing the empty vessel, the lion became angrier and when the fox came he shouted loudly and said to her, “You have become sluggish. Even today you did not fill water.” 

Children, how were the monkeys feeling? 

That’s right -happy indeed.

Let’s listen ahead. 

The lion was angry when he didn’t see water in the pot. On the other hand, the monkeys were very happy to see all this and enjoyed looking at the lion and getting angry at the fox.

The fox started wondering, “I am filling water every day, but where does that water go? Tomorrow I will fill it with water and see where it r goes.” The fox did the same the next day. She filled water in that pot and went and hid behind a tree. He saw that the monkeys threw all the water down. On seeing this the fox got very angry and went straight to the lion. She told the lion the whole thing.

The lion said to the fox, “ I have an idea.”

Children, what do you think is the lion’s idea.

The lion said, “From tomorrow, you should fill two separate pots with water. Put one pot outside and one pot inside the cave so that the monkeys think they are bothering us.”

The fox did the same. She kept one vessel outside, filled it with water, and kept the other full pot inside the cave. 

Monkeys came and threw the water out of the pot kept outside as usual and darted back to the tree. 

This continued for a few days and the monkeys started to think why the lion was not bothered with their antics? 

They also observed that the lion went hunting and in no time returned with his prey. Monkeys got into thinking that it normally takes a lot of time for the lions to hunt, but how does this lion hunt so quickly?

One day, as the lion was sitting outside the cave, the monkeys asked, “ How do you manage to get your prey very fast these days?”

Then the lion smiled and answered, “Apart from the water you used to throw down, we still have water, which is inside our cave. We drink it and let the extra water run on the ground outside our cave. And because of the water you threw down lush green grass has grown. There are a lot of animals that come to eat the grass that I easily catch. That’s why I don’t take time to hunt. You have made my life easier. Thanks a lot, dear monkeys.”

Hearing this those three naughty monkeys understood that their tricks were not working and they were unnecessarily bothering the lion. 

The Lion and the Poor Slave is a real short story. It’s a story where good deeds have a way of coming back to us

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-lion-and-the-poor-slave

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Transcript

There was once a slave who was treated cruelly by his master. One day, he couldn’t take it anymore and ran away to the forest to escape. There he met a lion who couldn’t walk because of the thorn in its paw. Although the slave was scared but being kind hearted, he mustered his courage and took out the thorn in the lion’s paw. When the lion was finally free of the thorn, he ran into the forest and didn’t harm the slave.

Sometime later, the slave was caught by his master along with some animals in the forest. The master then ordered the slave to be thrown into the lion’s den. When the slave saw the lion, he recognized it as the same lion he helped in the forest. And the lion too recognized him.         The slave was able to escape the den unharmed and he freed all the other animals.

Moral of the story:

The good you did will always have a way of coming back to you. So do good deeds and be kind to others and the world will be kind to you.

Today’s story: Have you heard of the idiom- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch? Well it means, you should not make plans that depend on something good happening before you know that it has actually happened.

The Milkmaid & Her Pail is from the Aesop category. and will help you understand the idiom.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-milkmaid-and-her- pail

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Transcript

One day, Polly, the Milkmaid, had been out to milk the cows and was returning from the field with the shining milk pail, full of fresh milk, that she was balancing nicely on her head. Her job was to milk the cows, and then bring the milk to the market to sell.

Children, can you tell us what all things can we make from milk?

Yes, butter, ice cream, yogurt, etc.

Polly had a problem. She loved to daydream. And as she walked along, her pretty head was busy with plans for the days to come.

Children, when you wake up in the morning, do you make plans for the day?

Listen ahead to see what plans Polly made.

"This good, rich milk," she mused, “ I will sell it and get good money. With the money, I will buy a cake, and a basket full of strawberries.”

Imagining herself eating the cake and the delicious strawberries, she walked ahead. A little further she spotted a chicken. Her mind now focussed on the chicken. She thought, “ With the money I get from today, I am going to buy a chicken of my own.” At the thought of owning a chicken, her eyes sparkled, she thought, “The chicken will lay eggs, then I will be able to sell milk and eggs and get more money!”

She continued to think smiling to herself, “ With more money, I will be able to buy a fancy dress and make all the other milkmaids jealous.” Out of excitement, Polly started skipping about.

Children, can you guess what would happen now?

Yes, she was so excited that she forgot about the milk in her pails.

Because of skipping, the milk spilled over. Polly was drenched in milk. That suddenly brought her back to the real world. Finally, she realized, “ Oh no! I will never have enough money to buy a chicken now.”

With tears rolling down her cheeks, she went home with empty pail and empty pockets.

“Oh, my goodness, what happened to you, Polly?’

“Sorry mother, I was too busy dreaming about all the things I wanted to buy. I was buying a cake, strawberries, chicken, and finally a new dress. and I completely forgot about the pails full of milk on my head,” she answered sadly.

“Oh, Polly, my dear. How many times do I need to say, Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!”

Polly sure learned her lesson that day that she must not get excited daydreaming and wait for them to actually happen. Daydreaming the whole day can be disastrous.

Description: In today's story-The STolen Smell, meet a baker who is so stingy that he wants to charge people just for smelling his baked goods!

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-stolen-smell

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Transcript

Long ago in the city of Peru, there lived a baker. He was so stingy that he won't even give a stale crumb to the birds. His neighbour, on the other hand, was a kind man who was always glad to share the little he had. He cared more about making friends than he did about making money.

Children, what is your favourite thing to buy at a bakery?

That’s nice.

The greedy baker was jealous of his cheerful neighbour. He grumbled, “How can he have so so little and yet be so happy?”

Every morning, the smell of cinnamon buns and sweet rolls drifted out of the bakery. The wind carried the wonderful aroma towards the neighbour’s house. As the poor neighbour sat on his porch eating stale bread, the sweet smell filled the air. He took a deep breath and sighed with happiness.

As the baker watched, he thought, “The smell from my baked goods makes his stale bread taste delicious. That's not fair. He should have to pay for such pleasure.”

Children, the smell comes free, right? What other things come free?

Yes! Air we breathe, the rain, the sunlight, etc.

After seeing this happen, again and again, the baker went to his neighbour’s house and handed him a bill.

“You want me to pay you? For what? I don't have enough money to buy anything in your store,” said the kind neighbour.

“That's right you paid nothing and yet every day you steal the smell of my baked goods,” yelled the baker.

“You mean you want me to pay 10 coins as a smelling fee?” Laughed the neighbour.

“Yes! From now on, I will not be cheated and if you don't pay, I will take you to the court,” replied the baker.

When the word of the baker's demand spread around the city, everyone laughed at the idea of a stolen smell.

At last, the baker was so angry that he took the case to a respected judge.

Children, what do you think a judge does?

Yes! A judge solves people’s fights. He listens to both sides and tells people how they should resolve their problems.

Everyone was sure that the judge would dismiss the case. After all, how could anyone steal a smell?  But to their surprise, the judge said, “It's my duty to listen to what the baker has to say. I order both the baker and his neighbour to come to court tomorrow.”

The judge sent word to the neighbour that he should bring five gold coins with him. When the kind man heard this, he worried that he would have to hand over the little money he had to the greedy baker. The baker was delighted with the news. He grinned as he thought of his pocket full of his neighbours gold coin.

The next day, the baker and the neighbour arrived at the crowded court. Many townspeople were puzzled by the judge’s action and came to see what the judge would do. They couldn't believe that he might make the kind man pay for the smell.

When the judge walked in, the courtroom fell silent. First, he listened to the baker's complaint. Then he returned to the neighbour and asked, “Is it true that you have enjoyed the smell of this man's baked goods every day for many years?”

“Yes, your honor! I must confess that it's true,” admitted the neighbour.

The judge thought for a while. Finally, he declared, “A smell has been stolen. Since stealing is a crime, the neighbour must be punished!

The kind man protested, “But your honour…”

“Order in the court,” bellowed the judge. He then turned to the neighbour and demanded, “Take the five gold pieces from your pocket!” After the neighbour did so the judge ordered, “Now, drop the coins from one hand to the other!”

The neighbour passed the coins back and forth between his hands. The judge turned to the baker and asked, “Did you hear the jingle of the gold coins?”

“Yes, it is a wonderful sound. It is the payment I believe I deserve,”  cried the baker. The baker began to move towards his neighbour to grab the money.

“Wait!” cried the judge. “You have already a fair payment. Your neighbour was guilty of stealing the smell of your baked goods. You have been paid by hearing the sound of his money. The case is dismissed,’ said the judge.

Laughter filled the courtroom as the people marveled at the judge’s cleverness. The baker hung his head. He even saw how foolish and greedy he had been. From then on the judge was known as the wisest of all, treating people fairly and honestly.

Aesop fables are a group of stories thought to have been written by Aesop, a Greek Storyteller. Each Aesop story demonstrates a moral lesson.

Today's story: The Hare with many Friends is a story about the importance of true friends

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-hare-with-many-friends

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

Once upon a time, there lived a young hare in a forest. This little hare loved to make friends. And he indeed befriended many animals. Some of his friends were small, others big, some ferocious, others gentle.

Children, who is your best friend?

“I am indeed very lucky, as I have so many friends,” he thought to himself.

As time passed, he became proud of having the most number of friends in the forest. He was pleased with the number of friends, but not the quality of friends. Quality of friends means that he was not concerned if his friends were good-natured or bad-natured, helpful or unhelpful. All that mattered to him was the number of friends. In other words, we can say, the hare was not bothered if his friends were true friends or just fair-weather friends.

Children, what does a true friend mean to you?

Nice! Indeed true friends mean that they extend a helping hand when in trouble, and. Care for each other.

In our story so far, the hare just wanted lots of friends, and she was proud of having the largest number of friends.

Well, life went off normally in the forest, until one day a terrible thing happened. The hare heard a pack of hounds approaching. But she was confident that her friends would help her escape. “What are friends for,” she asked herself, “if not to help out in time of need?” Furthermore, most of her friends were big and brave, so at least one should be able to help.

Confidently, she went to the horse first.

“You are fast and have ample space on your back, please carry me away from the hounds. to some safe place, dear friend,” requested the hare.

The horse however refused, “ Sorry, but I have other important work to do for my master  I am sure that one of your other friends will come to your assistance,” saying so he trotted away.

The hare then applied to the bull and hoped that he would fight the hounds with his horns.

Children do you think the bull is a real friend of the hare and would help her?

Let’s see.

The bull replied: “I am very sorry, but I have an appointment with a lady. However, I feel sure that our friend, the goat, will do what you want.”

The hare rushed to the goat and cried, “ Help me please, the hounds are coming behind me.”

Children the goat doesn’t help either. Can you guess what excuse the goat gives?

Let’s listen ahead to find out.

The goat said, “ I am small and my back is awkward, you might hurt yourself. However,  the ram is stronger, you must approach him for help,” suggested the goat

With hope in her heart, the hare went to the ram and told him the case. She asked him, “ Will you help me?”

The ram replied, “Another time, my dear friend. I do not like to interfere in others' personal matters. Moreover, as hounds have been known to eat hares as well as the sheep, I really want to save myself first.”

The hare then rushed, as the last hope, to the calf, who regretted, “I am unable to help you. I don’t wish to take too much responsibility,” saying so, the calf nonchalantly went on grazing the green grass.

By this time the hounds were quite near.

“What should I do? ” Before she could think of something more, the hare had to take to her, heels.  She ran with all her might. Luckily, she escaped. But she never made many friends again.

She thought to herself, “What is the point of having so many friends who don’t help me when I need them the most. Now I’ll choose only a few who would be true friends.”

The moral of this story is, It’s better to have few true friends than to have many fair-weather friends