Do you remember the stories that you read as a child? Moral stories can needn’t be serious, but they can be funny at the same time help your child learn something. We have compiled a list of 07 short moral stories that are inspirational, from India, and from around the world. <h3>1. The Boy Who Cried, Wolf</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/the_boy_who_cried%2C_wolf.webp_image_1638188646554.webp" width="359">There was a young boy whose father, a farmer, had asked him to take their herd of sheep grazing every day.One day, the boy was extremely bored as he watched over the sheep and so he cried: “Wolf! Wolf!”On hearing his cries, the villagers rushed to help him chase the wolf away and save the sheep.When they saw the grinning boy and realised he had cried wolf for his amusement, they scolded him and told him to not cry wolf!The next day, the boy cried out that the wolf was there. The villagers came, scolded him again, and left.Later that same day, a wolf came and terrorized the sheep.The boy cried, “Wolf! Wolf! Please help me.”But, the villagers assumed that he was pulling a silly prank again and did not come to his rescue. The sheep ran away and the boy cried.Moral of the story: Don’t lie or engage in foolish pranks, for no one will believe a liar even when he is telling the truth! <h3>2. The Golden Touch Of Midas</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/the_golden_touch_of_midas.jpg_image_1638188804006.jpg" width="365">A long time ago, there lived a king in Greece named Midas.He was extremely wealthy and had all the gold he could ever need. He also had a daughter whom he loved very much.One day, Midas saw a Satyr (an angel) who was stuck and was in trouble. Midas helped the Satyr and asked for his wish to be granted in return.The Satyr agreed and Midas wished for everything he touched to be turned to gold. His wish was granted.Extremely excited, Midas went home to his wife and daughter touching pebbles, rocks, and plants on the way, which turned into gold.As his daughter hugged him, she turned into a golden statue.Having learnt his lesson, Midas begged the Satyr to reverse the spell who granted that everything would go back to their original state.Moral of the story: Stay content and grateful for what you have. Greed will not get you anywhere. <h3>3. The Foolish Thief</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/the_foolish_thief.jpg_image_1638188856227.jpg" width="362">Once, a wealthy merchant came to King Akbar’s court to seek help from Birbal. He suspected that one of his servants had robbed him.On hearing this, Birbal thought of a clever plan and summoned the merchant’s servants.He gave each servant a stick of the same length. He told them that the thief’s stick would grow two inches by the next day.The next day, Birbal summoned the servants again. He noticed that a servant’s stick was two inches shorter than the others.He knew who the thief was.The foolish thief had cut the stick shorter by two inches as he thought it would grow two inches. Thus, proving his guilt.Moral of the story: Truth and justice will always prevail. <h3>4. Two Frogs With The Same Problem</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/two_frogs_with_the_same_problem.png_image_1638188962564.png" width="346">Once, a group of frogs was roaming around the forest in search of water. Suddenly, two frogs in the group accidentally fell into a deep pit.The other frogs worried about their friends in the pit.Seeing how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that there was no way they could escape the deep pit and that there was no point in trying.They continued to constantly discourage them as the two frogs tried to jump out of the pit. But keep falling back.Soon, one of the two frogs started to believe the other frogs — that they’ll never be able to escape the pit and eventually died after giving up.The other frog keeps trying and eventually jumps so high that he escapes the pit. The other frogs were shocked at this and wondered how he did it.The difference was that the second frog was deaf and couldn’t hear the discouragement of the group. He simply thought they were cheering him on!Moral of the story: People’s opinion of you will affect you, only if you believe it to be so. It’s better to believe in yourself. <h3>5. The Milkmaid and Her Pail</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/the_milkmaid_and_her_pail.jpg_image_1638189037353.jpg" width="348">There was once a milkmaid named Patty.She milked her cow and carried the two pails of milk she fetched on a stick and set out to sell the milk at the market.As she was walking to the market, she began to daydream about what she would do with the money she fo for the milk.She thought of buying a hen and selling its eggs and she planned on becoming wealthy.She dreamt of buying a cake, a basket of strawberries, a fancy dress, and even a new house with the money she would make selling the eggs and the milk!In her excitement, she forgot about the pails she was carrying and began to skip.Suddenly, she realised that the milk was spilling down and when she checked her pails, they were empty.Moral of the story: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch! It is important to focus on the process of achieving success and not just success alone. <h3>6. The Elephant Circus</h3><img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/elepahnt_circus.jpg_image_1638189224771.jpg" width="361">Once upon a time in a circus, five elephants performed circus tricks. They were kept tied up with weak rope that they could’ve easily escaped, but did not.One day, a man visiting the circus asked the ringmaster: “Why haven’t these elephants broken the rope and run away?”The ringmaster replied: “From when they were young, the elephants were made to believe that they were not strong enough to break the ropes and escape.”It was because of this belief that they did not even try to break the ropes now.Moral of the story: Don’t give in to the limitations of society. Believe that you can achieve everything you want to!<h3> </h3>7. The Elephants And The Mice<img src="https://bee-assets-production.s3.amazonaws.com/image/1_xvfat_v8xumqnkx7-3jcka.png_image_1638189285226.png" width="350">In an earthquake-hit village abandoned by humans, a colony of mice lived. Near the village was a lake, which was used by a herd of elephants.The elephants would have to cross the village to go to the lake. Thus, one day, as they walked through, they trampled a lot of mice.The leader of the mice met with the elephants and requested them to take a different route to the lake. He promised them that their favour would be returned in the time of their need.The elephants laughed. How could such small mice help these large elephants in any way? But then, they agreed to take a different route.Not so long after, the mice heard that hunters had caught the herd of elephants and were tied in nets.Immediately, they rush to rescue the elephants. They gnawed through the nets and ropes with their sharp teeth.The leader of the elephants repeatedly thanked the mice for their help!Moral of the story: A friend in need is a friend indeed. Make sure you help your friends out whenever they need it. They should always be able to count on you. That’s all folks!We hope children like these short yet interesting stories with morals that we have read growing up!There are more and more stories with morals on <a href="https://www.beeparenting.com/s/moral-stories" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bee Stories</a>.

Short stories with moral values will teach your children some important lessons which they will remember always.

07 Must Read Short Moral Stories For Children

Short stories with moral values will teach your children some important lessons which they will remember always.

Pallavi Hota

Bible is the collection of 66 books written by different authors describing the God's action and purpose with all creations. Bible contains life stories of Jesus. The bible gives the messages God has desired for us to understand. Following is a story from “The Bible”. When King Xerxes ruled the Persian Empire, he found himself looking for a wife. All the young maidens in the kingdom were taken to the palace and given beauty treatments for a year, after which they were sent before the king, for him to pick his wife. When Hadassah was taken, her cousin, Mordecai, told her not to let anyone know she was Jewish, as they were hated and distrusted among the people, so she called herself Esther.The king was charmed by Esther, and he picked her to be his queen. During her time as queen, an evil man named Haman convinced the king that all the Jews in the kingdom needed to be killed. When Mordecai found out about the plan, he sent word to Esther and told her that she needed to speak to the king. Esther was afraid, as it was forbidden to go before the king without being summoned. Only if the king was pleased and held out his sceptre, was the person accepted into his presence. If he did not, they would be put to death.Mordecai told Esther that she had to try to speak to the king, regardless, because God had put her in a high position, so that she would be able to save her people. Queen Esther commanded all the Jews, including herself, to fast for three days, at the end of which, she went before the king.The king was so pleased with his wife that he gladly held out the sceptre to her. She told him everything and Haman was put to death. The Jewish people were given permission to defend themselves, if anyone tried to attack them. In this way, Esther saved her people. Moral:God raises people into certain positions because He has a plan for them and will use them to help more of His people.

Hadassah

Ravina Sewani

Once, there was a cap-seller in a town. On one fine day, he was selling caps.“Caps, caps, caps….Five rupees caps, ten rupees caps…."After he made few sales of caps, he became very tired. He decided to sit under a big tree to take rest for a while. Soon, he slept off.There were many monkeys on the big tree. They saw the cap-seller was sleeping under the tree. The monkeys were sitting on the top of the tree. The monkeys came down, took the caps from the cap-seller-bag and wore them. Then they climbed the tree again.When the cap seller woke up, he was shocked to see his basket empty. He searched for his caps. To his surprise, he saw the monkeys were wearing them. He found that monkeys were imitating him. So, he started throwing his cap down and the monkeys also did so. The cap-seller collected all the caps, put them back in his basket and went away happily. Moral:Wisdom is better than weapons of war.

This is a story of monkey.Moral(s) of the story: wisdom

The Cap-seller and The Monkeys

Shina Utavani

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxaman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from “The Ramayana”.Lord Hanuman is one of the bravest and most powerful characters in Ramayana. There is a story behind how he got the name ‘Bajrang Bali’.One day, Hanuman saw Sita applying something on her forehead. He was curious to know what she was applying on her forehead. So, he asked, “What are you applying on your forehead.” Sita replied, “I am applying vermilion (sindoor).” Hanuman again asked, “But what is the reason behind it?” Sita replied that it was a ritual that would result in longer and healthier life of Ram. As Hanuman was a big devotee of Ram, he also wanted to do something for a healthier and longer life of Lord Ram. So, he covered his entire body with vermillion. When lord ram saw Hanuman covered in vermillion, he laughed and named him ‘Bajrang Bali’. The word Bajrang Bali comes from the word Bajrang which means ‘Orange’ and Bali meaning ‘Strong”.

This is a story of Hanuman, Ram and Sita.

The story behind the name Bajrang Bali

A long time ago, a lion named Kharankhara used to live in a forest. The lion had grown very old and weak. He was unable to hunt for his food anymore. This was a great source of worry for him. He thought that he might starve to death. One day, as he was roaming around in the forest, desperately trying to look for some food, he came across a cave. The lion thought that there must be some animal living in the cave. Suddenly, a plan struck him. He thought that he would go and hide inside the cave and when the owner of the cave returned, he would kill him and eat him. So, he went inside the cave and hid himself. After a while, a fox approached the cave. The cave was this fox’s home. As the fox was walking towards her cave, she happened to look at the ground. She was surprised to see the footprints of a lion going inside the cave but not coming out of it again. The fox wanted to make sure that the lion was inside the cave so she thought of a trick. She stood some distance away from the cave and called out, “Hello, cave! I have returned. May I come in? Why aren’t you replying, dear cave? Speak to me as you always do.” When the lion heard the fox, he thought that this cave must really be a talking cave. He thought that maybe the cave was not replying to the fox because of the lion’s presence inside it. He was worried that if the cave did not reply, the fox might leave it and go to reside in some other cave and thus, he would miss his chance of having a meal. So, trying to be smart, the lion thought of replying to the fox, pretending to be the cave. He roared out, “I have not stopped speaking to you, dear fox. Please come in and make yourself at home.” The clever fox immediately knew that the lion was hiding inside the cave. She said, “No one but an absolute fool would believe that a cave can speak,” and ran for her life as fast as she could. Moral:Presence of mind and quick thinking can get us out of any difficult situation.

This is a classic story from panchtantra.This is a story of fox and lion.Moral(s) of the story: wisdom

Hello, cave!  

The Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic written by the famous sage Valmiki. It describes Lord Rama's effort to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. It also describes the challenges faced by Lord Rama, Laxaman, and Sita when they were exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. Following is a story from “The Ramayana”.When Rama was ordered to leave the kingdom by Kaikeyi, Sumantra took them in the chariot riding the horses. Lord Rama met Guha, the king of Nishaadas at the banks of the Ganges River. Guha helped Rama and Sita to cross Ganges river near Shringverpur, brought sumptuous food, comfortable beds and articles of worship to give Lord Rama a royal reception.Lord Rama was pleased to see this and embraced Guha saying, “I accept all that you have offered me with all my heart.” However, since I have taken a vow to wear only kusha grass, tree bark and deer skin and eat only fruits and roots, I cannot utilize these gifts. Therefore please take away what you have brought, except for the food, which I can use to feed my horses, for they are the favourite steads of Maharaja Dashrath.”

This is a story of Horse, Ram and river.

Rama showed gratitude even to the horses

Once upon a time, there was a little kid named Shankar. He belonged to a very poor family.&nbsp;One day, he was passing by the forest carrying some woods. On his way, he saw an old man who was very hungry. Shankar wanted to give him some food, but he did not have food for himself.&nbsp;So, he continued on his way. Further, he saw a deer sitting under a tree. The deer was very thirsty. Shankar wanted to give him some water, but he did not have water for himself. So, he continued on his way.Then, he came across a man who wanted to make a camp but did not have enough woods. Shankar decided to give him some of his woods. In return, the man gave him some food and water. Instead of keeping the food and water for himself, Shankar went to the old man and gave him some food. He then rushed to the thirsty deer and gave him some water. The old man and the deer were very happy. Shankar then happily went back on his way.However, one day Shankar was walking by, and he suddenly fell down from the hill.&nbsp;He was in pain and it was difficult for him to even move. There was no one around to help him. After some time, an old man saw Shankar. He was the same man whom Shankar had helped before. The old man quickly came and pulled him up the hill. He had many wounds on his legs.&nbsp;The deer whom Shankar had given water saw his wounds. He quickly went to the forest and brought some herbs. The herbs helped Shankar to cover his wounds. All were happy that they could help each other. Moral: If you help others, they will also help you. The more you want to help others, the more they will want to help you.&nbsp;

Have you heard about a Goat who eats 10 potatoes a day

Potato and Goat Friendship

Yesha Desai

Once upon a time there was a very rich and corrupt noble. He was the King’s most trusted man and thus had many responsibilities. He also had his own businesses due to which he was very rich and had multiple servants at his disposal.Often, while taking his breakfast in the lawns of his estate, he would witness the gardener and his son at work.He had known that the gardener’s son was a very intelligent young man and thus wanted to give him a job in his business.He approached the young man multiple times but he refused. One day he asked, “Son, why do you keep refusing to work at my company. We could use your skills over there and we could pay you better too”The boy smiled, “No, kind sir. Thank you, but I have everything I need.”The nobleman was truly confused and a little angry too. How could a poor boy like him have everything in this world. He was young and poor. The nobleman was already very stressed due to work and arrogantly asked, “Oh really? And what do you have exactly. Money? A big house? A wife?”The gardener’s son calmly replied, “I don’t have any of that, sir. But I have something that you do not have. Peace of mind.”The nobleman understood, and confessed to his crimes in front of the King, the very same day. Moral:Peace of mind is more important than any materialistic gain.

This is a story of gardener and king.Moral(s) of the story: peace

The nobleman’s lesson

Once there lived a very greedy fox. One day he was very hungry and decided to hunt something big. With the hope that he would get something big, he went off the woods to find a nice, big supper.He saw a fat cuckoo sitting on the top of a bush. He was happy that he found a big meal for the day. He did not want to scare the cuckoo, so he sat down beside the bush and spoke to her softly, “What a beautiful bird you are! Your feathers are glowing. I think you will look even more beautiful when you are sleeping.”After hearing this, cuckoo was pleased and felt very happy. She began to open her feathers in the Sun. After looking at this, the fox said, “Beautiful! Your feathers look amazing. I wish I can see you when you sleep. I think you will look even more beautiful.”The cuckoo was pleased by the comment and closed her eyes so that the fox could witness her beauty while sleeping. As soon as the partridge closed her eyes, the foxgrabbed her in his mouth. The fox was very happy that he got his meal for the day. When cuckoo realized she said in a little voice, “OH, Mr. Fox please tell me one last time how beautiful I am. Tell me how beautiful my feathers look and then kill me please.”The fox thought there was nothing bad in telling that once again. So, he opened his mouth as said, “You are….” As soon as he opened his mouth the cuckoo flew away. She reached on the highest branch of a tree. The fox was shocked. He said to himself, “Why did I open my mouth?”. The cuckoo asked herself, “Why did I shut my eyes?”.The hungry little fox went on his way further into the woods, looking for his supper! Moral:Do not trust easily.

This is a story of cuckoo and fox.Moral(s) of the story: idiot

THE fox and the cuckoo 

It is said that once when Akbar had lost his way, Mahesh Das, aka Birbal had helped him find his way to his capital, Agra. It was an interesting encounter in which Mahesh Das had immensely impressed the Emperor by his quick wit. The Emperor had gifted his royal ring to Mahesh Das and invited him to join his&nbsp;court.After some days, Mahesh Das decided to go to Agra to meet the Emperor.&nbsp;The sentry at the main gate&nbsp;did not allow him to enter.&nbsp;Mahesh Das then showed&nbsp;him the ring that the Emperor had gifted him. The guard&nbsp;was very greedy. He thought that if he allowed this young man to go inside, he would get more rewards and gifts from the Emperor and then he would ask the boy to share them with him. So, the sentry agreed to allow Mahesh Das to go inside&nbsp;the court&nbsp;on one condition- that he would give him half of the reward he would get from the Emperor. Mahesh Das accepted the condition.Mahesh Das went inside and presented himself in front of the Emperor. He greeted the Emperor and showed the ring to Akbar.Akbar immediately recognised the young man and said, “Oh young man! It is so good to see you. Tell me what do you want from the King of Hindustan?”“Jahanpanah! I want to be flogged! I want 50 lashes from you as a reward,” replied Mahesh Das.Everybody in the royal court was stunned. They thought that he was mad. Akbar was also greatly surprised by the young man’s strange request and asked him the reason.Mahesh Das said he would only tell him the reason after receiving his reward.&nbsp;Akbar knew that there must be something going on in the clever young man’s mind and asked his guards to flog him as per his wish.After the twenty fifth lash, Mahesh Das asked the guards to stop and requested the Emperor to call&nbsp;the sentry&nbsp;who was at the&nbsp;main gate.The sentry was summoned in the court. He was happy at the thought that he was being called for his reward. To his surprise, Mahesh Das told the Emperor,”Jahanpanah! This sentry of yours had let me in on the condition that I would share half of my reward with him. I want to keep my promise, so I request you to give the remaining twenty five lashes to him.”The Emperor and all the courtiers were amused at the young man’s wit. Akbar ordered fifty lashes of the whip for the sentry along with 5 years of imprisonment. He then rewarded Mahesh Das with a permanent place in his court and gave him a new name, ‘Birbal.’ He was so fond of Birbal’s wit and sense of humour that he bestowed him with the title of ‘Raja’ and included him in his special committee of nine advisers, who were also known as ‘Navratans.’Because of his razor sharp wit and presence of mind, Birbal soon became a close friend of the Emperor. Moral:Greediness is a bane and we must steer clear of it.

This is a classic story from Akbar Birbal.Moral(s) of the story: greediness

chattrapati shivaji stories

Kids moral stories help in improving their imagination & relate to real-world life. Here are age-specific bedtime stories for children by renowned storytellers.

Hadassah

The Cap-seller and The Monkeys

The story behind the name Bajrang Bali

Hello, cave!

Rama showed gratitude even to the horses

Potato and Goat Friendship

The nobleman’s lesson

THE fox and the cuckoo

Birbal is born

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