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.

Ravina Sewani

King Vikram was given the duty of bringing Betal to a tantric. Betal traditionally means ‘evil spirit’. Each time Vikram tried to capture Betal, it told him a story that ended with a riddle. If Vikram could not answer the question correctly, Betal agreed to remain in captivity. But, if the king knew the answer and still kept quiet, his head would burst into a thousand pieces. And if King Vikram spoke, Betal would escape and return to his tree.King Vikramaditya reached the peepul tree and placed Betal on his shoulder once again. As they walked, Betal began to tell another story.“One afternoon, a man came into the court of King Roopsen, asking to be employed as the King’s bodyguard. He introduced himself as Birbal and promised to protect the King. After watching a display of his skills, the King readily agreed to give him the job.As Birbal was walking through the forest one day, he heard a strange and frightening scream. It was a demon who had descended from the mountains and was storming towards the King’s palace. Birbal drew his sword and jumped in the demon’s way.“I am here to banish the King and send him into the forest, away from luxuries and comfort. If he does not leave, I will curse his whole kingdom!” said the demon.Birbal was shocked at this news and asked, “Is there anything I can do to save both the King and Kingdom?”The demon roared, “You must find a suitable substitute for the King! One who is of a pure heart!”Birbal asked for a day to find a substitute and went home. When he told his family the truth, his son offered himself as a substitute for the King.The next morning, King Roopsen received word of the demon and arrived to the forest to try and stop Birbal and his son.“What can I give you, O demon, to stop you from taking this young man! Surely there is something I can offer you!”, said the King.“Give me half your kingdom and I will spare both you and this young boy”, bellowed the demon.The King agreed to hand over half of his kingdom to the demon and Birbal’s son was safe.“So tell me, wise King,” began Betal. “Who made a larger sacrifice? Birbal’s young son or the King?”King Vikramaditya laughed and said, “It is a King’s duty to protect his subjects, but Birbal’s son was ready to give up his life for a man he did not know, and that, is the highest sacrifice.”“You are right! But since you have opened your mouth, I must fly away.” With these words, Betal flew away, leaving King Vikramaditya to chase him with his sword. Moral:Only a pure heart can selflessly sacrifice self.

This is a story of demon, Jataka tales, king and son.Moral(s) of the story:sacrifice

The Brave Son

Ali used to live in a small town with his family. His uncle owned a small business. One very hot day Ali visited his uncle’s shop and found a carpet. Intrigued by the carpet, Ali asked his uncle, “What’s this?”Before his uncle cold answer, the carpet jumped! His uncle told him, “This carpet moves and flies off into the air”.“Hey! What’s happening?” A loud and powerful voice came from the carpet. The carpet greeted Ali, “Welcome, O master. I am a magic carpet. I can fly you anywhere you want.”Ali was reluctant at first. He wondered how a carpet so light could bear the weight of his body. Ali’s uncle tapped Ali on his shoulder when he was busy wondering about the carpet and assured him, “Go on son, it is okay! The carpet will keep you safe.” Ali trusted his uncle so he agreed to try the carpet ride.Ali hesitantly climbed on the carpet and tried to cautiously sit on the carpet. The carpet exclaimed, “Get ready for the best ride of your life. Hang in there!” And with these words, the carpet soared high in the sky.They flew high up into the sky and then they landed in a jungle. Ali explored the jungle for a while when it started raining. Ali requested the carpet to take him someplace else. The magical carpet readily agreed and soon they were up in the sky again.They then flew to the desert. Ali had never been to a desert so he was astonished to see such a vast never ending plain. Ali and the carpet played in the sand for a while when Ali started to perspire. Noticing Ali’s sweat, the carpet inquired, “Would you like me to take you some place that is less hot?” Ali liked the idea and immediately hopped on the carpet.Soon they were in the sky again. The carpet took Ali to the South Pole. Ali and the carpet had fun in the ice making a snowman and throwing snowballs at each other. Ali was now shivering, “Brrr!” because of the intense cold. So Ali and the carpet set off again in the sky.This time the carpet landed Ali amidst high mountains. Ali exclaimed, “Where are you carpet? I can’t see anything, it is too foggy here.” Because Ali couldn’t see anything, they did not stay for long on the mountains.Ali and the carpet then ventured off to a dense forest. Ali met different birds and insects in the forest and listened to their stories. Soon gusty winds started to blow so Ali and the carpet had to fly off from there.The carpet took Ali to a beautiful island. Ali relaxed on the beach for a while and collected a few shells to take home. Ali was wandering on the beach when high waves started approaching the beach. Ali hopped on the carpet and they quickly left the island.The carpet flew Ali back home and they landed in Ali’s uncle’s shop. Ali got off the carpet and exclaimed, “Wow! What an adventure!” He thanked his uncle for letting him ride on this magical carpet.

This is a story of magic. Moral: Learn and understands various climates, seasonal changes, and animals from this story.

 ALI AND THE MAGICAL CARPET

One day an idol-maker hired a donkey to deliver an idol of a goddess to a rich customer. The idol was a beautiful piece of excellent workmanship. The donkey was loaded with the idol. As the donkey walked along the road, many people on the way stopped to admire the idol. Some people bowed in respect to the idol.The stupid donkey thought that all the admiration and respect were for him. So he proudly stopped in the middle of the road and began to bray loudly. Gentle words and actions of his master failed to induce him to keep quiet and move on.At last the master beat him hard with his stick. The beating thrashed the false pride out of the donkey. He came back to his senses and walked on dutifully. Moral:A nod for the wise and a rod for the fool.

This is a classic story from Vikas books.This is a story of donkey.Moral(s) of the story: foolishness

The Donkey and the idol

Yesha Desai

Addy was a very lazy boy who never did his things on time . One day he received a magical clock that made him understand the value of time that one should always do things on time.The clock warned him again and again to not postpone things, but Addy rarely listened.One day, he came to know that he had won the first prize in a singing competition that was held the previous month. He was asked to collect the prize the same day.He didn't care and decided to collect the prize the next day.The clock knew what the prize was and asked Addy to collect the prize on the same day but Addy refused.So the clock sped the time and soon the next day arrived.When Addy went to collect the prize he realised that the prize became useless for him, as it was a ticket to a game show, which was held the previous day.This is how Addy learned the importance of doing things on time. Moral:Stop procrastinating and do things on time.

This is a story of clock, magic and prize.Moral(s) of the story: competition

Addy and the magical clock.

Sringeri Srinivas was having a very bad day. Nobody wanted the sweet, ripe bananas he was growing on his farm.&nbsp; Not his family.Not his neighbour.Not his friends. Not the traders who could sell the bananas in far-away markets. And not even his cows! “No, thank you, ” they all said. “The bananas are very sweet but we have had too many. We cannot eat anymore!” Poor Sringeri Srinivas! What was he to do now with his rich harvest of bananas? He decided to seek help from the Farmer's Centre in Doddooru, a big town near his village. Off he went carrying the best crop of bananas. Surely someone there would have a good idea for him.&nbsp; A few days later, Sringeri Srinivas returned home looking very happy. He went back to growing bananas on his farm.&nbsp; But he did not offer the fruits to anyone anymore.&nbsp; Not to his family. Not to his neighbour. Not to his friends. Not to the traders who could sell the bananas in far-away markets. And not even to his cows! Everyone became very curious. Where were all the bananas going? One day, neighbour Shivanna arranged a very big pooja.&nbsp; The priest asked him to get 108 ripe bananas as an offering to the gods.&nbsp; Shivanna ran to Sringeri Srinivas. “I’m sorry for saying no to you before, but now I need 108 ripe bananas. Can you help me, please?” Sringeri Srinivas tapped his chin. “Well, my crop has just been cut but let me see what I can do. You may start your pooja. I will surely come.”&nbsp; The pooja started. The whole village came to watch. The priest began chanting. Soon it became time to offer bananas to the gods.&nbsp; Just then, in came Sringeri Srinivas carrying a big bag. From the bag, he carefully took out 27 packets and laid them out before the holy fire. Each packet was carefully wrapped in a banana leaf.&nbsp; On each one was written - “High-Quality Banana Halwa, S.S. Farms.” Sringeri Srinivas offered one to the priest.&nbsp; “Each one has the pulp of 4 bananas. There are 27 packets. So here are your 108 ripe bananas!” The priest was so surprised that he forgot to chant. In the silence, one child began to laugh. Soon the whole village was laughing and clapping.&nbsp; Now we know what Sringeri Srinivas does with all the bananas that he grows!

This is the story of Bananas, the farmer and the villagers.

Too Many Bananas

Bub was born in the bubble soap liquid along with his brothers and sisters. He had always waited to be set free in the real world and enjoy with his friends.His dream came true when a human blew from the bubble soap. Soon Bub and his friends were set free in the wild, wild world. Bub was very excited to see the world for the first time.His friends were equally excited too. Bub flew over a tree and met beautiful birds. The tree waved at him.He flew over a river and the river smiled at him. The fish came up to meet him. Bub was delighted. Bub almost crashed into a car as he flew near to the ground but the car driver put Bub’s safety first.Bub got chased by a cat and their screaming never stopped. He was so scared for his life but he escaped. Then Bub flew high above the ground and could see kids in the ferris wheel, they excitedly blew at him so he could go further.Bub smiled.He was so high above the ground and he had the best day ever. The sun welcomed him as he went higher.Bub had an amazing day. He saw the world, he made people happy, he made some new friends, lost some old ones along the way but he had a lot of fun.

This is a story of bubble, car, cat, friend and sun.

Bub the bubble and his friends

Manu came from a poor family, they had enough money to meet their needs but not enough for unnecessary expenditures. Manu’s friend, Shanu was rich enough to enjoy his life.Lord Ganesha’s festival came near and everyone brought colourful idols in their home to welcome the Lord. Shanu brought a very big idol, it was decorated with flowers and crowns.Manu was in awe of the idol Shanu had bought. He asked his parents to get the same for him but they refused. They did not have the money to do so. Manu sat quietly in a corner, thinking God would not come to him because he could not spend enough.However, with as much as he could manage, he built a small clay idol to worship. That night, in his dreams Lord Ganesha appeared and said, “ Hello, Manu.”Manu was shocked before he finally remembered his manners and bowed. Lord Ganesha explained it to him that he was visiting because Manu’s devotion was real and God resides in hearts, not in fancy idols. Moral:God resides, not in rituals and clay idols, but in our heart and our devotion.

This is a story of Ganesh and idol.Moral(s) of the story: devotion

Where is God?

The TV was very proud to be the favourite member in the house. The kids loved it, so did the adults. They never stopped admiring the television and abandoned everything else.One day the books on a lonely bookshelf were crying because nobody looked at them anymore.A magic fairy appeared and asked the books what was wrong. The books sobbed, “Nobody likes us anymore. Are we that useless?”The toys in the corner frowned and the newspaper looked sad. Nobody paid any attention to their misery.The fairy felt bad about their state and decided that humans in the house need to be taught a lesson. So she took everything except for the tv and went away.Soon chaos broke out in the house. Everything was unorderly. The children could not find textbooks to study with and there was no radio to get the cricket scores. No newspaper to get the latest news and no toys to play with.The humans realised that their addiction to television shows had led to this and begged for the forgiveness of the fairy.The fairy smiled and returned their materials. Moral:Watching television for a long time is bad for health, there is a huge world outside of that and we must explore the same.

This is a story of fairy, magic, notebook and tv.

The proud Television

King Vikram was given the duty of bringing Betal to a tantric. Betal traditionally means ‘evil spirit’. Each time Vikram tried to capture Betal, it told him a story that ended with a riddle. If Vikram could not answer the question correctly, Betal agreed to remain in captivity. But, if the king knew the answer and still kept quiet, his head would burst into a thousand pieces. And if King Vikram spoke, Betal would escape and return to his tree.Betal told another interesting story, as King Vikramaditya carried him on his shoulders.Many years ago, there lived a king named Badsa. He was a great ruler and was loved by all his subjects. He had a son named Agni, who was wicked and had many vices. Unlike his father, he would not make a good ruler. This worried Badsa very much.One day, while the king was holding court, Agni burst into the room and announced, “I feel I am ready to take over the throne. You are old and I suggest you step down. If you do not, I will form an army to overthrow you.”Badsa was a peace-loving man and knew his son would go to great extents to take the throne. Ashamed that he was giving up the throne to his son without a fight, he denounced his title and decided he would spend his life in the forest in meditation.Meanwhile, in his kingdom, Angi tormented his subjects and the kingdom grew very unhappy.One day, as Badsa sat in meditation, he heard an old woman sobbing loudly. When he asked what the matter was, she replied, “I have only one son and a demon has vowed to eat him tonight!”Disturbed by what he had just heard, Badsa offered to sacrifice himself to the demon.The old woman and her son tried to convince him to change his mind but the king was adamant to help her out.As per his plan, when the demon arrived later that night, Badsa offered himself. The demon did not think twice before quickly eating the king. Thus, the old woman’s son was saved.Here, Betal asked King Vikramaditya, “What do you think of the old king’s sacrifice?”King Vikramaditya thought for a moment and then replied, “There is no sacrifice here. This was not a selfless act by the king. He felt guilt for leaving his subjects at the hands of his unworthy son and offered himself to the demon in the hope of achieving moksha.Betal replied, “I think you are right in your judgement. But since you have spoken, I will fly back to my peepul tree.”Saying this, Betal flew away, leaving King Vikramaditya to draw his sword and chase him once more. Moral:Always be ready to take accountability of your actions.

This is a story of king, demon, salvation and Vikram Betal.Moral(s) of the story: sacrifice

general word 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.

The Brave Son

ALI AND THE MAGICAL CARPET

The Donkey and the idol

Addy and the magical clock.

Too Many Bananas

Bub the bubble and his friends

Where is God?

The proud Television

King Badsa and His Son

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