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.

Alihusen Momin

Marvan Atapattu was a Sri Lankan cricketer who played for the national team up until 2007. He is currently the coach of Sri Lanka's national cricket team. His cricket career story had its own ups and downs but his story is surely an inspirational one! When Marvan made his debut in test cricket for Sri Lanka, he scored a duck in his first innings. In the second innings as well, he scored a duck! The team hence dropped him from further matches. Marvan went back to the nets for more rigorous practice. Marvan started playing a lot of domestice first-class cricket (matches to last for three or more days). He kept on scoring and waited for a call from the Sri Lankan national team. After about 21 months, he finally got a second chance. He tried harder this time. And when he played his second international match, his scores were: 1st innings: 0 runs, 2nd innings: 0 runs. He was dropped from the team again and went back to practising again. He scored tonnes of runs in the domestic first-class cricket. He scored many runs but nothing seemed to erase the painful memories of his test cricket performances. And 17 months later, Marvan welcomed a new opportunity again. His scores for the test matches were: 0 and 0 in both the innings. What he did next is something you wouldn't expect; he was back at the grind AGAIN! Everyone was now wondering whether the selectors would ever again give him a chance or not. The selectors felt that he neither had the temperament nor the technique for big matches. Nonetheless, Marvan never stopped trying. Then 3 years later, he got a more chance; who would have thought, right? And this time, he played and played with all his heart and scored good. Then there was no stopping him. He went on to score over 5000 runs for Sri Lanka. That included sixteen centuries and six double hundreds. Not just this, he also captained his country. All this, after SIX years of struggle, determination, dedication, and hard-work. Six years of trying and failing again and again; how many of us can stand so many failures? He must have been tempted to pursue another career, play just the domestic cricket, change his sport altogether, or just give up. But he did not do any of these things. He knew where his heart was and worked only towards that. So the next time you think of quitting something you love whole-heatedly, think again and remember Marvan Atapattu's story and never give up. Moral:Never give up your passion. Work towards it with full determination and dedication.

This is an inspiring story based on Marvan Atapattu's (Sri Lankan cricketer) cricket career.Moral(s) of the story: determination, hard work, dedication

An inspiring story of Marvan Atapattu, a Srilankan Cricketer

Yesha Desai

When Alex was seven years old, he was caught in an accident. There, he had lost both his hands.Alex’s parents had lost all hope that their child would grow up and be something because he could not even write or do things on his own. However, Alex was very determined to be a scientist was not deterred by his inability to perform many tasks.After a lot of practice and hard work and discipline, Alex learned to write using his two arms even though he did not have any fingers or thumbs. Despite losing both his hands, he learned to do daily tasks by himself using his arms and never had to rely on someone else.With his determination to reach his goal, he overcame his limitations and went on to become a great scientist. Moral:We are only limited by our thoughts. Determination plays a huge role in achieving anything that we desire.

This is a story of fingers, hand, scientist and thumb.Moral(s) of the story: determination and hard work

Alex  and his hands

Tina lives with her parents in a peaceful countryside manor. Her parents are scientists with many awards in their names.Tina also wants to be a scientist. Tina’s parents set up equipment for her in their garage where she constantly invents new things. She can build roller coasters and flying cars. Her parents are very proud of her.One day at school, she injures her hand in the playground right before her english test.&nbsp;Now, she is not able to write her test.Tina is disappointed now. She wished that there was a pencil that could write everything that you said to it by itself. That way she could give her test even with her injured hand.She decides to make that pencil. She goes to her garage and starts making formulas. Tina does her intelligent people thing and works the entire night. Her parents sternly put her to sleep and tell her that she can work tomorrow. They kiss her goodnight and she goes to sleep.Tina wakes up the next morning and its weekend so she can work on her pencil.After a few days of hardwork the pencil is built. Her parents are a little worried for her as she is constantly working but she assures them that she is fine.She realises that the pencil she built can write things not just by listening but can also read everyone’s thoughts.She is surprised. She really is a genius.She gets many awards for this brilliant invention and Tina becomes one of the youngest and the most successful scientists in the world.

This is a story of car, garage, pencil and roller coaster.Moral(s) of the story: hard work and determination

Tina’s garage

A new juggling clown came to the Versailles to join the local circus. The clown performed multiple tricks, earning a little money from his show.One day, there was a large show organised in the celebration of the mayor’s daughter’s birthday. Lots of people were invited and everyone was enjoying the show.That was when two little girls started passing jokes about the clown. As they were in the front seat, the clown heard them. He became anxious about his performance and wondered, “Was it not good? Was he alright? Did everyone think lowly of his skills?”While worrying about this, he dropped one of the juggling balls. The crowd booed him on the stage and the clown quickly, tearfully left the stage.The clown was very embarrassed about the way he had messed up. He kept on thinking, “What if that is all everyone thinks about ever again? What if he never gets to perform again? What if he never gets better? How will he earn his keep?”In the time he was worrying about his reputation and other people’s opinions, the ringmaster came to visit him. The clown did not notice him coming and felt further embarrassed when he realised that the ringmaster had been talking to him.He blushed and apologised for his disordered look and lack of focus. The ringmaster only sighed and sat down in front of the clown.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Mistakes happen by everyone. That is no reason to beat yourself up over it.”&nbsp;He said.The clown only sniffled, “But sir. What if no one likes me? What if no one likes my tricks?”The ringmaster looked truly confused, “And why would that happen? You are amazing and very talented. A little mistake is not a reason for people to dislike you. Is there something else that is wrong?”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The clown hesitated. He did not want his boss to feel like the clown was inept and then in turn fire him. But he quietly said, “Some people were talking about me. I could hear them. Are my tricks not good enough?”The ringmaster sighed, “Listen son, what I say now, you must remember for life. Where there is light, there is a shadow. You must not worry about the criticism and only try to make yourself better. Have a little faith in yourself.”The journey towards feeling like a good enough artist was not easy for the clown but like the ringmaster said “Where there is light, there is shadow.” And the clown tried to understand the motto and live by it.Moral:Learning and success come from mistakes and failures.

This is a story of clown and failure.Moral(s) of the story: hard work and success

The new clown in the town

Ravina Sewani

One hot day, a thirsty crow flew all over the fields looking for water. For a long time, she could not find any. She felt very weak, almost giving up hope. Suddenly, she saw a water jug below her. She flew straight down to see if there was any water inside and could see very little water in it.The crow tried to push her head into the jug. Sadly, she found that the neck of the jug was too narrow. Then she tried to push the jug down for the water to flow out. She found that the jug was too heavy.The crow thought hard for a while. Then looking around her, she saw some pebbles. She suddenly had a good idea. She started picking up the pebbles one by one, dropping each into the jug. As more and more pebbles filled the jug, the water level kept rising. Soon it was high enough for the crow to drink. Her plan had worked! Moral:If you try hard enough, you may soon find an answer to your problem. Pro tip: Demonstrate the story by putting something in a glass half filled with water. Let your child see how water rises in the glass.

This is a story of crow.Moral(s) of the story: dedication and hard work

The Thirsty Crow

An old farmer had three sons. They were young and strong. But they were all very lazy. They wanted money to spend. But they did not want to work to earn money.One day the farmer said to them, “I have buried some treasure in our field. Dig out the treasure and share it among you.” So the next day the young men eagerly went to the field and started digging it. They worked hard for several days. They dug each and every inch of the field but found no treasure anywhere.They went to their father and told him that they had failed to find the treasure. The father said, “Never mind. Now that you have dug the field so well, let us sow it with corn.”So they sowed the field with corn. Luckily for them, it rained very well that year. The corn ripened and the field looked beautiful with the rich crop. The young men showed the field to their father with great pride.The farmer said, “What a bumper crop! This is the very treasure I wanted you to share among you. If you work hard, you will get such treasure year after year.” Moral:Hard-work pays off in every way.

This is a classic story from Vikas books.This is a story of farmer.Moral(s) of the story: hard work

The Hidden Treasure

Raj was a very impatient child.He could barely focus at one task before launching himself towards another.One day, while watching a television show, he decided that he wanted to be a wrestler. So he told his grandfather, “I want to become a wrestler! What should I do?”His grandfather took him to a teacher. The teacher trained Raj in different wrestling moves. And even though the little boy was very enthusiastic, he could do hardly one thing before jumping onto another. Thus, he never properly practised his moves.Days passed yet Raj did not get better at his sport and he frowned at his grandfather, “I am not getting stronger. What will I do now?”His grandfather took him on a walk by the beach and pointed to the cliffs. “Do you know Raj, that the water breaks down these rocks?”Raj’s eyes widened, “Really? But these rocks are so big? How can the sea break them down?”His grandfather smiled and watched as Raj lightly splashed around in the water, “It takes many years, it does not happen overnight. Just like you cannot become a wrestler overnight. You need to be disciplined in your work and be patient. Then you will one day become capable enough to achieve your goals.” Moral:You need to be disciplined and hardworking to achieve your goal.

This is a story of grandfather, grandmother, rock, sea and water.Moral(s) of the story: discipline and hard work

The fruits of discipline

One of the many disciples of Guru Ram Dass, the fourth Sikh Guru, was Arjun Dev who was always dedicated to the duties assigned to him.His duty was scrubbing the utensils and the other disciples asked him to also serve the Guru sometimes.Arjun Dev replied, “My work is of cleaning the utensils, I do upon Guru’s orders.”The others insisted that the Guru will not be pleased simply by this and that Arjun should serve the Guru too. They went quiet when Arjun replied, “My duty is to serve and obey, not please the Guru.’Time went on and the other disciples did not advice more. Arjun continued his work and the Guru’s health declined.When Guru Ram Dass died everybody wanted to know what was written in his will. Every disciple was so sure that they will succeed the Guru and inherit his fortune.When the ‘will’ was opened, Arjun Dev had been declared the successor.Everyone, particularly those who had high hopes, was surprised and some even questioned Arjun’s qualities.The wise men said, “In the Guru’s views Arjun Dev was the only deserving successor to him.” The disciples asked, “But he never said his prayers. He never took part in the religious discourses. He was only cleaning utensils. Nothing else did he do. Then where lies the justification in making him the successor.”The reply was that the eligibility for becoming the Guru’s successor is one’s innate faith, absolute devotion and discipline, as well as his knowledge and wisdom. Moral:Pleasing others does not take you far, being disciplined and completing the work given to you with devotion brings rewards.

This is a story of Guru Ram Das.Moral(s) of the story: devotion, discipline and hard work.

The Guru’s Successor

On one fine day, Abdul Kalam's class was assigned a project. Excited gasps filled the air because they were supposed to design an airplane.&nbsp;Kalam was very excited. This was beyond doubt his mostfavourite assignment. But it was not as easy as it looked, this required a lot of work and Kalam soon got to it. He woke up before the sun and slept after the sun too, everyday, to dedicate more hours to his work. And so his designs turned out to be finer and more detailed than anyone elseís in his class. Kalam was very proud of his work and was also sure that he would pass with flying colours. That is why he was very confused when he was called into his professors office. He walked in, scared and restless. Had he done something wrong? As soon as he sat down, his professor began, ìWhat is this Kalam?î He asked as he pointed to the work he had submitted. ìThis is what you call an airplane design? This is all you could come up with?î Kalam did not know what was wrong with what he had done, it was far better than the work of any of his classmates but he did not argue. ìI want you to work on this again and get better results, his professor said. Kalam only nodded. He was given a deadline and he had no idea what to do with it. But he took everything in his stride and worked harder. He woke up earlier, he researched more, he stayed up for longer.&nbsp; And finally, he completed his work. This time he hoped that it was good. A few days later he was called by his professor again. This time he said, ìKalam, I knew you could do better. This is wonderful. I am glad you were not disturbed by the previous criticism and took it all in your stride and worked harder. One day all this hard work will pay off.î And he turned out to be right as one day, Abdul Kalam became Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the President of India.

This is a story of Abdul Kalam and his discipline towards his work.Moral(s) of the story: discipline and hard work

hard work 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.

An inspiring story of Marvan Atapattu, a Srilankan Cricketer

Alex and his hands

Tina’s garage

The new clown in the town

The Thirsty Crow

The Hidden Treasure

The fruits of discipline

The Guru’s Successor

Kalam's project

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