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

Once upon a time there was a shy and quiet octopus. He nearly always went about on his own because, although he wanted to have lots of friends, he was too self-conscious.One day, the octopus was trying to catch a very slippery oyster. Before he knew it, he had tied himself into one massive knot, and he couldn't move. He tried with all his strength to wriggle free, but it was no good. In the end, despite the great embarrassment he felt at being seen in such a tangle, he had to ask for help from the passing fish. Many fish swam past, ignoring him, but one very kind little fish offered to help to untie all those tentacles from all those suckers.The octopus felt heartily relieved when he was finally set free, but he was so shy that he didn't dare talk to the fish and make friends with him. He simply thanked the fish, and quickly swam off. Later, the octopus spent the whole night thinking that he had wasted a great opportunity to make friends with that very kind little fish.A couple of days later the octopus was resting between some rocks, when he noticed that everyone around was hurriedly swimming past. He looked into the distance and saw an enormous fish coming over to feed in that area. The octopus quickly hid; then, peeping an eye out from his hiding place, he saw that the huge fish was chasing the kind little fish who had untied him. That little fish really needed urgent help, but the big fish was so dangerous-looking that no one dared to go near. The octopus, remembering how the little fish had helped him, felt that he had to do whatever he could to come to his aid.Without hesitating, the octopus shot out from the rocks, like a ray. He put himself right in the path of the giant fish, and before the fish could do anything about it, the octopus had shot out the biggest jet of ink of his life. He grabbed the little fish, and swam off back to hide in the rocks. Everything happened so fast that the big fish had no time to react. However, he soon recovered from the surprise. Off he went to the rocks, looking for the octopus and the little fish. Now he really wanted to gobble them down!Soon, though, he began feeling a terrible itch; first in his gills, and then in his fins, and then all over his body. It turned out that this giant fish had a very artistic nature, he adored colours; and the octopus's dark ink had given him a terrible allergy!!So the big fish swam away, irritated all over.As soon as he was gone, all the fish who had been hiding came and congratulated the octopus for being so brave. Then the little fish told them all how he had helped the octopus a few days earlier, but he had never known anyone be so grateful that they would end up doing something so dangerous. Hearing this, the other fish discovered how nice the shy octopus was, and everyone around was keen to be the friend of such a brave and honourable octopus.Moral: Never leave an opportunity to show gratitude no matter how much difficult the situation seems.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is a story of fish and octopus.Moral(s) of the story: bravery and gratitude

An octopus in trouble

Yesha Desai

One day, Krishnadevaraya saw a strange dream. He dreamt of a magnificent magical palace. It was made of dazzling stones and floated in the air. The palace had every comfort and amenity that one could ever wish for. It could be lit up with a thousand lights or made to disappear into the darkness in a jiffy.The next day when the king woke up, he vividly remembered the dream. He summoned all his courtiers and told them about it. The courtiers sang praises of the king and his beautiful dream. The king made a public announcement: “I will give a hundred thousand gold coins to the person who can build me the palace of my dream.”Everyone was startled at the king’s announcement. They knew that it was not practically possible to build the palace that the king wanted. But no one had the courage to say so. Many of the king’s well-wishers told him that such a palace can only exist in one’s mind. But he refused to listen and threatened his courtiers with grave consequences if they did not find someone who could make his dream come true.The courtiers got worried and approached Tenali Raman for help.The senior minister requested Tenali Raman, “Dear Tenali, now only you can make our king understand that his wish to erect the palace of his dream is absurd or else all of us will get a severe punishment.” Tenali Raman assured them that he would try to help them.A few days later, a very old man came to meet the king in his court. He was crying for justice.Krishnadevaraya asked, “What brings you here my good man? Tell me without fear and I assure you that justice will be done.” “I have been robbed, Your Majesty,” wailed the old man. “Someone has taken away all my savings and now I don’t have a single paisa left.”“Who robbed you?” asked the king angrily. “Such a crime cannot go unpunished. You name him and I will have him hanged immediately!”Your Majesty! I will tell you but first assure me that on hearing his name, you will not get angry and punish me instead,” requested the old man.Yes, I promise,” replied the king impatiently.“It is you, my lord,” said the old man in a trembling voice.How dare you say a ridiculous thing like that, I will…,” began the king, but then he remembered his promise and calmed down. He asked the old man to explain what he actually meant to say.“Your Majesty! Last night, I dreamt that you came with your entourage of ministers and soldiers and looted my entire life’s savings, five thousand gold coins!” said the old man.“Are you a fool or completely insane?” roared the king. “How can you treat your dream as a reality? Dreams are not true!”“But they are, Your Majesty! If your dream of a palace hanging in the air can come true, why can’t my dream come true?” retorted the old man.And then, the man took off his beard, hair and stood before the king. It was none other than Tenali Rama!He bowed before the king and said, “Your Majesty! This was the only way of convincing you that building the palace of your dreams was not practically possible.” Moral:If people talk foolishly, you can use their own logic to show them that they’re being illogical.

This is a classic story from Tenali Raman.Moral(s) of the story: foolishness

The king’s condition

Shina Utavani

Once upon a time, there lived a farmer and a baker. Every day, the farmer used to buy a pound of bread loaf from the baker and the baker would buy a pound of rice from the farmer. They used to do this every day and they both shared a great bond. Soon, they became friends.One day, the baker decided to check the weight of the rice to see if he was getting a pound. When he measured the rice, he found out that he was not getting the right amount of rice. He was very angry and decided to file a complaint against the farmer. He took the farmer to the court.The farmer was very surprised. When the judge asked the farmer, “What measure are you using to weigh the products?” The farmer replied, “Your Honour, I do not have a proper measure but I do have a scale.” The judge was confused and said, “Then how did you measure the rice?”The farmer said, “Your Honour, I measured the rice with the bread loaf. Every day, when the baker brought the bread, I measured the rice on the scale with the bread and gave that rice to the baker. So, it is not my fault. If anyone is to be blamed, it is the baker.”Turns out that the baker was getting what he was giving. Moral:We get back in life what we give to others.

This is a story of baker, bread, farmer and rice.Moral(s) of the story: cheating

The Baker and The Farmer

Once there lived a camel who had a bad habit of making funny comments on the looks of other animals and birds. He never spoke a good word about any of them.To the cow he said, "Just have a look at yourself. What an ugly looking animal you are! When I look at your bones, it seems to me they will tear through your skin any moment."To the buffalo he said, "You must have surely offended the Creator and so He has painted your entire body with the coal black colour. Your crooked horns make you look uglier still."To the elephant he said, "You are a cartoon among all the animals. The Creator must have made you in one of His humorous moods. All the parts of your body are out of proportion. Your huge body is tagged with a bit of a tail. Your eyes are so small, and ears so big. I had better not say anything about your trunk and legs and other parts of your body."To the parrot he said, "The Creator has shown His sense of humour through the hook-like red beak of yours."In this way the camel always jeered and sneered at one and all. Once the camel chanced to meet a fox who was very outspoken and blunt. The fox said to him, "Camel, give up your dirty habit of commenting on others. Just find some time to look at yourself. You have a long face, stone-like eyes, yellow and dirty teeth, legs like crooked sticks and an ugly hump on your back. You are the ugliest among ugly animals. Other animals have a fault or two each, but yours outnumber and outclass them all."The camel hung his head in shame and walked away silently. Moral:Look at your own faults rather than at those of others.

This is a classic story from Vikas books.This is a story of buffalo, camel, cow, elephant, fox and parrot.Moral(s) of the story: empathy

The ugly Camel

A long time ago, in the dark lands of the witches, there lived the most terrible dragon that had ever existed. The dragon had magical powers and would turn into a cloud so he could move as fast as the wind. He could make himself as light as a feather, and take any form. Because he could turn into a cloud, he was capable of firing not only flames from his mouth, but also brilliant lightning flashes.The cloud dragon would go around in towns and villages and would attack humans, animals, and bird just because he loved attack towns hearing everyone’s cries. But he enjoyed the most when humans would send their soldiers to kill him. When the soldiers would come to kill him, the dragon would enjoy by making rains fall on the soldiers’ armour and striking them with lightening which would make their hair stand up. He would turn to a dense fog and make the soldier fly. When the dragon was done playing with the soldier, he would turn into his original form, keeping the soldier floating in the air. The dragon would then laugh and his flames would strike the soldier. The soldier would then try hard to find his way back home.One day, the king’s youngest son, Yela, decided to go see the dragon. Yela was also very naughty and so wanted to see the dragon’s trick. He thought that no one could be as bas that he would attack people for fun. When Yela went to see the dragon, he did so without any protection.As soon as the dragon saw the young Prince coming, he began his attacking Yela by his tricks. Yela found his tricks were unique and he enjoyed those moments spent with the dragon. When Yela was finally dropped into the snow, he got up, hurt, but smiling, and he shouted, "Come on! Again! Yee-haaa!"The cloud dragon was surprised at seeing Yela,&nbsp;but he had waiting for this since centuries. He repeated his tricks and also added a few more. The dragon started having a lot of fun and would take care of Yela when they were done playing. Both of them would sit together and laugh like two good friends. &nbsp;Yela also played jokes, put on shows, made the dragon laugh and both of them created new tricks. Yela learned about the dragon’s family and found out that he was just a child but had grown very big. All that the dragon ever wanted to do was enjoy his childhood with someone.The Prince, Yela, returned to his Kingdom on a great cloud in the shape of a dragon. With the help of other children, comedians, actors and animals, they managed to bring joy to the young dragon's life that never again did he feel the need to harm anyone for entertainment.&nbsp;As payment for all the fun that the dragon got, he provided rain, shade and fire to the Kingdom whenever it was needed. Moral:There is always a strong reason behind the way a person behaves. If we can ask with kindness and listen to their problem, people might change for the better

This is a story of cloud, dragon, fire, king and prince.

The cloud dragon

It was raining heavily, and the glass was splattered with the huge drops of water. Robbie said to his mom, “I want to go outside and play, Mum.” His mom did not know how to answer Robbie’s question so, she said, “When is it going to stop raining?” Due to heavy rain, Robbie was not able to go outside and play. Her mother replied, “I am sure it will stop any time now, Robbie. Why don’t you come and help me make some cookies?”Robbie was tired of making cookies. He did not want to play with his toys anymore. He was bored watching television. He wanted to go outside and play. Robbie said to his mum that he did not want to make cookies and ran into the living room. He threw himself on the couch and sighed, “I just want to go outside.” His mum, seeing him sad said she had an idea. She said, “Robbie, why do not you go upstairs and put your rubber boots on and your raincoat and rain hat too.Robbiegot up and asked, “Has it stopped raining?” Her mum replied, “No, but there is no reason you cannot go outside and play in the rain. Would you like to do that?” Robbie replied, “Yes, Mum. I want to go outside and play, even in the rain.” He ran to his bedroom and put on his red rubber boots. They fit snugly over his tennis shoes and would keep the water out when he splashed in the puddles. He wore his raincoat. It was red just like his hat. “I am ready, Mum,” he said.Her mum said to him to wait and she opened the closet and picked up a bright yellow umbrella. She gave the umbrella to him and opened the front door for him. The rain was pouring down. Puddles were all over the grass, streets, and sidewalks. Robbie went outside and opened the umbrella and stood in the rain. The water fell all around him, bouncing off the umbrella. He enjoyed splashing in the deep puddles. Water flew everywhere.Robbie’s mum stood at the window and watched her son having fun. She remembered her childhood days when she was a little girl. She loved to splash in the puddles when she was a little girl. She dressed in her yellow raincoat and rubber boots and opened the front door and went outside. Robbie was shocked to see her mother. His mother asked him, “Can I splash in the puddles with you?” He was very excited and happy to see his mother. He replied immediately, “Yes, Mum. Come and play with me.”They both enjoyed the rain and played for a long time. They jumped in the puddles and splashed on each other. They had the best time together. Robbie was glad that it rained so that he got a chance to play with his mum in the rain.

This is a story of mother, rain and son.Moral(s) of the story: happiness

Fun in the rain

King Vikram was known for being just and fair. Once he was building a very grand palace for himself. The plan for the palace was ready. It was noticed that a cottage at the site of the structure would mar the beauty of the palace.The King called the owner of the cottage. He explained his difficulty to the man and offered him a big price for his cottage. But the man was very stubborn.He said, “Your Majesty, please excuse me for turning down your offer. I love this cottage more than I love myself. Here was I born. Here have I lived all these years of my life. Here do I wish to die.”The King thought that it would be unfair on his part to use any force. He said to his Minister, “Let the cottage stand here. When people see the grand palace, they will admire my sense of beauty. When they see the cottage, they will admire my sense of justice.” Moral:Sense of justice is the beauty of character.

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

The Palace and the Cottage

A long time ago, two young men named Mohan and Sohan lived in a small town. Mohan was a rich jeweler while Sohan was a poor man. Once, for his sister’s wedding, Sohan took jewels worth five thousand rupees on credit from Mohan’s shop. He promised to pay the money to Mohan in six months time.But not even a month had passed from that day, that Mohan started asking Sohan for the money. Sohan replied, “I can’t make the payment so soon, friend. As it is we had an agreement that I will pay the money to you in six months. It has not even been a month yet. You know I am a poor man. Have some patience and give me time to collect the money.”Actually, Mohan had his eye on Sohan’s property. In connection with this debt, he wanted Sohan to sign some papers that said that Sohan had mortgaged his house and other property to Mohan for buying the jewels. So, he insisted that Sohan should come with him to the court of law where these papers could be prepared.Sohan again told Mohan about his poor financial state and reiterated that he would not break his promise of paying him back in six months. But Mohan did not relent. Seeing no other way out, Sohan said, “But I don’t even have a horse. How am I supposed to reach the court?”“You can borrow mine,” said Mohan, not wanting to let this opportunity go.“And what about clothes? I don’t have any decent clothes that I can wear to the court,” Sohan said.“I’ll give you some of mine,” said Mohan.“I don’t even have shoes,” Sohan said.“Alright, take mine,” Mohan replied.Finally, Sohan agreed to accompany Mohan to the court. Mohan lent him his clothes, shoes and horse.When their case was called out by the judge, Sohan requested the judge to allow him to ask Mohan a few questions. The judge gave permission. Sohan asked Mohan, “Mohan, tell me, whose clothes are these that I am wearing?”“Mine,” said Mohan.“And whom do these shoes belong to?” Sohan asked.“They’re also mine,” replied Mohan.“And the horse that I rode on this morning to come here?” Sohan asked.“That too is mine,” Mohan answered.Everyone in the courtroom burst out laughing.Sohan said to the judge, “Your Honour, you can see for yourself that Mohan’s mental condition is not stable. He thinks that all the things that I possess belong to him.”The judge agreed with Sohan and dismissed the case. In this way, Sohan foiled Mohan’s evil plan. Moral:Greed is evil and must be destroyed with cleverness.

This is a story of court, horse, panchtantra, shirt, t shirt, trousers and shoes.Moral(s) of the story: greediness and smartness

The Rich Mohan and the Poor Sohan

Once upon a time lived on a cloud that was grown up over a very beautiful country. One day, she saw another much bigger cloud and she felt so much envy, than the cloud decided that in order to get bigger and grow more, her water would never abandon her, and will never start raining again.Indeed, the cloud grew up, while his country was getting dried. First, rivers dried up, then people, animals, plants, and finally, the whole country became a desert. The cloud did not care much, but she also did not realize that by being over a desert there was no place where she could obtain new water to keep growing. So slowly, the cloud began to lose size, and was unable to do anything to stop it .The cloud then realized her mistake, and that her greed and selfishness were the cause of her vanishing; but just before evaporating, when she was just a sigh of cotton, there started blowing a gentle breeze. The cloud was so small and weighed so little that the wind took her far away, to a faraway beautiful country, where once again she recovered her original size.Having learned this lesson, our cloud remained small and modest, but she became so generous when raining, that her new country became even greener, giving away to all people there the most beautiful rainbow in the world.Moral: Greed and selfishness bring with them serious problems.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is a story of cloud, rain and rainbow.Moral(s) of the story: greediness and selfishness

moral 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 octopus in trouble

The king’s condition

The Baker and The Farmer

The ugly Camel

The cloud dragon

Fun in the rain

The Palace and the Cottage

The Rich Mohan and the Poor Sohan

The greedy cloud

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