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.

Shina Utavani

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on 2nd October. It is a national festival celebrated in India to mark the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar. He was one of the prominent faces of India’s struggle for freedom. He is famously known as Mahatma and Bapu. He fought against the caste system and played an active role in abolishing the practice of untouchability. He is known as the ‘Father of the Nation’. Gandhiji’s words and actions influenced many people and as a result, people joined him for various protests. In 1930, Gandhiji with a huge number of people led the Dandi Salt March. He also launched the Quit India movement in 1942. Gandhiji also initiated Non-violence and Non-co-operation movement. To commemorate Gandhi’s non-violence philosophy, United Nations General Assembly had voted to establish October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence. The day seeks to spread the message of non-violence through education and public awareness. The day is celebrated by arranging various dedicatory activities and cultural events in schools and colleges. It is a day where the entire nation pays tribute to Bapu on his birth anniversary.

This is a story of Gandhi jayanti.

Gandhi Jayanti

Ravina Sewani

A long time ago, some mice lived happily in a colony in the forest. There was a big lake located near their colony. Once, a herd of elephants visited the lake to drink water. On their way to the lake, the elephants trampled many small mice under their heavy feet. After that they started coming to the lake every week. Whenever they came, they killed many mice by walking over them. Due to this, the population of the mice was getting affected. The king of mice decided to meet the chief of the elephants and discuss the problem. The king of the mice went to the chief of those elephants and requested him to take an alternative route to the lake. The chief of the elephants was very kind hearted. He accepted the request of the mice and asked the other elephants to find another way to reach the lake. The king of mice thanked the chief and said, “Dear Sir, we are indeed very grateful to you. We also promise to help you in the hour of your need.” The elephant chief laughed on hearing this and said,” You mice are too small to help giants like us. But still, many thanks for your offer.”One day a group of elephant-hunters came in the forest and trapped the elephants in big and strong nets. The elephants struggled hard to free themselves, but were not successful. A small mouse who was passing from there saw the elephants helplessly trapped in the nets and ran to inform his king.The mice king immediately took some of his strongest mice with him to rescue the herd. The mice quickly nibbled the thick net from various places, making it loose enough to set the elephants free. The chief of the elephants apologised to the king of mice for what he had said and thanked him for the great help he had rendered.Moral: Never underestimate anyone’s ability. Always try to help one another. You never know who you might need in the difficult times.A long time ago, some mice lived happily in a colony in the forest. There was a big lake located near their colony. Once, a herd of elephants visited the lake to drink water. On their way to the lake, the elephants trampled many small mice under their heavy feet. After that they started coming to the lake every week. Whenever they came, they killed many mice by walking over them. Due to this, the population of the mice was getting affected. The king of mice decided to meet the chief of the elephants and discuss the problem. The king of the mice went to the chief of those elephants and requested him to take an alternative route to the lake. The chief of the elephants was very kind hearted. He accepted the request of the mice and asked the other elephants to find another way to reach the lake. The king of mice thanked the chief and said, “Dear Sir, we are indeed very grateful to you. We also promise to help you in the hour of your need.” The elephant chief laughed on hearing this and said,” You mice are too small to help giants like us. But still, many thanks for your offer.”One day a group of elephant-hunters came in the forest and trapped the elephants in big and strong nets. The elephants struggled hard to free themselves, but were not successful. A small mouse who was passing from there saw the elephants helplessly trapped in the nets and ran to inform his king.The mice king immediately took some of his strongest mice with him to rescue the herd. The mice quickly nibbled the thick net from various places, making it loose enough to set the elephants free. The chief of the elephants apologised to the king of mice for what he had said and thanked him for the great help he had rendered. Moral:Never underestimate anyone’s ability. Always try to help one another. You never know who you might need in the difficult times.

This is a classic story from panchtantra.This is a story of elephant and mouse.Moral(s) of the story: helpfulness and strength

The mice and the elephants

A long time ago, there was a king who reigned over a large empire. The king was very noble and kind but his son was rude, ill-mannered and bad-tempered. The king tried all kinds of ways to reform his son. The ministers, courtiers and other important and learned people of the kingdom also tried to make the prince change his ways but to no avail. They tried to make the prince realize that his bad behaviour could create a bad impression on the public, but the prince was never willing to listen to any well-meant advice. One day, while the king was taking a walk in his palace garden, he saw a sage pass by. There was a radiant glow on the sage’s face and a confidence in his gait that made the king infer that the sage must be a very learned person full of divine knowledge. The king sent a messenger to invite the sage to his palace. The sage accepted the invitation and was welcomed warmly by the king. When the king found out that the sage was looking for a place to live in, he offered to make a hermitage in the palace for the sage. The sage accepted the king’s offer and started residing in the hermitage in the palace.One day, while the king was talking to the sage, he said, “Dear Sir, it must have come to your knowledge by now that I have a son on whose account I am constantly worried. He is very ill-mannered and bad-tempered. The public of my kingdom considers him unworthy of being a prince. I’m afraid they won’t accept him as their king after me. Please help me, Sir. You are wise; you can teach my son to mend his ways.” The sage assured the king that he would do something to set things right.Next day, the sage asked the prince to come for a walk with him in the palace garden. There, he pointed towards a little plant and said, “Eat a leaf of this plant and tell me how the taste is.” The prince plucked a leaf of the plant and put it in his mouth. As soon as he tasted it, he spat it out on the ground in disgust. “It’s bitter! It must be some poisonous seedling. It could prove to be dangerous to the health of many people if it grows. So, it should not be allowed to grow into a big tree.” Saying this, the prince pulled the plant out of the ground and tore it up.The sage picked up the plant that the prince had destroyed and said, “The way that you reacted towards this plant today, one day the people of your kingdom may react towards you in the same way. They think that you are a wicked prince, so they may not allow you to become their king and may exile you. It is for your own good that you must mend your ways and try to develop a sense of sympathy, compassion and kind-heartedness towards all your fellow beings.”The prince learnt his lesson. He understood the message that the sage was trying to convey through the example of the plant. From that day forth, the prince tried to change his rude and ill-mannered behaviour and became humble and kind. The king was very pleased to see a change in his son and expressed his gratitude to the sage. Moral:All beings deserve respect, empathy, and compassion.

This is a classic story from panchtantra.This is a story of king and prince.Moral(s) of the story: compassion, empathy and respect

The prince and the seedling

Yesha Desai

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

Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic about the brothers, Pandavas and kauravas. It describes the battle between them in the Kurukshetra war for the throne of Hastinapura. It is an epic tale that combines war, religion, philosophy and Hindu history. Following is a story from “The Mahabharata” which describes the reason why we call Karna ‘Danveer’Karna was on his death bed amidst the battlefield and was gasping for breath in his last moments. Lord Krishna was confused about Karna’s generosity and wanted to check it. He went to Karna disguised as a beggar. Karna was on his death bed and seeing the beggar asked him what he needed. Lord Krishna as a beggar said, “Lord, I need some gold for my daughter’s marriage”. Karna showed his helplessness to the beggar and said, “I am sorry but I have nothing to give you as I am on my death bed. I feel worse that I am not able to give you anything. But you can ask gold from my wife in Angadesh.” Listening to this the beggar said, “I cannot travel so far for gold, Lord. I thought you are kind and generous and would help me.”Karna felt very bad and decided to give him the golden tooth he had. Karna took a stone and broke his golden teeth. The tooth was bleeding with blood and Karna did not want to give blood covered teeth to the beggar. He was injured badly and could not move. He took his arrow and bowed it towards the sky. The next moment rain broke out and then he gave the cleaned gold teeth to the beggar. Lord Krishna was shocked to see Karna’s sacrifice. He was proved that there was no one as generous and kind as Karna. Lord Krishna came into his real form and said, “You will live in the hearts of people. You will be remembered for your qualities Daan (Donation) and Veer (Heroic). You will be remembered as ‘Danveer.”That is how Karna got his name ‘Danveer”.

This is a story of Karan and Krishna.Moral(s) of the story: sacrifice

Karna as ‘Danveer’

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

Book Author

As a child, Chandra Shekhar was very brave and fearless. Once in Diwali, he fired the colour match stick in his palm. His palm was burnt badly so he thought that his father will be angry so he left home and ran away to the jungle!As a child he attended the village school but did not take much interest in studies and used to roam around and play with tribal boys, using bows and arrows as toys. The village life somehow did not interest him and one day he left without informing his parents. He was fourteen at the time. His worried parents were relieved when they received a letter from their son telling them that he was in Kashi, studying Sanskrit in a pathshala (school).We all know the famous court incident when just 15 year old Chandra Shekhar told the judge that his name is Azad and his house is prison! He was sentenced blow of whip. When he was getting blow on his back, he kept shouting slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jay”, “Mahatma Gandhi ki Jay”. After this incident, he was known as Azad! Chandra Shekhar Azad’s Message for YouthChandra Shekhar Azad has inspired the young generation with useful messages. He said, “Don't see others doing better than you, beat your own records everyday, because success is a fight between you and yourself.”He said, “If yet your blood does not rage, then it is water that flows in your veins. For what is the flush of youth, if it is not of service to the motherland.”“A plane is always safe on the ground but it is not made for that. Always take some meaningful risks in life to achieve great heights.”

As a child, Chandra Shekhar was very brave and fearless. Once in Diwali, he fired the colour match stick in his palm. His palm was burnt badly so he thought that his father will be angry so he left home and ran away to the jungle!

Chandra Shekhar Azad’s Childhood

Pallavi Hota

Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic about the brothers, Pandavas and kauravas. It describes the battle between them in the Kurukshetra war for the throne of Hastinapura. It is an epic tale that combines war, religion, philosophy and Hindu history. Following is a story from “The Mahabharata.” In Mahabharata, Bhishmacharya addresses Lord Krishna as ‘Damodara sahah’ which means Lord Damodara - the one who is very tolerant. In Mahabharata, the Lord is called by many names such as Krishna and Vasudeva repeatedly, but the word Damodara is used only in 2 or 3 instances. One such instance is related to the birth of Sishupala, Lord Krishna’s cousin. When Sishupala was born he had three eyes and 4 hands. And as soon as he was born, he screamed and brayed. His parents were scared and they wanted to abandon him. However at that time there was a celestial voice which spoke, “Do not abandon this child. He will be very superior in strength and power and a very fortunate person. You can’t slay him now. That person who will slay him is already born.” Then his mother folded her hands and asked the corporeal voice, “Please tell me who will slay my son.” The voice replied, “When your son sees that person, his additional eye will disappear and when you keep the son on the lap of that person his additional two hands will fall off. That person will be the killer of your son.” This news spread across like wildfire and when kings of different provinces heard about this, they were astonished and they came to see the child. When they came, Sishupala’s mother kept the child on their lap to see if the eyes and hands were disappearing. Even after thousands of kings saw the child and put him on their lap, the change which the celestial voice said did not happen. One day Lord Krishna and Balarama visited Sishupala’s place to see the child. As soon as the child was placed on&nbsp;Lord Krishna’s lap, the additional eye and the additional two arms disappeared. Then Sishupala’s mother became anxious and asked, “Please forgive all the offences of my son Sishupala for my sake.” The Lord was called by the name Damodara here. He was addressed by this name because He tolerated all the offences of Sishupala till Sishupala’s time came in the Rajasuya sacrifice, a yagna performed by ancient kings to be declared the King of Kings, which was done by Maharaja Yudhishtira. Lord Krishna slaughtered Sishupala’s throat with his chakra after his deeds became intolerable.

This is a story of Krishna and Sishupala.

Lord Damodar and Sishupala’s deliverance

One day two boys were going along a road. They saw a nut on the ground. Both of them ran quickly to pick it up. One boy picked it up. The other boy said, "It is my nut because I was the first to see it.""It is mine," said the boy, who was holding it, "because I was the first to pick it up." Just then a tall boy came there. He said to the boys, "Give me the nut. I'll settle your quarrel." The tall boy took the nut. He cracked the nut and separated its hard shell into two parts. He gave one part of the shell to one boy and said, 'This half is yours." He gave the other part to the other boy and said, 'This half is yours."Then the tall boy popped the fruit-seed into his mouth and said, 'The remaining is mine for helping." Moral:When two people quarrel, a third person gains.

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

sports 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.

Gandhi Jayanti

The mice and the elephants

The prince and the seedling

The new clown in the town

Karna as ‘Danveer’

The Rich Mohan and the Poor Sohan

Chandra Shekhar Azad’s Childhood

Lord Damodar and Sishupala’s deliverance

Two boys and a nut

More like this

Bee Suggestions

About Bee