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.

Book Author

Vallabhbhai was a brave and brilliant student. He had leadership skills since his school days. There was one strict teacher in his school who used to use stick to punish the students. One day he fined a student. That student could not pay the amount so the teacher did not allow him to attend the class. Vallabhbhai thought this as a harsh injustice so he asked all the students to go on a strike. He arranged for students to sit in a nearby place. The strike continued for three days. Then the principal had to settle the matter by asking that teacher to be polite with the students.One teacher had a shop of stationary items so he was insisting the students to purchase stationary items from his shop. Vallabhbhai thought this as a wrong practice by a school teacher so he asked the students to boycott that teacher. He used to travel everyday along with his friends for school at N K High school and other people used to go Petlad for work. On the way there was a big stone that was hurting to the people they were going through that way. He noticed that people get hurt but no one is thinking or making any effort to move that stone away from the walkway. He decided to move that stone away from the way. Other friends and people kept going while he stopped there and moved the stone by himself. He had idea of helping people of this country at his early schooling days. Once, Child Vallabhbhai had a boil in the armpit. He went to the village barber and asked him to remove the boil with a hot iron. The barber was hesitated to put the hot iron rod on Vallabhbhai’s boil. Then he himself took the iron from the barber and without fear put on the boil. Thus he was fearless and brave since his childhood. Sardar Patel with Children / YouthWhen Sardar Patel was India’s Deputy Prime Minister, his grandson Bipinbhai visited New Delhi with some friends. They had come by night train. When they were taking breakfast with Sardar, Sardar asked them the reason to come to Delhi. His grandson Bipinbhai told that they have come to enjoy the vacation. Sardar asked them to move around in the city only for a day and then return back in the night train! He did not want anybody taking care of these boys and then expecting from Sardar in return. Once, Sardar went to a college to address the students. Some students insisted to stand only at certain place. Sardar mentioned in his speech, “I have heard of stubbornness of kings, stubbornness of children but for the first time I saw stubbornness of students!” This way he clearly taught a lesson to the students without scolding them. Once, some students came to invite Sardar for a lecture. He clearly told them that they should be ready to listen bitter truth from him and he will never speak sweet words of praise to appease the students. Thus he was not of the opinion to appease students to guide them for a true path but he believed to use hard words whenever required!

Vallabhbhai was a brave and brilliant student. He had leadership skills since his school days. There was one strict teacher in his school who used to use stick to punish the students.

Sardar Vallabhbhai patel’s Childhood

Shina Utavani

Once, a kitten saw the full moon for the first time. She had never seen the full moon. When she saw the full moon, she thought it was a little bowl of milk. She wanted to have a bowl of milk in the sky. So, she closed her eyes and stretched her neck and opened her mouth and licked. But she ended up with a bug in her mouth.She again tried to get the bowl of milk. This time, she pulled herself together and wiggled her bottom and sprang from the top step of the porch. But she fell and bumped her nose and banged her ear. Poor kitten, the bowl of milk was still there. So, she decided to chase it. She went down the sidewalk, through the garden, past the field but it never seemed to get closer.Then, she ran to the tallest tree and she climbed to the top of it. But kitten still could not reach the bowl of milk. Afterward, she saw another bowl of milk in the pond and it was bigger. So, she leaped into the pond but she was all wet and could not get the milk. Hungry and tired, she went back home. There she saw a big bowl of milk on the porch, just waiting for her. At last, she finally got a bowl of milk. Moral:Never give up easily.

This is a story of kitten, milk and moonMoral(s) of the story: determination

Kitten’s first full moon

Ravina Sewani

Once upon a time, there was a donkey named Udhata who used to work for a washer man. Every day, the washer man used to make the donkey carry loads of clothes to the river for washing and then again back home. The donkey was dissatisfied because he thought that his master made him work a lot and gave him very little food to eat. So, he stealthily wandered into the nearby fields and ate the crops growing there. One day, as the donkey was roaming around in the fields, he met a fox. They talked to each other and soon became friends. They began to roam around together looking for good food. One night, the fox and the donkey came across a field where large, juicy watermelons were growing. As the farmer and his family were asleep, the fox and the donkey quietly slipped into the field and ate the delicious watermelons to their hearts’ content.After having many watermelons, the donkey became so happy that he felt an intense desire to sing a song. He said to the fox, “Friend, I am so happy after having this wonderful meal that I must express my joy by singing a melodious tune.” The fox replied, “Don’t be such a fool! There are people sleeping around the field. If you sing a song, they will wake up and will beat us up with their sticks.” “I don’t care,” said the donkey. “Singing makes one happy and healthy. Whatever happens, I am going to sing a song.”The fox became worried because the farmer was sleeping just a little distance away from them. But he realised that the donkey was adamant and would not change his mind. So, he said, “Okay, friend. If you have made up your mind to sing, then do so. But wait for just a moment while I jump over to the other side of the fence for my safety.So, the fox jumped over the fence and got out of the field. The donkey began singing happily in what he thought to be his most melodious voice. Hearing a donkey braying loudly, the farmer woke up from his sleep. When the farmer saw the donkey and all the damage that he had caused to his crop, he was furious. He took a thick, heavy stick and beat the donkey till he could hardly walk.After getting this severe beating, the donkey somehow managed to crawl out of the field. There he met his friend, the fox. The fox said to him, “I’m really sad to see you in this sorry state, my friend. I warned you. Had you listened to my advice, you would not have got into trouble.” The donkey realised his mistake and hung his head low in shame. Moral:Think before you act.

This is a classic story from panchtantra.This is a story of donkey, farmer and fox.

The donkey who sang a song

Birbal was promised gifts by Emperor Akhbar himself after he claimed — on multiple occasions— to be immensely fond of Birbal and his wit.However, he did not receive anything even after a long time passed and was disappointed because of the Emperor’s unkept promise.During a stroll on River Yamuna’s bank the Emperor asked Birbal, “Why is the Camel’s neck crooked?”Birbal replied with his usual wit, “Maybe, because the camel forgot to honour his promise and according to our literature, people with unkept promises are punished with a crooked neck.”This immediately reminded Akhbar of the promise he made to Birbal and thus Birbal received the gifts he deserved.And this is how Birbal used his wit to get what he wanted without even asking for it.Moral: Sometimes it is important to be coy to get what you want rather than being direct.

This is a story of camel and Akbar Birbal.Moral(s) of the story: promise

Why is the camel’s neck crooked?

Yesha Desai

A river was very tired of her work. She had to constantly move around and could never catch a break. She was very envious of the mountain who always stayed at one single place. The mountain never had to move or work hard, unlike the river.The river was doped with pollution, used by fish and humans and other animals. They never let her rest. And after she was done flowing, she had to give herself to the sea. How was that fair to her when the mountain always slept?She often mocked the mountain whenever she passed by it. She thought that the mountain deserved to know that he was living such an easy life when she had to work so hard.Everytime the river was mean to him, the mountain just sighed. She never understood his work and there was no point in explaining.The river got to travel to new places, meet new people, make new friends while he just had to stay still at one place and bear the cold winds from the north. The river was worshipped by humans whereas the mountain could only silently weep as the trees that grew on him were cut down.He just wished that the river was grateful of her life instead of insulting him all the time.The mountain did not pay much heed to the river’s words and never answered back. One particular winter, the Northern winds were stronger than ever before. The mountain was shivering, he felt like he was dying. It was too cold.But he had to stay strong because he was the only one between the human population and the cold winds that would freeze them.The mountain suffered the cold for them and protected them. The river saw this and she was embarrassed for the way she had treated him. She apologised and they soon became friends. Moral:We must not judge others’ lives and their problems, especially when we don’t know anything about it.

This is a story of mountain, river and water.Moral(s) of the story: judgemental

The strong mountain

Charlie was a rich boy and had way more toys than he could take care of. His parents were very rich and would keep buying new toys for him. Charlie had no idea how much everything costs and would never put efforts in taking care of his things. He did not even realise that not all children get to play with the kind of toys he had.&nbsp;One day, he lost all interest in the toys he had and wanted something unique. Charlie’s uncle found a horse and gifted it to him. Charlie was very happy with his gift and learned to ride the horse. But he was still careless about his horse and would not clean or feed the horse regularly. In no time, the horse started losing weight and looked sick. Charlie, for the first time in his life, was upset about this and was not happy about the fact that his parents were ready to exchange his old horse for a new one.One day while riding, he saw a girl with her horse. Her horse was in perfect health and looked happy. He followed the girl and noticed that the girl never hit the horse with a whip while riding. When she reached the stable, she fed the horse and cleaned it. Charlie did not know how to do all this and so went up to the girl and asked her to teach him everything.Charlie, from that onward, put all his efforts in taking care of his horse. When his horse was in good health again and ready to ride, Charlie went on a ride with the girl. This made him the happiest. Charlie realized that take care of things brings happiness but it also requires time, efforts, and dedication.&nbsp;Charlie then stopped asking for new toys. He gave some toys to his new friend and distributed other toys to several children in the village. The toys that he kept with himself, he took great care of them too. Moral:No one is going to take care of our things. It is us who have to take the responsibility and look after our belongings.

This is a story of a story and his owner.Moral(s) of the story: caring and sharing

Charlie and the horse

A big bear and a naughty monkey were best friends who lived in a jungle. They both were always together and used to have a lot of fun together. The monkey always tried to copy the bear. He wanted to become just like him.The monkey and the bear were sitting together one day and the monkey started copying him. He did exactly what the bear was doing. The bear noticed the monkey and said, “My dear friend why are you imitating me?” The monkey replied, “Bear, you are so strong and big, I want to become just like you.” The bear then said, “My friend, you are energetic and active, you are awesome too. Do not think about what I am.”At that very moment, the bear spotted a big pot of honey near the mango tree. The bear quickly went and grabbed the pot of honey. The bear was very happy and thought he would enjoy and do a lot of fun with it. He started licking his hand filled with honey. The monkey asked for some honey from the bear. The bear gave some honey to the monkey. The monkey loved the taste of the honey and asked for some more from the bear. The bear said that monkeys do not eat honey and that was enough for him. The bear picked up the pot and hid it in his den so no one could steal the honey. The monkey was very disappointed with this.The monkey thought that the secret of bear’s strength was the honey and that was the reason he did not give him the honey. The monkey decided to eat a lot of honey so that he could become as strong as the bear. He silently entered the bear’s den and stole the pot of honey.Every day the bear and monkey used to meet but that day the monkey did not come to meet the bear. So, the bear went to the monkey’s house to see if he was doing well. The monkey was suffering from the stomach ache. The bear saw an empty pot of honey and understood what the monkey had done. The monkey was crying because of the pain and said, “I just wanted to be like you bear.” The bear replied, “You cannot be like me by just copying me. Only bears can eat so much of honey and digest it. That’s why I gave you a little amount of honey.”Then the bear immediately called the doctor and the monkey was hospitalized. The monkey learned his lesson and he never tried to copy anyone again in his life. Moral:Everyone is special in their own ways. Trying to be like someone else by copying them blindly can be very harmful.

This is a story of bear, friend, honey and monkey.Moral(s) of the story: self love

The bear and the honey pot

Ann was as busy as school children could get. She was always caught in with schoolwork and extracurricular activities.When she was done with her homework she had art classes, once that was done, she went out to play, then dinner, then studying for exams and so and so..All in all, she always felt like she did not have enough time.One day in particular, she was buried in schoolwork and complained, “Why is there not enough time for me to do my work? Is there any way I can increase the length of the day?”A fairy appeared and Ann squeaked in horror.The fairy only smiled and waited for Ann to calm down. Once she was alright, Ann poked at the fairy. “Are you real?”The fairy laughed and replied, “Yes. I am here to answer your question.”Ann’s eyes lit up. “So is there a way for me to have more time?”“Yes.”Ann clapped her hands. “Really? Tell me how.”The fairy replied, “You can have a longer day if you wake up early. The time you waste in the morning by being lazy can be utilized in so much more.”Ann understood what the fairy meant and nodded her head. Moral:Waking up early in the morning helps you have more time to do your work and you won’t have to do everything in a haste.

This is a story of fairy, magic and morning person.Moral(s) of the story: routine importance

How do I increase the length of my day?

Raja Birbal was famous for his wit and sense of humour across the seven seas. Once, a highly distinguished scholar came to Akbar’s court and challenged Birbal to answer his question. He wanted to test Birbal’s wits, and find out whether he was as clever as people said he was. Birbal accepted the challenge.Then the scholar asked Birbal, “Tell me Birbal, would you like to answer one hundred easy questions or a single difficult question?” Akbar and Birbal had a very long day; they were in a hurry to wind up the court, so Birbal said, “O learned one! Ask me one difficult question.”The scholar instantly shot his question at Birbal, “Who came first? Chicken or egg?”Birbal answered the question without giving any second thought, “The chicken!”The scholar was puzzled to hear such a swift reply. He further asked Birbal, “How do you know?”“We agreed that you would ask only one question, and you have already asked it. So, no more questions please!” Birbal retorted.Birbal’s witty reply left the scholar speechless. Moral:Even if the question is silly, you can manage the situation by thinking on your feet and giving a witty answer.

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

understanding 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.

Sardar Vallabhbhai patel’s Childhood

Kitten’s first full moon

The donkey who sang a song

Why is the camel’s neck crooked?

The strong mountain

Charlie and the horse

The bear and the honey pot

How do I increase the length of my day?

Just one question

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