Short Story in English with Moral – Learn Valuable Life Lessons
Everyone loves a good story, especially when it comes with a meaningful lesson. A short story in English with moral not only entertains but also teaches important values that help shape our character. These stories often feature simple yet powerful narratives that highlight honesty, kindness, perseverance, and wisdom.
Whether it's a fable, a folk tale, or a modern-day anecdote, a short story in English with moral can leave a lasting impact on readers of all ages. From classic tales like “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” to inspiring modern stories, these lessons remain relevant in our daily lives.
Reading a short story in English with moral can motivate us to make better choices and understand the importance of good virtues. Stay tuned for some of the best short stories that will not only entertain but also inspire you to become a better person.
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1. The Honest Woodcutter
Once upon a time, a poor woodcutter lived near a dense forest. He earned his living by cutting wood and selling it in the market. One day, while chopping a tree near a river, his axe slipped from his hands and fell into the water. The river was deep, and he could not retrieve it. Sad and helpless, he sat by the river and prayed for help.
Suddenly, a water spirit appeared and asked him why he was sad. The woodcutter explained his situation. The spirit dived into the water and brought out a golden axe. "Is this yours?" she asked. The woodcutter shook his head. The spirit then brought a silver axe, but he again refused. Finally, she retrieved his old iron axe, and he joyfully claimed it.
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Impressed by his honesty, the spirit rewarded him with all three axes. The woodcutter returned home happily, sharing his story with everyone. His honesty earned him respect in his village, and he lived a content life.
Moral: Honesty is always rewarded.
2. The Greedy Dog
One day, a hungry dog wandered through the streets in search of food. After hours of searching, he finally found a juicy bone and grabbed it in his mouth. Overjoyed, he trotted towards his home to enjoy his meal in peace.
On his way, he had to cross a small river over a wooden bridge. As he walked across, he saw his reflection in the water below. Mistaking it for another dog holding a bigger bone, greed took over him. He thought, "If I bark and scare that dog, I can snatch his bone too."
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Without thinking, he barked loudly. The moment he opened his mouth, his own bone slipped from his jaws and fell into the river. The water was deep, and the bone was gone forever. He stared in regret, realizing his foolishness. With nothing left to eat, he returned home, hungry and sad.
His greed had cost him the only food he had. From that day onward, he learned to be content with what he had.
Moral: Greed leads to loss.
3. The Lion and the Mouse
One afternoon, a mighty lion was sleeping in the jungle when a tiny mouse ran across his body. The sudden movement woke the lion, and he caught the mouse with his powerful paws. The frightened mouse pleaded, "O King of the jungle, please spare my life. If you let me go, I may be able to help you someday."
The lion laughed at the idea of such a tiny creature helping him but decided to let the mouse go. "Run away, little one. You amuse me," he said.
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Days later, the lion got trapped in a hunter's net. He roared and struggled, but he couldn't free himself. Hearing his cries, the little mouse rushed to his aid. With its sharp teeth, the mouse gnawed at the ropes until the lion was free.
The lion was astonished and grateful. "I never thought someone so small could save my life," he admitted. The mouse smiled, "Even the smallest friend can be helpful." From that day, they became good friends.
Moral: Kindness is never wasted.
4. The Ant and the Grasshopper Short Story in English With Moral
One summer, a hardworking ant spent his days gathering food for the winter. He tirelessly collected grains and stored them in his home. Meanwhile, a carefree grasshopper danced and sang all day, mocking the ant for working so hard.
"Why do you waste the sunshine working?" the grasshopper laughed. "Enjoy life like me!"
The ant replied, "I'm preparing for winter when food will be scarce. You should do the same." But the grasshopper ignored his advice and continued to enjoy himself.
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When winter arrived, the land was covered in snow, and food became scarce. The grasshopper, cold and hungry, knocked on the ant's door, begging for food. But the ant shook his head, "I warned you to prepare, but you didn't listen."
Regretting his laziness, the grasshopper realized his mistake. He promised to work hard in the future, learning that hard work always pays off.
Moral: Prepare today for a better tomorrow.
5. The Boy Who Cried Wolf Short Story in English with Moral
Once, a shepherd boy took care of sheep near a village. He often felt bored and decided to play a prank. He ran to the villagers and shouted, "Wolf! Wolf! Help! A wolf is attacking my sheep!"
Hearing his cries, the villagers rushed to his aid, only to find there was no wolf. The boy laughed at their concern. Angry, the villagers warned him not to lie.
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A few days later, he repeated the prank, and again, the villagers came running. They scolded him but left when they saw no danger.
One day, a real wolf appeared. Terrified, the boy screamed, "Wolf! Help! Please!" But this time, the villagers ignored him, thinking it was another lie. The wolf attacked his sheep, and the boy watched helplessly as he lost everything.
He realized that his lies had destroyed the trust of the villagers. He regretted his actions but learned an important lesson.
Moral: Lies destroy trust.
6. The Clever Rabbit and the Foolish Lion Short Story
In a dense jungle, a ferocious lion terrorized the animals. Tired of his cruelty, the animals pleaded for mercy. The lion agreed to eat only one animal daily, which they would send to him.
One day, it was a rabbit’s turn. He was clever and planned to trick the lion. He reached the lion late, making the lion furious. The rabbit humbly said, "I was delayed because another lion stopped me, claiming to be the true king of the jungle."
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Angry at the idea of a rival, the lion demanded to be taken to this enemy. The rabbit led him to a deep well and pointed at his reflection. The lion, thinking it was another lion, roared and jumped in to attack. He drowned instantly, and the jungle was free from his terror.
The animals rejoiced, and the rabbit was praised for his intelligence.
Moral: Wisdom is stronger than strength.
7. The Golden Egg Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a poor farmer and his wife. They worked hard every day but barely earned enough to survive.
One morning, the farmer discovered something incredible—a shiny, golden egg in the nest of his goose. At first, he thought it was a joke, but when he took the egg to the market, he was amazed to find that it was pure gold. He sold it for a good price, and from that day on, the goose laid a golden egg every morning.
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The farmer and his wife soon became rich. However, greed took over their hearts. They thought, Why wait for one egg every day? What if we get all the gold at once? Convinced that the goose had a treasure inside, they decided to cut it open.
To their horror, they found nothing inside but ordinary goose organs. They had killed their precious goose, and there were no more golden eggs. Their greed had cost them their fortune, and they were left with nothing.
Moral of the Story:
Greed leads to loss. Be patient and appreciate what you have
8. The Thirsty Crow Short Story in English with Moral
One hot summer day, a thirsty crow was flying in search of water. The sun was blazing, and the land was dry. The poor crow searched everywhere but could not find a single drop to drink.
After a long search, the crow finally spotted a tall pitcher with a little water at the bottom. He was overjoyed but soon realized that his beak couldn’t reach the water. He tried to tip the pot over, but it was too heavy.
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Moral of the Story:
Where there is a will, there is a way. Intelligence and patience can solve any problem.
9. The Ugly Duckling Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a quiet countryside, a mother duck sat on her nest, waiting for her eggs to hatch. One by one, the eggs cracked open, revealing fluffy yellow ducklings. However, one last egg was larger and took longer to hatch. When it finally did, out came a big, grey, awkward-looking duckling.
The other ducklings and farm animals laughed at him. "You are so ugly!" they mocked. The poor duckling felt lonely and sad. No one wanted to play with him, so he wandered away.
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As he roamed through different places, he saw graceful white birds swimming in a lake. Mesmerized, he wished he could be like them. When winter came, he struggled to survive, but a kind farmer gave him shelter.
When spring arrived, the duckling saw his reflection in the water and was shocked—he had grown into a beautiful white swan! The same elegant birds he had admired now welcomed him as one of their own. The once "ugly" duckling had transformed into something truly magnificent.
Moral of the Story:
True beauty lies in being yourself. Patience and perseverance lead to transformation.
10. The King’s Wisdom Short Story with Moral
Once upon a time, there was a wise and just king who ruled a prosperous kingdom. He was loved by his people because he always made fair decisions and solved problems with great wisdom.
One day, two women came to the king, arguing over a baby. Both claimed to be the mother and begged the king for justice. The king thought for a moment and then ordered, "Cut the baby in half and give each woman a part."
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One woman cried out, "No! Please don’t hurt the baby! Let her have it!" The other woman remained silent. The king immediately knew who the real mother was—the one who was willing to sacrifice her claim to save the child. He handed the baby to her and punished the other woman for lying.
The people marveled at the king’s wisdom, and his reputation as a fair and intelligent ruler spread far and wide.
Moral of the Story:
True wisdom lies in understanding human nature and making fair decisions.
11. The Wise Old Owl Short Story
In a dense forest, there lived an old owl in a tall oak tree. He was known for his wisdom and keen observation. Unlike other animals, he rarely spoke but listened carefully to everything happening around him.
Each day, he watched the world go by. He saw children laughing and playing, farmers working hard, and travelers sharing stories. He also noticed foolish arguments, selfish acts, and hasty decisions. The owl never interrupted or judged; he simply observed and learned.
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As the years passed, his wisdom grew. Other animals often came to him for advice, and he always guided them with thoughtful words. One day, a young bird asked, “Wise Owl, how did you become so knowledgeable?”
The owl replied, “Wisdom comes from listening more and speaking less. When you observe the world patiently, you understand its ways. Many speak without thinking, but true learning happens in silence.”
The young bird pondered these words and promised to follow the owl’s advice. Soon, he too became more thoughtful and understanding.
The forest animals respected the owl even more, knowing that his wisdom was not just about knowing things but about understanding life deeply.
Moral of the Story:
Listening more and speaking less leads to wisdom. Observing the world with patience and an open mind helps us learn valuable lessons.
12. The Foolish Donkey Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, a salt merchant and his donkey traveled to the market every day. The merchant loaded heavy sacks of salt onto the donkey’s back and guided him across a river to reach the town.
One day, while crossing the river, the donkey accidentally slipped and fell into the water. The salt dissolved, making the load lighter. The donkey realized that by falling into the river, he could reduce his burden. From then on, he purposely tumbled into the water each day.
The merchant soon understood the donkey’s trick. He decided to teach him a lesson. The next day, instead of salt, he loaded the donkey with sacks of cotton. As usual, the donkey fell into the river, expecting a lighter load. But to his surprise, the cotton absorbed water, making it much heavier. Struggling under the weight, the donkey regretted his foolishness.
From that day forward, the donkey never tried to trick his master again and learned the value of honesty and hard work.
Moral of the Story:
Trickery may work once, but dishonesty will always lead to consequences.
13. The Farmer and His Lazy Sons Short Story
Once upon a time, there was an old farmer who had three lazy sons. The farmer worked hard on his land, but his sons refused to help, always wasting time in idleness. The father worried about their future and wanted to teach them a lesson.
One day, the farmer called his sons and said, “I have hidden a treasure in our field. If you find it, you will be rich forever.” The sons, excited at the thought of wealth, eagerly took up spades and began digging every inch of the field. They dug tirelessly for days but found nothing.
Disappointed, they went back to their father and said, “We couldn’t find any treasure.” The farmer smiled and said, “Look at the field now. You have turned the soil well. Why not plant some seeds?”
Following their father’s advice, the sons sowed seeds in the freshly dug field. With time, the crops grew abundantly, and they earned a great harvest. Only then did they realize what their father meant—the true treasure was hard work and dedication.
From that day forward, they never lazed around and worked diligently on the farm, leading to a prosperous life.
Moral of the Story:
Hard work always pays off, and true wealth comes from effort and perseverance.
14. The Selfish Giant Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a beautiful village, there was a large, magnificent garden owned by a giant. The garden was filled with lush green grass, colorful flowers, and tall trees where birds chirped happily. Every afternoon, children from the village would come and play there, laughing and enjoying the fresh air.
One day, the giant returned after a long journey and saw the children playing in his garden. He became angry and shouted, “This is my garden! No one is allowed here!” He built a high wall around it and put up a signboard: "Trespassers will be punished!" The children were heartbroken and had nowhere else to play.
As time passed, the garden lost its beauty. Spring came everywhere except in the giant’s garden, which remained cold and lifeless. No birds sang, no flowers bloomed, and only the chilling winter stayed. The giant wondered why his garden had become so dull.
One morning, he heard sweet laughter. Peeking outside, he saw children playing again—their joy had brought back the sunshine, flowers, and birds. Among them was a small boy struggling to climb a tree. The giant’s heart melted. He gently helped the boy up and realized how selfish he had been.
From that day, he tore down the wall and welcomed children forever. His garden became a place of happiness, and the giant learned that kindness and sharing bring true joy.
Moral of the Story:
Happiness grows when we share and care for others.
15. The Two Friends and the Bear Short Story
Once upon a time, two friends were traveling together through a dense forest. They had promised to stay by each other’s side, no matter what dangers lay ahead.
As they walked, a huge bear suddenly appeared from behind the trees. The friends panicked. One of them, thinking only of himself, quickly climbed up a nearby tree, leaving the other behind. The second friend had no time to escape, so he remembered that bears do not attack dead bodies. He immediately lay on the ground, held his breath, and stayed completely still.
The bear came close, sniffed him carefully, and whispered something in his ear. Then, thinking he was dead, it walked away.
After the bear left, the friend on the tree climbed down and laughed nervously, "What did the bear whisper to you?"
The other friend replied, "The bear told me never to trust a friend who abandons me in times of danger."
Realizing his mistake, the selfish friend felt ashamed. From that day, he learned the true meaning of friendship—real friends stand by each other in difficult times.
Moral of the Story:
A true friend is one who stays with you in times of trouble, not just in moments of joy.
16. The Monkey and the Cap Seller Short Story with Moral
One hot afternoon, a cap seller was traveling through a village. Tired from walking, he decided to rest under a big tree. He placed his basket full of colorful caps beside him and soon fell asleep.
While he was sleeping, a group of playful monkeys living in the tree saw the caps. Curious and mischievous, they climbed down, took the caps, and wore them on their heads. When the cap seller woke up, he was shocked to see his basket empty. Looking up, he saw the monkeys sitting on the branches, each wearing a cap and making funny faces at him.
The cap seller thought for a moment. He knew that monkeys love to imitate human actions. So, he took the cap from his head and threw it on the ground. As expected, the monkeys copied him and threw their caps down too. The clever cap seller quickly gathered all the caps, put them back in his basket, and walked away happily.
Moral of the Story:
Clever thinking and presence of mind can solve tricky problems.
17. The Golden Touch Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, there was a king named Midas. He was very wealthy and had a magnificent palace filled with gold, but he always wanted more. One day, he helped a mystical being who, in return, granted him a wish. Without hesitation, Midas wished that everything he touched would turn to gold.
The next morning, he excitedly touched a chair—it turned to gold! He touched the table, the curtains, and even the flowers in his garden, and all became gold. Midas was overjoyed, believing he had become the richest man in the world.
But soon, his happiness turned to sorrow. When he sat for a meal, he found that his food and water turned to gold the moment he touched them. He couldn’t eat or drink! Worse still, when his beloved daughter ran to hug him, she too turned into a golden statue.
Realizing his foolishness, Midas begged the mystical being to take back the curse. Seeing his regret, the being told him to wash his hands in the river to remove the golden touch. Midas hurried to the river, washed his hands, and everything returned to normal. From that day on, he understood that love and life were more valuable than gold.
Moral of the Story:
Greed can lead to disaster; true wealth lies in love, relationships, and simple joys of life.
18. The Lazy Boy and the Well
Once upon a time, there was a boy named Rohan who was very lazy. He always avoided work and spent his days playing and sleeping. His parents often scolded him, but he never changed his ways.
One hot summer day, Rohan’s mother asked him to fetch water from the well. Grumbling, he walked lazily to the well with a pot in hand. When he reached, he saw a bucket tied to a rope hanging over the deep well. Instead of pulling up the bucket properly, he half-heartedly tugged at the rope. The bucket swung and slipped from his grip, falling into the well.
Panicked, Rohan sat by the well, worried about how to explain this to his mother. Just then, an old man passing by saw him and asked what had happened. Rohan explained the situation. The old man smiled and said, "You lost the bucket because of your laziness. If you had pulled carefully, you wouldn’t be in trouble now. Hard work and attention are always needed in life."
Realizing his mistake, Rohan decided to change. He worked hard to pull the bucket back up and from that day onward, he stopped being lazy. His parents were proud of him, and he grew into a responsible young man.
Moral of the Story:
Laziness leads to trouble, but hard work and responsibility bring success.
19. The Three Fishes Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a beautiful pond, three fish lived happily together. They were close friends but had very different ways of thinking.
The first fish was wise and always planned ahead. The second fish was smart but only acted when necessary. The third fish was careless and never planned for the future.
One day, a group of fishermen passed by the pond and noticed it was full of fish. They decided to return the next day to catch them. The first fish overheard them and quickly told the other two, "We must leave the pond immediately before the fishermen come!"
The second fish thought for a moment and said, "I will wait until they come. If I see danger, I will find a way to escape."
The third fish laughed and said, "This pond has always been safe. Why should we leave? I don’t believe in unnecessary worries."
The next morning, the fishermen arrived. The first fish had already left the pond and was safe. The second fish, seeing the danger, quickly pretended to be dead and was thrown back into the water. But the third fish, who had not planned ahead, was caught and taken away.
Moral of the Story:
Those who plan ahead stay safe, while those who ignore warnings may face trouble.
20. The Honest Barber Short Story in English with Moral
In a small town, there was a humble barber named Ramesh. He was known not only for his excellent skills but also for his honesty and kindness. No matter who came to his shop—rich or poor—he treated everyone with respect and never charged unfairly.
One day, a wealthy merchant visited his shop for a haircut and shave. After the service, the merchant realized he had forgotten his wallet. Embarrassed, he said, "I will send my servant with the money later."
Ramesh smiled and replied, "Sir, I trust you. You can pay me whenever it’s convenient." The merchant was impressed by his honesty.
The next day, the merchant returned not only with the payment but also with a generous reward. Ramesh politely declined, saying, "I only take what I earn. Honesty is my greatest wealth."
Word of Ramesh’s honesty spread throughout the town. One day, the king disguised himself as a common man and visited his shop. After receiving a shave, he tested Ramesh by offering extra money. But Ramesh refused, saying, "I only take what is fair, nothing more."
The king revealed his identity and was so pleased with Ramesh’s honesty that he appointed him as the royal barber and rewarded him generously.
Moral of the Story:
Honesty and integrity always lead to great rewards in life.
21. The Crow and the Snake
Once upon a time, a crow lived on a tall tree. She had built a cozy nest where she laid her eggs. However, a wicked snake lived in a hole at the base of the tree. Every time the crow laid eggs, the snake would slither up and eat them. The poor crow was heartbroken but felt helpless.
One day, she shared her sorrow with her friend, a clever fox. The fox thought for a while and said, "I have a plan to get rid of the snake. Just do as I say."
The next morning, the crow flew to the king’s palace and saw the royal princess bathing in the garden. She noticed a shining gold necklace placed on the side. Quickly, she swooped down, grabbed the necklace in her beak, and flew back to her tree.
As expected, the palace guards saw the crow take the necklace and ran after her. The clever crow flew over the snake’s hole and dropped the necklace inside. When the guards arrived, they found the necklace in the hole and immediately started digging. Seeing the snake, they killed it and took back the necklace.
The crow was finally free from her enemy and lived peacefully, raising her young ones happily.
Moral of the Story:
Clever thinking can defeat even the strongest enemies.
22. The Clever Merchant Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a bustling town, there was a clever merchant named Raghav. He was known for his sharp mind and honesty. He traveled from village to village, selling fine fabrics and earning a fair profit.
One day, while returning home, he had to pass through a dense forest. A group of robbers hiding behind the trees saw him and planned to steal his money. As Raghav walked along, the robbers jumped out and surrounded him. "Give us all your money, or you will not leave this forest alive!" they threatened.
Raghav remained calm and quickly thought of a plan. He smiled and said, "Oh, brave men, why settle for just my small earnings? I have hidden a bag of gold under a tree back in the village. If you let me go, I will bring it to you tomorrow."
The robbers, greedy for more wealth, believed him and let him go. As soon as Raghav reached his town, he went straight to the king and informed him about the robbers. The next morning, the king’s guards ambushed and captured the robbers.
The king rewarded Raghav for his intelligence and bravery. From that day on, he became even more respected in the kingdom.
Moral of the Story:
Cleverness and presence of mind can help overcome even the toughest situations.
23. The Broken Pot Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a poor but hardworking farmer. Every morning, he walked a long distance to fetch water from the river. He carried two pots, tied to a wooden pole across his shoulders.
One of the pots was perfect, while the other had a small crack. By the time the farmer reached home, the cracked pot had lost nearly half of its water. This continued for years.
One day, the broken pot felt ashamed and said to the farmer, “I am useless. Because of my crack, I waste half the water. Please replace me with a better pot.”
The farmer smiled and gently said, “Look at the path we take every day.” The pot noticed that one side of the path was full of beautiful flowers, while the other side was dry and barren.
The farmer explained, “I knew about your crack, so I planted flower seeds along your side of the path. Every day, you watered them, and now they bloom beautifully. Thanks to you, I can decorate my home and sell flowers in the market.”
The broken pot realized that even its flaw had a purpose. It no longer felt ashamed but proud of what it had unknowingly achieved.
Moral of the Story:
Everyone has unique qualities. What may seem like a weakness can turn into a great strength.
24. The Farmer and the Snake
One winter morning, a kind-hearted farmer was walking through his fields when he found a half-frozen snake lying on the ground. The snake was shivering and barely moving.
Feeling sorry for the creature, the farmer picked it up and said, “Poor thing! You will die in this cold. Let me help you.” He placed the snake inside his coat to warm it and carried it home.
When they reached the farmer’s house, he gently placed the snake by the fireplace. Slowly, the warmth brought the snake back to life. As soon as it regained its strength, the snake suddenly struck at the farmer and bit him!
Shocked and in pain, the farmer cried out, “I saved your life, and this is how you repay me?” The snake replied, “It is my nature to bite. You should not have trusted me.”
Within minutes, the poison spread through the farmer’s body, and he collapsed. Before he died, he whispered, “Kindness should be given wisely. Some people will never change, no matter how good you are to them.”
Moral of the Story:
Never trust someone who has a history of harming others. Kindness should be given with wisdom.
25. The King and the Spider
Once upon a time, there was a brave king named Vikram. He ruled his kingdom wisely and was loved by his people. However, one day, his kingdom was attacked by a powerful enemy. Despite fighting courageously, Vikram lost the battle and was forced to escape into the forest.
Tired and wounded, the defeated king hid in a cave. He felt hopeless and ashamed, believing he would never regain his kingdom. As he sat in despair, he noticed a small spider trying to weave a web across the cave’s entrance.
The spider kept climbing up, but each time, the wind blew it down. Still, the tiny creature refused to give up. Again and again, it tried, failing multiple times but never stopping. Finally, on its seventh attempt, the spider succeeded in spinning its web.
Watching this, the king realized something important. "If a small spider can keep trying despite failure, why should I give up?" He felt inspired and regained his determination.
Vikram gathered his remaining soldiers, planned wisely, and fought back with new energy. This time, he defeated his enemies and reclaimed his kingdom. He ruled with even greater wisdom, always remembering the lesson he learned from the spider.
Moral of the Story:
Never give up! Failure is just a step toward success if you keep trying.
26. The Arrogant Elephant Short Story in English
Once upon a time, in a dense jungle, there lived a huge and powerful elephant named Gajraj. He was strong but very arrogant. He often boasted about his strength and made fun of smaller animals.
One day, as he walked near the river, he saw a tiny ant carrying food. Gajraj laughed loudly and said, “You are so small and weak! What can you ever do in life?” The ant politely replied, “Strength is not everything. Even small creatures can be powerful.”
The elephant ignored her words and continued to mock other animals in the jungle. But one day, as he was bathing in the river, the same little ant crawled inside his trunk. She started biting him from the inside.
Gajraj trumpeted in pain, stamping his feet and shaking his trunk, but he could not get rid of the tiny ant. He ran around the jungle, begging for help.
Finally, he pleaded, “Please, little ant, forgive me! I have learned my lesson.” The ant agreed and came out. From that day on, Gajraj never mocked anyone again and became a kind-hearted elephant.
Moral of the Story:
Never underestimate others. Even the smallest being can teach the biggest a lesson.
27. The Kind Woodcutter Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a small village near a dense forest, lived a poor but honest woodcutter named Ramu. Every day, he would go into the forest to cut wood and sell it in the market to earn his living.
One day, while chopping a tree near a river, his axe slipped from his hands and fell into the deep water. Ramu was heartbroken because it was his only axe. He sat by the river, sad and helpless.
Suddenly, the river goddess appeared. She asked, “Why are you so sad, dear woodcutter?”
Ramu explained his situation. The goddess dipped her hand into the river and pulled out a golden axe. “Is this your axe?” she asked.
Ramu shook his head and said, “No, my axe was made of iron.”
The goddess then brought out a silver axe and asked again. Ramu refused once more, saying, “Mine was not silver either.”
Finally, she took out his old iron axe, and Ramu happily said, “Yes! That is mine!”
Impressed by his honesty and kindness, the goddess gifted him all three axes as a reward.
Ramu returned to the village, and everyone praised his honesty. He continued to work hard and remained kind-hearted forever.
Moral of the Story:
Honesty is always rewarded in the end.
The Foolish Goat Short Story in English with Moral
One hot summer day, a thirsty fox was wandering through the forest in search of water. After a long search, it found a deep well with fresh water at the bottom. The fox leaned over to drink, but accidentally slipped and fell in.
The fox tried to climb out but failed. Just then, a goat passed by and saw the fox in the well. The foolish goat asked, “Is the water good?”
The cunning fox pretended to be happy and said, “The water is so sweet and cool! You should jump in and drink some.” Without thinking, the goat jumped into the well.
As soon as the goat drank the water, he realized he was trapped. The fox then said, “Now, help me escape first. Then I will pull you out.” The foolish goat agreed. The fox climbed onto the goat’s back and jumped out.
Once out, the fox laughed and ran away, leaving the goat stuck in the well.
The goat regretted his foolishness but it was too late.
Moral:
Think before you act. Do not believe everything others say without using your own judgment.
The Lazy Cat Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, a lazy cat lived in a small village. The cat’s owner, an old woman, fed it delicious food every day. Since the cat never had to hunt for food, it became lazy and fat.
One day, the old woman fell ill and could no longer feed the cat. The lazy cat waited for food, but none came. Hungry, it decided to catch a mouse, but every time it tried, the mice escaped easily. The cat had become too slow due to its laziness.
Realizing it couldn’t survive this way, the cat decided to change its habits. It started exercising, running, and practicing hunting. After days of effort, it finally caught its first mouse. Over time, the cat became strong and skilled again.
When the old woman recovered, she saw the cat had become active and independent. She smiled and said, “Hard work always pays off.” From that day on, the cat never relied on others for food again.
Moral:
Laziness leads to failure, but hard work and determination lead to success.
The Ungrateful Crocodile
A kind monkey lived in a tree near a river. Every day, he shared sweet fruits with a hungry crocodile who had no food. Over time, they became good friends.
One day, the crocodile told his greedy wife about the monkey’s kindness. She said, “If the monkey eats such sweet fruits, his heart must be even sweeter! Bring me his heart to eat.” The crocodile, though hesitant, agreed.
The next day, the crocodile invited the monkey for a ride across the river. Midway, he said, “My wife wants to eat your heart, so I must take it.” The monkey stayed calm and cleverly replied, “Oh! But I left my heart in the tree. Let’s go back so I can get it.”
The foolish crocodile turned around, and as soon as they reached the shore, the monkey jumped back onto his tree and said, “I trusted you, but you betrayed me. Now, we can never be friends again.”
The crocodile regretted his greed and betrayal, but it was too late.
Moral:
Never betray those who help you. Greed can destroy even the best friendships.
The Lost Camel Short Story in English with Moral
A merchant was traveling through the desert with his camel. One night, he tied the camel near his tent and went to sleep. But by morning, the camel was gone.
Panicked, the merchant searched for footprints in the sand. He soon met three wise men and asked, “Have you seen my camel?”
The first man said, “Was your camel blind in one eye?”
The second man said, “Did your camel have a limp?”
The third man said, “Was your camel missing a front tooth?”
The merchant was amazed and said, “Yes! That’s my camel! Where is it?” But the wise men replied, “We haven’t seen it. We just observed its footprints.”
The merchant didn’t believe them and accused them of stealing his camel. He took them to the king’s court for punishment.
The king asked, “How did you know so much about the camel?”
The first wise man explained, “The grass was eaten only on one side, so it must be blind in one eye.”
The second said, “Its footprints showed a limp.”
The third said, “Bite marks on the grass had a gap, meaning it was missing a tooth.”
The merchant realized his mistake and apologized.
Moral:
Observation and intelligence can solve even the toughest problems.
The Talking Parrot Short Story in English with Moral
In a small village, a merchant owned a beautiful parrot that could talk. The parrot was kept in a golden cage and was well-fed, but it longed for freedom.
One day, the merchant decided to travel to a faraway land. Before leaving, he asked his parrot, “Do you want me to bring you something?” The parrot replied, “Yes! If you see any parrots in the jungle, tell them I live in a cage and miss my freedom.”
The merchant traveled and saw wild parrots flying happily. He delivered his parrot’s message. Suddenly, one of the parrots fell to the ground, lifeless. Shocked, the merchant returned home and told his parrot what had happened.
As soon as the parrot heard this, it collapsed inside the cage, just like the jungle parrot. Thinking it was dead, the merchant sadly opened the cage. But in an instant, the parrot flew away and sat on a tree branch.
The merchant realized the jungle parrot had taught his parrot a trick to gain freedom. He smiled and let his parrot go.
Moral:
Freedom is priceless. Those who are truly wise find a way to achieve it.
The Magic Paintbrush
Long ago, a poor boy named Ming loved to paint. Since he couldn’t afford a brush, he used sticks and mud to draw on the ground. One night, an old man appeared in his dream and gifted him a magical paintbrush, saying, “Use it wisely to help others.”
When Ming woke up, he found the paintbrush beside him! He soon discovered that whatever he painted became real. He used it to help poor villagers, painting food, water, and houses for them.
One day, a greedy king heard about Ming’s talent and ordered him to paint gold and jewels. But Ming refused, saying, “This brush is meant to help, not for greed.” Enraged, the king tried to use the brush himself, but nothing happened.
To teach the king a lesson, Ming painted a huge wave that swept the palace away. The people celebrated Ming’s kindness, and he continued using the brush to help those in need.
Moral:
True talents should be used for good, not for selfish desires.
The Two Seeds Short Story in English with Moral
Two tiny seeds lay buried in the soil. One seed said, “I will grow tall and strong, reaching for the sky.” With courage, it sprouted and grew into a healthy plant, soaking up sunlight and rain.
The other seed, however, was afraid. It thought, “What if my roots get crushed? What if a storm breaks me?” Out of fear, it refused to grow and remained buried in the soil.
One day, a hungry bird searching for food pecked at the soil and swallowed the seed that never grew. Meanwhile, the first seed became a beautiful tree, providing shade and shelter to many creatures.
The seed that took a risk and grew lived a purposeful life, while the one that stayed hidden perished without ever realizing its potential.
Moral:
Fear of failure stops growth. Take risks and embrace challenges to succeed in life.
The Carpenter’s Lesson
Once upon a time, an old carpenter decided to retire after years of hard work. His boss, who was sad to see him go, asked him to build one last house before leaving. The carpenter agreed, but he was no longer motivated. He used cheap materials and rushed the work, thinking it wouldn’t matter since it was his last project.
When the house was completed, the boss smiled and handed him the keys, saying, “This house is my gift to you for your years of service.” The carpenter was shocked and embarrassed. If he had known he was building his own home, he would have put in his best effort.
This realization taught him a valuable lesson—whatever we do in life, we should always give our best effort because our actions shape our future. The carpenter regretted his carelessness, but it was too late to fix his mistakes.
From that day on, he taught young apprentices to work with dedication and honesty, so they wouldn’t make the same mistake.
Moral:
Every task we do in life builds our future, so always give your best effort.
The Selfish Dog Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, a hungry dog found a large, juicy bone. Overjoyed, he grabbed it in his mouth and ran towards a quiet place to enjoy his meal. On his way, he had to cross a small wooden bridge over a river.
As he walked across the bridge, he looked down and saw his own reflection in the water. Not realizing it was himself, he thought, “That dog has a bigger bone than mine! I must take it from him.”
Driven by greed, the dog barked at his reflection, hoping to scare the other dog away. But as he opened his mouth, the bone fell into the river and was washed away by the current. The dog stood there in shock, watching his meal disappear.
Now, with nothing left, he realized his selfishness and greed had caused him to lose what he already had. He walked away hungry, learning a painful but important lesson.
From that day on, the dog never let greed blind him from appreciating what he had.
Moral:
Greed can make us lose what we already have. Be content with what you own.
The Generous Baker Short Story in English with Moral
In a small town, a kind and generous baker was known for making the most delicious bread. He never charged poor people for food and always shared extra bread with those in need.
One day, a wealthy merchant came to the bakery. He noticed the baker giving free loaves to a poor woman and sneered, “You’re losing money by giving food away for free.”
The baker smiled and replied, “Kindness is never a loss.”
Years passed, and the town faced a terrible drought. Food became scarce, and people struggled to survive. The rich merchant, who had once mocked the baker, now found himself without food or money. Desperate, he visited the bakery.
To his surprise, the baker welcomed him warmly and offered him bread, just as he had done for the poor woman years ago. The merchant, filled with gratitude, realized that the baker’s kindness had come back to him.
From that day forward, he also learned to be generous and compassionate.
Moral:
Kindness always finds a way back to you. Helping others will never make you poor.
The Greedy Cat and the Fish
A lazy and greedy cat lived near a fisherman’s hut. Every day, the kind fisherman fed him small fish, but the cat always wanted bigger and tastier meals.
One day, the fisherman caught a large fish and placed it in his basket. The cat’s mouth watered, and he thought, “Why settle for small fish when I can have the biggest one?”
As soon as the fisherman turned away, the cat jumped onto the basket, trying to grab the big fish. However, he lost his balance and fell into the river. Since he had never learned to swim, he struggled in the water. Seeing his distress, the fisherman quickly rescued him.
Shivering and ashamed, the cat realized his greed had put his life in danger. He felt grateful for the small fish he received every day and never tried to steal again.
From then on, he learned to appreciate what he had instead of always wanting more.
Moral:
Greed can make us lose everything. Appreciate what you already have.
The Sparrow’s Determination
A little sparrow lived happily in a tree near a river. One day, a storm struck, and the heavy rain washed away her nest. Heartbroken but determined, the sparrow decided to rebuild her home.
Other birds laughed, saying, “The storm will come again. Why waste your effort?” But the sparrow replied, “No matter how many times I fail, I will never give up.”
She worked tirelessly, collecting twigs and building a stronger nest. When the next storm came, her nest stood firm. The other birds, impressed by her perseverance, learned the value of determination.
Moral:
Success comes to those who never give up.
The Rich Man’s Gift
A wealthy man once visited a temple and made a grand donation of gold and jewels. A poor farmer, having nothing, humbly placed a small bowl of rice as an offering.
People mocked the farmer’s tiny gift, but the temple priest said, “The rich man gave from his excess, but the farmer gave all he had. His gift is more valuable.”
Hearing this, the rich man understood the true meaning of generosity—it is not about how much you give, but how much love and sacrifice is in the gift.
Moral:
True generosity comes from the heart, not wealth.
The Jealous Fox Short Story in English with Moral
A fox saw a crow sitting on a tree with a big piece of cheese in its beak. The fox, jealous and greedy, thought of a plan.
He said, “Oh, beautiful crow! You have such a sweet voice. Please sing for me!” The crow, flattered, opened its beak to sing, and the cheese fell down. The fox grabbed it and laughed, leaving the crow hungry and regretful.
The crow learned never to trust false praise and never let flattery distract from wisdom.
Moral:
Beware of those who use flattery to deceive you.
The Lying Shepherd Short Story in English with Moral
A young shepherd boy looked after sheep near a village. To amuse himself, he cried, “Wolf! Wolf!” The villagers ran to help, but there was no wolf. The boy laughed.
He did this several times, and each time, the villagers rushed to his aid, only to find no danger.
One day, a real wolf appeared. The boy screamed for help, but this time, no one believed him. The wolf attacked the flock, and the boy learned a hard lesson.
Moral:
Lies may bring temporary fun, but they destroy trust forever.
The Farmer’s Donkey
A farmer’s donkey fell into a deep pit. The farmer, thinking it was too difficult to rescue, decided to bury the donkey to put it out of its misery.
As he and his neighbors shoveled dirt into the pit, the donkey shook off the dirt and stepped up. With every new load of dirt, the donkey kept climbing higher until it finally walked out safely.
The farmer realized that what seemed like a problem actually helped the donkey escape.
Moral:
Turn obstacles into opportunities by never giving up.
The Clever Deer Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, a clever deer lived in a dense forest. A hungry tiger wanted to eat him and tried many times to catch him, but the deer was always alert and escaped cleverly.
One day, the tiger pretended to be injured and lay on the ground, hoping to trick the deer. He groaned, “Dear friend, I am dying. Please come closer and say your last goodbye.”
The deer, being wise, saw no footprints leading away from the tiger, only towards him. He laughed and said, “If you were truly injured, there would be footprints going both ways!” Then he quickly ran away, leaving the tiger frustrated.
Moral:
Always think before trusting others, especially in danger.
The Boy and the Mango Tree
A little boy loved a mango tree in his garden. He played under its shade and enjoyed its sweet fruits. As he grew older, he forgot about the tree.
Years later, the boy, now a tired and stressed man, returned. The tree welcomed him, saying, “Take my shade and rest.” Later, when he needed wood for his house, the tree offered its branches. Finally, when he became old and weak, the tree let him sit on its stump.
The boy realized that the tree had always given selflessly, just like a loving parent.
Moral:
Selfless love is the greatest gift of all.
The Faithful Dog
A farmer had a loyal dog who guarded his house. One night, a thief sneaked in. The dog barked loudly, waking the farmer, who rushed out and scared the thief away.
Instead of thanking the dog, the farmer tied him up, thinking the barking was unnecessary. That night, the thief returned. The dog, unable to move, could only watch as the thief stole everything.
The farmer realized his mistake too late. He freed the dog and regretted not trusting his faithful friend.
Moral:
Loyalty should always be appreciated and never doubted.
The King’s Shoes Short Story in English with Moral
A king once traveled across his kingdom and found the roads rough and full of stones. His feet hurt, so he ordered that all the roads be covered in leather.
A wise minister suggested, “Instead of covering all the roads, why not just cover your feet?” The king agreed and had the first shoes made. He realized that sometimes, small changes can solve big problems.
Moral:
Instead of changing the world, change yourself to adapt.
The Wise Mouse Short Story in English with Moral
A small mouse lived in a hole near a greedy lion. One day, the lion was trapped in a hunter’s net and roared for help.
The mouse, though small, used his sharp teeth to gnaw the ropes and free the lion. The lion, humbled, thanked the tiny mouse and promised never to harm him.
Later, when the hunter returned, the lion scared him away, saving the mouse in return.
Moral:
Even the smallest friend can be helpful in times of need.
The Two Travelers and the Bear
Two friends were walking through a dense forest when suddenly, a huge bear appeared in their path. Terrified, one of the travelers quickly climbed a tree, leaving his friend behind.
The second traveler, knowing he couldn’t outrun the bear, lay down on the ground and held his breath, pretending to be dead. The bear came close, sniffed him, and then walked away, thinking he was lifeless.
When the bear was gone, the first traveler climbed down and asked, “What did the bear whisper in your ear?” His friend replied, “The bear told me never to trust a friend who abandons you in danger.”
Moral:
A true friend stays with you in times of trouble.
The Foolish Donkey Short Story in English with Moral
A merchant owned a donkey that helped carry heavy loads. One day, while crossing a river, the donkey accidentally slipped, and the sacks of salt it was carrying got wet. The salt dissolved, making the load lighter.
The donkey realized this trick and deliberately fell into the river every time to reduce its burden. The merchant understood the donkey’s foolishness and decided to teach it a lesson.
The next day, he loaded the donkey with sponges instead of salt. When the donkey fell into the river, the sponges absorbed water and became heavier. The donkey struggled to carry the load and learned that laziness does not always bring rewards.
Moral:
Cleverness used for laziness leads to trouble.
The Unbreakable Sticks
An old man had three sons who were always fighting. He wanted to teach them the value of unity. One day, he gave each son a single stick and asked them to break it. They all did so easily.
Then, he tied three sticks together and asked them to break the bundle. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t break it. The old man said, “Alone, you are weak, but together, you are strong. Stay united, and no one will defeat you.”
The sons understood their mistake and promised to stay together forever.
Moral:
Unity gives strength; division brings weakness.
The Ant and the Grasshopper Short Story
One summer, a hardworking ant collected food while a lazy grasshopper played and sang. The grasshopper laughed at the ant, saying, “Why work so hard? Enjoy life!”
When winter came, the grasshopper had no food and was cold and hungry. He went to the ant’s house and begged for food. The ant replied, “You played all summer while I worked. Now, you must face the consequences.”
The grasshopper regretted his laziness and learned the importance of hard work and planning for the future.
Moral:
Hard work today secures a better tomorrow.
The Clever Tortoise Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a dense jungle, there lived a wise tortoise. One day, a hungry fox spotted the tortoise and thought, “This slow creature will be an easy meal!” The fox grabbed the tortoise in its mouth, ready to eat it.
The tortoise quickly thought of a plan and said, “Mr. Fox, I have a hard shell, and you will not enjoy eating me like this. If you throw me into the river, my shell will soften, and then I will taste better.”
The foolish fox believed the tortoise and threw it into the river. But as soon as the tortoise hit the water, it swam away safely, laughing at the fox’s foolishness. The fox regretted falling for the trick, while the clever tortoise saved itself with its intelligence.
Moral:
Wisdom and quick thinking can save you from danger.
The Fox and the Stork
A cunning fox once invited a stork to dinner. He served the meal on a flat plate, knowing well that the stork’s long beak would make it impossible to eat. The fox enjoyed his meal while the stork went hungry.
The stork understood the trick but remained calm. A few days later, the stork invited the fox for dinner. He served the meal in a tall, narrow jar, which only his long beak could reach. The fox couldn’t eat anything and went home hungry and embarrassed.
The fox realized his mistake and learned that tricking others can backfire. The stork taught him a valuable lesson without being rude or unkind.
Moral:
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
The Poor Man’s Gift Short Story in English with Moral
A kind-hearted poor man lived in a village. Though he had little, he always shared whatever he had with those in need.
One day, the king announced a grand feast where everyone was invited to bring a special gift. The poor man had nothing fancy, so he brought a small basket of fresh fruits from his garden.
At the feast, rich people came with gold, silk, and expensive gifts. Some of them laughed at the poor man’s humble offering. However, when the king saw the fruits, he smiled and said, “This is the most valuable gift because it is given with true kindness.”
The king rewarded the poor man with gold and land, proving that a gift from the heart is more valuable than riches.
Moral:
True generosity comes from the heart, not wealth.
The Goose That Laid Golden Eggs
A farmer and his wife owned a special goose that laid a golden egg every day. They became wealthy and happy, selling the eggs and living a comfortable life.
However, greed took over, and they thought, “If the goose lays one golden egg daily, there must be many more inside it!” Wanting to get all the gold at once, they killed the goose and cut it open, only to find nothing inside.
They had lost their treasure forever. Their greed left them with nothing, and they regretted their foolish decision.
Moral:
Greed can lead to great loss. Be patient and content with what you have.
The Kind Fisherman Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, there was a kind-hearted fisherman named Ramesh. Every day, he would cast his net into the river, catching just enough fish to feed his family and sell at the market. Unlike other fishermen, he always released small fish and pregnant fish back into the water.
One day, as he pulled up his net, he found a golden fish trapped inside. To his surprise, the fish spoke, “Please let me go, and I will grant you a wish.”
Ramesh, being content with his life, smiled and said, “I don’t need anything, little fish. Go back to your home.” The golden fish was grateful and promised, “Because of your kindness, you will never go hungry.”
From that day on, Ramesh always caught just the right amount of fish, never too little or too much. His kindness and generosity brought him prosperity and happiness.
Moral:
Kindness and selflessness bring unexpected rewards.
The Wise Old Owl Short Story in English with Moral
There was an old owl who lived in a tall tree in the forest. He sat quietly, observing everything around him. Every morning, he watched as the other animals talked and played. He never interrupted but listened carefully to their words and actions.
One day, the animals approached the owl and asked, “Why don’t you speak like us?” The owl replied, “Wisdom comes from listening more and speaking less.”
A few days later, a quarrel broke out between two young birds over a nest. The owl watched as they fought but did not intervene. When they finally asked him for advice, he said, “Both of you need to share. Fighting will only leave you both homeless.” The birds understood their mistake and made peace.
Because of his wisdom, the owl became respected by all. Animals from far and wide came to seek his guidance, and he helped solve many disputes with his thoughtful advice.
Moral:
Listening and observing bring wisdom, while speaking too much can lead to foolishness.
The Clever Rabbit and the Lion
In a vast jungle, a cruel lion ruled over all the animals. He hunted freely and made the animals live in fear. To stop the lion’s constant hunting, the animals made a deal: “Each day, one animal will come to you as food.”
One day, it was a rabbit’s turn. The rabbit was small and did not want to die, so he came up with a clever plan. He walked very slowly to the lion’s den, making the lion furious.
"Why are you late?" the lion roared.
The rabbit replied, “On my way, I met another lion who said he is stronger than you.”
The lion, full of pride, demanded, “Where is he? Show me!”
The rabbit led the lion to a deep well and pointed at the water inside. “Look! He is there,” the rabbit said.
The foolish lion saw his own reflection in the well and, thinking it was another lion, jumped in to fight. He drowned, and the jungle was finally free.
Moral:
Intelligence and cleverness can defeat even the strongest enemy.
The Thirsty Crow Short Story in English with Moral
One hot summer afternoon, a crow flew across the land searching for water. The sun burned brightly, and the crow was exhausted. After a long search, he finally spotted a clay pot with water at the bottom.
Excited, he tried to drink, but the water was too low for his beak to reach. He pushed and pulled the pot, but it was too heavy to tilt.
Then, the crow had an idea. He picked up small pebbles and dropped them into the pot one by one. With each pebble, the water level rose higher and higher. Finally, the water reached the top, and the crow happily drank to his heart’s content.
Refreshed, he flew away, knowing that patience and intelligence always solve problems.
Moral:
Clever thinking and patience can solve even the hardest challenges.
The Farmer and the Snake
One winter morning, a farmer was walking through his fields when he found a snake lying frozen on the ground. Feeling pity for the creature, he picked it up and placed it inside his coat to warm it.
After a while, the snake regained strength. Instead of being grateful, it bit the farmer on the chest. Shocked and in pain, the farmer cried, “Why did you bite me? I saved your life!”
The snake hissed and replied, “It is in my nature to bite. Kindness does not change who I am.” The farmer fell to the ground, realizing his mistake.
Moral:
Never trust those who are naturally wicked, as they will harm you no matter how kind you are to them.
The Silly Donkey Short Story in English with Moral
A merchant had a lazy donkey that often tried to avoid work. One day, while crossing a river with a heavy sack of salt on its back, the donkey slipped and fell. The salt dissolved in the water, making the load lighter. The donkey was happy and thought, “I should do this every time!”
The next day, the merchant loaded the donkey with more salt. Again, the donkey pretended to slip, expecting the weight to reduce. But this time, the merchant understood the trick.
The next day, he loaded the donkey with sponges instead of salt. When the donkey fell into the river, the sponges absorbed water, making the load heavier than before. The donkey struggled to carry the weight and learned its lesson.
Moral:
Clever tricks may work once, but laziness will always lead to failure.
The Magic Lamp Short Story in English with Moral
A poor boy named Ali lived in a small village. One day, while searching for food, he found an old lamp buried in the sand. Curious, he rubbed it, and suddenly, a genie appeared!
The genie said, “I will grant you three wishes.” Ali was shocked but excited. He first wished for food and water, then for a beautiful house, and finally for wealth. His wishes were granted, and he became rich overnight.
However, Ali soon became greedy. He started treating people badly, forgetting his humble past. One day, the lamp slipped from his hands and shattered, and the genie disappeared forever. Ali lost everything and realized that greed had blinded him.
Moral:
Greed can take away everything if you are not careful.
The Hidden Treasure
An old farmer had three sons who were lazy and careless. On his deathbed, he told them, “There is treasure buried in our fields. Dig the land, and you will find it.”
After the farmer passed away, the sons hurried to the field and dug every inch of it. However, they found no gold, no jewels—nothing.
Disappointed, they decided to plant seeds in the freshly dug soil. With time, the crops grew, and they earned a great harvest. That’s when they realized what their father meant—the real treasure was hard work and the land itself.
Moral:
Hard work is the true key to success.
The Honest Boy Short Story in English with Moral
In a small town, there was a boy named Ravi who was known for his honesty. One day, while walking home from school, he found a purse full of money on the road.
Instead of keeping it, Ravi took it to the village chief. The chief announced the lost purse, and soon, an old woman came forward, saying it belonged to her.
She thanked Ravi and offered him some money as a reward. But Ravi politely said, “Honesty is my reward.”
The chief, impressed by Ravi’s truthfulness, told the whole village about his honesty. Later, when a wealthy merchant was looking for a trustworthy assistant, he chose Ravi, and his life changed for the better.
Moral:
Honesty always brings rewards in unexpected ways.
The Wise Judge Short Story in English with Moral
In a small kingdom, there lived a wise judge named Ravi. He was known for his fairness and intelligence in solving disputes.
One day, two men came to him, both claiming ownership of a beautiful horse. Each man argued that the horse was his, and there was no proof of true ownership. The judge listened patiently and then said, “I have a simple test to find the real owner.”
He ordered the horse to be released far away and told both men to call it. The first man shouted loudly and clapped, but the horse did not react. The second man, however, whistled softly, and the horse immediately ran to him.
The judge smiled and said, “The true owner is the one whom the horse recognizes.” The first man, realizing he had lost, accepted the decision.
The people praised the judge’s wisdom and fairness, and from that day on, he was respected even more.
Moral:
Truth always finds a way to reveal itself.
The Two Frogs Short Story in English with Moral
One rainy day, two frogs fell into a deep pot of milk in a farmer’s house. They struggled to get out, but the walls were too slippery.
One frog gave up and said, “We will never escape!” He stopped swimming and drowned.
The other frog refused to quit. He kept kicking and struggling. After hours of effort, the milk turned into butter, giving him a solid surface to jump from. He leaped out and saved himself.
He realized that perseverance and effort can overcome even the toughest situations.
Moral:
Never give up! Hard work can turn the impossible into possible.
The Fake Peacock Short Story in English with Moral
A crow always admired the beautiful peacocks in the forest. He envied their colorful feathers and wanted to be like them.
One day, he found some fallen peacock feathers and stuck them onto himself. Feeling proud, he went to the peacocks and said, “Now, I am one of you.”
The peacocks laughed at him. “You may wear our feathers, but you will never be a real peacock!” they said and chased him away.
Defeated, the crow returned to his fellow crows, but they too rejected him, saying, “You were ashamed of being one of us. Now, you belong nowhere.”
The crow regretted his foolishness and realized that pretending to be someone else only leads to loneliness.
Moral:
Be proud of who you are. Pretending to be someone else will only lead to failure.
The Loyal Dog Short Story in English with Moral
A farmer had a faithful dog named Bruno, who guarded his house every night. Bruno was old but still loyal.
One night, a thief tried to enter the farmer’s house. Bruno barked loudly, warning his master. The farmer woke up and chased the thief away.
The next morning, a neighbor told the farmer, “Bruno is old. You should get a new dog.” But the farmer smiled and said, “Loyalty is more valuable than strength. Bruno may be old, but he is still my protector.”
Bruno felt proud and continued to guard his master for many more years.
Moral:
Loyalty and faithfulness are more valuable than strength or beauty.
The Wise King Short Story in English with Moral
King Aryan was known for his wisdom and fairness. He always listened to his people and made just decisions.
One day, two women came to him, both claiming to be the mother of a baby. They argued fiercely, and there was no proof of who was telling the truth.
The king thought for a moment and then said, “I will cut the baby in half and give each of you a part.”
One woman cried out, “No! Please don’t hurt the baby. Let her have the child.” The other woman remained silent.
The king immediately knew the truth. He pointed to the first woman and said, “You are the real mother because only a true mother would rather lose her child than see it harmed.”
The kingdom praised the king’s wisdom, and justice was served.
Moral:
A wise person can find the truth even in difficult situations.
The Girl Who Never Gave Up
In a small village, there lived a young girl named Aisha. She dreamed of becoming a great runner, but everyone laughed at her. “Girls cannot be athletes,” they said. However, Aisha refused to listen.
Every morning, she woke up before sunrise and practiced running, even when she was tired. She faced many challenges—her shoes wore out, her legs ached, and sometimes she lost races. But she never gave up.
One day, a big competition was announced in the village. Aisha was excited but nervous. When the race started, she ran with all her strength. At first, she fell behind, but she kept pushing herself. With great determination, she overtook the others and crossed the finish line first!
The crowd cheered loudly. The same people who once doubted her were now clapping. The village chief handed her the winner’s trophy and said, “You have shown that determination and hard work lead to success.”
From that day on, Aisha became an inspiration to many. She proved that no matter what others say, if you believe in yourself and never give up, you can achieve anything.
Moral:
Persistence and hard work always lead to success.
The Old Man and the Young Boy
One day, a young boy named Karan saw an old man planting a tree. Curious, he asked, “Why are you planting this tree? You are too old to enjoy its fruits.”
The old man smiled and replied, “I may not eat its fruit, but one day, someone like you will.”
Karan didn’t understand at first, but he watched the old man carefully nurture the tree, watering it every day. Years passed, and the old man was no longer there, but the tree had grown tall and strong, providing shade and fruits for many people.
One hot summer day, Karan, now grown up, rested under the same tree and remembered the old man’s words. He realized the importance of selfless actions.
Inspired, he started planting trees in the village so that future generations could benefit. Soon, the village became lush and green, all because of the wisdom of one old man.
Moral:
The good deeds we do today will benefit others in the future.
The Generous King Short Story in English with Moral
King Harsh ruled a prosperous kingdom, but he was not just rich—he was kind and generous. Unlike other rulers, he believed in sharing his wealth with the poor.
One day, a starving beggar came to his palace, begging for food. The king didn’t just give him food—he gave him a piece of land to grow his own crops. Soon, the beggar became a successful farmer.
The news spread, and more people came to the king for help. Instead of just giving them money, King Harsh taught them skills and provided work. The kingdom flourished, and no one remained poor.
One of his ministers questioned, “Why give away so much?” The king replied, “A true ruler is not known by his wealth, but by his kindness.”
Years later, when another kingdom attacked, his people defended him fiercely because they loved him. The enemy was defeated, and King Harsh ruled happily for years, respected by all.
Moral:
Generosity and kindness create lasting happiness and loyalty.
The Foolish Crow Short Story in English with Moral
One day, a crow was flying over a village when he saw a peacock spreading its colorful feathers. The crow admired its beauty and felt jealous.
He thought, “I am so ugly compared to the peacock.” So, he decided to stick peacock feathers onto himself to look beautiful.
Feeling proud, he went to the peacocks and said, “Look, I am one of you now!” But the peacocks laughed at him. “You are not a peacock, just a foolish crow trying to be someone else.” They chased him away.
Ashamed, the crow returned to his fellow crows, but they too rejected him for trying to be something he was not. Alone and sad, he realized his mistake.
From that day on, he accepted himself as he was and never compared himself to others again.
Moral:
Be proud of who you are. Pretending to be someone else only leads to failure.
The Clever Monkey Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a dense forest, there lived a clever monkey named Momo. He was known for his quick thinking and playful nature.
One day, as Momo was swinging from tree to tree, he saw a group of hunters setting a trap. They placed a banana inside a hollow coconut with a small hole. The hole was big enough for the monkey to slip his hand in but too small for him to pull it out while holding the banana.
Curious, Momo put his hand inside and grabbed the banana. But when he tried to pull it out, his fist got stuck. He struggled, refusing to let go of the banana. The hunters approached, ready to capture him.
At the last moment, Momo used his wits. He quickly released the banana, freed his hand, and climbed up a tree just in time! The hunters were left disappointed.
As Momo sat on a branch, he laughed and said, “Greed leads to trouble. Sometimes, letting go is the smartest choice!”
Moral of the Story:
Greed can trap you, but wisdom can set you free.
The Kind Stranger Short Story in English with Moral
Long ago, a poor traveler named Rohan was wandering through a village, tired and hungry. He knocked on many doors, but people refused to help him.
Finally, an old woman saw him and welcomed him into her home. She offered him warm food and water, even though she had little for herself.
Rohan was touched by her kindness. Before leaving, he blessed her with good fortune. The next morning, when the woman woke up, she found a pot of gold near her doorstep.
From that day on, her life changed for the better, all because of her selfless kindness.
Moral of the Story:
A small act of kindness can bring great rewards.
77. The Magic Seeds Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a poor but kind-hearted farmer named Hari. He worked hard but struggled to grow enough crops due to the dry land.
One day, while working in the field, Hari saw an old man resting under a tree. Feeling sorry for him, Hari offered him some water and food. The old man smiled and said, “You are kind, so I will give you something special.” He handed Hari a small bag of magic seeds and whispered, “Plant them with love, and they will bring you great fortune.”
Hari excitedly planted the seeds and took great care of them. Within days, the seeds sprouted into beautiful plants, bearing golden fruits. The news of the magic crop spread quickly, and greedy villagers tried to steal them.
However, when dishonest people tried to pick the fruits, they turned into dust. Only those with honest hearts and hardworking hands could reap the harvest.
Hari used his magical harvest wisely, sharing food with the poor and improving his farm. The old man returned one day and said, “True wealth comes to those who use it wisely.” With that, he vanished into the air.
Hari continued to work hard, and his farm flourished forever.
Moral of the Story:
Hard work and kindness bring true rewards, while greed leads to nothing.
78. The Lazy Brother Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a small village, two brothers, Ravi and Mohan, lived with their father. Ravi was hardworking and responsible, while Mohan was lazy and careless.
Their father, an old farmer, worked hard to provide for them. He often told Mohan, “Hard work brings success, but laziness leads to failure.” However, Mohan never listened.
One day, their father fell ill and called his sons. “Ravi, take care of the farm. Mohan, help your brother,” he said. Ravi worked day and night, plowing the fields, sowing seeds, and watering crops. Meanwhile, Mohan spent his days sleeping and wasting time.
When harvest time arrived, Ravi reaped a bountiful crop, while Mohan had nothing. Seeing this, their father said, “Look, Mohan, Ravi’s hard work has given him food and wealth. What do you have?”
Mohan realized his mistake and felt ashamed. He promised to change and started helping Ravi in the fields. Over time, he became a responsible and hardworking man.
Soon, their farm flourished even more, and both brothers lived happily.
Moral of the Story:
Laziness leads to failure, while hard work brings success and prosperity.
79. The Glass of Milk
Once upon a time, a poor boy named Raj went from house to house selling small items to earn a living. One day, he was very hungry but had no money to buy food. Feeling helpless, he knocked on a door, deciding to ask for something to eat.
A kind young girl opened the door. Seeing Raj’s tired face, she brought him a glass of milk instead of food. Raj drank it slowly and asked, “How much do I owe you?”
The girl smiled and said, “You don’t owe me anything. My mother taught me to be kind without expecting anything in return.”
Raj thanked her from the bottom of his heart and walked away, feeling stronger and hopeful. That small act of kindness stayed in his heart forever.
Years later, the same girl fell seriously ill. The doctors in her town couldn't cure her, so she was sent to a big hospital in the city. A well-known doctor was assigned to her case. He worked tirelessly and finally saved her life.
When the girl received the hospital bill, she was worried about how to pay it. But when she opened it, she found a note at the bottom:
“Paid in full with a glass of milk – Dr. Raj.”
Tears filled her eyes. She had never imagined that her small act of kindness would return to her in such a big way.
Moral of the Story:
A simple act of kindness can come back to you in unexpected ways.
80. The Lame Horse
Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a kind farmer named Raghav. He owned several strong horses, but among them was an old, lame horse named Badal. Badal had served Raghav well in his younger days, but now he could barely walk properly.
One day, Raghav’s neighbors told him, “This horse is of no use to you. Why don’t you get rid of it?” But Raghav refused. “Badal may be old, but he was once my most loyal companion. I will take care of him.”
One evening, while Raghav and his family were asleep, a group of thieves sneaked into the village. They planned to steal from Raghav’s house, thinking everyone was fast asleep.
Just then, Badal sensed the danger. Though weak, he neighed loudly and kicked the barn door, waking up Raghav. The farmer quickly understood something was wrong. He grabbed a stick and rushed outside, shouting for help.
Hearing the noise, the villagers gathered, and the thieves ran away. Everyone praised Badal for his bravery. The same neighbors who once called him useless now said, “Loyalty and courage matter more than strength. This horse is truly valuable!”
Raghav smiled and patted Badal, knowing he had made the right choice.
Moral of the Story:
Loyalty and kindness should never be forgotten. Everyone has value, no matter their age or condition.
81. The Talking Cave Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a dense forest, there lived a cunning lion who was growing old. He could no longer chase animals as he used to, so he came up with a clever trick to catch his prey.
One day, while roaming the forest, he found a large, empty cave. He thought, “If I hide inside and wait, some animal will come in, and I can catch it easily.” So, he quietly went inside and waited.
After some time, a clever jackal who lived nearby came towards the cave. As he approached, he noticed something unusual—there were footprints leading into the cave but none coming out. This made him suspicious.
The jackal thought of a trick. Standing outside, he called out, “Hello, my dear cave! Why are you so quiet today? Every day, you greet me when I return. Are you upset with me?”
The lion inside was eager to convince the jackal, so he roared loudly, “Come in, my friend! I am here waiting for you!”
Hearing this, the jackal laughed and ran away, knowing that caves don’t talk. The foolish lion had revealed his presence.
Moral of the Story:
Cleverness and caution can save you from danger.
82. The Rich and the Poor Man
Once upon a time, in a bustling town, there lived two men—Raman, a wealthy businessman, and Sohan, a poor laborer. Raman had a big mansion, expensive clothes, and plenty of food, while Sohan lived in a small hut and earned just enough to survive.
Despite their differences, Sohan was always happy, singing and laughing, while Raman often seemed worried and restless.
One day, Raman, curious about Sohan’s happiness, asked, “How can you be so cheerful when you have so little?” Sohan smiled and said, “I have everything I need—food to eat, a place to sleep, and peace in my heart.”
Raman, wanting to test him, secretly placed a bag of gold coins outside Sohan’s hut. The next morning, Sohan found the bag and was shocked and excited. But soon, his mind filled with worry.
“Where should I hide the money? What if someone steals it? How should I use it?” he thought. He stopped singing, became restless, and couldn’t sleep.
After a few days, Sohan realized that his peace was worth more than the gold. He returned the coins to Raman, saying, “Wealth does not bring happiness, but a content heart does.”
Raman finally understood that true wealth lies in peace, not possessions.
Moral of the Story:
Happiness comes from contentment, not riches.
83. The Generous Tree
Once upon a time, in a quiet village, there stood a big, old tree. It had strong branches and gave shade, fruits, and a home to many birds. A little boy named Rohan loved playing under the tree. He would climb its branches, eat its fruits, and rest in its shade. The tree loved him like a parent.
As Rohan grew older, he visited the tree less often. One day, he came back and said, “I need money to buy toys.” The tree smiled and said, “Take my fruits and sell them.” Rohan took the fruits and left happily.
Years later, Rohan returned as a young man. “I need a house,” he said. The tree replied, “Cut my branches and build your house.” Rohan did so and left.
Time passed, and Rohan came back as a tired old man. “I need a boat to sail away,” he said. The tree offered its trunk, and Rohan made a boat.
Years later, Rohan returned once more. But the tree was now just a stump. “I have nothing left to give,” it said sadly. Rohan smiled and said, “I just need a place to rest.” The tree happily offered its stump, and Rohan sat down, finally at peace.
Moral of the Story:
True love is selfless, always giving without expecting anything in return.
84. The Mouse and the Bull
Once upon a time, in a peaceful farm, there lived a mighty bull named Raja. He was strong, proud, and feared by all animals. In the same farm, there was a tiny mouse named Chotu, who was known for his mischievous nature.
One day, Chotu saw Raja resting under a tree. Feeling playful, he ran up to the bull and bit his tail. Raja jumped in anger, looking around to see who dared to disturb him. But Chotu was too small and had already hidden.
Raja roared, “Who dares to trouble me? I am the strongest animal here!”
The next day, Chotu repeated the trick. Raja became furious but still couldn’t catch him. This continued for days until Raja grew restless and lost his peace of mind.
One evening, an old wise owl saw what was happening and said, “Strength alone doesn’t win battles. Even the smallest creatures can cause trouble if underestimated.”
Realizing this, Raja learned to stay calm and not let small irritations control him. Meanwhile, Chotu also understood that playing tricks on others can have consequences. From then on, both the bull and the mouse lived in harmony.
Moral of the Story:
Even the smallest can trouble the mighty. Strength is not just physical—it lies in patience and wisdom.
85. The Wise Ant Short Story in English with Moral
In a lush green forest, a colony of ants worked tirelessly to gather food for the winter. Among them was Chintu, a wise and hardworking ant, who always planned ahead.
One day, a lazy grasshopper named Mintu saw Chintu carrying food and laughed. "Why are you working so hard? There’s plenty of food now! Come and enjoy the sunshine!" he said.
Chintu smiled and replied, "Winter is coming. If we don’t store food now, we will starve later."
Mintu ignored the warning and continued singing and playing while the ants worked diligently.
Months passed, and soon winter arrived. The once green forest was now covered in snow, and food was nowhere to be found. The ants stayed warm in their anthill, enjoying the food they had stored, but Mintu was cold and starving.
Desperate, he went to Chintu and begged for food. Chintu, feeling pity for him, shared a little but said, "This is why planning and hard work are important. If you had worked in the summer, you wouldn’t be suffering now."
Mintu realized his mistake and promised to be more responsible in the future.
Moral of the Story:
Hard work and planning for the future lead to success, while laziness brings regret.
86. The Honest Woodcutter
Once upon a time, a poor woodcutter named Ramu lived near a dense forest. Every day, he went to the forest, chopped wood, and sold it in the market to earn a living. Though he was poor, he was honest and hardworking.
One day, while cutting a tree near a river, his axe slipped from his hands and fell into the deep water. He was heartbroken as it was his only tool for earning a livelihood. He sat by the river, sad and helpless.
Suddenly, the river goddess appeared and asked, “Why are you crying?” The woodcutter told her about his lost axe. The goddess smiled and dove into the water. She came back holding a golden axe and asked, “Is this yours?”
Ramu looked at it and shook his head. “No, my axe was made of iron,” he replied honestly.
The goddess dived in again and returned with a silver axe. “Is this yours?” she asked. Again, Ramu refused.
Finally, she brought out a rusty iron axe, and Ramu’s face lit up. “Yes! That is mine!” he said joyfully.
Impressed by his honesty, the goddess rewarded him by giving him all three axes—gold, silver, and iron. Ramu thanked her and went home happily.
Moral of the Story:
Honesty is always rewarded in the end.
87. The Careless Boy Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a boy named Ravi. He was a bright and cheerful child but had one major flaw—he was extremely careless. No matter how many times his parents reminded him to be responsible, he never listened.
One day, his mother gave him a beautiful clay pot to fetch water from the river. She warned him, “Be careful, or you will break it.” Ravi, as usual, didn’t pay much attention. He ran excitedly to the river, filled the pot, and started playing with his friends along the way.
While jumping around, Ravi accidentally dropped the pot, and it shattered into pieces. He panicked and went home with empty hands. His mother sighed and said, “This is what happens when you are careless. Now, you must go without water.”
Another time, his father gave him some seeds to plant in the field. But instead of planting them properly, Ravi scattered them carelessly. When the crops grew, his field had weak and scattered plants, while his neighbors had healthy harvests.
Seeing this, Ravi finally realized that carelessness leads to loss. He promised to be more responsible and started paying attention to his actions. Over time, he became a thoughtful and dependable young man.
Moral of the Story:
Carelessness can lead to loss and regret. Being responsible brings success and happiness.
88. The Secret of Happiness
Once upon a time, a young man named Rohan was unhappy and restless. No matter how much wealth he had, he always felt something was missing in his life. He had heard of a wise sage who lived in the mountains and decided to seek his advice.
After a long journey, Rohan finally reached the sage’s hut. He bowed and asked, “Wise one, I have everything—wealth, comfort, and success—but I am still not happy. What is the secret of happiness?”
The sage smiled and handed Rohan a small spoon filled with oil. He said, “Walk around my beautiful garden and admire its wonders, but make sure you don’t spill a single drop of oil.”
Rohan carefully walked through the garden, focusing only on the spoon. When he returned, the sage asked, “Did you see the colorful flowers? The flowing stream? The birds singing?”
Rohan looked embarrassed and admitted he hadn’t noticed anything because he was too focused on the oil.
The sage smiled and said, “Go again, but this time, truly observe the beauty around you.”
Rohan walked again, this time enjoying every sight and sound. When he returned, the sage asked, “Did you spill any oil?” Rohan looked down—he had spilled some.
The sage said, “Happiness lies in balancing responsibilities with enjoying life’s beauty.” Rohan finally understood and left with a heart full of gratitude.
Moral of the Story:
True happiness comes from balancing life’s duties with appreciating its joys.
89. The Foolish Sheep
Once upon a time, in a peaceful meadow, there lived a flock of sheep. Among them was a young and foolish sheep named Milo. Unlike the others, Milo disliked following the rules and often wandered away from the flock.
One day, the wise old shepherd warned, “Never stray too far into the forest. It is full of dangers.” But Milo thought, “The shepherd is just trying to control us. I want to explore on my own.”
Ignoring the warning, Milo sneaked away into the forest, excited for an adventure. As he walked deeper, he saw lush green grass and happily began eating. Suddenly, he heard a rustling sound behind the bushes. Before he could react, a hungry wolf jumped out!
Terrified, Milo ran as fast as he could, bleating for help, but he was too far from the flock. Just as the wolf was about to pounce, the shepherd appeared with his stick and dogs, scaring the wolf away.
Milo, trembling, realized his mistake. He had ignored the wisdom of experience and almost lost his life. From that day on, he stayed close to the flock and listened to the shepherd’s advice.
Moral of the Story:
Disobedience and foolishness can lead to danger. Always listen to wise advice.
90. The Jealous Brother
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived two brothers, Rohan and Karan. Rohan, the elder, was hardworking and kind, while Karan, the younger, was jealous of his brother’s success.
Their father, before passing away, had left them equal shares of land. Rohan worked tirelessly on his fields, growing crops and earning a good living. Karan, however, was lazy and wasted his time envying his brother instead of working hard.
One day, Karan saw Rohan’s farm flourishing while his own remained barren. Anger and jealousy filled his heart, and he decided to ruin Rohan’s success. Late at night, he sneaked into Rohan’s farm and cut down his crops.
The next morning, when Rohan saw the destruction, he was heartbroken but did not blame anyone. Instead of giving up, he planted new seeds and worked even harder. Meanwhile, Karan’s farm remained dry because he had not put in any effort.
One evening, a wise old man visited Karan and said, “Jealousy is like a fire—it burns only the one who holds it.” Karan realized his mistake. Instead of harming his brother, he should have worked hard like him.
Filled with regret, he apologized to Rohan and asked for his guidance. Rohan forgave him, and together, they turned both farms into the most prosperous fields in the village.
Moral of the Story:
Jealousy destroys, but hard work and unity lead to success.
91. The Hidden Gem Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a poor but hardworking boy named Arjun. He spent his days helping his father in the fields and dreamed of a better future.
One day, while plowing the land, Arjun's plow hit something hard and shiny. Curious, he dug deeper and found a beautiful gemstone buried in the soil. It sparkled in the sunlight, unlike anything he had ever seen. Excited, he rushed to the village jeweler to show him his discovery.
The jeweler examined the stone and said, “This is a rare gem, but it’s covered in dirt. It needs to be polished to reveal its true worth.” Arjun carefully cleaned the gem, and to his amazement, it shone brighter than gold.
The wise village elder, who had been watching, smiled and said, “This gem is like people. Every person has hidden potential, but only those who work hard and polish their skills can truly shine.”
Arjun took the lesson to heart. Instead of selling the gem for quick money, he decided to work hard and educate himself. Years later, he became a respected scholar, proving that true value lies within, waiting to be discovered.
Moral of the Story:
Everyone has hidden potential, but only hard work and dedication can bring it out.
92. The Trickster Crow
In a dense forest, there lived a clever crow named Kaalu. He was known for his tricks and cunning ways. He loved to outsmart others, but his cleverness often got him into trouble.
One day, Kaalu saw a farmer’s basket full of juicy fruits. Wanting to steal some, he came up with a plan. He flew down and pretended to be injured, flapping one wing weakly and cawing in pain. Seeing the poor bird, the kind farmer rushed to help.
The moment the farmer placed the basket down, Kaalu quickly snatched a big mango and flew away, laughing at how easily he had fooled the man.
Days passed, and Kaalu continued his tricks. But soon, the other animals grew wary of him. No one trusted him anymore. Even when Kaalu was genuinely in trouble—caught in a hunter’s trap—no one came to his rescue.
Kaalu finally realized his mistake. He had been too clever for his own good, and now, he had lost the trust of everyone. With great effort, he freed himself and decided to change his ways. From that day on, he used his cleverness to help others instead of tricking them.
Moral of the Story:
Cleverness should be used for good, not for deceiving others, or we may lose people's trust.
93. The Lost Watch
An old farmer named Ramu had worked hard on his land for many years. One day, while working in his barn, he realized that his precious watch was missing. It wasn’t just an ordinary watch—it was a gift from his late father and held great sentimental value.
Worried, Ramu searched every corner of the barn but couldn’t find it. He even asked his farmhands to help, but despite their efforts, the watch remained lost.
Feeling hopeless, he sat outside when a young boy passing by noticed his sadness and asked what was wrong. The farmer explained his problem, and the boy offered to help.
Unlike the others, the boy didn’t rush around searching. Instead, he sat quietly, closed his eyes, and listened. The barn was silent, except for the faint ticking sound coming from a corner. Carefully, he followed the sound and soon found the watch hidden in a pile of hay.
The farmer was overjoyed and asked, “How did you find it so easily?” The boy smiled and said, “Sometimes, we just need to be quiet to hear what we are looking for.”
Moral of the Story:
In the noise of life, sometimes silence helps us find what we truly seek.
94. The Grateful Dog
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a kind farmer named Hari. One day, while walking through the forest, he heard a faint whimpering. Curious, he followed the sound and found a dog trapped in a hunter’s net. The poor animal was struggling to break free.
Feeling sorry for the dog, Hari carefully untied the knots and set it free. The dog wagged its tail gratefully, licked Hari’s hands, and ran off into the woods.
Days passed, and Hari forgot about the incident. One night, as he was sleeping peacefully, the same dog ran into his house, barking loudly. It tugged at Hari’s clothes and tried to pull him outside. Surprised and confused, Hari followed the dog.
As soon as they reached the fields, Hari saw that his house was on fire! The flames were spreading quickly, and if the dog hadn’t woken him up, he would have been trapped inside. Hari fell to his knees, realizing that the dog had come back to repay his kindness.
From that day on, the farmer and the dog became inseparable friends. Hari took care of the dog, and in return, the dog protected him and his farm.
Moral of the Story:
Kindness is never forgotten. A good deed always finds its way back to you.
95. The Foolish Merchant
Once upon a time, in a busy marketplace, there lived a greedy merchant named Raghav. He was always looking for ways to make quick profits without putting in much effort.
One day, he bought a donkey to help him carry goods. While returning home, he had to cross a shallow river. The donkey was carrying bags of salt, and as it stepped into the water, some of the salt dissolved, making the load lighter. The donkey felt relieved and thought of a clever trick.
The next day, as they crossed the river again, the donkey deliberately sat down in the water to reduce the weight of the load. Seeing this, the merchant realized what was happening. He thought, “If my donkey can trick me, I must teach him a lesson!”
The following day, the merchant loaded the donkey with bags of cotton instead of salt. As they reached the river, the donkey sat down again, expecting the load to get lighter. But this time, the cotton absorbed water, becoming heavier. The donkey struggled to walk and realized its mistake.
The merchant laughed and said, “Being clever is good, but being foolishly clever will lead to trouble!” From that day on, the donkey never tried to trick the merchant again.
Moral of the Story:
Smartness without wisdom can lead to trouble.
96. The Talking Coins Short Story in English with Moral
In a bustling town, there lived a poor but honest shopkeeper named Ramesh. He always treated his customers fairly and never cheated anyone. However, his shop was small, and he struggled to make a good profit.
One day, a wealthy man entered his shop and bought some goods. As he placed a bag of gold coins on the counter, the coins made a loud clinking sound. The rich man laughed and said, “Do you hear that, shopkeeper? These gold coins have power. They speak loudly wherever they go!”
Ramesh smiled and nodded. Later that evening, an old beggar came into the shop, hungry and weak. Though he had no money, Ramesh kindly gave him some food. The beggar, with tears in his eyes, pulled out two small copper coins and placed them on the counter. Unlike the gold coins, they made only a soft sound.
As Ramesh picked up the coins, he felt a warm glow in his heart. He realized that while gold coins may talk loudly, it is kindness and honesty that truly speak the loudest.
From that day on, Ramesh never worried about wealth. He continued to be fair and kind, and soon, his shop flourished as more people respected and trusted him.
Moral of the Story:
True value lies not in wealth but in kindness and honesty.
97. The King’s Dream
Once upon a time, there was a wise and powerful king named Raja Veer. He ruled his kingdom with fairness and kindness. One night, the king had a strange dream—he saw all his teeth falling out, one by one, until none were left.
Startled, he woke up and immediately summoned the royal astrologer to interpret the dream. The astrologer listened carefully and said, "Your Majesty, this is a bad omen. It means that all your loved ones will pass away before you."
The king was deeply upset by this prediction and ordered the astrologer to leave. Then, he called for another wise man to interpret the dream. This time, the sage smiled and said, "Your Majesty, this is wonderful news! It means you will live a long and prosperous life, outliving all your loved ones."
Hearing this, the king was pleased and rewarded the sage generously. Though both men had given the same interpretation, the second one had framed it positively.
From that day on, the king learned an important lesson—words have great power. The way we say things can bring joy or sorrow, even if the message remains the same.
Moral of the Story:
The way we communicate matters. A positive approach can change everything.
98. The Missing Piece Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a young boy named Aryan. He loved solving puzzles and always enjoyed completing them. One day, his grandfather gifted him a beautiful wooden puzzle with hundreds of pieces. Excited, Aryan began working on it right away.
He spent hours carefully placing each piece, making sure everything fit perfectly. However, as he neared completion, he realized one piece was missing. He searched everywhere—under the table, on the floor, and inside the box—but the missing piece was nowhere to be found.
Frustrated and upset, he complained to his grandfather, “This puzzle is ruined! It will never be complete without that piece.”
His grandfather smiled and said, “Life is like this puzzle, Aryan. Sometimes, we feel like something is missing. We may search for it endlessly, but instead of focusing on what we lack, we should appreciate what we already have.”
Aryan thought about it and realized that, despite the missing piece, the puzzle still looked beautiful. He understood his grandfather’s lesson—that happiness comes not from perfection but from appreciating what we have.
From that day on, Aryan learned to focus on the big picture rather than small imperfections, and he became a much happier person.
Moral of the Story:
True happiness comes from appreciating what we have, not worrying about what’s missing.
99. The Stranger’s Gift
In a small village, there lived a poor but kind-hearted boy named Ravi. He had little to call his own, but he was always willing to help others. Despite his struggles, he never hesitated to share his food or lend a hand to those in need.
One evening, as Ravi was walking home from the market, he saw an old man sitting by the roadside. The man looked tired and hungry. Ravi immediately offered him his last piece of bread and some water. The old man gratefully accepted the food and smiled.
Before leaving, the stranger handed Ravi a small pouch and said, "This is a gift for your kindness. Use it wisely." Then, the man disappeared into the distance.
Curious, Ravi opened the pouch and found a shining golden seed inside. He took it home and planted it in his small garden. To his amazement, within days, the seed grew into a strong tree bearing golden fruits.
Ravi was overjoyed and shared the golden fruits with the villagers, never keeping all the wealth for himself. His kindness and generosity made him respected and loved by everyone.
Years later, the villagers still told the story of the kind boy and the magical seed, reminding everyone that true wealth comes from helping others with a good heart.
Moral of the Story:
Kindness is always rewarded in unexpected ways.
100. The Wise Farmer Short Story in English with Moral
Once upon a time, in a peaceful village, there lived an old and wise farmer named Mohan. He had worked hard all his life and owned a large farm. However, his three sons were lazy and always quarreling with each other. They refused to work together and cared only for their own interests.
Mohan grew worried about their future. One day, he decided to teach them an important lesson. He called his sons and gave each of them a single stick, asking them to break it. The sons easily snapped the sticks in half.
Then, the farmer tied three sticks together and handed the bundle to his eldest son. "Now, try to break this," he said. The son tried but couldn’t break it. The second and third sons also tried but failed.
The farmer smiled and said, "My sons, a single stick is weak, but when they are bound together, they are strong. If you keep fighting, you will fail. But if you work together, no one can harm you, and you will be successful."
His sons finally understood the power of unity and teamwork. From that day on, they worked together on the farm, making it more prosperous and successful. The wise farmer was happy that his sons had learned their lesson.
Moral of the Story:
Strength lies in unity. When we stand together, we can overcome any challenge.
Conclusion on Short Stories in English with Moral
Short stories with morals teach valuable life lessons in a simple and engaging way. These tales help us understand the importance of honesty, kindness, wisdom, and hard work. Whether it’s a clever fox, a foolish goat, or a kind-hearted boy, every story carries a message that stays with us.
Such stories are not only entertaining but also educational, shaping our character and decision-making skills. They remind us that wisdom and good deeds lead to success, while greed and foolishness bring trouble.
Reading and sharing these stories helps us become better individuals and inspire others to make the right choices.
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