10 Short Panchatantra Stories in English for Kids

If you are looking for engaging short stories for kids that contain age-old morals, the Panchatantra stories of yore have been weaving magic into the minds of generations. These short bedtime stories are not only entertaining but also treasure troves of wisdom, making them perfect for teaching valuable life lessons in the simplest way possible. Whether you are looking for bedtime stories for kids or quick reads for school, these Panchatantra short stories are what you need to make storytelling magical!

About Tales of Panchatantra

The Panchatantra moral stories are one of the most loved collections of animal-based fables. Written originally in Sanskrit, every story has a moral, which teaches values such as honesty, teamwork, and cleverness. These tales are light and simple, making them suitable even for the youngest children, but the lessons they impart stay in their minds forever.

The Panchatantra was written during the time of King Amarashakti. The king commissioned a scholar called Vishnu Sharma to teach his three sons. Feeling that the conventional teaching methods were ineffective, the scholar decided to use this art of storytelling. He wrote five books, which comprised different subjects:

1. Mitra Labha (Gaining Friends): Stories about forming and maintaining friendships.
2. Mitra Bheda (Losing Friends): Tales that warn against deceit and betrayal.
3. Aparïksitakárakam (Acting Without Thinking): Lessons on avoiding impulsive actions.
4. Labdhapranásam (Loss of Gains): Stories about overcoming difficulties wisely.
5. Kákolùkïyam (Crows and Owls): Narratives on the strategies of war and peace.

The Panchatantra was translated into a number of languages, including English, Persian, Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish, Greek, Syriac, and almost all Indian languages. The German version of the Panchatantra was one of the earliest books that the Gutenberg Press printed after the Bible. These kiddies stories have crossed ages and cultures and are a gold mine for today's world.

10 Short Panchatantra Stories in English for Kids

To make story time fun and informative, here are some Panchatantra stories in English with moral that will enhance your child’s imagination and teach them something!

1. The Lion and the Mouse

It was a hot afternoon, and a lion was sleeping under a tree when a small mouse ran over his nose. This made the lion wake up and, feeling disturbed, he threatened to eat it after trapping the mouse under his paw. The terrified mouse begged for mercy, saying, "Please let me go, and one day, I shall repay your kindness!" The lion was entertained by the idea of the little creature helping him and released it. Some days later, the lion found himself caught in a hunter's net. His powerful roars for help reached the mouse, who quickly arrived and started gnawing at the ropes. Soon, the lion was free. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the lion realized how even the smallest creature could make a big difference.

Moral: “Always show kindness, as it often brings unexpected rewards.”

2. The Tortoise and the Geese

A tortoise lived in a lake and had two geese as his best friends. During a drought, the lake dried up, and the geese decided to migrate. They proposed to carry the tortoise to a home through holding a stick between them. The tortoise would then grab it tightly to be carried by its new carriers. However, they told him not to utter a word during the journey. As they crossed a village, people on the ground laughed and pointed fingers at the unusual sight. The tortoise, being unable to curb his curiosity and anger, opened his mouth to utter and tumbled to the ground, meeting death. 

Moral: “Self-control and knowing when to remain silent is important to win.” 

3. The Monkey and the Crocodile

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There was a monkey that dwelt on a mango tree next to a river. It frequently handed over fruit to a crocodile who would pass underneath it. The two became friends, and the crocodile took mangoes home for his wife. His wife became jealous of their friendship and demanded the monkey's heart for her meal. The crocodile was trapped in this dilemma. He invited the monkey for a ride across the river, saying he would take him home for a feast.

Mid-river, he revealed his wife's plan. The cunning monkey immediately told the crocodile that he had left his heart in the tree and persuaded the latter to turn back. On reaching the tree, the monkey escaped and made the crocodile realize his lesson of treachery.  

Moral: “Cleverness and sharp brain can rescue you from hazardous situations.” 

4. The Cunning Rabbit and the Lion

A bloodthirsty lion terrorized the forest and killed animals every day.As a way of saving themselves, the animals agreed to send one of their own to the lion every day. When it was the turn of the rabbit, it devised the plan of outsmarting the lion. The rabbit arrived late, blaming another lion for blocking its way. Curious, the lion demanded to see this rival. The rabbit took him to a deep well and pointed at the lion's reflection in the water. Mistaking it for another lion, the real lion roared and jumped into the well, meeting his end. 

Moral: “Intelligence and clever strategies can overcome brute force.”

5. The Blue Jackal 

One day, a jackal, while running from wild dogs, tumbled into a vat of blue dye. When he came out altogether blue, he understood the animals took him to be some sort of god creature. He announced himself the king of the jungle, demanding everybody treat him with reverence and obedience. One night, he could not help but howl like a jackal. He was unmasked, and the animals ran after him because he had duped them.

Moral: “Honesty is the best policy. Pretending to be someone you’re not can lead to trouble.”

6. The Crow and the Snake

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A crow made a nest on a tree where a snake also lived. Every time the crow laid eggs, the snake ate them. The crow became frustrated and hatched a plan. It snatched a necklace from a palace near it and threw it into the snake's hole. When the palace guards were searching for the necklace, they dug out the snake's hole, found the snake, and killed it. The crow was free to live peacefully.

Moral: “Creativity and intelligence can solve even the toughest problems.”

7. The Fox and the Grapes

A fox passed by a vineyard and caught sight of a bunch of juicy grapes hanging from a tall branch. It was hungry and thirsty, and so it leaped time and again to grab the grapes, but every time it failed. The fox became tired and frustrated and walked away muttering, "Those grapes are probably sour anyway!" This old tale tells how people blame external factors or dismiss things as unworthy when they fail to achieve them.

Moral: “It is better to accept failure than to make excuses.”

8. The Crane and the Crab

A crane, pretending to assist, agreed to carry fish from a drier pond to a wetter one. The fish believed the crane would help them; it ate the fish one by one. A crab, skeptical of the crane's intentions, requested a ride. When the crane attempted to eat the crab, it grasped the crane with its claws at the neck, killing the crane. The crab returned safely and taught the other creatures of the pond a great lesson.

Moral: “Greed and deception always end in the destruction of one.”

9. The Four Friends and the Hunter

There were four friends - a deer, crow, mouse, and tortoise. They were inseparable. One day, the deer was caught in a hunter's net. The crow went to find the mouse, who chewed his way through the net to set the deer free. Meanwhile, the tortoise distracted the hunter by pretending to be an easy target. Together, they outsmarted the hunter and escaped.

Moral: “Teamwork and unity can conquer even the most gigantic mountains.”

10. The Peacock and the Crow

A crow, envious of a peacock’s vibrant feathers, picked up fallen peacock feathers to adorn itself. Hoping to join the peacocks, it approached them, but they mocked its attempt. Meanwhile, the crows rejected it for trying to be something it was not. Realizing its mistake, the crow returned to its kind and embraced its unique identity. 

Moral: “Be proud of who you are and never compare yourself to others.”

Why Panchatantra Stories Are Perfect for Bedtime

These short stories are perfect for bedtime stories for kids as they are simple, engaging, and packed with meaningful lessons. They ignite imagination, teach problem-solving, and create moments of bonding between parents and children. Each story carries a timeless moral that resonates across ages, making the Panchatantra stories in English a perfect pick for parents worldwide.

So, snuggle up with your little ones and jump into the delightful world of Panchatantra short stories. Let these bedtime stories weave their magic on even ordinary evenings.

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