Be Yourself

 Once, a music concert was held in the forest. All the birds took part in it. They came and sang their songs. When it was the mockingbird's chance to sing, he started imitating the other birds. All the birds were angry. They didn't like the mockingbird imitating them. A wren said, 'Mockingbird! You can sing beautifully. All the birds in the forest want to listen to your song. Please sing a new song for us. The Mockingbird tried but he could not sing a song of his own. He felt embarrassed and flew away. 

Moral:- Do not copy others. 

The Two Best Friends

 Hema and  Sulata lived in an orphanage. They were best friends. One day, two different families adopted them. So, they started living in two different towns. The girls exchanged pendants and promised to find each other when they grew up. Hema's parents loved her a lot. But Sulata's parents made her do all the chores. Many years passed. Once, Sulata was selling vegetables in the market. Suddenly, a beautiful girl stopped by. She stared  at Sulata's pendant and said, 'Sulata, I am Hema, your friend.' Sulata was very happy. Hema hugged her and took her home. 

Moral:- True friendship never fades. 

A Mother's Love

 A mother goose used to feed her young ones by the pond. She didn't allow any other animal to drink from the pond, thinking they might harm her babies. The goose drove away the ducks, chicken and cat. One day, a big strong dog came to drink. The mother goose pecked him and slapped him with her feathers. The furious dog said to the goose, 'Neither are you strong nor you have sharp teeth. But, I won't say anything to you because you are only protecting your children.' He drank water and went away. 

Moral Gist:- One must be sympathetic towards other's situation. 

The Wicked Gardener

 An old man had an orchard. When he died, his wicked gardener built a house in the orchard and declared it was his. The fairies in the orchard decided to teach him a lesson. They caused a strong wind to blow down all the fruits! The angry gardener shouted at four travellers who who were passing by, 'You spoiled my orchard!' He picked up a stick to beat them. However, being stronger than him, these travellers beat him very badly. Then, they carried him to the King's court. The King made enquiries and jailed the gardener for cheating! 

Morality:- Cheating and dishonesty are grave crimes. 

The Big Tree

A monkey, a sparrow and a fox lived near a big tree. One day, the monkey asked, 'Do you remember how big the tree was when you first saw it?' The fox said, 'When I was a baby, it was a mere bush.' The monkey said, 'When I was very young, I had to stretch my neck to reach its topmost leaves.' The sparrow said, 'I carried the seeds of a great tree here. That was the origin of this tree. So, I have known it since its birth.' The others respected the sparrow even more. 

Moral Gist:- Don't judge anyone by their size as each one has their own  value. 

No Job is Bad

 Once, a witch owned a broomstick. She used to fly everywhere on it and also used it to sweep her house. One day, the broomstick said, 'I have such a bad job. Every day, I carefully carry you around. Yet, you use me to sweep the floor. I think I should have a higher job.' The witch smiled and started cleaning her chimney with the broom. The broomstick started to complain again. The witch said, 'Instead of complaining, you should do your work well. No job is good or bad, as long as it is done properly!' The broomstick finally stopped complaining. 

Morality:- Love what you do. 

Dead Mouse Brought Luck

 A man could read signs and predict future. One day, he saw a dead mouse lying on the road. He said, 'Whoever picks up this dead mouse will soon start a business and marry a beautiful girl.' Young John overheard him. So, he picked up the dead mouse and sold it to a lady for her cat. With the money, he bought molasses, which he sold to a gardener. Thus, whatever work John did, he was always given a better reward. Soon, John set up a business and married a beautiful girl. They lived happily. 

Moral:- It is not good luck but enterprise and hard work that always pays. 

Good Company

 A King was fond of his elephant. Once, for two weeks, every night, the elephant heard thieves talking behind his shed. He grew violent. The King asked for his minister's help. That night, the minister stayed near the shed. He heard the conversation of the thieves and ordered, 'Post two soldiers near the shed. From tomorrow, the priests will speak of good values outside the elephant's shed.' The elephant heard only about goodness and kindness. He became calm and friendly again. The minister said, 'It is Important for us to keep good company.'

Moral:- One learns good things from good company. 

Kakali and Sumana

 Pretty Kakali only made friends with pretty children. One day, Kakali and her friends went for a school picnic and enjoyed themselves. One of her classmates, Sumana asked, 'Will you play with me?' Kakali said, 'I don't like to talk to ugly people like you.' Sumana felt very bad but kept quiet. After sometime, 'she heard a loud shriek. She saw that Kakali had fallen in the lake and was drowning. Sumana jumped into the lake and saved Kakali's life. Kakali was very ashamed. She apologised to Sumana and they became friends. 

Moral:- A good heart is better than good looks. 

Quality Matters, Not Quantity

 Once, the people of a kingdom started quarreling about their children. They said, 'Whoever has the most children is the most superior!' A woman said, 'Let us go to our King and ask him.' They asked, 'Majesty! Please tell us, who among us has the most number of children? That person will be superior-most in the kingdom.' The wise King said, 'I have only one daughter. She is a kind, honest and a well-mannered child. Indeed, I am very proud of her.' The people realised their mistake and stopped fighting. 

Moral:- It is better to have a good child than many bad children.