Find a lesson: All stories

2,498 stories

The Wind and the SunKindnessGentleness and kindness can achieve what force and harshness cannot.Grades 2–4Level 2

The Tortoise and the HarePatienceSlow and steady wins the race.Grades 2–4Level 1

The Fox and the CraneHonestyTreat others as you would like to be treated, as poor hospitality can lead to a fitting response.Grades 2–4Level 3

Belling the CatClevernessProposing solutions is easy, but implementing them can be difficult or impossible.Grades 2–4Level 4

The Lion and the MouseKindnessNo act of kindness is ever wasted.Grades 2–4Level 1

The Shepherd's BoyHonestyDishonesty can lead to a loss of trust, making it difficult to be believed when one is finally telling the truth.Grades 2–4Level 2

The Fox and the GrapesHumilityIt is easy to dislike what you cannot have.Grades 2–4Level 1

The Crow and the PitcherClevernessA little thinking can solve a big problem.Grades 2–4Level 1

The Town Mouse and the Country MouseGreedA simple life in peace is better than a rich life in fear.Grades 2–4Level 1

The Ant and the GrasshopperHard workWork today so you are ready for tomorrow.Grades 2–4Level 1

The Fox and the CrowClevernessDo not trust those who flatter you.Grades 2–4Level 1

The Hare and the HoundHard workMotivation can greatly influence the outcome of a challenge.Grades 2–5Level 4

The Frog and the OxHumilityExcessive pride and self-conceit can lead to one's downfall.Grades 2–5Level 2

The Lion and the HareGreedOne should not forsake what they have in pursuit of something better, as it may lead to losing both.Grades 2–4Level 3

A Saying of SocratesHonestyTrue friendship is rare and cannot be measured by the quantity of acquaintances one has.Grades 5–8Level 2

Avaricious and EnviousGreedGreed and envy ultimately lead to one's own suffering and destruction.Grades 3–8Level 3

Hercules and PallasClevernessThe more you engage in conflict and struggle with strife, the larger and more overwhelming it becomes; sometimes, the best approach is to step back and let it diminish onGrades 3–8Level 4

Hercules and the WagonerHard workOne must take initiative and make an effort to solve their problems before seeking external help.Grades 2–5Level 3

Jupiter and the MonkeyClevernessThe love of a parent for their child transcends external appearances and societal opinions.Grades 2–5Level 5

Jupiter Neptune Minerva and MomusGreedRelentless criticism and envy can lead to one's downfall, as those who focus solely on finding faults in others may ultimately lose their place and respect.Grades 4–8Level 5

Jupiter and the SharecropperHumilityOne should recognize and accept that higher powers, like Providence, often have a better understanding of what is truly beneficial than we do ourselves.Grades 4–8Level 4

Mercury and the SculptorHumilityTrue worth is often unrecognized, and those who contribute greatly may be undervalued by others.Grades 2–6Level 5

Mercury and the WorkmenHonestyHonesty is rewarded, while greed and deceit lead to loss.Grades 2–5Level 3

The Apes and the Two TravelersHonestyFlattery, even when dishonest, may be rewarded, while speaking the truth can lead to dire consequences in the presence of those who cannot accept it.Grades 2–5Level 5

What is a fable?

A fable is a very short story, often with animals as its characters, that teaches a lesson about how people behave. Most end with a moral stated outright, which is why they suit young readers and busy classrooms. The best-known come from the collection attributed to Aesop, a storyteller said to have lived in ancient Greece.