Grades 6–8

Standards for this age

Grades show who a story suits as a read-aloud. Reading levels show how hard the text is to read alone. Lower levels come first, and many fables offer an Easier version.

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

The Bear and the FoxHonestyTrue kindness is demonstrated through actions, not mere words or boasts.Grades 2–8Level 2

The Fly and the AntHonestyTrue worth lies in hard work and preparation for the future, rather than in superficial status and vanity.Grades 2–6Level 2

The Horse Seeking Revenge on the StagFairnessSeeking revenge can lead to the loss of one's freedom and well-being, making it a costly pursuit.Grades 4–8Level 2

The Miser who lost his TreasureHonestyThe true value of wealth lies in its use and enjoyment, rather than mere possession or hoarding.Grades 2–8Level 2

The Sun and the FrogsCourageEven seemingly insignificant beings can have valid concerns about the consequences of power and its potential impact on their existence.Grades 2–6Level 2

The Thief and His MotherHard workFailing to correct negative behavior early on can lead to severe consequences later in life.Grades 5–8Level 2

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

The Ass and the MuleKindnessHelping others in their time of need can prevent greater burdens for oneself later on.Grades 2–8Level 3

The Birds the Beasts and the BatHonestyThose who betray others for their own advantage will ultimately find themselves isolated and friendless.Grades 2–6Level 3

The Charger and the MillerPatienceOne must accept the inevitability of life's changes and the ups and downs of fortune.Grades 2–8Level 3

The Crow and MercuryHonestyOne should honor their commitments and loyalty, as betraying trust can lead to a loss of credibility and support.Grades 2–8Level 3

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The Crow and the SerpentGreedBe cautious of what appears to be a fortunate opportunity, as it may lead to your downfall.Grades 2–6Level 3

The FishermenPatienceJoy and sorrow are often intertwined, and expectations can lead to disappointment.Grades 4–8Level 3

The Fowler and the ViperPatienceBe mindful of your surroundings, as focusing solely on your ambitions can lead to unforeseen dangers.Grades 4–8Level 3

The Goatherd and the WildGoatsHonestyPrioritizing new relationships over established ones can lead to distrust and loss.Grades 2–8Level 3

The Labourer and the NightingaleGreedTo value freedom and the wisdom of experience over material desires, while also recognizing the importance of cherishing what you have and letting go of the past.Grades 2–8Level 3

The LampGreedPride and boastfulness can lead to one's downfall; it is wiser to be humble and content with one's contributions.Grades 2–8Level 3

The Lark Burying Her FatherKindnessHonoring and respecting one's parents is a fundamental duty, even in challenging circumstances.Grades 2–8Level 3

The Lion and the Three BullsHonestyStrength lies in unity, and division makes individuals vulnerable to harm.Grades 2–6Level 3

The Lion the Wolf and the FoxHonestyScheming against others can backfire, and those who seek to harm may ultimately suffer the consequences of their actions.Grades 2–8Level 3

The Man and His Two WivesClevernessTrying to please everyone can lead to losing everything.Grades 5–8Level 3

The Man and the SerpentFairnessInjuries may be forgiven, but the memories of them often linger and prevent true reconciliation.Grades 2–8Level 3

The Man and the Wooden GodHonestyThe true source of luck and fortune often lies within ourselves, rather than in external idols or objects.Grades 2–8Level 3

The Master's EyeHonestyOne cannot escape scrutiny forever, as the watchful eye of authority will ultimately reveal hidden truths and lead to consequences.Grades 2–8Level 3

The Old Man and his SonsFriendshipUnity is strength; together we are stronger than we are apart.Grades 2–8Level 3

The One-Eyed DoeClevernessOne cannot evade their fate, no matter how carefully they try to protect themselves.Grades 2–6Level 3

The Owl and the BirdsClevernessWisdom often goes unrecognized until it is too late, emphasizing the importance of heeding wise counsel before facing inevitable consequences.Grades 2–8Level 3

The ProphetGreedOne should not neglect their own well-being while focusing on the problems of others.Grades 5–8Level 3

The Scorpion and the LadybugHonestyOne's inherent nature cannot be changed, even in the face of loyalty or promises.Grades 3–8Level 3

The Shipwrecked Man and the SeaClevernessOne should not blame external forces for misfortunes, as they may be influenced by factors beyond their control.Grades 5–8Level 3

The Sparrow and the HareFairnessOne should be cautious in mocking others, as fortunes can change quickly and lead to one's own downfall.Grades 2–6Level 3

The Stag at the PoolHonestyTrue value lies in qualities we often overlook, while superficial attributes can lead to our downfall.Grades 2–6Level 3

The Swallow the Serpent and the Court of JusticeFairnessEven in a place meant to uphold justice, the innocent may still suffer injustice.Grades 2–6Level 3

The Two Fellows and the BearHonestyTrue friendship is tested in times of adversity, and those who abandon you in difficult moments cannot be trusted.Grades 4–8Level 3

The Villager and the SerpentHonestyBe cautious in showing kindness, as some may repay goodwill with betrayal.Grades 2–6Level 3

The Wild Ass and the LionHonestyThose in power often exploit their strength to dominate and take more than their fair share, regardless of fairness or partnership.Grades 2–8Level 3

The Wolves and the SheepdogsHonestyBetraying one's duty and loyalty for the promise of freedom can lead to one's destruction.Grades 2–8Level 3

The Young Thief and His MotherHard workParents have a crucial responsibility to guide and correct their children's behavior, as neglecting this duty can lead to disastrous consequences.Grades 4–8Level 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

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

The Ass and the ChargerHonestyAppearances can be deceiving; what seems enviable may come with hidden burdens and dangers.Grades 2–8Level 4

The Ass Carrying the ImageHonestyDo not mistake the admiration for others as recognition of your own worth.Grades 2–6Level 4

The Boy BathingHard workHelp should be prioritized over criticism in times of crisis.Grades 2–8Level 4

The Bull the Lioness and the Wild Boar HunterFairnessOne should reflect on their own actions and the suffering they have caused to others before lamenting their own losses.Grades 2–8Level 4

The Camel and the ArabHard workSometimes the best choice is not presented to us, and we must navigate difficult circumstances instead.Grades 2–6Level 4

The Camel and the Floating DriftwoodCourageUnfamiliar things often appear daunting from a distance, but upon closer inspection, they may turn out to be less significant than we initially perceived.Grades 5–8Level 4

The Doe and the LionClevernessIn trying to escape one danger, be wary of inadvertently falling into a greater peril.Grades 2–8Level 4