AN HONEST WOODCUTTER A poor woodcutter accidentally dropped his axe into the river. He was very upset, as he had no money to buy another axe. Just then a fairy appeared in the river holding out a golden axe to him. "I found this axe in the river. Is this yours?" "That's not mine", replied the woodcutter. The fairy then brought out a silver axe. The woodcutter disowned this one too. Finally, the fairy held out a wooden axe. Smiling with happiness, the woodcutter said, "That's mine. Thank you very much." The fairy felt very happy seeing his honesty and said, "Such honesty deser ... read more

The Camel and the Jackal A camel and a jackal lived together in a jungle. On the other side of the river flowing beside that jungle, there were fields having ripe sugar- canes One day the jackal came to the camel with a plan to cross the river and enjoy the sugarcanes. As he did not know how to swim, so he requested the camel to carry him on his back. The camel agreed to the jackal's request. They set out for the river and soon reached its bank. The camel carried the jackal on his back and crossed the river. On reaching the other side, they began to eat the sugarcanes. The jackal ... read more

A BRUTE CAN ALSO SEE REASON Once a wicked wolf was in a jovial mood and merrily roaming around. Suddenly, he saw a boy lying on the ground and moved towards him. On seeing the wolf, the boy got frightened and tried to turn away his face. The wolf realized that the boy was terrified. The wolf went up to the boy and said, "Aha! At last, I caught you. But I shall spare your life if you say three things which cannot be challenged in regard to their truth." The boy, though terrified, composed himself and thought for a while. Then he said, "First it is a pity that you saw me; second, I was ... read more

Deer walked along by the great river into the forest: ‘Oh, but what a life have I got? No home. Perhaps I will build myself a house. Here is as good a place as any.’ Deer went on. Along came Jaguar by the great river, padding along into the forest. He came to the same place: ‘Oh, what is my life? Perhaps one day I will settle down and make myself a home. Here would be as good a place as any.’ And Jaguar went on. Deer returned, and with his fine antlers he cleared the brush, he cleared the trees and made the ground level to build his house, and then went on into the forest. Jagua ... read more

The Tale of Peter Rabbit A long time ago, there lived four little rabbits, with fancy names: Flopsy, Cotton-tail, Peter and Mopsy. They lived under a very big fir tree, in a sand-bank. One day, old Mrs. Rabbit called the four little rabbits for a little talk. "Listen to me," she said, "I know that you like to run and play all around the place, but I advise you not to go to Mr. McGregor's garden. Do you know why?" Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter shook their heads. "Your father was killed in Mr. McGregor's garden. Mrs. McGregor put him in a pie," mother rabbit said solemnly. ... read more