When we look for simple stories, we want something easy and sweet. Something that entertains children… and also teaches them something good. Short stories written in simple words help children understand better. They stay interested till the end. And little by little, they learn important life lessons. So today, let us enjoy 10 Simple Stories in English. Each story is short, clear, and filled with a beautiful moral.
1. The Cows and the Lion:
In a small village called Mukhamelpur, there lived a milkman named Hariya. He had five gentle cows. Every day, he took them to the forest near the village. The cows ate soft, green grass and always stayed together.
Because they stayed together, no wild animal could harm them. One day, some naughty monkeys came. They tempted each cow with fresh grass in different places. Slowly… the cows walked away from one another.
The lion was watching. When he saw the cows alone, he attacked them one by one. Poor Hariya could only stand and watch. If only the cows had stayed together.
Moral:
There is strength in unity.
2. The Ant and the Dove:
It was a hot summer afternoon. The sun was shining brightly. A tiny ant felt very thirsty. She went to the river to drink water. Suddenly, a strong wind blew. Splash! The little ant fell into the river and began to float away.
She struggled and tried to come out. On a tree nearby, a kind dove was watching. “Oh no! The ant is in trouble,” said the dove. Quickly, the dove plucked a leaf and dropped it near the ant. The ant climbed onto the leaf and safely reached the shore.
“Thank you, dear friend,” said the ant gratefully. Just then, the ant saw a hunter aiming his arrow at the dove. Without thinking, the ant ran and bit the hunter’s foot. “Ouch!” cried the hunter. His aim missed, and the dove flew away safely.
Moral:
A good deed always brings good result.
3. The Fox and the Goat:
One day, a fox was jumping and playing in the forest. Suddenly – slip! She fell into a deep pit. She tried and tried… but could not climb out. Soon, a goat walked by. The fox quickly pretended to smile.
“Why are you so happy down there?” asked the goat. “Oh sister,” said the fox sweetly, “This place is cool and pleasant. The air is so fresh!” The goat believed her and jumped into the pit. At once, the fox climbed on the goat’s back and jumped out.
“Enjoy the cool air!” said the fox, running away. The poor goat was left behind.
Moral:
Think carefully before making any decision.
You can also check these stories: 10 Best Moral Stories in English for Kids with Life Lessons
4. The Mosquito’s Lesson:
A young mosquito was learning to fly. He was small and never searched for food himself. His parents always helped him. As he grew older, his parents said, “Now you must find your own food.”
The mosquito flew into a house. People started clapping loudly. He came home feeling proud.
“What a wonderful day!” he said.
“Everyone was clapping for me!”
His father smiled gently.
“They were not clapping to praise you,” he said.
“They were trying to kill you.”
The mosquito understood.
Not everyone who claps is your friend.
Moral:
Not everyone is happy about your success.
5. The Camel and the Jackal:
Near a river lived a camel and a jackal. The camel was kind and simple. The jackal was clever—but selfish. One day, the jackal saw animals eating sweet watermelons across the river. He wanted to go there. But the river was deep. So he went to his friend.
“Dear camel,” he said sweetly,
“Let us go across the river together.”
The camel agreed. They crossed the river. The jackal quickly ate many watermelons. Soon, his stomach was full. But the camel was still eating slowly. The jackal began to howl loudly.
“Why are you shouting?” asked the camel.
“I always howl after eating!” said the jackal.
The farmer heard the noise and came running with a stick.
The jackal ran away quickly. But the camel was beaten badly. Later, the camel let the jackal sit on his back to cross the river again. In the middle of the river, the camel began to sit down.
“What are you doing?” cried the jackal. “I always sit in water after eating,” said the camel calmly. The jackal fell into the river and struggled to swim. He finally reached the shore – wet and ashamed. He realized his mistake.
Moral:
As you do, so shall you receive.
See more stories here: 10 Bedtime Stories for Kids
6. The Squirrel and the Birds:
Once upon a time, in a forest, there lived a kind little squirrel. She loved to help everyone. Every day, she found someone to help. One day, she was traveling to another forest. Suddenly, a strong storm began to blow.
The wind was so powerful that she lost her way. After the storm stopped, she looked around. She had reached a beautiful new forest. All the animals there lived happily together. Soon, the animals saw the squirrel. They gathered around her.
The squirrel felt a little scared. But she spoke bravely. “I lost my way because of the storm,” she said softly. “If you show me the way to my forest, I will be very thankful.” The animals smiled kindly.
“We will help you,” they said.
“If you like, you may stay with us for a few days. No one troubles anyone here.”
The squirrel felt hopeful.
She decided to stay for some time.
She spent many happy days in that forest.
Moral:
When we help others, God helps us too.
7. The Turtle and the Swans:
Long ago, there lived a turtle named Timmy in a pond. Timmy loved to talk. Once he started speaking, he never stopped! Two swans also lived in the same pond. They were Timmy’s good friends.
One day, Timmy sat sadly near the pond.“What happened, dear friend?” asked the swans. “I cannot travel anywhere,” Timmy sighed. “You both fly far away, but I must always stay here.”
“Do not worry,” said the swans. “We will find a way.” The next day, they brought a small stick. “Hold the middle of the stick with your mouth,” they said. “We will hold the ends and fly.”
“But remember,” they warned, “Do not open your mouth.” Timmy agreed. Soon, they were flying high in the sky. Two farmers below looked up.
“What wonderful friendship!” they said. “Look how the swans are helping their friend!” Timmy felt proud. He wanted to say, “It was my idea!” As soon as he opened his mouth- Down he fell. The farmers caught him and took him away.
The swans flew sadly. “If only he had stayed quiet,” they said.
Moral:
It is not wise to boast about yourself.
8. The King and the Stone:
A king once wanted to know what his people thought about him. One morning, he placed a large stone in the middle of the road. Then he hid behind a bush. Many people passed by. Some walked around the stone. Some complained about the king.
But no one tried to move it. The king watched all day. In the evening, a potter came with his cart full of clay pots. He saw the stone and stopped. With great effort, he pushed the stone aside. Under the stone, he found a bag of gold coins.
He looked around. There was no one there. He took the coins and went on his way. The king understood something important. Not everyone complains. Some people take responsibility.
Moral:
Do not blame others. Do your duty.
You can read more stories here: Top 10 Short Stories in English with Moral
9. My Lazy Brother:
Sam and Tom were brothers. Sam was older. Tom was younger. Sam was very lazy. He always said, “I will do it tomorrow.” Tom always finished his work on time.
One day, their mother gave them money. “Your exams start tomorrow,” she said. “Buy the things you need.” Tom quickly went to buy his things. But Sam lay on the sofa watching television.
“I will buy a pen tomorrow,” he said. The next day, it rained heavily. Water was everywhere. When Sam reached school, all the shops were closed. He had no pen.
He asked his friends. No one had an extra one. He felt very sad. He told the teacher the truth. The teacher said gently, “Promise me you will never delay your work again.” Sam promised.
Moral:
Laziness is our greatest enemy.
10. The King and His Justice:
There once lived a king who was famous for his wisdom. People trusted his decisions.
One day, two neighbors came to his court. Their names were Hari and Mohan. Hari said,
“Maharaj, Mohan stole valuable things from my house last night.” Mohan replied, “I am innocent. I have never stolen anything.”
The king thought carefully. He ordered a bucket of clear water. He removed his necklace and dropped it into the bucket. Then he said, “Each of you will put your hand into the water. If a liar touches it, the water will turn red.”
Hearing this, Mohan became frightened. “Forgive me, Maharaj!” he cried. “I will return everything.” The king ordered him to return the stolen items and sent him to prison. Everyone praised the king’s wisdom.
Moral:
Wisdom can solve even the hardest problems.

