Aesop's Fables
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
⏱ 3–5 min
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The Fox and the Grapes
One day, a hungry fox was wandering through a vineyard when his eyes landed on a bunch of ripe purple grapes hanging high on the vine. They looked absolutely delicious.
"Those must taste wonderful," the fox thought, and crouched down before leaping up to grab them. But the grapes hung too high, and he couldn't reach them at all.
He backed up further and leapt again with all his strength — still no luck. He tried again and again until he was completely out of breath.
At last the fox gave up. He sat down, panting, and looked up at the grapes with disappointment in his eyes.
He walked away, muttering loudly to himself, "Hmph, those grapes were probably sour anyway. I didn't want them." But deep down, he knew that wasn't true at all.
When you try something and it doesn't work out, don't lie to yourself that you never wanted it in the first place. It's better to accept the truth, then try a new way or keep practicing.
About this story
A fox tries again and again to reach a bunch of juicy grapes, and when he can't, he tells himself he never wanted them anyway.
⏱ About 2–5 minutes👧 Best for ages 4–8📚 Aesop's Fables
What children can learn
HonestyEmotional Skills
- Written and retold by
- Aesop's Fables — retold by the Hoot Tales team
- License
- Public domain · Source: Aesop's Fables
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Parents' guide
Name disappointment with The Fox and the Grapes
A good fit for
Children learning what to do when they lose, cannot reach a goal, or do not get what they hoped for. Notice the gap between a feeling and the words used to protect oneself.
Know before reading
After several attempts, the fox leaves saying the grapes were probably sour. A child may laugh at or blame the fox. Explore how those words might hide disappointment.
Words to explore
- reach
- to stretch far enough to touch or get something
- disappointed
- sad because something hoped for did not happen
- excuse
- a reason given to explain or protect oneself
Before reading
- What could you try if something you want is too high?
- How can our body feel when an attempt fails?
While reading
- Does the fox change its method or repeat the same one?
- What might it feel just before calling the grapes sour?
After reading
- Do we know whether the grapes were sour?
- What could the fox say that is more honest and kind to itself?
- How is taking a break different from giving up?
A 10-minute after-reading activity
About 10 minutesMaterials: paper, pencil
- Draw one problem in the center.
- Branch to try another way, ask for help, and take a break.
- Create one kind sentence to say to yourself on each path.
What may feel scary or confusing
A recently disappointed child may not want to discuss or solve the problem immediately. Allow a pause and return later.
For adults: leave room for the child's view
Avoid labeling the fox a liar. Separate facts, feelings, and a story we tell ourselves to reduce hurt.
Continue the conversation
Sources for the shared-reading approach
- Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice: Policy Statement — American Academy of Pediatrics
- How to teach your child to love reading — UNICEF Parenting
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