Hoot Tales

The Lion and the Mouse

A lion was resting under a great tree in the forest when a little mouse accidentally scurried right across him, startling him awake and making him furious.

The lion pinned the little mouse firmly under his paw. Trembling, the mouse begged, "Please let me go. One day I might be able to help you too." The lion laughed, but kindly let it go.

A few days later, the lion was caught in a hunter's net. No matter how hard he struggled, the ropes held tight, and he roared out in despair.

The little mouse heard the roar and rushed over. Seeing the lion trapped, it quickly gnawed through the ropes of the net, one strand at a time, until the lion was free.

The lion thanked the little mouse with all his heart. From that day on, the two became true friends, and the lion never looked down on a small creature again.

No matter how small you are, you can always help someone. Kindness isn't measured by size.

About this story

A little mouse the lion once spared returns the favor by gnawing through a hunter's net to set the lion free.

About 2–5 minutes👧 Best for ages 3–7📚 Aesop's Fables

What children can learn

Friendship
Written and retold by
Aesop's Fables — retold by the Hoot Tales team
License
Public domain · Source: Aesop's Fables
Read this story in another language:TH

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