Aesop's Fables
The Bear and the Two Travelers
⏱ 3–5 min
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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
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Parents' guide
Explore different kinds of power with the lion and mouse
A good fit for
Children who have felt too small to help or enjoy reversed expectations. Ability depends on the situation, not only size or authority.
Know before reading
The lion traps the mouse, and later a hunter's net traps the lion. A child may fear that the lion will eat the mouse or be harmed; it is fine to say that both survive.
Words to explore
- mercy
- choosing not to harm someone in one's power
- net
- cords tied in a pattern of open spaces
- ability
- something a person or animal is able to do
Before reading
- What could a small mouse do for a large lion?
- Are power and ability the same thing?
While reading
- Why does the lion release the mouse?
- How does the net prevent the lion from using strength?
After reading
- If the mouse could not chew the rope, how else might it help?
- What does the lion learn about judging by size?
- When can asking for help be courageous?
A 10-minute after-reading activity
About 10 minutesMaterials: 6 pieces of paper, pencil
- Draw three problems and three abilities on separate cards.
- Try several matches; one ability may help with several problems.
- Add an “ask for help” card and decide where it fits.
What may feel scary or confusing
Do not use the story to say a child must always help an adult. Children may refuse unsafe or overwhelming tasks and call another trusted adult.
For adults: leave room for the child's view
The mouse need not prove its worth by being useful. Every character has worth before doing something for another.
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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