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The Lion and the Crane

A fable from Indian Fairy Tales, retold from the Jataka

This fable comes from the Jataka tales, ancient Buddhist stories from India that teach lessons about kindness, wisdom and character. The Jataka were told for over two thousand years and travelled from India to many lands. Joseph Jacobs collected this version in the late nineteenth century. It is one of the world's oldest fables; a similar story appears in Aesop as 'The Wolf and the Crane.' This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. The story teaches children to think carefully before helping those who may not be grateful, and to value kindness and promises.

Band

Yellow · Emerging readersTypical starting range: ages 6–8

Length

medium · about 541 words in 4 sections · 4 pictures

Source

Indian Fairy Tales, Joseph Jacobs and John Dickson Batten

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (8 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Colouring page
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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