The lion and the mouse

“The lion and the mouse” is a classic fable about a mighty lion who spares a tiny mouse, only for the mouse to return the favor later. It’s a wonderful story about kindness, friendship, and how good deeds are always repaid.

First told by Aesop in 600 BCE, this timeless fable has been shared for centuries to show how even small acts of kindness matter. In this article, you’ll find two versions of the story: the full fable and a simplified graded reader for young English learners. With fun questions at the end, your child can practice vocabulary and comprehension.

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Let’s pounce into the savannah and see how a lion and a mouse become the most unlikely of friends!

The story of “The lion and the mouse”

Once upon a time, in a vast jungle, a mighty lion was resting under the shade of a large tree. He had just finished a big meal and was enjoying the cool breeze when, all of a sudden, a tiny mouse scurried over his paw. The lion woke with a start and trapped the little mouse under his massive paw.

“Who dares disturb my rest?” roared the lion, baring his sharp teeth. The tiny mouse trembled with fear.

“Please, mighty lion,” squeaked the mouse. “Let me go, and I promise I will repay your kindness one day.”

The lion laughed at the thought of such a small creature helping him. “You, help me? That’s impossible!” But the lion was in a good mood, and he didn’t really need to eat the mouse. So, he lifted his paw and let the little mouse go free.

The mouse quickly scurried away, grateful for the lion’s kindness. “Thank you, kind lion! I’ll never forget your generosity,” the mouse called out as she disappeared into the grass.

The lion in trouble

A few days later, the mighty lion was out prowling the jungle when he stepped into a hunter’s trap. Thick ropes ensnared him, and no matter how hard he struggled, he couldn’t break free. The more he fought, the tighter the ropes became. Exhausted, the lion let out a loud, desperate roar.

The sound echoed through the jungle and reached the ears of the tiny mouse. Remembering the lion’s kindness, the mouse rushed to the scene. When she saw the lion trapped, she knew she had to help.

“Don’t worry, mighty lion! I’ll get you out of this!” the mouse squeaked.

The lion, though grateful, doubted that the little mouse could help. But the mouse quickly began to gnaw at the ropes with her sharp teeth. Bit by bit, she chewed through the thick ropes, and before long, the lion was free!

The lion stood up and looked down at the tiny mouse in amazement. “You saved me,” he said, full of gratitude. “I didn’t believe you could, but you have proven that even the smallest creature can help in the biggest way.”

The lion and the mouse became great friends, and from that day on, they remembered the lesson they had both learned—kindness and friendship can come from the most unexpected places.

The moral of “The lion and the mouse”

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
The lion learned that even the smallest creature, like the mouse, can be a great help. This fable teaches us that everyone, no matter their size or strength, can make a difference. Being kind and helping others can lead to unexpected rewards!

Questions about “The lion and the mouse”

1. What did the lion do when the mouse ran over his paw?
2. How did the mouse promise to repay the lion’s kindness?
3. What happened to the lion that caused him to need help?
4. How did the mouse help the lion escape from the trap?
5. What lesson does the story of The Lion and the Mouse teach us?

Answers

1. The lion trapped the mouse under his paw but then decided to let her go.
2. The mouse promised to repay the lion’s kindness one day, even though the lion didn’t believe she could.
3. The lion got caught in a hunter’s trap, and thick ropes trapped him.
4. The mouse chewed through the ropes with her sharp teeth, freeing the lion.
5. The story teaches us that no act of kindness is ever wasted, and even the smallest creature can make a big difference.

Words to learn

• Lion: A large, powerful animal known as the “king of the jungle.” In this story, the lion learns that kindness is important.
• Mouse: A small, timid creature. The mouse shows that even the smallest animal can make a big impact.
• Trap: A device used to catch animals. The lion was caught in a trap set by hunters.
• Kindness: The act of being friendly and generous. The lion’s kindness to the mouse was later repaid.
• Roar: A loud sound made by a lion. The lion’s roar for help brought the mouse to his rescue.

What type of story is “The lion and the mouse”?

The Lion and the Mouse is a fable, a short story that teaches a moral lesson, often using animals as characters.

Who wrote “The lion and the mouse”?

The Lion and the Mouse is a fable by Aesop, an ancient Greek storyteller. Learn more about Aesop here.

When was “The lion and the mouse” written?

The Lion and the Mouse was written more than 2,500 years ago as part of Aesop’s Fables.

Who are the main characters in “The lion and the mouse”?

The main characters are the lion, a mighty animal, and the mouse, a tiny creature who proves that kindness and friendship are more important than size or strength.

What lesson can we learn from “The lion and the mouse”?

We learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted, and even those who seem small or powerless can still make a big difference. Friendship and helping others can bring rewards when we least expect them.

Fun fact!

Did you know? In some versions of “The lion and the mouse”, the mouse repays the lion’s kindness by warning him of hunters nearby, showing that there are many ways to repay a kind deed!