On the Story Prism podcast I, Ritu Vaish, an early childhood educator, perform a new story every week for children 2 to 10 years old and grown ups young at heart.
I have many different themes of stories. The first are the Alphabet Escapades that are stories of alphabets to reinforce phonic sounds. The second are Stories from Near and Far which include folk tales from around the world along with critical thinking questions incorporated within the story. Last but not least are The Originals, organic stories I have developed over the years.
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For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.
And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.
Once upon a time, there was a family of three Emma, the mother, Josh, the father and a nine year young boy called Leo, who hated books.
One stormy afternoon, he was stuck in his school library for detention. It was small, it had a weird smell of new books but there was one book, that had a fragrant smell of a rose. So Leo went towards it and opened the book. The book was named “The book of lost” and suddenly, he was pulled inside it. The only way out was to read every chapter of the book.
Each one was a wild world - desserts, puzzles, monsters etc. The desserts were hot and dry, puzzles were hard to solve but he squeezed past it and monsters were fierce and scary but luckily he faced none.
The talking page told Leo, the library only opens at midnight. Leo raced through the story reading fast, solving riddles and slowly learning to love the words. Just as the clock struck midnight, Leo finished the final page of the book. Lights flashed suddenly and he was back in the library. The storm outside finally cleared and he walked down the street and reached home. His parents were worried for Leo. When he returned, they asked him what had happened?
Leo told them everything that he went through that night. His Mom and Dad did not believe him and asked him to stop lying. Leo got upset and he didn't know what to do, so without telling anything, he went back to his room and locked it. Clutching the memory of the adventure, he promised himself he would never look at books the same way again. That night he fell asleep with the novel open on the side of his bed dreaming of the next story waiting for him.
Leo was a changed person the next day when he woke up. He was reading a book which he had got as a gift from his parents on his 8th Birthday. When his parents saw him they were surprised and thought to themselves that Leo wasn't lying to them so they went up to Leo and apologized. Leo started loving books the end and his parents created a small library for him in his room.
StoryPodcastingWorkshop - by Devansh (Episode 200)
Épisode 200
samedi 3 mai 2025 • Durée 05:01
For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.
And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.
Once upon a time, there lived two friends, Bryce and Kyle. Bryce had a playful pet dog named Biscuit, who was always by his side. One day, the two friends decided to visit the carnival. That afternoon, they got ready, excited to explore the colorful festivities by evening.
The carnival was vibrant and lively, with spinning cotton candy, fire breathers, and popcorn stalls filling the air with joy and excitement. Mesmerized by the fire breathers' dazzling performance, Bryce and Kyle lost track of everything around them, including Biscuit. In the bustling crowd, Biscuit wandered off, unnoticed.
After some time, Bryce suddenly realized Biscuit was no longer with them. Worried, he turned to Kyle and asked, "Where’s Biscuit?" They searched the carnival frantically, calling out his name, but Biscuit was nowhere to be found. Heartbroken, they returned home, feeling helpless.
Bryce and Kyle went home sad. But the next morning determined not to give up , they started asking people in the neighborhood if they had seen Biscuit. They even asked the ice cream man, but he said, “I don’t know your dog, but maybe I can help if you show me a picture.”
Bryce said, “That’s genius!” They ran back to Bryce’s house, flipped the family photo album, and grabbed the adorable picture of Biscuit. Then they made big posters and put them all around the neighborhood, hoping somebody would recognize Biscuit.
Stories From Near And Far-Africa-Anansi And The Pot Of Wisdom (Episode 199)
Épisode 199
samedi 5 avril 2025 • Durée 05:41
Today’s story, 'Anasi And The Pot Of Wisdom' is a folktale from Africa about how everyone on Earth got some wisdom.
Stories from near and far are adapted from a local folk tale, teaching children, new perspectives from around the world. Without much ado let's get started.
Anansi literally translates to spider, and is a folktale character associated with stories of wisdom, knowledge, and trickery, most commonly depicted as a spider, in African folklore.
Anansi and the Pot of Wisdom
Anansi, the spider loves to spin a tale! He can amuse you for hours with stories full of wonder, stories full of fun, and stories full of facts.
Children, which is your favourite Story?
Anandi was very nosy. He knew almost everything about almost everybody. Almost. But Anansi wanted to know everything!
So, one day, he went to the house of the Sun God. "Oh, mighty Sun God! You see everything and everyone! Won't you share your great wisdom with me? I'll use it wisely to spin tales of wonder and fun for everyone."
The Sun God agreed, "Anansi, I will put all the wisdom in the world here in this clay pot. You must share this wisdom with everyone."
Anansi was delighted and promised to do so. Anansi took the pot home. He looked deep into the clay pot and sure enough, he saw sights he had never seen before.
Aesop Fables-The Serpent &The Eagle (Episode 198)
Épisode 198
samedi 15 mars 2025 • Durée 03:54
Aesop's fables are a group of stories thought to have been written by Aesop, a Greek Storyteller. Each Aesop story demonstrates a moral lesson. Today's story - 'The Serpent &The Eagle ' is a story that teaches us tobe kind
Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-serpent-and-the-eagle
Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.
Transcript
Once, a Serpent and an Eagle were struggling with each other in a deadly conflict. The Serpent had succeeded in surprising the Eagle and had wrapped himself around the Eagle’s neck. The Eagle could not reach the Serpent.
Children, can you please help the Eagle with ideas of how he could free himself?
Indeed, he couldn’t, as the serpent had wrapped himself around the eagle’s neck. Hence, neither could he attack the serpent with his beak nor claws.
Helpless, the eagle decided to soar in the sky. Far into the sky he flew, trying to shake off his enemy. But the Serpent’s hold only tightened, and slowly the Eagle sank back to earth, gasping for breath.
A Countryman chanced to see the unequal combat. In pity for the noble Eagle he rushed up and soon had loosened the coiling Serpent and freed the Eagle.
The Serpent was furious. He could not bite the watchful Countryman. Instead, he struck at the drinking bottle, hanging at the Countryman’s belt, and into it let fly the poison of his fangs. The eagle saw this act and was worried.
Well! The Countryman now went on toward home. Becoming thirsty on the way, he filled his bottle at a spring and was about to drink. There was a sudden rush of great wings. Sweeping down, the Eagle seized the poisoned water bottle from out the countryman’s hand for it was this countryman that had saved him from the serpent, and flew away with it to hide it where it could never be found.
Thus, he saved his saviour!
Stories From Panchatantra - The Elephants And The Mice (Episode 197)
Épisode 197
samedi 1 mars 2025 • Durée 03:58
Panchatantra stories are one of the most widely translated books in history and are known for their wisdom on practical life. The stories are delightfully narrated, with animals and birds often being the central characters. Thus they provide valuable life lessons in a light-hearted manner.
The Elephants And The Mice is a story about friendship..
There was a village that was left by its people after it was shattered by an earthquake. However, the mice living in the village decided to stay and make it their home.
Children, do you think there were some other animals that made this village their home?
Yes, it could be bats, mongoose, hawks, etc.
On the outskirts of this village, there was a lake, where a herd of elephants visited regularly to bathe and drink water. Since the village was on the way to this lake, the elephants trampled the mice while walking there.
So, the king of mice decided to meet the elephants. He told them, ” O elephants, as you travel through the village, many mice are trampled. We will be very grateful if you could please consider changing your route. We will remember and return the favour when you are in need.”
The elephant king laughed, “We are giant elephants. What favour can you mice return? Nevertheless, we honour your request and change our route.”
Children, if there was only one way to the pond and that was through the village, can you suggest another solution?
Stories From Near And Far - China - The Empty Pot (Episode 196)
Épisode 196
samedi 1 février 2025 • Durée 04:33
Today’s story, 'The Empty Pot' is a folktale from China about honesty.
Once upon a time, in China, there was a kind and hardworking boy named Ping. Ping loved flowers and plants, and he could make anything grow beautifully. He seemed to possess a Green thumb.
One day, the Emperor announced a special contest. He wanted to choose the next Emperor so that he could train the successor.
He gave every child in the kingdom a seed. He said, "Whoever grows the most beautiful flower from this seed will become the next Emperor."
The emperor distributed the seeds to all the children who arrived at his palace. Ping was also there.
Ping was extremely excited!
He carefully and with all his love planted his seed in a pot and took care of it every day.
Children, how do you think Ping took care of the seed?
Indeed, for the next few months he took utmost care of his seed. He watered it adequately, gave it the right amount of sunlight, and made sure it had good soil. Unfortunately, no matter what he did, nothing grew. Weeks passed, and the pot stayed empty. Ping was sad and worried, but he kept trying.
Finally, the day of the contest arrived. All the children brought their pots to the palace, filled with big, colorful flowers.
Children, please name some of the flowers you think were brought in by the children?
That’s nice.
Yes! There were pretty petunias, dazzling dahlias, and lovely lilies.
Ping felt embarrassed because his pot was still empty, but he decided to be brave and bring it anyway.
The Originals: A Christmas Story - No Ordinary Ornament (Episode 195)
Épisode 195
samedi 21 décembre 2024 • Durée 10:04
Today’s story is an original story that I wrote, inspired by the ornaments my neighbour’s little child was hanging so lovingly on his Christmas tree.
Do you know the significance of each of the Christmas ornaments? Or do you think it’s just for decoration? Well, enjoy the story “No Ordinary Ornament."
It was late November, little Rhea watched as the movers carried luggage to the apartment next door. She was excited that finally, she would have neighbours. She crossed her fingers and prayed that the new family would have kids who could be her companions. She kept peeping out of her window now and then to check and get an update on the move.
It was around noon when she heard the kids and rushed to the door. To her delight, she saw three kids walking toward the next-door apartment. Seeing Rhea, they came to meet her and introduced themselves as Tim, Kelly, and Ryan.
Well! What followed was days of playing, chatting, and sleepovers. In fact, a strong bond of friendship developed among them. They all celebrated Rhea’s birthday together on the 20th of December, which Rhea claimed was the best so far.
All the kids were excited that the Christmas holidays were round the corner and, on the first day of the holiday, Kelly invited Rhea to her house to put up their Christmas tree. Rhea had seen many Christmas trees in the malls and schools but never helped someone put one up. So she was thrilled.
Ms. Brown, the children's mother, brought the big fir tree in with the help of the children. Mr. Brown unpacked the boxes filled with all the decorations from previous years.
“This is going to be my first time decorating a Christmas tree!” said one very excited Rhea with a twinkle in her eyes.
Misc - The Ugly Duckling (Episode 194)
Épisode 194
samedi 14 décembre 2024 • Durée 10:44
Today’s story: "The Ugly Duckling" is adapted from a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.
ONCE ON A FARM LONG AGO, a Mama Duck sat on her nest. “How long must I wait for my babies to hatch? I have to sit here all by myself!” But what could she do? A Mama duck must keep her eggs warm till they hatch.
At last, the eggs began to crack. One yellow duckling stepped out of its shell, then another. Each little chick shook its wings. “Quack, quack!”
“Look at you!” cried Mama Duck with joy. “You're all so cute!”
“Quack, quack, quack!” they said with pride.
“Come line up," said Mama Duck. "We will go down to the lake for your very first swim.”
She counted – one, two, three, four, five.
“Oh dear!” she said with a frown. “I had six eggs. I should have six ducklings.”
One large egg was still in the nest. “Well!" said Mama Duck, "it looks like that big egg will take more time.” So she returned to sit on her nest again and wait some more.
The next day, the big egg started to hatch! Out popped a baby boy bird.
Mummy thought, “My goodness! How different this one looked!” He was much larger than the others. He was not yellow, but dark-grey all over. And after he stepped out of his egg, he also walked with a funny wobble.
Children and all animals walk differently. Can you try the walk of some animals like, duck, lion, deer, elephant etc.
Misc - Ram And The Cherry Tree (Episode 193)
Épisode 193
samedi 16 novembre 2024 • Durée 04:11
'Ram And The Cherry Tree' is a story that teaches us to think about others before we think about ourselves.
Once upon a time there was a blackbird that lived in a cherry tree outside Ram’s window. Every day, the blackbird would chirp around and sing his song. Ram really like his songs.
When Ram ate his breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner; the blackbird also ate his breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner.
Children, What healthy things did you eat today?
What was the blackbird’s breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack?
The blackbird always ate the cherries off the cherry tree outside Ram’s window for all his meals.
One day, Ram’s mother planned to make a cherry pie. So, Ram and mother picked all the cherries off the cherry tree. Mother washed the cherries and then she put them in the crust to bake.
When the pie was baked, she put it by the window and opened the window to help it cool off.
Ram was eating his breakfast. He saw the blackbird fly around the tree looking for his breakfast.
“What is this? There are no cherries on the tree today?” thought the blackbird.
The bird circled around the tree looking at every branch for even some cherries.
Then, the blackbird flew in through the window and sat by Ram
After that, the blackbird flew over to the window by the pie.
Ram smiled. The blackbird looked at Ram. He smiled.
Mullah Nasruddin Tales - Mullah Nasruddin Feeds His Coat(Episode 192)
Épisode 192
samedi 26 octobre 2024 • Durée 08:21
Mullah Nasruddin is a popular character in Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and South Asian folklore. He’s known as oa witty trickster who uses humour, and clever wisdom to reveal truths, often in unexpected or humorous ways. His tales, which are enjoyed by both children and adults, serve as lessons about humility and respect,
Today's Story is : Mullah Nasruddin Feeds His Coat
Mullah Nasruddin had been working in the fields all day long. He was tired and sweaty and his clothes and shoes were covered with mud and stains. Because he had been fasting all day long, for Ramadan, he was also quite hungry.
Children Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which fasting is observed from dawn to sunset.
So, Mallah Nasruddin was also observing fast and hence was very hungry.
But finally, it was almost sundown and Nasruddin knew that he would soon be able to eat.
The wealthiest man in town had invited everyone to come break their fasts in his home that evening with a huge feast. Nasruddin knew that he would be late if he went home to change his clothes before heading into town. He decided it was better to arrive in dirty clothes than to be late.
“Oh, what a party it would be! What a feast!” Mallah Nasruddin thought as he walked to the wealthy man's home, Nasruddin imagined the delicious foods that he would soon be eating: dates, lentils and chickpeas, olives and bread, hummus, falafel, chicken and beef — and best of all — the desserts — halvah, date rolls, figs and baklava!
Children, what is your favourite dessert?
Exhausted but hopeful, they returned to Bryce's house and waited anxiously by the phone. The night passed without any news, and Kyle eventually said goodnight and went home. The next morning, while Bryce’s parents enjoyed their morning tea, Bryce lay in bed, silently wishing for a miracle. Suddenly, the phone rang! He handed the phone to his dad, who spoke with the caller. The stranger on the line said, "I found your dog Biscuit. You can pick him up at the police station."
Bryce called Kyle right away, and they got super excited. They rushed to the police station, and there was Biscuit, reclining on a couch like a king! Bryce and Kyle hugged Biscuit and said, “We missed you so much!” Then they took him home and gave him a bubble bath.
From that day on, Bryce and Kyle promised never to lose Biscuit again!
He heard sounds he did not know existed.
He became greedy. "This is too good to give away. I will keep this great wisdom for myself," thought Anansi.
"I must hide it!" he decided, and he looked around for a good hiding place.
Anansi decided to climb to the top of the tallest tree. There he would tie up the clay pot and the leafy branches will hide it.
Children, do you think that the top of the tree was a good place to hide the pot? Can you suggest another place.
Nice
Now listen ahead.
He started climbing the tree, holding the pot in front of him. “The climbing is hard! He thought
Have you ever climbed a tree while holding a pot?
Anansi wishes he had nine limbs! His youngest daughter was outside and saw what a hard time Anansi was having. "Father, it would be easier if you tied the pot to your back. Then all your limbs would be free for climbing."
Do you think Anansi is happy to get good advice from his daughter? Think again!
"She is right—that would be easier! Why is it my young daughter could think of it, while I who possess all the wisdom of the world did not?"
Anansi got so angry that he threw the pot to the ground. All the wisdom of the world came flowing out of the pot. Some fell here, some fell there. No one got all the wisdom, but everyone git some wisdom. This is why, even today, wisdom is everywhere. If you listen to the stories—stories spun from storytellers all around the world—you will hear it.
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That’s great.
Now listen ahead..
After a few days, the elephants got trapped and entangled in nets that were set up by hunters. They struggled hard to escape, but in vain. The elephant king remembered the promise made by the king of mice. So, he sent a fellow elephant who got lucky and was not trapped, to ask the mice king to come and help them.
Soon, all the mice came and started nibbling the nets, and freed the elephants. The king of the elephants couldn’t thank the mice enough!
Moral of the Story: A friend in need is a friend indeed. Always be kind to people, and grateful for their help.
When the Emperor saw all the beautiful flowers, he frowned. Then he saw Ping’s empty pot and smiled.
He said, "Ping is the winner! He will be the next Emperor." Everyone was surprised.
Children, can you guess why?
The Emperor explained, "The seeds I gave you were boiled, so they couldn’t grow. Ping was the only one honest enough to bring the truth."
Ping became the next Emperor, and everyone learned that honesty is the most important thing of all.
Taking out the lights from one of the boxes, Kelly replied, “Let's put up these lights first. You may then unpack the bells that my father wraps so well every year so they don't break.”
“But why do we put these bells?” asked Rhea innocently. Kelly glanced at the two siblings looking for an answer. And they in turn looked at their father for the answer.
“Children, bells are rung in the church after the mass. When you go to the church you hear the bells right? And that’s why we also put bells on the Christmas tree,” answered the father.
“That's interesting,” Tim nodded as he started to open the next box. “So dad, why do we put all decorations on the tree; the candy canes, the bird in the nest, angels, etc. Is it for decoration or is there some significance that is there?”
“I’ll take this one!” mom replied, taking out a candy cane. “I’m glad you asked. This is the staff of the Shepherd. And the wreath is for...” before she could finish Tim jumped in, “Sprucing the front door!”
“No dear, that represents the thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries represent the blood.”
Holding a rabbit in one hand and a fruit basket in the other Rhea asked, “What about these, aunty?”
“The rabbit symbolizes peace with nature and the fruit is so we always have plenty to eat and to remind us to be generous.”
“Mom, Dad, how come you never told us about this earlier?” Kelly inquired.
“I was waiting for you to be inquisitive enough and ask yourself,” mom said lovingly hanging the bird ornament on the tree, “and this bird in the nest reflects happiness and joy.”
The tree was already looking beautiful.
Ryan opened another box and asked, “Hey mom, this frog must be from Kelly's toys!”
“Ha, ha! The frogs traditionally are symbols of good luck. Frogs can’t move backward or side to side.”
“You know,” father jumped in, “They always move forward suggesting we all achieve our goals and accomplishments.”
“Mmm… I will be like the frog from now onwards, moving ahead to achieve my goals,” Rhea thought to herself.
Ryan took out the teapot, “Now this for sure has no meaning!”
“Dear Ryan, you serve tea to guests in the teapot. This teapot ornament symbolizes hospitality,” Ms. Brown responded.
Rhea said, “I have seen angels being hung. Do you have them?”
“Oh, of course! Open the box marked ‘angels and stars’, right over there,” Mr. Brown replied. “Rhea, angels are a must, for through them we ask for guidance in our lives.”
“But what about this house ornament?” questioned Kelly.
“That symbolizes shelter and protection for the family. And the star that we perch on the top represents the stars that led the three wise men to baby Jesus,” the mother helped the children understand. “Now I'll ask you all a question. Why is there a Christmas tree during Christmas in the first place?” asked father.
Kelly, Rhea, and Ryan looked puzzled but Tim yelled out, “I know, I read somewhere, it's because the evergreens would always keep the away from the evil spirits away! Isn't it?”
“You’re right! The Christmas tree is to keep evil spirits and illness at bay,” Mr. Brown patted Tim.
Everybody stepped back to look at the Christmas tree. It looked gorgeous, adorned with all the ornaments.
Then Ms. Brown announced, “Rhea join us on Christmas Day morning to find the Christmas pickle ornament.”
“Pickle ornament?” one very confused Rhea asked.
Kelly excitedly said, “You know, it's a Christmas tradition to hide a pickle ornament in the tree, and the first person who finds it gets an extra present and has a year of good fortune.”
“I'll be there for sure! Thanks, uncle and auntie, for letting me be a part of your Christmas traditions and I learned so much today,” Rhea said.
“So did we!” said the siblings unanimously
Nice! I am sure you enjoyed that.
One of the yellow ducklings pointed. “What's that? He can't be one of us!”
“I have never seen such an ugly duckling!” said another.
“How can you say such a thing?” said Mama Duck in a very stern voice. “You are only one day old! Your brother hatched from the very same nest as you did. Now line up. We will go to the lake for your very first swim.”
All the way the other ducklings quacked, “Ugly! Ugly! Ugly!” The Ugly Duckling did not know why the other ducklings were yelling at him. He fell behind to take the last spot in line.
When they got to the lake, each yellow duck jumped in and swam behind Mama Duck. When it was his turn, the Ugly Duckling jumped in too, and he started to paddle. “At least he can swim,” Mama Duck thought to herself.
When the yellow ducklings got out of the water and started to play, the Ugly Duckling tried to play with his brothers and sisters. They yelled at him, “Go away! We will not play with you! You are ugly. And you walk weird!”
Children, how do you think the ugly duckling felt?
Yes, sad indeed.
I hope you include everyone in your games.
When Mama Duck was close by, she would not let them talk this way.
“Be nice!” she would scold. But she was not always close by.
One day, one of the yellow ducklings said to the Ugly Duckling, “You know what? You would do us a big favour if you just went away!” All of them started to quack: “Go! Go away!”
“Why won’t they let me stay with them?” thought the Ugly Duckling. He hung his head down low. “They must be right. I should go.” And he flew to the other side of the lake trying to find some friends.
Unfortunately, nobody wanted to play with him. ‘
‘Go away!’ said the pig.
‘Go away!’ said the sheep.
‘Go away!’ said the cow.
‘Go away!’ said the horse. No one wanted to be his friend.
Soon, it started to get cold. It started to snow! The ugly duckling found an empty barn and lived there. He was cold, sad and alone.
At last, spring came. Little dots of green spotted the tree branches. Short, bright flowers popped up from the ground.
“It's time for me to go back to the lake to swim again,” the ugly duckling thought.
“I feel good!” said the young bird, flapping his wings. “Why, I don't think I ever felt as strong as I do right now!”
Spring passed, then summer.
The leaves started to change colors when one day, the Ugly Duckling heard quiet splashing sounds behind him. He turned around.
A flock of beautiful birds sat on the lake.
“Don't worry!” he said to the beautiful birds, holding out one of his wings.
“I am leaving. I won't make trouble for you.” When he happened to glance down at the lake, he saw a reflection in the water that looked like one of those beautiful birds.
Why was the bird so close to him? He jumped back. The reflection jumped back, too.
Children whose reflection was that?
Yes! The ugly ducklings, who had now become a swan.
“What's this?” he thought, puzzled. He stretched his neck and strangely, the reflection of the beautiful bird in the lake stretched its neck, too. A little later he started to leave the lake.
“Why are you leaving so soon?" called out one of the beautiful birds.
"Come back!” said another.
“Stay with us!” said yet another swan. “We’ll be friends.”
Then, the bird who used to be the Ugly Duckling realized what had happened. He was no longer an ugly grey bird that wobbled when it walked. He had grown into a beautiful swan! Then a dark thought crossed his mind.
"You only want me because I'm a swan and I look like you," said he.
"That's not it at all!" said the first swan who had spoken. "We saw you all alone down here and thought you might want to join us. We don't care how birds look. Why, take a look at Pelican over there."
"No one would take me for a swan," squawked Pelican.
"How did you end up with them?" asked once the Ugly Duckling.
"Stayed up too late the night before," shrugged Pelican. "Slept till noon. My flock took off without me. Was sure glad the swans came along when they did. Thanks, guys!"
Said the second swan who had spoken, "And there's Egret."
"What can I tell you?" said Egret. "I love to ride those wind currents! Then found out my entire flock was gone. By then there was no way I could catch up. If the swans didn't come along and invited me to join them, who knows where I'd be now?"
Another good point. Our hero often imagined how lovely it would be to stretch out and just fly, fly, and fly some more.
The bird who used to be an Ugly Duckling considered, "These birds may be beautiful to look at, but they are also beautiful inside. This is the flock for me."
And so the entire flock, including their newest friend, flapped their wings together. And in one moment the flock took off into the clear blue sky.
Moral:
The true beauty is what is inside of our heart. No matter how you are be yourself and love yourself the way you are.
The blackbird said, “I will have my pie without ice-cream!”
And with that, the blackbird took the pie under his wing and flew out of the window. He flew up to the cherry tree to hide.
Ram saw him as he hid the cherry pie in a little hole in the tree.
“That blackbird stole the cherry pie!” Ram shouted.
Why did the blackbird steal the cherry pie?
Indeed, the blackbird stole the cherry pie as Ram and his mother did not leave any cherries on the tree for the blackbird.
When Ram looked outside, he saw the blackbird eating the whole pie! He was eating the crust! He was eating the cherries! Soon, the pie was all gone.
The blackbird taught Ram a lesson:
That we should think of others before you think of yourself.
That’s nice!
When Nasruddin arrived, the wealthy man opened the door and looked Nasruddin up and down scornfully, from his worn, ragged clothes down to his muddy shoes. Without a word of welcome, he gestured for Nasruddin to come in and walked away abruptly.
Children, what was the wealthy man thinking or feeling?
Let's hear what happens next.
Nasruddin joined the throngs of people, who were all dressed in their finest clothing. The tables were laden with all sorts of delicious foods: dates, lentils and chickpeas, olives and bread, hummus, falafel, meat — and best of all — the desserts — halvah, date rolls, figs and baklava!
Despite his efforts to hurry, the seats were all taken and nobody tried to move over or make a space for Nasruddin.
In fact, nobody offered him food. He had to reach over and around people to get any food for his plate. Nobody spoke to him. It was as if he wasn't even there.
The other guests ignored him so completely that Nasruddin could not enjoy the food on his plate, no matter how finely prepared and how tasty it was. In fact, after only a few bites, Nasruddin was so uncomfortable that he decided to leave.
He hurried home and changed into his finest clothing, including a beautiful coat.
Nasruddin returned to the feast and this time the host welcomed him with a huge smile. "Come in, come in," greeted the host. As Nasruddin entered, people waved and called to him from all corners of the room as they invited him to sit near them and offered him food.
Children, what the host and the other guests were thinking now?
Yes! They were probably thinking what a fine young man he is.
Nasruddin sat down quietly. Picking up a plump fig, he carefully placed it into his coat pocket, saying, "Eat, coat, eat”
Next he took a handful of nuts and put them into the pocket, saying, "Eat, coat, eat." Now he began to feed his coat, grabbing all sorts of foods.
He fed the coat lentils and chickpeas, olives and bread, hummus, falafel, chicken and beef — and best of all — the desserts — halvah, date rolls, figs and baklava!
Nasruddin became silent as all the other guests watched this strange behavior.
Soon everyone in the room was staring at Nasruddin, wondering what he was doing.
The host hurried over. "Nasruddin, whatever are you doing? Why are you feeding your coat in this manner?"
"Well," replied Nasruddin, "when I first came to this feast in my old farming clothes, I was not welcome. No one would speak with me. But when I changed into this coat, suddenly I was greeted warmly. So I realized it was not me that was welcome at this party, but my clothing. And so I am feeding my coat."
Children, how do you think the host and the other guests might have been feeling when Nasruddin told them why he was feeding his coat?
