In a dusty village by a wide, flowing river, there lived a sly jackal who always looked for ways to get what he wanted without working for it. One day, while sneaking around the riverbank, he saw a tall, gentle camel drinking the cool water.

The jackal’s eyes lit up with an idea. “Hey, Camel!” he called out, his voice full of excitement. “I know where you can find the tastiest food in the village! It’s right across the river, and if you take me along, I’ll show you exactly where it is!”

The camel, who was always curious and liked the idea of a treat, thought for a moment. “Hmm, okay,” said the camel, trusting the jackal’s words. “Let’s go.”

So, the camel waded into the river, carrying the jackal on his back. Together, they crossed to the other side. As soon as they reached the village, the jackal didn’t waste any time. He dashed ahead and began stealing food from the village stalls, gobbling up whatever he could find.

The villagers noticed quickly and were furious. They grabbed sticks and stones, chasing the jackal away. “Get out of here, you thief!” they shouted.

As the jackal ran back toward the camel, he panicked and yelled, “Help! They’re coming after you too!”

But the camel, realizing that the jackal had caused all the trouble, wasn’t fooled. With one swift motion, the camel tossed the jackal off his back and onto the ground.

“Not this time, Jackal,” said the camel firmly. “You’ve caused enough trouble.”

The camel turned and ran back to the river, leaving the jackal behind. The jackal, stunned and out of breath, watched as the camel disappeared in the distance. He had learned that his tricks wouldn’t work forever—eventually, someone would outsmart him.

Moral:

Tricksters will eventually meet their match. It’s better to be honest than to try and fool others.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your child to think about honesty and how actions can have consequences. Discuss why being trustworthy builds better relationships than relying on trickery or deceit.

Fun Questions For Curious Kids

• Why do you think the camel trusted the jackal at first?
• How would you feel if someone tricked you like the jackal tricked the camel?
• What could the jackal have done instead of stealing food from the village?
• Why is it important to think about how our actions affect others?
• If you were the camel, what would you do when the jackal asked for help again?
• How do you think the jackal felt when the camel left him behind?
• Can you think of a time when being honest helped you make a friend or solve a problem?
• What lesson do you think the jackal learned at the end of the story?

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Camels and Jackals!

1. Camels are desert experts: Camels can survive without water for up to two weeks, storing fat in their humps for energy.
2. Jackals are clever animals: Jackals are known for being smart and resourceful, often working in pairs to hunt.
3. Camels are strong swimmers: Despite living in the desert, camels can swim when needed, just like the one in the story!
4. Jackals communicate with calls: They use howls, growls, and yips to talk with other jackals and warn of danger.
5. Camels have thick lips: Their tough lips let them eat thorny plants that most animals can’t digest.
6. Jackals eat a varied diet: Jackals are omnivores, meaning they eat plants, small animals, and sometimes even fruit.
7. Camels can close their nostrils: This keeps out sand during desert storms, making them perfectly adapted to their environment.
8. Jackals are speedy runners: Jackals can run up to 40 miles per hour to escape predators or chase prey.
9. Camels can drink gallons of water: After a long period without water, a camel can drink up to 30 gallons in just 13 minutes!
10. Jackals appear in myths: In ancient Egyptian mythology, jackals were linked to Anubis, the god of the afterlife.

Activity Idea:

“Trust Test” Game

• What You’ll Need: A blindfold and an open space.
• How to Play: Pair up children or family members. One wears the blindfold while the other guides them around the space with verbal directions.
• Purpose: Teach kids about the importance of trust and why being honest with those who rely on you is essential.

Download Free Coloring Pages Related To This Story

Bring the story to life with coloring pages designed to spark creativity and make story time even more fun. Coloring helps kids express their creativity, improve focus, and reinforce the story’s themes in a fun, engaging way. After reading together, let them bring the story to life with colors!

Click on any of the free coloring pages below to download or print it!