On a sunny afternoon, in the heart of a vast savanna, a mighty lion was enjoying a peaceful nap in the tall, swaying grass. His golden mane shimmered in the warm sunlight, and all was quiet around him. Suddenly, a tiny mouse scurried across his paw, not paying attention to where he was going.

The lion woke with a start, his big paw trapping the little mouse beneath it. The mouse trembled with fear, his tiny heart racing. “Please let me go!” he squeaked, his voice shaking. “I promise one day, I might be able to help you!”

The lion chuckled, thinking it was funny that such a small creature could ever help him. Amused by the mouse’s bravery, he decided to let him go. “Run along, little one,” the lion said, lifting his paw.

Later that day, as the sun began to set, the lion roamed the savanna. Suddenly, he found himself caught in a hunter’s net! The ropes were tight, and no matter how hard he struggled, he couldn’t escape. The lion roared in distress, his mighty voice echoing across the plains.

Hearing the roars, the little mouse remembered the kind lion who had spared his life. Without hesitation, he raced back to help. When he arrived, he saw the lion trapped and frightened. “Hold on, I’ll help you!” the mouse squeaked, using his sharp teeth to chew through the thick ropes of the net.

With a few quick bites, the mouse freed the grateful lion. The lion looked down at the little mouse with surprise and admiration. “I never thought you could help me,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

The lion learned that even the smallest creature can make a big difference, and that acts of kindness are never wasted.

Moral:

Kindness is never wasted.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your child to be kind and helpful, no matter how small they are. Remind them that kindness often returns when least expected, just like how the little mouse helped the mighty lion. You can also discuss with your child how everyone has something valuable to offer, even if they seem small or powerless.

Fun Questions For Curious Kids:

After reading “The Lion and the Mouse,” you can ask your child these fun questions to explore the moral of the story:

• Why did the lion decide to let the mouse go instead of eating him?
• What do you think the lion felt when the mouse came to rescue him?
• How did the mouse feel when he helped the lion?
• Do you think the lion would have helped the mouse if the situation were reversed?
• Have you ever helped someone who needed it? How did that make you feel?
• Why do you think the lion was surprised that the mouse helped him?
• What do you think the lion learned from this experience?
• Do you think kindness is important in friendships? Why?

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Lions and Mice:

Here are some fun, child-friendly facts about lions and mice:

1. Lions are known as the “king of the jungle” because they are powerful and majestic. But they are actually more common in grasslands and savannas, not jungles!
2. A lion’s roar can be heard from up to five miles away! It’s their way of communicating with other lions in their pride.
3. Did you know that mice can squeeze through holes as small as a pencil? They have very flexible bodies, allowing them to slip into tiny spaces.
4. Mice’s teeth never stop growing! To keep them from getting too long, mice have to gnaw on things like wood or seeds.
5. When lions are born, they are tiny and blind. They rely on their mother to take care of them for the first few months of life.
6. In many cultures, mice are seen as symbols of resourcefulness and cleverness because of their ability to find food and make a home in unexpected places.
7. Unlike other big cats, lions live in groups called prides, which can have up to 30 lions! They work together to hunt and protect their territory.

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!