Once upon a time, deep in the forest, there lived a fierce wolf. One day, the wolf was enjoying a big meal after a successful hunt. He gobbled up his food so quickly that, without realizing it, a sharp bone got stuck in his throat! The wolf tried coughing, howling, and even scratching at his throat, but no matter what he did, the bone wouldn’t come out. He was in pain and growing desperate.

The wolf stumbled through the woods, searching for someone to help him. Just then, he spotted a crane flying gracefully overhead. The crane, with her long neck and sharp beak, seemed like the perfect creature to help the wolf.

“Crane! Crane!” the wolf called, his voice hoarse. “Please help me! I’ve got a bone stuck in my throat, and I can’t get it out. I need your long beak to pull it free!”

The crane, though cautious, felt sorry for the wolf. She knew the wolf was dangerous, but she also didn’t want to see him suffer. “I’ll help you,” she said, “but you must promise not to harm me.”

The wolf, desperate to be rid of the bone, quickly agreed. “Of course! Just help me, and I’ll be forever grateful!”

So, the brave crane flew down and carefully placed her long, slender beak into the wolf’s mouth. She reached deep into his throat and, with a quick pull, out came the bone! The wolf was finally free. He coughed once and sighed in relief.

“Ah, much better!” the wolf growled, shaking his head. He felt strong and healthy again, ready to roam the forest without any pain.

The crane, feeling proud of her good deed, stepped back and said, “Now that I’ve helped you, can I go safely? You promised not to hurt me.”

The wolf turned to the crane, his eyes narrowing. “Hurt you? I should be the one you’re thanking, crane!” he growled. “You stuck your head into the mouth of a hungry wolf and came out alive. You should be grateful that I didn’t eat you right then and there!”

The crane blinked in shock. She had helped the wolf in his moment of need, but now he was being ungrateful and rude! The crane quickly realized that not everyone would appreciate kindness, especially those like the selfish wolf.

Without another word, the crane flew away, vowing never to help the ungrateful wolf again. As she soared through the sky, she thought about what had happened and learned an important lesson. Sometimes, doing a favor doesn’t mean you’ll be thanked, especially when the one you’re helping doesn’t value kindness.

The wolf, meanwhile, continued on his way, thinking only of himself and his next meal. But the crane knew better than to expect anything from the likes of him again.

Moral:

Don’t expect rewards for doing favors for the ungrateful. True kindness comes without expecting anything in return, but be wise about who you help.

Parenting Tip: Teach children the importance of kindness while also helping them understand the value of setting boundaries. Not everyone will appreciate their efforts, and it’s okay to prioritize their safety and well-being.

Fun Questions for Curious Kids:

• Why did the crane decide to help the wolf, even though he was dangerous?
• How did the wolf react after the crane helped him?
• Do you think the wolf should have thanked the crane? Why?
• What would you do if you were the crane and a wolf asked for help?
• Can you think of a time when you helped someone but didn’t feel appreciated? How did it make you feel?
• Why is it important to choose wisely who we help or trust?
• What lesson do you think the crane learned from her experience with the wolf?

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Wolves and Cranes

1. Wolves are highly social animals and live in family groups called packs.
2. A wolf’s howl can be heard up to 10 miles away!
3. Wolves eat quickly, often swallowing large chunks of food whole, which can sometimes lead to choking.
4. Wolves play an important role in maintaining balance in ecosystems by controlling prey populations.
5. Cranes are known for their graceful movements and beautiful courtship dances.
6. They have long necks and sharp beaks, perfect for catching fish and other small animals.
7. Cranes are symbols of peace and good fortune in many cultures around the world.
8. The tallest species of crane, the Sarus crane, can grow up to 6 feet tall!

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