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Fable: The Tortoise and the Ducks
Read, print and discuss the fable. Prints well in portrait or landscape mode. View in projectable and printable PDF format. Review the complementary activities below the fable text.
The Tortoise and the Ducks
Long ago, there was a little tortoise who always carried his house on his back. No matter where he went, his shell came with him. He moved very slowly and couldn’t travel far. The tortoise used to stay home all the time. He even skipped a big party in the sky that everyone was invited to! But after many years, he started to feel sad. He watched birds fly high and fast, and saw chipmunks and rabbits run and play. “I wish I could see the world like they do,” he sighed.
One day, the tortoise met two friendly ducks. He told them how he wished he could fly and explore. “We can help!” said the ducks. “Hold this stick in your mouth, and we’ll each grab an end. We’ll fly you through the sky! But you must stay quiet, or you’ll fall.” The tortoise was thrilled. He bit the stick tightly, and up they went—higher and higher, above the trees and hills!
As they flew, a crow saw them and shouted, “Wow! That must be the King of Tortoises!” The tortoise felt proud. He wanted to say, “Yes, I am!” But as soon as he opened his mouth… Uh-oh! He let go of the stick! Down, down, down he tumbled—until he landed with a big thump. Luckily, the grass was soft, and he wasn’t hurt. But he was very embarrassed. From that day on, the tortoise remembered: sometimes it’s better to stay quiet and enjoy the ride.
Foolish curiosity and vanity often lead to misfortune.
