Fables for kids have long taught important life lessons through fun and engaging animal stories. This bedtime fable is a fresh retelling of the classic “Ant and the Grasshopper” story, showing why preparation and effort lead to success. If you love short bedtime stories with a moral, this one’s perfect for you!
The Ant and the Carefree Grasshopper
One bright summer morning, Andy the Ant marched through the meadow, carrying a grain of wheat on his back. The sun was warm, the air was fresh, and the trees swayed gently in the breeze.
Just then, Greg the Grasshopper came hopping along, chirping a happy tune.
“Andy, my friend!” Greg called out. “Why work so hard? The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming—let’s sing and dance instead!”
Andy paused but shook his head. “Winter will be here before you know it, Greg. I’m gathering food so I won’t go hungry when the cold comes.”
Greg laughed and played his fiddle. “Oh, winter is far away! There’s plenty of time! You should enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!” And off he went, leaping and playing without a care in the world.
As the days turned into weeks, Andy and his fellow ants worked tirelessly, carrying food to their underground home. Meanwhile, Greg danced, sang, and feasted on whatever he could find, never once thinking about the future.
Then came autumn, and the leaves began to fall. A chill crept into the air.
By the time winter arrived, the meadow was covered in snow. Food was scarce, and the cold winds howled through the trees.
Greg shivered, his stomach growling with hunger. He searched for food, but the fields were empty, and the trees were bare. Finally, he knocked on Andy’s door.
“Andy… my friend,” Greg said, his voice weak. “I have no food. Could you spare some?”
Andy looked at him kindly. “Greg, I warned you that winter would come. While we worked hard, you played.”
Greg hung his head. “I see that now. I should have prepared like you.”
Andy smiled. “It’s never too late to learn, Greg. Next year, work with us, and you’ll never go hungry again.”
Greg nodded gratefully, realizing that fun has its place, but hard work and preparation are just as important.
Moral of the story:
“Enjoy life, but always prepare for the future. Hard work today leads to comfort tomorrow.”
