A small ant and a kind dove save each other's lives in this classic fable.
When a dove helps an ant struggling in a brook, the ant doesn't forget. Later, the ant finds a way to return the favor by saving the dove from a hunter's trap. A timeless lesson that even the smallest kindness is never wasted.
Author: Aesop
Themes: Kindness, Gratitude, Helping Others
A Dove saw an Ant fall into a brook. The Ant struggled in vain to reach the bank, the water rushing around her and threatening to pull her under. She was small and weak against the current.
In pity, the Dove dropped a blade of straw close beside the Ant. It was a simple act of kindness, but it meant everything to the little creature fighting for her life in the deep water.
Clinging to the straw like a shipwrecked sailor to a broken spar, the Ant floated safely to shore. She stepped onto the dry ground, exhausted but safe, and looked up to thank her savior.
Soon after, the Ant saw a man getting ready to kill the Dove with a stone. The hunter took careful aim, unaware that the small Ant he had once helped was now watching him closely.
But just as he cast the stone, the Ant stung him in the heel. The sudden sharp pain made the hunter miss his aim, and the stone flew wide, striking nothing but the empty air.
The startled Dove flew to safety in a distant wood, her life saved by the tiny friend she had helped. A kindness is never wasted, for even the smallest can find a way to be a great help.
Introduction
Enjoy the classic Aesop fable 'The Ant and the Dove', a touching story about kindness and gratitude. Through stunning Pixar-style 3D illustrations, children can learn that even small gestures can have a big impact. This story is perfect for teaching empathy and the value of helping others.
About Aesop
Aesop was a storyteller from ancient Greece whose fables are famous for their brevity and clear moral lessons. His stories have influenced cultures worldwide for generations.
The Moral of the Story
A kindness is never wasted. This fable shows that no matter how small you are, you can always find a way to repay a favor and help a friend in need.
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The Ant & the Dove
Enjoy the classic Aesop fable 'The Ant and the Dove', a touching story about kindness and gratitude. Through stunning Pixar-style 3D illustrations, children can learn that even small gestures can have a big impact. This story is perfect for teaching empathy and the value of helping others.
Origin of the Story
This story is part of the legendary collection of Aesop's Fables, which have been used for centuries to teach moral virtues through simple animal tales.
About Aesop
Aesop was a storyteller from ancient Greece whose fables are famous for their brevity and clear moral lessons. His stories have influenced cultures worldwide for generations.
The Moral of the Story
A kindness is never wasted. This fable shows that no matter how small you are, you can always find a way to repay a favor and help a friend in need.
Kindness
Gratitude
Friendship
Discussion Questions
Talk about these questions with your child to better understand the story's lesson.
🎨How did the Dove help the Ant at the beginning?
💬Why did the Ant decide to help the Dove later?
✨Can you remember a time when someone helped you, and how did it make you feel?
📝What does 'A kindness is never wasted' mean to you?
Frequently Asked Questions
❓How does the Dove save the Ant?
The Dove drops a blade of straw into the water, which the Ant uses as a raft to reach the shore.
❓How does the Ant save the Dove?
The Ant stings a hunter's heel just as he is about to throw a stone at the Dove, causing him to miss.
❓What is the main lesson of the Ant and the Dove?
The main lesson is that helping someone today may lead to them helping you tomorrow, and that even the smallest help matters.
