A Stork caught among thieving Cranes pleads innocence, but learns that one is judged by the company they keep.
A Stork caught among thieving Cranes pleads innocence, but learns that one is judged by the company they keep.
Author: Aesop
Themes: justice, consequences, choices
A Farmer who had been trapping Cranes in his field, found a Stork among them when he examined his nets.
The Stork begged the Farmer to spare him. "Save me, kind sir," he cried. "I am not a Crane. You may see that by my feathers and my long red legs."
"Besides, I do not know why you should harm Cranes, they eat only worms and crawly things. I eat the same food, too, as you can easily find out by examining my crop."
"What you say about your food may be true enough," replied the Farmer, "but that does not prove you innocent. The question is, what were you doing among these thieves, the Cranes? You are judged by the company you keep." You are judged by the company you keep.
Introduction
In this classic Aesop fable, a Stork learns an important lesson about the company one keeps. When caught in a farmer's net alongside thieving Cranes, the Stork pleads innocence but discovers that association matters as much as intention.
About Aesop
Aesop was a Greek fabulist and storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables.
Lessons and Values
The Farmer and the Stork teaches children important lessons about responsibility and the consequences of our choices.
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The Farmer & the Stork
In this classic Aesop fable, a Stork learns an important lesson about the company one keeps. When caught in a farmer's net alongside thieving Cranes, the Stork pleads innocence but discovers that association matters as much as intention.
The Origins of The Farmer and the Stork
This fable is part of Aesop's Fables, a collection of stories attributed to Aesop, a slave and storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE.
About Aesop
Aesop was a Greek fabulist and storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables.
Lessons and Values
The Farmer and the Stork teaches children important lessons about responsibility and the consequences of our choices.
responsibility
consequences
friendship
Fun Activities After Reading
Extend the learning with these activities:
🎨
Draw Your Friends
Draw pictures of your friends and write one good quality about each of them.
💬
Make Good Choices
Think about times when you had to choose between right and wrong with friends.
✨
Story Role-Play
Act out the story with friends, taking turns being the Farmer, Stork, and Cranes.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓What is the moral of The Farmer and the Stork?
You are judged by the company you keep.
❓Who wrote The Farmer and the Stork?
This is one of Aesop's Fables, attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop.
❓What age is this story appropriate for?
This story is suitable for children ages 6-8 and older.
