Comparing Themes and Lessons: Crow’s Punishment & The King’s Parade

Crow’s Punishment

1 Long ago, a giant eagle swooped down and grabbed a rabbit in its talons. Then it flew away with its meal. Crow watched the eagle and thought, That wasn’t so hard. Surely I am strong and brave enough to do the same!

2 So Crow soared above the pasture and looked for something to catch. He saw a small lamb munching on grass. He fluffed out his feathers, dove down with all his strength, and clutched at the lamb. But when he tried to lift the animal, nothing happened. Instead, his claws became tangled in the lamb’s wool, and he could not move. The lamb barely noticed as Crow struggled to get free.

3 At the end of the day, the farmer came to collect the lamb. When he saw the foolish crow, he laughed, having guessed what had happened. He clipped Crow’s feathers and took it home to his children.

4 “Why are you giving us a bird that cannot fly?” the children asked.

5 “It’s your new pet,” the farmer said, “but treat it nicely. It is not very smart.”

6 Crow was so embarrassed that he said nothing. But he was smart enough to realize he was not as strong as an eagle.

The King’s Parade

1 A long time ago, a mouse lived in the countryside near the King’s Highway. He hoped someday to see the king. Then one day, he got his wish. The king approached him riding a huge elephant that was decorated with gold and jewels. The royal cat and dog also rode the elephant with the king. They wore plush red velvet capes.

2 Mouse quickly tied a red ribbon around his neck and said, “Now I am as fancy as everyone. I can be part of this parade.” So Mouse fell in line behind the elephant, strutting down the highway.

3 No one noticed Mouse. So he puffed out his chest and thought, That elephant is so clumsy. He might be big, but I am as mighty as a lion. I should lead this parade!

4 So Mouse raced ahead of the elephant and began strutting like a lion. However, the royal cat spotted Mouse and pounced down off the elephant. Mouse just barely got away. When he reached the safety of his home in the field, he realized he probably wasn’t as strong as a lion. He also wasn’t as smart as he should have been.