The Ant and the Dove – A Complete Tale of Kindness and Mutual Help

Summary: This story tells how a dove saved an ant that was about to drown in a river, and how the ant later returned the favor by saving the dove from a hunter. It teaches us that kindness always comes back and that friendship isn’t defined by size or strength.

On a hot summer day, when the sun was blazing mercilessly, a tiny ant left its home in search of water. The river was nearby, and the ant climbed down to its edge to quench its thirst. But as it leaned forward, its feet slipped on a wet rock, and it fell into the rushing stream. Desperately, the ant tried to escape, but the current was too strong. The water carried it farther and farther away, and the ant thought its end had come.

On a nearby tree, a dove was resting. She enjoyed the cool shade while watching the river. Suddenly, she noticed the tiny ant struggling for its life. Her heart filled with compassion. The dove knew she had to help. She plucked a leaf from the tree, took it in her beak, and dropped it into the water near the ant.

The ant saw the leaf and clung to it with its last bit of strength. The current carried the leaf to the riverbank, where the ant finally found solid ground. Shaking with fear and exhaustion, the ant looked up and saw the dove watching over it. “Thank you, dear dove!” said the ant. “You saved my life. I will never forget your kindness.” The dove smiled and replied, “Every life is precious. One day, you may help me or someone else.”

Days passed. The ant returned to its usual tasks, but the dove’s words stayed in its mind. One day, as it wandered through the forest, the ant heard a suspicious rustling. In the bushes stood a hunter, aiming his gun at the dove perched on the same branch where she had once saved the ant.

The ant immediately realized the danger her friend was in. Without hesitation, despite its small size, the ant ran to the hunter, climbed onto his boot, and bit his heel. The hunter cried out in pain, stumbled, and misfired.

The dove, startled by the commotion, flew away and hid in the dense branches. Once the danger was gone, she returned to the ant. “You saved me, my little friend!” she said. “Who would have thought that such a small hero could do so much for me.”

From that day on, the ant and the dove became the best of friends. They often met by the river, reminding each other of the day when kindness saved them both. Their story spread throughout the forest, becoming an example of the importance of mutual help.

Moral of the story: Kindness always comes back. Even the smallest can accomplish great deeds when acting with kindness and courage.

Discussion Questions:

• Why did the dove decide to help the ant that was drowning in the river?
• How did the ant save the dove despite its small size?
• What does this story teach us about mutual help and gratitude?