The Flattering Crow and the Piece of Cheese – An Indian Tale from the Panchatantra

Description: This story from the Panchatantra tells of a cunning fox and a gullible crow. The fox managed to get the piece of cheese the crow found through flattery. The story teaches children to be cautious and not to blindly trust kind words.

On a branch of a tall tree sat a crow. In her beak, she held a piece of cheese that she had found on the ground. Proud of her find, she happily surveyed the surroundings, thinking that her breakfast would be delicious.

Nearby, a sly fox was walking along. He spotted the crow and her cheese. "How can I get that piece?" – the fox thought, and he came up with a plan.

The fox approached the tree and, with a friendly smile, said, "Oh, what a magnificent bird sits on this tree! You are so beautiful, your feathers shine in the sunlight like black satin. I’m sure your voice is as wonderful as your appearance."

The crow, flattered by the fox’s words, felt proud. "He says I’m beautiful! Perhaps I should sing for him?" – the crow thought.

But the fox had his sly plan. He continued, "Please, sing for me, for I have never heard such a beautiful bird sing before."

The crow couldn’t resist the flattery. She opened her beak to sing, but the moment she did, the piece of cheese fell straight to the fox’s feet.

The fox quickly grabbed the cheese and laughed: "Thank you for the treat, dear crow! Remember, not everyone who praises you means well."

The crow was left with nothing. Her heart was filled with disappointment, and she realized that flattery often hides deceit.

Moral: Do not blindly trust sweet words. Be cautious and learn to recognize others’ intentions.

Questions for Kids:

• Why did the crow lose her cheese?
• How did the fox trick the crow?
• What lesson can we learn from this story?