We see them every day. They are black, scary at times, and they all look alike. Here is an interesting fact – they are among the most intelligent species on this planet.
Crows – they are everywhere. And they are as intelligent as a seven-year-old child (1)! Anyone who has read the story of a thirsty crow will agree with the findings. One of the most famous fables for kids, the tale of the thirsty crow is one that you must tell your children. In this article, MomJunction tells you the story and also shares some interesting tidbits about it.
The Thirsty Crow – Origin And History
The Crow and the Pitcher is an Aesop’s fable, which tells you the story of the thirsty crow. It is a simple tale of using logic to achieve the said goal. The story has been mentioned in several poems by Greek poets, in fable collections, and other books. The simplicity of the story and the moral it gives kids is perhaps why it was into almost all the languages in the world.
[ Read: Panchatantra Stories For Kids ]
So here is the story again, so that you can read it out to your kids.
The Thirsty Crow Story In English
It was a hot summer’s day. A thirsty crow flew into a village in search of water. The crow flew over the houses, fields, and trees. But he didn’t find any water. After a long time, he came across a farm. Under one of the trees on the farm was a pitcher of water.
Happy that he found some water finally, he swooped down to the tree and then down to the ground. He quickly moved towards the pitcher and looked inside. There was very little water in the pot. The crow put his beak inside the pitcher but could not reach the water. The water level was too low, and the narrow opening prevented his neck from going all the way down.
He tried to push the vessel down to let the water out, but it was too heavy. The crow was disappointed. He was really thirsty and needed a drink of water badly. He could have given up and flown to another farm, looking for water.
But he didn’t. Instead, he looked around and thought, “What else can I do?” He saw that there were a lot of pebbles on the farm. And, he had an idea! He collected a pebble and put it into the pitcher. He collected another pebble and another and put them all in the pitcher. As he added more and more stones, the water level came up to the brim.
The crow drank the water and flew back home happily!
[ Read: Animal Stories For Kids ]
What Is The Moral Of The Thirsty Crow Story?
Every fable has a moral. And the moral of the thirsty crow story comes in several interpretations.
In the Latin verse collection of fables, Avianus follows this story with this moral – “Thoughtfulness is superior to brutal force or strength”.
In another edition of this story by Francis Barlow, the moral is – “Necessity is the mother of invention”.
Modern 20th century writers chose a different moral – “Where there is a will, there is a way!”
So now you see why telling your kid the thirsty crow story is a good idea? Your kid will learn moral values and also the science of water displacement! That’s right! The thirsty crow story for kids is perhaps one of the few parables that also teach principles of physics to kids!
[ Read: Story Of Three Fishes For Kids ]
Anytime Is Storytime!
Haven’t read the story to your child yet? Well, what are you waiting for? You can choose the thirsty crow story in English, the thirsty crow story with pictures, or a regional language version of the story. Regardless, your child is going to enjoy this story and will remember it and the moral when you read it out loud.
When did you first hear this story? Tell us about your thoughts on this simple, but life-changing fable for kids.
- The Lion And The Mouse Story
- The Lion And The Hare’ Story
- The Town-Mouse And The Country-Mouse
- The Story Of ‘Lion And Jackal’
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