What Life Lessons Do Traditional Animal Stories Teach Children?

Children love animals. A talking lion, a cunning rabbit, a singing donkey that sings loudly, all these animal characters make children smile, listen and learn. Thousands of years of animal tales have been imparting to children important lessons in life. And the best part? Children do not even feel like they are learning - they are simply having lots of fun!

The Panchatantra is one of the most popular books of animal stories in the world. You are making a really wonderful decision, in case you are seeking panchatantra books for kids. These are easy stories in colour and full of great morals to little hearts.

What is the Panchatantra?

The Panchatantra is one of the oldest books of stories in the world. It was composed in India over 2,000 years ago. The word "Panchatantra" means "Five Principles" or "Five Books of Wisdom". These stories were written by a kind teacher named Vishnu Sharma, in order to teach young princes how to live wisely and happily.

The Panchatantra tells us that even animals such as lions, monkeys, crows, jackals and rabbits are capable of talking and thinking just like human beings. In every story there is a special lesson like a sweet hidden in a fruit! A good panchatantra story book makes these stories alive with vivid illustrations and simple words that can be understood and enjoyed even by very small children.

Top Life Lessons That Animal Stories Teach Children

The following are some of the most valuable life lessons that children can learn through Panchatantra animal stories:

1. Be Honest at All Times — The Blue Jackal

In this story, a jackal falls into a tub of blue dye and turns bright blue. He is a fake magical king and deceives all the animals in the forest. But when he loses himself, and howls like a jackal, every one finds out his lie. The moral is easy: never lie. Telling lies can be useful in the short-term, but the truth always comes out!

2. Good Friends Help Each Other - The Four Friends

The best of friends are a deer, a crow, a mouse and a tortoise. When one of them gets into trouble, all the others combine their efforts to rescue them. This beautiful tale teaches children that friendship is all about being there with one another whatever the circumstances.

3. Before You Speak, Think-- The Talkative Tortoise

One of the tortoises was fond of talking--all day and all night! Two nice geese assisted the tortoise to travel by letting him hold a stick in their beaks. They cautioned the tortoise: "Please keep still! But the tortoise could not help himself, and opened his mouth to speak-- and fell. The lesson? Always think before you speak. Words are extremely, extremely powerful!

4. Don't Use Strength, Use Your Brain — The Intelligent Hare

There was a large, frightening lion that was consuming all the animals in the forest. The little animals thought of a great idea. A small, cunning hare deceived the lion to go and look at his own image in a well and frighten himself off permanently! This tale also teaches children that being smart is ever stronger than being big and strong.

5. Do Not Be Greedy - The Heart of the Monkey

A foolish crocodile's wife wanted to eat a monkey's heart. The crocodile pretended to be the monkey's friend and tried to trick him. But the cunning monkey hastened to reply that he had left his heart hanging on the tree! The lesson of this story is that children should beware of greed and should always apply their quick thinking skills in times of trouble.

6. Never Ignore Good Advice - The Singing Donkey

One of the donkeys desired to sing in the middle of the night, in spite of the fact that his wise friend told him that singing would bring trouble. The donkey would not listen-- and was caught! It is always better to work together and listen to good advice of those who care about us.

7. Be Careful of False Friends - The Crane and the Crab

One of the cranes, in order to deceive the fish in a pond, transported them to a different pond which was considered better. But he was really eating them one after another! A wise crab found out the truth and rescued the others. This tale is a lesson to children to always be careful, and to watch who are their true, honest friends.

Panchatantra Stories and Their Life Lessons

Why Are Story Books for Kids So Important?

Story books for kids do much more than just entertain. Whenever a child hears or reads a story, wonderful things occur in his little brain:

• Stories help develop the vocabulary of a child in a natural and playful way.

• They make children learn and recognize their own feelings.

• Sharing reading time helps parents and children to get closer.

• Stories sparks imagination, creativity and curiosity.

• They educate children about what is right and wrong in an enjoyable and light manner.

• Story-loving children become confident readers and learners.

Story books for kids are one of the most beautiful gifts you can give to your little one whether it is a short story at lunchtime or a cosy story before bed.

Best Age to Start Reading Panchatantra Stories

In case you are looking to buy story books for 3 year olds, the Lil Legends Panchatantra illustrated series would be a perfect fit. The illustrations are bright and colourful, the text is incredibly simple, and each of the stories is not too long to keep a toddler interested in reading the entire story.

Read More: What Is The Little Shloka Book & Why Is It Perfect for Kids?

Why Panchatantra Makes the Perfect Bedtime Story Books?

Bedtime is a magical, and peaceful time. The lamps are dimmed, the children huddle into their warm blankets, and a tale is told. Panchatantra stories are perfect as bedtime story books since:

• The stories are all short- perfect stories to read to little ones who fall asleep easily.

•The quiet, peaceful animal stories assist children to rest and fall asleep peacefully.

• The mere moral at the end leaves children with something nice and good to ponder.

• Reading the same favorite characters each night creates a soothing and healthy bedtime habit.

• Children go to sleep with a sense of safety, happiness and a fullness of positive thoughts.

It is indeed one of the best things that a parent can do. Children read to them night after night are better equipped in terms of language skills, imaginations and have a wonderful life-long love of books and reading.

Panchatantra Story Books vs Other Story Books for Kids

How Lil Legends Panchatantra Books Help Your Child Grow

Lil Legends by Oswaal Books has made a beautiful and lovingly prepared collection of panchatantra books for kids that are perfect in Indian families and kids anywhere. The following is what makes them really special:

Bright, colourful illustrations, which children fall in love with.

Simple English language - simple enough to be followed even by 2 year olds.

Short, interesting stories--just the right size to make a book of bedtime stories.

Each panchatantra story book has the moral lesson conspicuously displayed.

Available either as single books, sets of 5 books or sets of 10 books.

It is a great present to young children aged 2 and above.

Some of the popular titles are The Singing Donkey, The Blue Jackal, The Monkey Heart, The Four Friends, The Talkative Tortoise, The Intelligent Hare, The Crane and the Crab and many more. Every little book is a treasure trove of wisdom, sweet humour and plenty of heart.