The Ass in the Lion’s Skin
Quick Answer
An ass finds a lion’s skin and dresses up to scare the forest. For a while it works—until his own bray gives him away, proving that costumes can’t change who you are inside.
Why This Story Works for Bedtime
It’s playful and not scary: the ‘lion’ is really a silly donkey. A gentle bedtime lesson about being yourself and not using fear to feel important.
Story at a Glance
RECOMMENDED AGES
6-10 years
READING TIME
4 min
Story Synopsis
In a quiet forest, an ass discovers something dramatic on the ground: a lion’s skin left behind by a hunter. An idea sparks. He pulls the shaggy skin over his back and admires how powerful he looks. Wearing the mane, he stalks through the trees and hides in thickets. When animals pass, he jumps out, and they scatter in fright, believing a lion is near. The ass feels proud of the fear he can cause. But pretending requires silence. When the ass gets too excited, he forgets himself. A bray bursts out—loud and unmistakable. The forest recognizes the sound immediately. The disguise crumples in an instant, and the animals see the truth. The story reminds children that trying to seem powerful by scaring others doesn’t last. Real confidence comes from honesty, not costumes—and your real voice will always find a way through.
Story Excerpt
In a quiet forest, an ass was walking along a path. He swished his tail and sniffed the air. The leaves rustled softly overhead. Then he saw something strange on the ground. It was a lion’s skin. A hunter had left it there. It looked big and shaggy, with a great mane. The ass blinked. “Hmm,” he thought. “What is this doing here?” He stepped closer. He nudged it with his nose. It did not move. The ass had an idea. He tugged the lion’s skin up and over his own back. He wiggled and shuffled until it fit around him. The mane fell around his face. In the shadowy leaves, he almost looked like a real lion. The ass felt very proud. He walked deeper into the forest and found a thick thicket, like a green curtain made of bushes. He hid behind it and waited. Soon, a deer came along the path.
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In One Glance
A donkey finds a lion’s skin and wears it to frighten other animals. The disguise works until the donkey brays, revealing who he truly is. The animals no longer fear him. The tale teaches that pretending can’t change your true nature and that trying to gain respect through fear doesn’t last.
Frequently Asked Questions
A donkey pretends to be a lion, but his bray reveals him.
Ages 6–10.
Yes—light, funny, and ends safely.
No—the ‘scary’ lion is a costume, not real danger.
Be yourself; don’t use fear to feel important.