The Fox and the Goat
Quick Answer
A fox falls into a well and can’t climb out. When a thirsty goat arrives, the fox uses flattery to trick her into jumping in—then climbs out on her back.
Why This Story Works for Bedtime
It’s a short, clear cautionary fable. Great for bedtime when you want a calm talk about pausing before you follow someone else’s advice.
Story at a Glance
RECOMMENDED AGES
5-8 years
READING TIME
3 min
Story Synopsis
On a hot day, a fox races through the woods without watching his steps and tumbles into a deep well. The water is cool, but the stone sides are high and slippery. No matter how he scrambles, he can’t climb out. After a while, a thirsty goat wanders by and peers down. The goat asks if the water is good. The fox thinks quickly. Instead of admitting he is stuck, he smiles and praises the water as the best in the forest. The goat, thinking only of thirst, leaps in. Now there are two animals in the well—but the fox has gained something he didn’t have before: a sturdy back to step on. He springs up, uses the goat as a ladder, and escapes. The goat is left behind, realizing too late that she trusted a clever tongue instead of her own careful thinking. The fable reminds us that not every friendly voice is a safe guide—and that a pause can be a protection.
Story Excerpt
One hot day, a fox was running through the woods. He wasn't watching where he was going, and he fell right into a deep well. Splash! Down he went into the cool water. The fox swam around and around, but the sides of the well were too high and too slippery. He couldn't climb out. He tried and tried, but his paws just slid back down. The fox sat in the water. He was stuck. After a long time, a goat walked by. The goat was very thirsty. She looked down into…
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In One Glance
A fox falls into a well and cannot get out. When a goat arrives, the fox lies and praises the water to lure her in. Once the goat jumps down, the fox climbs out using the goat’s back and leaves her trapped. The story teaches children to think before they follow advice and to be cautious of flattering words.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fox tricks a goat into jumping into a well so he can escape.
Ages 5–8.
Yes—short, simple, and easy to discuss.
No scary imagery, but it has a sad ‘tricked’ ending.
Pause and think—don’t follow someone just because they sound confident.