The Fox and the Monkey

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s playful and clear, with a calm ‘try again, choose better’ ending. Great for bedtime chats about leadership, patience, and thinking before acting.

Story Synopsis

All the animals gather to choose a ruler for their meetings. They want someone impressive—someone who can lead. The Monkey steps forward and puts on a show. He dances, spins, makes silly faces, and wins the crowd’s laughter. The animals are delighted. Surely, they think, someone so clever must be the right choice. But the Fox watches differently. Instead of arguing, the Fox sets a small test. He places food where the Monkey will see it and waits. The Monkey, still hungry for attention and reward, reaches for the meat immediately—without thinking about whether it’s wise, fair, or even safe. In that moment, the animals see what the Fox sees: charm is not the same as judgment. Afterward, they hold another meeting and promise to think more carefully before cheering. This story is a gentle bedtime fable about discernment. It invites kids to notice the difference between someone who entertains and someone who makes thoughtful choices—especially when something tempting is right in front of them.

Story Excerpt

All the animals met together one bright day. They came from the woods and the fields and the riverbank. They had an important job to do. “ We must choose a ruler, ” said the animals. “ Someone to lead our meetings. ” They talked and talked. Then someone called out, “ Let the Monkey show us what he can do! ” The Monkey jumped into the middle of the crowd. He bowed low. Then he began to dance. He spun and hopped. He kicked his feet. He made the funniest faces — wide eyes, puffed cheeks, silly grins. He did a thousand little tricks, one after another, quick as a wink. The animals clapped and stamped and cheered. “ How wonderful! ” they cried. “ How clever! ” And right then, with all that excitement buzzing in their ears, they shouted, “ Let the Monkey be our king! ” So the Monkey was chosen as King Monkey. But not everyone was pleased. The Fox stood a little apart. He did not clap. He did not cheer. He did not vote for the Monkey at all. The Fox’s eyes narrowed. “ A…

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