The Golden Bird

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

Best for older kids: it’s a quest story with repeating choices, which makes it satisfying and structured. For bedtime, highlight the calm lesson: listening and patience beat pride and rushing.

Story Synopsis

A king treasures a tree that bears golden apples, but one apple disappears each night. His sons keep watch, yet the eldest two fall asleep. Only the youngest sees the thief: a golden bird flashing through the branches. The king commands his sons to bring the bird back. On the road, a fox appears and offers clear advice—what to avoid, what to choose, and how to succeed. The eldest brothers ignore the fox, choose comfort, and fail. The youngest listens. Again and again he faces temptations: an inviting inn, an easy shortcut, a choice that looks pleasant but leads to loss. The fox’s guidance leads him not only toward the golden bird, but also to a golden horse and a princess—each step requiring restraint, honesty, and courage. Yet even success brings trouble, because the older brothers become jealous and betray him. The youngest must endure setbacks, trust the right help, and keep choosing wisely until the truth is revealed. In the end, the kingdom learns who was faithful, who was proud, and what it costs to ignore good counsel. The story rewards humility and steady decision-making—small choices repeated until they shape a life.

Story Excerpt

In an old kingdom there lived a king who loved his pleasure - garden more than any other place. Behind the palace walls, in that quiet green space, stood a tree that bore apples of shining gold. When the apples began to ripen, the king had them counted carefully. But the very next morning, one golden apple was missing. The king frowned. “ Someone is taking my apples, ” he said. “ Tonight, we will keep watch beneath the tree. ” He sent his eldest son first. The prince went out at dusk and settled under the branches, certain he could handle such an easy task. But as midnight drew near, the garden grew still and warm, and his eyelids grew heavy. Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep. In the morning, another apple was gone. The next night the king sent his second son. He promised he would stay awake, and he truly meant it. Yet when the clock struck twelve, sleep slipped over him like a cloak. By morning, another golden apple had vanished. At last it was the youngest son’s turn. He was ready at once, but the king hesitated. “ You are kind, ” the king said, “ but you are not as practiced as your brothers. I fear you will do no better. ” Still, the youngest prince asked again and again, until his father finally agreed. That evening, the prince lay beneath the golden apple tree and kept his eyes open, even when the night air turned soft and drowsy. He listened to the whisper of leaves and the distant call of…

In One Glance