The Hare with Many Friends
Quick Answer
A little hare believes everyone in the meadow is her friend—until hounds appear and each ‘friend’ finds an excuse to step away. The hare learns what real friendship means.
Why This Story Works for Bedtime
Brief tension, then a safe ending and a thoughtful lesson about loyalty. Perfect for a calm bedtime chat about what makes someone a true friend.
Story at a Glance
RECOMMENDED AGES
5-8 years
READING TIME
5 min
Story Synopsis
A cheerful hare hops through a sunny meadow, greeting every animal she meets. The horse nods, the bull smiles, the goat waves, the ram calls hello, and the calf answers politely. With so many warm greetings, the hare feels rich in friends. Later that day, barking hounds rush closer through the trees. The hare freezes. She runs to the horse first, begging for a ride—yet the horse worries about being chased. She begs the bull for protection—he refuses. One by one, the goat, the ram, and even the calf step back with excuses. With no one helping, the hare has to rely on herself. She darts through tall grass and low brush, choosing the narrow paths she knows best. At last she slips into a quiet hiding place and waits until the danger passes. In the calm that follows, she understands the difference between friendly hellos and true friends who stand by you when it matters.
Story Excerpt
Once upon a time there was a little hare who lived at the edge of a meadow She was kind and cheerful and all the animals in the meadow said they were her friends One bright morning the hare hopped through the grass saying hello to everyone she met The horse nodded The bull smiled The goat waved The ram called out a greeting Even the young calf said Good morning The hare felt happy She had so many friends But that very afternoon the hare heard a sound that made her freeze It was the barking of hounds coming closer and closer through the trees Her heart began to beat fast She needed help She ran to the horse first Please friend she said will you carry me away on your back The hounds are coming The horse shook his mane I'm very sorry he said but I have important work to do for my master today I'm sure one of your other friends will help you The hare's ears drooped but she…
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In One Glance
A hare thinks many animals are her friends because they greet her warmly. When hounds come, she asks each animal for help, but everyone refuses with excuses. The hare escapes on her own and hides safely. She learns that true friendship is proven by actions in hard moments, not by smiles on easy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
A hare learns that warm greetings aren’t the same as real support when she’s in trouble.
Ages 5–8.
About 3–5 minutes, depending on pace.
Yes—there’s a brief worry moment, then a safe, quiet ending.
Hounds are mentioned, but nothing frightening happens on-page.