Aesop
|
Greece

The Monkey and The Camel

In a forest celebration, a joyful Monkey danced gracefully, while an envious Camel's clumsy dance caused anger and rejection.
Envy
Acceptance
Self-Improvement
Featured in Fable Book
Aesop's Fables - The Monkey and The Camel
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, deep in the heart of a bustling forest, the creatures held a grand celebration. A nimble Monkey, brimming with energy, danced and twirled with such grace that all the animals clapped their paws in admiration. His dance was so merry that it brought joy to everyone present.

Off to the side, a large Camel watched with envy. He yearned to be the center of attention too. As the applause subsided, the Camel lumbered onto the stage, determined to impress everyone with his own dance moves.

But oh, how different it was! His long legs tangled, and his large body swayed clumsily. It wasn't a dance; it was a disaster! His movements were so amusing and absurd that the animals couldn't help but giggle. However, their giggles soon turned into frowns.

The animals were upset. They felt the Camel was mocking their celebration. Angry and annoyed, they picked up their tiny clubs and, huffing and puffing, chased the poor Camel away. With his head hung in shame, the Camel realized that he should have been content with his own talents instead of trying to steal the spotlight.

Once upon a time, deep in a busy forest, the animals had a big party. A quick and lively Monkey was the star, dancing with such skill that all the animals clapped their paws with joy. His dance was so happy that it made everyone smile.

Watching from the side was a big Camel, feeling jealous. He wanted the attention too. So, after the clapping stopped, the Camel slowly walked onto the stage, hoping to show off his own dance.

But it didn’t go well. His long legs got tangled, and his big body moved awkwardly. Instead of dancing, he stumbled around, looking silly. At first, the animals laughed at the funny sight, but then their smiles faded.

They became upset, thinking the Camel was making fun of their party. Angry, they picked up small sticks and chased the poor Camel away. Feeling sad and embarrassed, the Camel realized that he should have been happy with his own abilities instead of trying to get all the attention.

Once upon a time, deep in a busy forest, the animals had a big party. A quick and lively Monkey was the star, dancing with such skill that all the animals clapped their paws with joy. His dance was so happy that it made everyone smile.

Watching from the side was a big Camel, feeling jealous. He wanted the attention too. So, after the clapping stopped, the Camel slowly walked onto the stage, hoping to show off his own dance.

But it didn’t go well. His long legs got tangled, and his big body moved awkwardly. Instead of dancing, he stumbled around, looking silly. At first, the animals laughed at the funny sight, but then their smiles faded.

They became upset, thinking the Camel was making fun of their party. Angry, they picked up small sticks and chased the poor Camel away. Feeling sad and embarrassed, the Camel realized that he should have been happy with his own abilities instead of trying to get all the attention.

Once upon a time, in the middle of a super-duper forest where the birds sang in harmony and the trees clapped to the beat, the animals had a dance-off party. A sprightly Monkey, full of wiggles and giggles, danced and twirled like a spinning top. Everyone clapped their paws, hooves, and even their feathers. They cheered, "Go, Monkey, go!"

Off in the corner, a large Camel watched with big, wide eyes. He wanted to dance too! He wanted to hear them cheer, "Go, Camel, go!" So, as the clapping slowed down, he trotted onto the stage, all ready to wow them with his dance moves.

But oh, oh, oh, what happened next? His legs went this way and that way, like noodles in a dance. His big body wiggled, but not like a dance wiggle, more like a "Whoops! I slipped on a banana peel" wiggle.

The animals couldn't help but giggle. "Is he dancing or is he doodling?" they wondered. But soon, their smiles turned upside down.

They thought the Camel was playing a trick on their super-fun party. Feeling a bit cross and a lot confused, they picked up their tiny pretend clubs and, huffing and puffing like a big, bad wolf in a fairy tale, chased the poor Camel away.

Head drooping, the Camel understood that he should've danced his own happy dance, instead of trying to be the star of the show.

Beyond the glen and past the creek,
Where trees whispered and shadows sneak,
The forest folk had a feast so grand,
With every creature from the land.

Jumping Monkey, light on his feet,
Danced a jig, so lively and neat.
With each twirl and each neat spin,
Applause erupted, grins spread thin.

From a corner, silent and still,
Camel wished he had such skill.
Wanting the limelight, he made his move,
Thinking, "I'll show them, I'll find my groove!"

But as he danced, things went askew,
Tangled legs, and a trip or two.
Not the graceful dance he'd hoped,
But a clumsy mess, down he sloped.

Laughter bubbled, then turned to frowns,
As they felt their fest brought down.
With tiny clubs, they gave a chase,
Camel left, a saddened face.

Though the spotlight seemed so sweet,
Camel learned it's best to keep,
Joy in what you can do best,
And let the heart handle the rest.

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Word Finder

  1. Lively:

    Full of energy and excitement, always moving happily.

  2. Jealous:

    Feeling upset because you want what someone else has.

  3. Attention:

    The interest or notice people give to something important.

  4. Tangled:

    Twisted in a messy or confusing way, hard to separate.

  5. Awkwardly:

    Moving in a clumsy or uncomfortable way, not graceful.

  6. Stumbled:

    To trip or lose balance while walking, almost falling.

  7. Silly:

    Doing something that seems funny but isn’t smart.

  8. Faded:

    Slowly losing color, strength, or feeling over time.

  9. Upset:

    Feeling sad, angry, or worried because of something.

  10. Embarrassed:

    Feeling shy or ashamed about doing something wrong.

Understanding Questions

  1. What did the Camel decide to do after watching the Monkey dance?
  2. How did the other animals feel about the Camel's dancing?
  3. What lesson did the Camel learn from the party?
  4. Why was the Monkey's performance significant to the story?
  5. What role did the audience play in the Camel's dancing experience?
Word Finder
  1. Lively:

    Full of energy and excitement, always moving happily.

  2. Jealous:

    Feeling upset because you want what someone else has.

  3. Attention:

    The interest or notice people give to something important.

  4. Tangled:

    Twisted in a messy or confusing way, hard to separate.

  5. Awkwardly:

    Moving in a clumsy or uncomfortable way, not graceful.

  6. Stumbled:

    To trip or lose balance while walking, almost falling.

  7. Silly:

    Doing something that seems funny but isn’t smart.

  8. Faded:

    Slowly losing color, strength, or feeling over time.

  9. Upset:

    Feeling sad, angry, or worried because of something.

  10. Embarrassed:

    Feeling shy or ashamed about doing something wrong.

Understanding Questions

    What did the Monkey do at the party that made all the animals happy?

    1. He brought a cake.
    2. He danced joyfully.
    3. He told funny jokes.
    4. He gave gifts.

    Why did the Camel decide to dance after watching the Monkey?

    1. He wanted to impress the other animals.
    2. He felt bored.
    3. He was challenged by the Monkey.
    4. He thought it would be funny.

    What happened when the Camel tried to dance in front of the animals?

    1. He fell over.
    2. The animals laughed.
    3. They clapped for him.
    4. He started a dance-off.

    How did the animals react to the Camel's dancing at first, and how did their reaction change?

    1. They were confused, then excited.
    2. They laughed, then cheered.
    3. They ignored him, then joined in.
    4. They were angry, then supportive.

    What did the Camel realize after he was chased away by the animals?

    1. He should practice more.
    2. He was not a good dancer.
    3. He needed friends.
    4. He should try something else.
  1. What did the Camel decide to do after watching the Monkey dance?
  2. How did the other animals feel about the Camel's dancing?
  3. What lesson did the Camel learn from the party?
  4. Why was the Monkey's performance significant to the story?
  5. What role did the audience play in the Camel's dancing experience?
  1. What themes are explored in the story of the Monkey and the Camel?
  2. How does the author use humor to convey messages about friendship?
  3. What can be inferred about the relationships between the animals?
  4. What narrative techniques did the author employ to engage the reader?
  5. How does the setting influence the events of the story?
Reflection Questions
  1. Why do you think the Camel wanted to dance like the Monkey?
  2. How did the animals react when the Camel started dancing, and why do you think they reacted that way?
  3. Can you remember a time when you tried to do something that someone else was good at, and it didn't go as planned?
  4. What does this story teach us about understanding and appreciating our own abilities?
  5. How can we apply the lesson from this story in our own lives, especially when we feel envious of what others can do?
Fable Quotes
Imitating out of envy only leads to disapproval.
Acceptance is knowing that not everyone can dance to the same rhythm.
True grace shines when we embrace our own talents, rather than coveting the spotlight of others.
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