The Town Mouse and The Country Mouse

Visiting his city friend, a country mouse is amazed by the life filled with tasty treats. But is it as incredible as it seems?

Once upon a time, in a lively city filled with bright lights and rolling cars, there lived a Town Mouse. He enjoyed soft cushions, tasty food, and big feasts every day.

Far away, in the peaceful countryside, lived his best friend, the Country Mouse. His life was simple, with fresh air, open fields, and small but good meals.

One day, the Town Mouse visited his friend. The golden sun shone over the fields, and the air smelled of flowers. The Country Mouse welcomed him warmly.

"Welcome, friend! I made a nice meal for you!" he squeaked, laying out grains, roots, and fresh berries.

The Town Mouse took a bite and frowned. "My dear friend, this food is so plain! In the city, we have cheese, cake, and sweet fruits. You must come and see for yourself!"

The Country Mouse's eyes grew wide. "Cheese and cake? That sounds amazing!"

The next day, they hurried to the city. The Country Mouse was amazed by the tall buildings, bright lights, and delicious smells. The Town Mouse led him into a big house where a feast covered the table with cheese, nuts, fruit, and cake.

"Go on! Eat as much as you like!" the Town Mouse said proudly.

The Country Mouse enjoyed the creamiest cheese. But just as he reached for the cake, the door slammed shut with a loud bang. Heavy footsteps stomped across the floor. It was the people who lived there, along with their big, scary cat!

"Quick! Hide!" the Town Mouse whispered.

The mice ran as fast as they could, spending the night hiding behind chairs, under rugs, and behind teacups.

By morning, the Country Mouse was exhausted. He looked at the feast, then at his friend.

"Thank you for the adventure," he said, "but this is no way to live! I would rather have a simple meal and sleep in peace than eat like a king but live in fear."

The Town Mouse sighed. "I guess city life isn’t for everyone."

They said goodbye, and the Country Mouse happily returned to his quiet, safe home.

A country mouse marveling at a lavish feast in his city cousin's home
Text Version
Levels A1B1C1

Audio available for B1 version

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Word Finder
  1. Lively

    Full of energy, noise, and excitement.
  2. Countryside

    Land with farms, trees, and small houses.
  3. Feast

    A big meal with lots of food.
  4. Squeaked

    Made a small, high-pitched sound.
  5. Amazed

    Feeling surprised and very excited.
  6. Delicious

    Tasting really, really good.
  7. Slammed

    Closed something loudly and suddenly.
  8. Stomped

    Walked heavily, making loud sounds.
  9. Exhausted

    Very, very tired.
  10. Adventure

    A fun and exciting experience.
Understanding Questions
  1. What did the Country Mouse prepare for the Town Mouse when he visited the countryside?
  2. How did the Town Mouse describe his life in the city to the Country Mouse?
  3. What kind of food did the mice find in the big house in the city?
  4. What happened that made the mice run and hide while they were in the big house?
  5. Why did the Country Mouse decide to go back to the countryside after visiting the city?
Reflection Questions
  1. Why did the Town Mouse invite the Country Mouse to visit the city?
  2. What made the Country Mouse decide to go back to his home in the countryside?
  3. Have you ever visited a place that was very different from your home? How did you feel about it?
  4. What do you think is more important: living a simple life where you feel safe or having many exciting things but feeling afraid? Why?
  5. How can we apply the lesson from this story in our lives to appreciate the simplicity and safety that we often take for granted?
Fable Quotes

Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.

The beauty of life reveals itself when we learn to appreciate the little things.

True friendship is found in simplicity, not in grandeur, and thrives in the warmth of genuine connection.

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