The Walnut Tree
A walnut tree was repeatedly attacked by people throwing stones and sticks, leaving it wounded and alone despite its desire to share joy.
Once upon a time, there was a tall and beautiful walnut tree. This tree stood next to the road, and it had many plump walnuts hanging from its branches.
Every day, people would stop by the roadside. They would pick up stones and sticks, and throw them at the walnut tree. The branches would shake and the walnuts would fall. People would scramble to gather as many as they could, leaving the ground bare.
This happened so often that the branches of the walnut tree were covered in cuts and bruises. The pain was unbearable. Even though the tree loved to share its fruit, it didn't understand why the people were so cruel.
One day, as the stones and sticks were raining down upon it, the walnut tree cried out. "Oh, it hurts! Why do they hurt me when I give them my fruit to enjoy? Why can't they be kind?"
And so the walnut tree, despite bearing delicious fruit, was left with broken branches, feeling sad and alone. It had wished to spread joy with its bounty, but all it received in return was pain.
Audio available for B1 version
Read Along unavailable for this story
Once upon a time, there was a tall and lovely walnut tree.
It stood proudly by the side of the road, with many big, tasty walnuts hanging from its branches.
Every day, people would stop by.
They would pick up stones and sticks and throw them at the walnut tree.
The branches would shake, and the walnuts would fall to the ground.
People would rush to gather the walnuts, leaving the ground empty.
This happened so often that the walnut tree's branches got hurt.
The tree felt a lot of pain.
Even though it loved sharing its walnuts, it couldn't understand why people were so mean.
One day, as the stones and sticks were hitting it again, the walnut tree cried out. "Ouch!
Why do they hurt me when I give them my yummy walnuts?
Why can't they be kind?"
And so, even though the walnut tree gave its delicious fruit, its branches were left broken and sad.
The tree wanted to make people happy with its walnuts, but all it got in return was pain.
Something went wrong. Please try again.
Word Finder
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think people didn't notice they were hurting the Walnut Tree?
- How do you think the Walnut Tree felt when people hurt it while collecting its fruits?
- Can you think of a time when you did something nice for someone and they didn't appreciate it?
- What does this story teach us about treating others, including nature, with respect and kindness?
- How can we apply the lesson from this story in our own lives to be more considerate of others' feelings and well-being?
Fable Quotes
Treat the gifts of others with care and respect, for cruelty tarnishes the beauty they offer.
Value what is given freely, for it comes from the heart.
In understanding others' pain, we create a world where kindness shines like the sun at day.
Just One More Fable
- Teamwork
- Strength
The Bundle of Sticks
When a farmer brings a bundle of sticks to his sons, they stop arguing. How did a simple bundle of sticks teach them?
- Honesty
- Justice
The Merchant of Seri
An honest merchant gains wealth by fairly buying a valuable plate, while a greedy merchant loses out due to his deceit.
- Acceptance
- Consequences
The Donkey and The Lapdog
A jealous Donkey imitates a beloved lapdog, causing chaos and earning a beating, regretting his actions in the end.
- Wisdom
- Deception
The Talking Cave
A mighty lion in a jungle tries to catch a clever jackal in a cave but fails due to the jackal's trickery.