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The White Hare of Inaba

A white hare on an island tricks crocodiles to cross the sea but loses its fur, only to find help and friendship with a kind prince.
Consequences
Trickery
Kindness
Japanese Folktale - The White Hare of Inaba
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, there was a very unique and very beautiful white hare. This hare had glossy, bright white fur that shone like a full moon on a clear night. Now, this hare lived on a small island off the coast, but he had always wanted to explore the mainland of Inaba.

One day, while gazing longingly at the distant shore, the white hare spotted a group of crocodiles swimming in the sea. Suddenly, he had a brilliant idea.

He called out to the crocodiles, "Hey, crocodiles! Let's play a game. Let's see if there are more of you or more of me. Line up from here to the mainland and I'll count you as I jump over each one of you."

The crocodiles thought this was a fun idea, so they agreed. They lined up from the island to the shore, one after another, creating a bridge of crocodiles across the sea. The white hare was excited and started to hop from one crocodile to another, counting, "One, two, three..."

When he was close to reaching the mainland, he couldn't help but boast, "I tricked you all! I wanted to cross the sea, and I've used you as my bridge!" The last crocodile in line, hearing the hare's boastful words, was angry. As the white hare was about to leap off, the crocodile snapped its jaws shut, tearing off all of the hare's beautiful white fur.

Now the poor hare was in pain and had no fur to protect his skin from the sun and the wind. He was sad and regretful, not knowing what to do. As he was sitting on the beach, a group of travelers passed by. They were brothers, princes from a faraway land, and they were looking for a beautiful princess to marry.

Seeing the hare in pain, the brothers couldn't just walk by. The eldest brother, who was arrogant, said to the hare, "If you want your fur to grow back, go and bathe in the salty sea, then dry yourself off in the wind."

Trusting the prince, the hare did as he was told. However, when he bathed in the salty water, it stung his bare skin terribly and the wind made his pain even worse. Crying out in pain, he caught the attention of another prince, the youngest of the brothers, who was kind and gentle.

The youngest prince said, "No, no, dear hare. My brother gave you the wrong advice. Here's what you should do: wash your skin in fresh water from the river, then roll around in the soft, fluffy cattail fluff. That will soothe your skin and help your fur to grow back."

The hare did as the youngest prince suggested, and he felt immediate relief. His skin was soothed and over time, his fur grew back even glossier and whiter than before. The hare thanked the youngest prince for his kindness and the two became good friends.

From that day forward, the white hare lived happily in the land of Inaba, never again trying to trick others for his own gain.

Once upon a time, there was a special and beautiful white hare. This hare had shiny, bright white fur that looked like the moon on a clear night. The hare lived on a small island near the coast but always wanted to see the big land called Inaba.

One day, he looked at the distant shore and saw some crocodiles swimming in the sea. He quickly thought of a clever plan.

He shouted to the crocodiles, "Hey, crocodiles! Let's play a game. We'll see if there are more of you or more of me. Line up from here to the mainland, and I'll count you as I jump over each one."

The crocodiles liked the idea and agreed. They lined up from the island to the shore, making a crocodile bridge across the sea. The white hare was happy and began to hop from one crocodile to another, counting, "One, two, three..."

When he almost reached the mainland, he shouted, "I tricked you! I just wanted to cross the sea, and I used you as my bridge!" The last crocodile, hearing this, got very angry. As the hare was about to jump off, the crocodile snapped its jaws and tore off all the hare's beautiful fur.

Now the hare was in pain and had no fur to protect him from the sun and wind. He felt sorry and sad, not knowing what to do. While sitting on the beach, some travelers came by. They were brothers, princes from a distant land, searching for a princess to marry.

Seeing the hare hurting, the brothers stopped. The oldest brother, who was quite proud, told the hare, "If you want your fur to grow back, go bathe in the salty sea and then dry off in the wind."

Trusting him, the hare did as he was told. But bathing in the salty water hurt his skin badly, and the wind made it even worse. In pain, he cried out, and the youngest brother heard him. This brother was kind and caring.

He said, "No, no, dear hare. My brother gave you bad advice. It would be best if you washed in the river's fresh water and then roll in the soft, fluffy cattail fluff. That will help your skin and make your fur grow back."

The hare followed the young prince's advice, and soon he felt much better. His skin was calm, and his fur grew back even whiter and shinier than before. He thanked the young prince for his kindness, and they became great friends.

From that day on, the white hare happily lived in Inaba and never tried to trick anyone again.

There is a white hare. He has shiny, bright fur. The fur looks like the moon. The hare lives on a small island. He wants to see the big land called Inaba.

One day, he sees crocodiles in the sea. He has an idea. He shouts, "Hey, crocodiles! Let's play a game. I will count you. You make a line from here to the big land."

The crocodiles like the idea. They make a line in the sea. The hare jumps on the crocodiles. He counts, "One, two, three..."

When he is almost at the big land, he shouts, "I tricked you! I just want to cross the sea!" The last crocodile gets angry. It bites the hare and takes off all his fur.

The hare is in pain. He has no fur. He feels sad. He sits on the beach. Some brothers come by. They are princes. They are looking for a princess to marry.

The oldest brother says, "If you want your fur back, wash in the salty sea and dry in the wind."

The hare listens. But the salty sea hurts his skin. The wind makes it worse. He cries.

The youngest brother hears him. He says, "No, no. Wash in the fresh water of the river. Then roll in the soft fluff. It will help your skin and fur become better."

The hare listens to the young prince. He feels better. His fur grows back whiter and shinier. He thanks the young prince. They become friends.

The white hare lives happily in Inaba. He never tricks anyone again.

Once upon a time, there was a special and beautiful white hare. This hare had shiny, bright white fur that looked like the moon on a clear night. The hare lived on a small island near the coast but always wanted to see the big land called Inaba.

One day, he looked at the distant shore and saw some crocodiles swimming in the sea. He quickly thought of a clever plan.

He shouted to the crocodiles, "Hey, crocodiles! Let's play a game. We'll see if there are more of you or more of me. Line up from here to the mainland, and I'll count you as I jump over each one."

The crocodiles liked the idea and agreed. They lined up from the island to the shore, making a crocodile bridge across the sea. The white hare was happy and began to hop from one crocodile to another, counting, "One, two, three..."

When he almost reached the mainland, he shouted, "I tricked you! I just wanted to cross the sea, and I used you as my bridge!" The last crocodile, hearing this, got very angry. As the hare was about to jump off, the crocodile snapped its jaws and tore off all the hare's beautiful fur.

Now the hare was in pain and had no fur to protect him from the sun and wind. He felt sorry and sad, not knowing what to do. While sitting on the beach, some travelers came by. They were brothers, princes from a distant land, searching for a princess to marry.

Seeing the hare hurting, the brothers stopped. The oldest brother, who was quite proud, told the hare, "If you want your fur to grow back, go bathe in the salty sea and then dry off in the wind."

Trusting him, the hare did as he was told. But bathing in the salty water hurt his skin badly, and the wind made it even worse. In pain, he cried out, and the youngest brother heard him. This brother was kind and caring.

He said, "No, no, dear hare. My brother gave you bad advice. It would be best if you washed in the river's fresh water and then roll in the soft, fluffy cattail fluff. That will help your skin and make your fur grow back."

The hare followed the young prince's advice, and soon he felt much better. His skin was calm, and his fur grew back even whiter and shinier than before. He thanked the young prince for his kindness, and they became great friends.

From that day on, the white hare happily lived in Inaba and never tried to trick anyone again.

Once upon a time, there was a hare so glossy and bright, you'd swear he'd just stepped out of a shampoo commercial. White as a freshly bleached sock, he lived on a small island. But he had dreams, baby! Dreams bigger than a jumbo carrot. He wanted to explore Inaba, and not just the postcards.

One day, he saw some crocodiles and got an idea so brilliant, it could've had its own light bulb. "Oi, crocs!" he yelled. "Fancy a game? Let's see who's got the bigger family. Line up; I want to count you all by hopping over you."

The crocodiles, intrigued by the hare's spunky attitude, lined up, creating a crocodile expressway. The hare hopped and counted, "One croc, two croc, three croc... more?"

When he was almost to the shore, he got carried away, "Ha! Fooled you all, didn't I? You thought we were playing a game, but I just needed a bridge to the mainland. Thanks for the lift!" he bragged.

The last crocodile in line, who'd been enjoying the counting game, was none too pleased to hear that he'd been used like a stepping stone. "A bridge? Is that all I am to you?" the crocodile snapped. He chomped down, tearing off the hare's beautiful fur, leaving him as bare as a freshly peeled potato.

Now our hare was furless and sunburned, feeling sadder than a carrot in a salad bar. Along came some princely travelers, looking for a princess to marry.

The eldest, a bit of a snob, said, "Fur trouble? Easy peasy. Dip in the salty sea, then air-dry in the wind. Works every time."

Our trusting hare tried it, only to find that salt and wind on bare skin stings worse than stepping on a Lego. He cried out in agony.

The youngest prince, who had a heart bigger than his crown, rushed over. "Hold on, Fluffy! Don't listen to Mr. Know-it-All over there. Wash in fresh water, then roll in soft cattail fluff. It's like a spa day for bunnies!"

The hare followed the advice, and oh boy, instant relief! His fur even grew back, glossier and more fabulous than ever.

He thanked the youngest prince with a hare-hug, and they became fast friends. He'd learned his lesson and promised, "No more tricks, just treats!"

And from that day forward, the hare lived happily in Inaba, content with being the glossiest hare around, never again tempted to take anyone for a ride, crocodile or otherwise.

Beneath the moon's soft, silvery glow,
Lived a white hare we all should know.
His fur did shine, so radiant, so bright,
He dreamt of the mainland every night.

Staring at distant shores one day,
He saw crocs in the water, not far away.
“Hey there, crocs! Let’s see who's more –
Line up and make a bridge to the shore!”

Crocs in a line, from this end to that,
The hare hopped over, quick as a cat.
But just before the mainland's grass,
He boasted, "I used you to make a pass!"

The last croc, feeling quite the jest,
Bit the hare, stripping him of his best.
Bare and hurt under the sun's harsh glare,
On the sandy shore, the hare could but stare.

Princes came by, from lands far and wide,
Looking for brides with beauty beside.
The eldest, thinking he knew the best cure,
Said, “Saltwater and wind will make you pure.”

Hare tried, but his pain only grew,
Till the youngest prince came into view.
“Use fresh water, then cattail so fine,
Your fur will return and again it will shine.”

Grateful hare did as the prince did say,
And his fur returned, shining and gay.
Wiser now, with a story to declare,
The hare lived happy, with much love to spare.

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Word Finder

  1. Shiny

    Very bright and reflecting a lot of light.

  2. Distant

    Far away in space or time.

  3. Mainland

    The main part of a country or continent.

  4. Clever

    Quick to understand and come up with ideas.

  5. Bridge

    Something built to go over water or gaps.

  6. Protect

    To keep safe from harm or danger.

  7. Travelers

    People who go from one place to another.

  8. Advice

    A suggestion about what someone should do.

  9. Caring

    Showing kindness and concern for others.

  10. Fluffy

    Soft and light, like a cloud or feather.

Understanding Questions

  1. Where did the white hare live before he decided to go to Inaba?
  2. What was the hare's plan to cross the sea to the mainland?
  3. How did the last crocodile react when it found out the hare had tricked them?
  4. What advice did the oldest brother give to the hare for growing back his fur?
  5. What did the youngest brother tell the hare to do to heal his skin and grow his fur back?

Word Finder

  1. Shiny

    Bright and reflects light very well.

  2. Island

    Land surrounded by water everywhere.

  3. Crocodile

    Big reptile with strong jaws and teeth.

  4. Count

    Say numbers in order, one by one.

  5. Tricked

    Made someone believe something not true.

  6. Pain

    Strong feeling of hurt in the body.

  7. Princes

    Sons of a king, royal boys.

  8. Salty

    Tastes like salt, from the sea.

  9. River

    Water that flows in a line.

  10. Fluff

    Soft, light, and airy stuff.

  1. Shiny

    Very bright and reflecting a lot of light.

  2. Distant

    Far away in space or time.

  3. Mainland

    The main part of a country or continent.

  4. Clever

    Quick to understand and come up with ideas.

  5. Bridge

    Something built to go over water or gaps.

  6. Protect

    To keep safe from harm or danger.

  7. Travelers

    People who go from one place to another.

  8. Advice

    A suggestion about what someone should do.

  9. Caring

    Showing kindness and concern for others.

  10. Fluffy

    Soft and light, like a cloud or feather.

Understanding Questions

  1. What color is the hare?

    1. Black
    2. Brown
    3. White
    4. Gray
  2. Where does the hare live?

    1. In a forest
    2. On a small island
    3. In a big city
    4. On a mountain
  3. What does the hare ask the crocodiles to do?

    1. Sing a song
    2. Dance in a circle
    3. Make a line in the sea
    4. Jump over the rocks
  4. What happens to the hare after he tricks the crocodiles?

    1. He swims back.
    2. He finds food.
    3. A crocodile bites him and takes off all his fur.
    4. He goes to sleep.
  5. Who helps the hare get his fur back?

    1. The oldest brother
    2. The young prince
    3. The hare’s mother
    4. The crocodiles
  1. Where did the white hare live before he decided to go to Inaba?
  2. What was the hare's plan to cross the sea to the mainland?
  3. How did the last crocodile react when it found out the hare had tricked them?
  4. What advice did the oldest brother give to the hare for growing back his fur?
  5. What did the youngest brother tell the hare to do to heal his skin and grow his fur back?
  1. What motivated the white hare to trick the crocodiles into forming a bridge across the sea?
  2. How did the hare's deception affect his appearance, and what were the immediate consequences?
  3. What was the eldest brother's advice to the hare, and how did it affect the hare's condition?
  4. How did the youngest brother's advice differ from his elder brother's, and what was the result for the hare?
  5. What lesson did the white hare learn by the end of the fable, and how did it change his future behavior?

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think the hare decided to trick the crocodiles into becoming his bridge?
  2. How did the hare's boasting lead to his own suffering?
  3. Can you recall a moment when you've learned that dishonesty can lead to trouble, like what happened to the hare?
  4. What's the difference between the advice given by the eldest prince and the youngest prince, and what does that tell us about their characters?
  5. How can we apply the lessons from this story to our own lives about honesty, kindness, and asking for help when we need it?

Fable Quotes

Every action, good or bad, comes with its own reward or penalty.
The cleverest tricks can never outshine the power of honesty.
Kindness is the language that every heart understands.
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