The Man, the Boy, and the Donkey – Aesop Fable for Kids

A Miller and his young Son were taking their Donkey to the market to sell him. All three walked along the road together.

Soon, they passed a group of girls laughing by a well. “Look at those fools!” giggled one girl. “They have a perfectly good donkey, but they are walking in the dust. Why doesn’t one of them ride?” The Miller thought, “She is right.” He lifted his Son onto the Donkey’s back and walked beside them.

A little further, they passed some old men talking. “Terrible!” said one old man. “Look at that lazy boy riding while his poor old father walks. Children have no respect these days!” The Miller heard this and felt ashamed. He told his Son to get down, and he climbed onto the Donkey himself.

Next, they met a group of women carrying baskets. “You cruel man!” shouted a woman. “How can you ride and let your poor little boy run behind you? He looks tired!” The Miller sighed. He pulled his Son up behind him. Now both of them were riding the Donkey.

Near the town, they met a farmer. “For shame!” cried the farmer. “You act like enemies of that poor beast! Look how his legs are shaking. You are too heavy for him! You should be carrying him!”

The Miller and his Son were confused. They wanted to do the right thing. So, they got off, tied the Donkey’s legs to a pole, and tried to carry him upside down across their shoulders.

They reached a bridge. The Donkey did not like being carried upside down. He kicked and struggled. One of the ropes broke. The Donkey fell off the pole, tumbled into the river, and swam away.

The Miller and his Son walked home, wet and sad. They had tried to please everyone, but in the end, they pleased no one and lost their donkey too.

Moral of the Story: If you try to please everyone, you will please no one. Trust your own judgment.