The Ant and the Dove – Aesop Fable for Kids

One hot afternoon, a thirsty Ant was searching for water. After a long time, she came to a spring. To reach the water, she had to climb up a blade of grass. While climbing, she slipped and fell into the rushing water.

Splash!

“Help! Help!” cried the Ant. She struggled to swim, but the current was too strong. She was going to drown.

A Dove, sitting on a branch nearby, saw the tiny Ant in trouble. She quickly plucked a broad green leaf and dropped it into the water near the Ant.

The Ant climbed onto the leaf. It floated safely to the dry bank. The Ant jumped out, shook herself dry, and looked up at the Dove. “Thank you, kind bird!” she called out. “You saved my life.”

The Dove cooed gently and flew away.

A few days later, a Hunter came to the forest. He saw the beautiful Dove sitting in a tree. He quietly aimed his net at her. He was about to throw it.

The Ant was nearby and saw the danger. She remembered the Dove’s kindness. She ran quickly to the Hunter’s foot and bit him hard on the ankle. Chomp!

“Ouch!” shouted the Hunter in pain. He dropped his net.

The noise startled the Dove. She saw the Hunter and flew away to safety high in the sky.

She looked down and saw the little Ant waving. She understood that her small friend had saved her life in return.

Moral of the Story: One good turn deserves another. No act of kindness is ever wasted.