STEPHEN STORK
Stephen Stork lives with his family near a beautiful pond. Stephen Storks is long-legged, long-necked and has a long bill. He looks very similar to a Crane. He gets plenty of food from the pond, like fish, toads, tadpoles, snakes, and lizards. For most of the year, the pond is full. One particular year the pond started drying in the scorching summer. He and his family started searching for other ponds nearby.
Stephen Stork had a Crane as his best friend. Stephen told him about the dry pond. He also told about his starving family. The Crane told Stephen, that he knew a nearby field, which is full of corn. He could easily find mice, rats, squirrels and other small animals in that field. The Crane invited Stephen to join his flock, to raid the corn fields every morning.
The Crane told about the farmer, who owns the fields and that he doesn’t like the cranes eating his corn. He also added that the Stork may be liked by the farmer because he and his family would be of great help in getting rid of the rodents, who destroy the fields.
Stephen Stork discussed the matter with his family. They agreed to visit the cornfield, as there was no other choice left. The flock of cranes were about to leave for the corn fields. Stephen Stork and his family joined them. They flew to the cornfield. It was a clear morning. The Cranes started to eat the corn stretched out in the vast fields.
Stephen and his family started looking for rodents. They got a few mice, and rats which they gobbled without delay. The Storks ate to their heart's content. The Cranes had also finished their hearty corn meal. As they were about to leave the Cranes found themselves entangled in the net. The net was kept across the field at night by the farmer.
The farmer was angry with the Cranes, coming every day and eating his corn. He warned the Cranes not to come to his fields, for which they didn’t pay any heed. So, the farmer planned to give them the punishment they deserved for stealing.
Stephen Stork and his family were also entangled in the net. The Cranes requested the farmer to forgive them. The farmer disagreed. Stephen Stork told the farmer that he was Stork and he didn’t eat any of the corn, but instead helped him by eating the rodents which were quietly destroying the fields.
On hearing this the Farmer said, “You may be a Stork, but I found you with the thieving Cranes. So, you will be given the same punishment as the Cranes.” Stephen Stork and his family regretted joining the flock of Cranes.
Moral of the Story
A person is always judged by the company he keeps.
Short stories are a great way for kids to build important skills. If you like these stories you are sure to like our motivational posters for kids. Do take a look
