The Fox and the Crow

On a bright, grassy green hill, there lived a very sneaky little Fox. Every single day, the Fox would trot through the forest looking for a tasty snack, his head absolutely bursting with tricky ideas.

One afternoon, the Fox was wandering deep into the woods when he heard a sudden flap-flap-flapping of wings. He peeked up and spotted a mother Crow perched high on a tree branch. Right in her beak, she held a giant, juicy piece of meat, preparing to fly back to her nest to share it with her babies.

The moment the Fox saw that scrumptious meat, his eyes lit up like lightbulbs. His tummy let out a loud GRUMBLE-RUMBLE. He thought to himself, "Wow, that looks absolutely delicious. I simply must figure out a way to get it!"

So, the clever little Fox strolled right up to the base of the tree, looked up, and called out, "Oh, dearest Crow! Your feathers are absolutely spectacular! I have never in my life seen such shiny, beautiful black feathers. They twinkle just like the stars in the midnight sky!"

Hearing the Fox’s lovely compliments, the Crow felt incredibly happy. She proudly fluttered her wings, but she was smart enough to keep her beak tightly shut. She didn’t drop the meat!

When the Fox saw this, his tricky eyes darted side to side. He tried a new idea. "You know," the Fox said softly, "I have heard a rumor that your singing voice is the most beautiful sound in the entire forest. May I have the great honor of hearing you sing just one little song?"

Now, the Crow felt extremely proud. She puffed out her chest and thought, "Since this lovely Fox appreciates me so much, I will sing him a song!" She threw her head back and opened her beak wide to sing her loudest, most beautiful note.

But the very second she opened her mouth—PLOP!

The big piece of meat fell right out of the sky, landing directly in front of the tricky little Fox.

Snap! Gulp! The Fox pounced on the meat and swallowed it whole.

The Crow suddenly realized she had been completely tricked! She stomped her little bird feet on the branch and squawked angrily, "You sneaky Fox! You tricked me!"

The Fox just licked the leftover juices from his lips and smiled a wide, toothy grin. "Dear Crow, you are a little too trusting," he chuckled. "Remember this: next time, do not be so quick to believe someone's sweet, sugary words."

With a flick of his bushy tail, the Fox trotted happily away, leaving the furious Crow behind in the tree.

The poor Crow flew back to her nest feeling very silly. She made a promise to herself right then and there that she would never, ever be fooled by empty flattery again.