Once upon a time
The Crane and the Crab
Panchatantra · retold for families
About 4 min read aloud · For grown-ups and children together
A crane stood one-legged by a pond, sighing. “This water is poisoned,” he told the fish. “I will carry you one by one to a clean lake.”
Fish lined up, trusting his long neck. Instead of a safe lake, the crane ate them on a rock hidden by reeds.
A old crab asked for a ride too. Midair, he saw bones on the rock and clamped his claws around the crane’s throat.
“You deceived my friends,” said the crab. The crane could not shake him free and fell. The crab crawled back to warn the pond.
From then on, fish asked questions before following strangers. Bedtime wisdom: kindness is real — but tricks wear a polite mask.
Classic tale retold by IRA Creations for screen-free bedtime. After the story, try a quiet craft — our painting kits or free colouring sheets.