Once upon a time
The Mice and the Merchant
Panchatantra · retold for families
About 4 min read aloud · For grown-ups and children together
A merchant tied his cart on a slope while he slept. Mice gnawed grain sacks and frayed the rope holding the wheel.
The cart rolled toward a cliff. A mouse chief saw danger, squeaked orders, and his clan chewed a thicker vine instead, looping it around the axle just in time.
The merchant woke to find teeth marks and his goods safe. He left a corner of rice each night by the wheel.
Years later, when hunters trapped him, those same mice returned the favor — small teeth, big loyalty.
Children yawn and smile: help travels in circles.
Classic tale retold by IRA Creations for screen-free bedtime. After the story, try a quiet craft — our painting kits or free colouring sheets.