Once upon a time
The Talkative Tortoise
Jataka · retold for families
About 4 min read aloud · For grown-ups and children together
A tortoise lived in a lake that was drying up. Two geese, his friends, said, “Clench this stick in your teeth. We will fly you to a deeper pond — but do not open your mouth.”
They rose over fields and rooftops. Villagers pointed up. “Look! Flying tortoise!” The tortoise wanted to shout back, “Yes, it is me!”
He forgot the stick. His mouth opened to speak. Down he fell, spinning like a stone into a soft haystack. Farmers ran to help.
The geese landed beside him, worried but gentle. “Words can wait,” they said. “Some journeys need silence more than pride.”
The tortoise nodded, cheeks pink. From that day he listened more than he spoke — especially when friends were carrying him.
Classic tale retold by IRA Creations for screen-free bedtime. After the story, try a quiet craft — our painting kits or free colouring sheets.