Once upon a time
The Two-Headed Bird
Jataka · retold for families
About 4 min read aloud · For grown-ups and children together
A bird with two heads shared one body. One head found a golden mango and fed only itself. The other head felt hurt and silent.
Next day the second head found a bright berry, sweet-smelling but poisonous. Angry, he swallowed it without sharing.
Both heads grew dizzy. “We die together,” they realized, wings folding.
In some tellings friends heal them; in all tellings they learn to speak before eating. Sharing joy and danger belongs to both.
At bedtime, siblings nod: one plate, two hands — fairness keeps everyone flying.
Classic tale retold by IRA Creations for screen-free bedtime. After the story, try a quiet craft — our painting kits or free colouring sheets.