Children love stories with talking animals, colorful adventures, and simple lessons they can remember for life. One such timeless tale is “The Talkative Tortoise”, a classic fable from the Panchatantra. This story teaches kids the importance of self-control and the value of thinking before speaking.
In this blog post, you will enjoy the complete story along with its moral, free illustrations, and even a downloadable PDF version that you can share with your children or students.
The Talkative Tortoise Story for Kids
Once upon a time, in a quiet pond, lived a tortoise who had two good friends – a pair of geese. The tortoise was known for one thing: he loved to talk. In fact, he talked so much that sometimes he didn’t let others speak at all. The geese were patient friends, but often reminded him, “Too much talking can get you into trouble.”
As the summer months passed, the pond started to dry up. The geese became worried. “Friend,” they said, “this pond will not last much longer. We live in a big lake far away. If you want, we can take you there. But we must find a clever way to carry you.”
The tortoise eagerly agreed. The geese thought of a plan. “We will hold a strong stick in our beaks, and you can bite the middle part with your mouth. But remember—you must stay silent all the way. If you open your mouth, you will fall.”
The tortoise nodded. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I can do that.”
The journey began. The geese held the stick and lifted the tortoise into the sky. As they flew over villages and fields, people looked up in amazement. “Look! A tortoise flying in the air!” they laughed. “How strange!”
The tortoise, who always wanted the last word, became restless. He thought, “How dare they laugh at me? I must reply and show them I am not foolish.”
Forgetting the warning, he opened his mouth to speak—and the moment he did, he lost his grip and came tumbling down. Thankfully, he landed in soft grass, but he was shaken and embarrassed. The geese sighed, “Oh friend, if only you had stayed quiet. This is why we told you—think before you speak.”
Moral of the Story
The story of The Talkative Tortoise carries a powerful lesson for children and adults alike:
👉 Too much talking can lead to trouble.
👉 Self-control is important in every situation.
👉 Think before you speak, because words cannot be taken back once spoken.
Why This Story is Perfect for Kids
- Simple to understand: With talking animals and a clear plot, kids quickly understand the message.
- Memorable moral: The lesson “Think Before You Speak” stays with children as they grow.
- Fun to read: The humor of a flying tortoise makes the story entertaining.
- Illustrated version: With pictures, kids find it even more engaging.
Free PDF Download
We have also created a beautifully illustrated PDF version of The Talkative Tortoise. Parents and teachers can download it, print it, and read it together with children.
Final Thoughts
At StoryPuzzleWorld.com, we believe storytelling is the best way to teach kids valuable life lessons. The Talkative Tortoise reminds us that silence can sometimes be more powerful than words. By controlling our speech and thinking before we talk, we can avoid unnecessary problems.
✨ One-line moral: Think before you speak, or you may regret the consequences.
Share this wonderful tale with your kids today, and don’t forget to download the free PDF for easy bedtime reading!