What is the moral of The Monkey and the Crocodile?

The main moral of The Monkey and the Crocodile is that a calm, quick mind can get you out of any trouble. The story also teaches children to choose their friends wisely, because not everyone who is friendly is a true friend.

The story

A kind monkey lives in a jamun tree by a river and shares his sweet fruit every day with a crocodile. The crocodile's wife wants something more than fruit, and one day the crocodile invites the monkey for a ride on his back, across the deep river. Halfway across, the monkey discovers the real reason for the trip, and has to think very fast.

A simple activity to go with it: agree on a "calm-thinking" signal with your child, like a hand on the heart and one deep breath, that means "stop and think like the monkey." Use it the next time something feels hard.

Source: Panchatantra, Book 4 (Labdhapranasham, losing what you have gained).

Why it matters

Stay calm and think, and you can find your way out of trouble.

Because it's such a rich story, its moral grows with your child: from simple sharing at two to trust and gratitude at ten.

How to tell it by age

• Ages 2–3 (Bal): A kind monkey shares his sweet jamun with his friend the crocodile every day. Sharing makes friends.
• Ages 3–6 (Jigyasu): In the middle of the river, the monkey doesn't panic; he thinks of a plan. Ask: "What would you do in the middle of the river?"
• Ages 6–10 (Shishya): A friend who only takes isn't a true friend, and kindness should be returned with kindness. Talking point: "Was the crocodile a good friend? Why or why not?"

Questions parents ask

What is the main moral of The Monkey and the Crocodile?

Presence of mind: staying calm and thinking clearly can get you out of danger.

Is The Monkey and the Crocodile from the Panchatantra?

Yes. It's one of the best-known Panchatantra fables, from the book about losing what you have gained through foolishness.

What age is this story good for?

Every age. Toddlers enjoy the friendship and the clever escape; older children can talk about trust and what makes a true friend.

Hear it on Pratham Pranam

Find The Monkey and the Crocodile in the Stories section of the Pratham Pranam app, told three ways for ages 2–3, 3–6 and 6–10, in Hindi and English.

The iOS app is live. Hear The Monkey and the Crocodile with your child. Download Pratham Pranam on the App Store. The Android app is coming soon.