The Crow and the Pitcher
A thirsty crow studies a pitcher and finds a clever way to reach the water.
A story to read together
The Crow and the Pitcher
Take your time. Let the story unfold.
On a hot day, a thirsty crow searched for water. It flew over fields and rooftops until it spotted a pitcher beside a garden wall. A little water glimmered at the bottom, too low for the crow’s beak to reach.
A difficult problem
The crow tipped the pitcher, but it was too heavy. It peered inside and saw the water far below. The crow could have flown away, but it decided to look for another idea.
One pebble at a time
The crow picked up a pebble and dropped it into the pitcher. The water rose just a little. It added another pebble, then another.
A clever result
At last, the water reached a height where the crow could drink. It took a long, cool sip and rested in the shade.
Thinking through a challenge
The crow flew away refreshed. It had solved the problem by observing carefully, trying something and noticing what changed.
The end
After the final page
There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.
What makes it hard for the crow to drink at first?
How does the crow’s idea change the situation?
What did the crow notice after dropping the first pebble?
Make something: Draw the pitcher at the start and at the end. Add numbered arrows showing the crow’s steps.
