✦A classic animal fable
The Lion’s Share
A group of forest friends learn that a fair share feels better than letting one friend take everything.
A story to read together
The Lion’s Share
Take your time. Let the story unfold.
Leo the lion invited Fox, Zebra and Bird to gather fruit for a picnic. They carried apples, berries and melons to a shady tree. When the baskets were full, Leo placed them in the center and began to count.
What fair means
Leo stopped and listened. Bird reminded him that Fox had found the berry bushes, Zebra had carried the heavy melons, and Bird had spotted ripe fruit in the tall branches. Every friend had contributed in a different way.
A fairer plan
Leo moved the baskets back to the center. The friends sorted the fruit into equal piles, then checked that each pile had a little of everything. Leo helped carry the baskets and made sure Bird could reach the berries.
Enough for everyone
The friends ate beneath the shady tree and told stories about the day. Leo found that sharing the work—and the food—made the picnic more enjoyable. He thanked each friend for helping. From then on, the lion’s share meant a share that was fair for all.
The end
After the final page
There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.
How did each animal help prepare the picnic?
What changed Leo’s mind about the largest basket?
How could friends decide on a fair share together?
Make something: Draw four baskets with a fair mix of fruit. Add a label showing one way each friend helped.
