# The Monkey and the Crocodile

- Link: https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/animal-stories/the-monkey-and-the-crocodile/
- Published: 2026-10-30T02:33:07+05:30
- Author: MAHENDRA MANCHIKALAPATI

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The Monkey and the Crocodile

✦A classic animal fable

# The Monkey and the Crocodile

A monkey’s quick thinking helps him escape a tricky invitation and speak honestly
about friendship.

📖 3-minute read🍃 Ages 5–11✨ Honesty and thoughtful choices

[Begin reading ](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/animal-stories/the-monkey-and-the-crocodile/#sf-story-text)
[More animal stories](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/animal-stories/)

![A monkey in a fruit tree greets a crocodile beside a calm tropical river.](https://
thecuriosi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/monkey-and-crocodile-illustration-1024x683.
png)

**A friendship by the river**Read together · Retell · Imagine

Settle in and read at your pace

A story to read together

## The Monkey and the Crocodile

Take your time. Let the story unfold.

Miko the monkey lived in a tall tree beside a wide river. Its branches were full
of sweet fruit, and he often shared some with Bruno the crocodile, who rested on
the sunny bank. The two friends enjoyed talking, though Miko always stayed on the
shore he knew.

Chapter one

### Fruit by the river

One day Bruno asked Miko to visit the garden on the far bank. “I will carry you 
across,” he offered. Miko looked at the moving water. He had never ridden on a crocodile
before, so he asked why Bruno wanted him to come. Bruno said his family hoped to
meet the monkey who shared the fruit.

Chapter two

### A tricky invitation

Miko climbed carefully onto Bruno’s broad back. Halfway across, Bruno admitted that
his family wanted Miko to stay and bring fruit to them every day. “You did not tell
me that before we left,” Miko said. He felt uneasy, but kept his voice calm. He 
looked toward the nearest bank and thought about what to do.

Chapter three

### Miko thinks quickly

“I can share fruit when I choose,” Miko said, “but I will not promise to leave my
home.” He asked Bruno to take him back to the tree so they could talk safely on 
shore. Bruno turned around. As soon as they reached the bank, Miko stepped onto 
a branch and climbed to a strong place above the water.

Chapter four

### Honest friends

From the tree Miko explained, “I like sharing, but a friend must tell the truth 
and respect a no.” Bruno was sorry that he had hidden the plan. He apologized and
promised to ask honestly next time. Miko shared fruit with Bruno’s family another
day—this time by leaving a basket on the riverbank, where everyone could enjoy it
safely.

The end

### Story path

[01Fruit by the river](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/animal-stories/the-monkey-and-the-crocodile/#sf-chapter-fruit-by-the-river)
[02A tricky invitation](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/animal-stories/the-monkey-and-the-crocodile/#sf-chapter-a-tricky-invitation)
[03Miko thinks quickly](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/animal-stories/the-monkey-and-the-crocodile/#sf-chapter-miko-thinks-quickly)
[04Honest friends](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/animal-stories/the-monkey-and-the-crocodile/#sf-chapter-honest-friends)

### Word basket

**generous**happy to share with others

**invitation**a request to come somewhere or join in

**honest**truthful and fair

**respect**to care about another person’s choices

**Read it together**

Discuss how to notice an uncomfortable plan and say no clearly. Remind children 
never to approach or ride wild animals; get help from a trusted adult.

## After the final page

There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine.

Remember

What made Miko pause before crossing the river?

Think

How did Miko speak up when Bruno changed the plan?

Imagine

What could Bruno do to rebuild trust?

**Make something:** Draw the riverbank and add speech bubbles showing how Miko asks
questions and sets a clear boundary.

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