The Monkey Who Went Back
After the monkey escaped from the crocodile, he sat safely in his fruit tree.
The crocodile came back the next day and called sweetly, "Come, friend, let us go again."
The monkey looked down and laughed. "Once was enough," he said.
"I forgive you," he added, "but I will not climb on your back a second time."
The crocodile swam away, and the monkey went on eating his sweet purple fruit.
Forgiving somebody, he had learned, does not mean trusting them with your life again.
You can forgive someone and still be careful with them.
WisdomDid you know?
This ending is why the fourth book is called Labdha-pranasam: the loss of what you have gained.
Try this at home
If someone says sorry, accept it kindly, and still be sensible.
Questions to talk about
Ask these after reading. The answer is underneath each one.
What did the crocodile ask?
Answer: For another ride
What did the monkey say?
Answer: Once was enough
What is the moral?
Answer: Forgive, but stay careful
Bring this story to life
In the Superkids app your child reads this story with pictures, hears it read aloud, answers the questions as a game, and earns stars for every story finished.
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