Indian Animal Fables

Once upon a time a big lion lives in the hills of India. He is the king of all the animals.

One day the lion is eating his dinner. He eats very fast. Suddenly a bone gets stuck in his throat. It hurts very much. The lion cannot eat, and he cannot drink. His throat gets bigger and bigger.

A white crane is sitting in a tree near him. A crane is a big bird with long legs and a long, thin beak.

"What is wrong, friend?" asks the crane.

"There is a bone in my throat," says the lion. "Please help me!"

"I can take the bone out with my beak," says the crane. "But I am afraid. I must put my head in your mouth. Maybe you will eat me!"

"Don't be afraid," says the lion. "I will not eat you. Please, just save my life!"

"All right," says the crane. "Lie down on your side and open your mouth."