Jataka tales for children
Illustrated Buddhist Jataka retellings in English and Hindi, with a question to discuss together.
31 fulfilling stories · Ten pages each
मुझे हिन्दी में पढ़ना हैFilter my story choices
Ages are suggestions. An age filter excludes books without an age suggestion. Times estimate English reading; Hindi or reading aloud may take longer.
The Hare and the Great Thump
One startling sound grows into a forest-sized rumour—until someone stops to look.
The Elephant and the Dog
An elephant’s smallest friend leaves a very large space when he goes away.
The Banyan Deer
A golden deer asks a king to make his promise of safety a little bigger.
The Sandy Road
A lost desert caravan finds water by noticing one small green clue.
The Merchant of Seri
Two merchants make very different offers for an old family bowl.
The Ox Who Won the Forfeit
A strong ox reminds his owner that strength deserves respect.
The Quarrel of the Quails
A flock learns why their escape plan needs everyone’s cooperation.
The Measure of Rice
A surprising question exposes an unfair price in the royal market.
Grannie's Blackie
A young elephant earns a fair reward to help the woman who raised him.
Why the Owl Is Not King of the Birds
A woodland gathering asks what makes a leader worth following.
The Wise and the Foolish Merchant
A wise traveler checks a stranger’s promises before changing his plans.
The Elephant Girly-Face
An elephant discovers that the words around him can shape his choices.
The Princes and the Water-Sprite
A water sprite keeps two brothers waiting after they fail to answer a riddle. Their eldest brother must answer and bring them both home.
The King's White Elephant
A helpful elephant carries friendship from a riverside workshop to the palace.
The Stupid Monkeys
Eager helpers learn to ask questions before trying an unfamiliar job.
The Girl Monkey and the String of Pearls
A palace mystery is solved by observation rather than hasty blame.
The Three Fishes
A careful fish helps two friends escape a net and return to safer water.
The Penny-Wise Monkey
A monkey drops a whole handful while chasing one small loss.
The Red-Bud Tree
Four brothers see different seasons and learn that each has only part of the picture.
The Otters and the Wolf
Two friends let a quarrel give a crafty visitor the biggest share.
How the Monkey Saved His Troop
A caring leader finds a way across the branches to protect his troop.
The Hawks and Their Friends
A hawk family discovers how different friends can help during one difficult night.
The Brave Little Bowman
A skilled little archer proves that ability cannot be measured by height.
The Stolen Plow
A trader sells his friend’s iron plow, then claims that mice ate it. His friend takes the dispute to a judge and questions the lie.
Beauty and Brownie
Two young deer leaders learn that a safe route matters more than a fast one.
The Wise Goat and the Wolf
A cautious goat checks a tempting invitation and keeps herself safe.
The Lion in Bad Company
A young lion learns to judge a friend’s advice by its consequences.
The Cunning Wolf
A wolf checks an odd sight before leading his friends toward danger.
The Tricky Wolf and the Rats
A rat chief notices a changing group and uncovers a visitor’s false story.
Prince Wicked and the Grateful Animals
A kind rescuer discovers who remembers help through actions rather than grand words.
A Lesson for Kings
Two kings meet on a road too narrow for both chariots. Their drivers compare the rulers to decide who should make way.
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Reading these stories together
This collection contains retellings from the Buddhist Jataka tradition. Each edition identifies its source; it is a story adaptation rather than a religious instruction course.
Read the parent note where one is provided. Talk about the choices made by the hare, the elephant or the deer, while keeping the tale’s source tradition in view.
A question to start a conversation
Who stopped to understand someone else?
Before you read
Do I need an account or payment to read?
No. Every ten-page book is available in English and Hindi, without an account or payment. Custom family films are a separate paid service.
How do I choose a story for my child?
Read the description and any parent note first. Age labels, where provided, are suggestions. Preview the story and choose according to your child’s interests and comfort.
Does every book have animation or narration?
The ten-page books have no audio narration. The original 18 books have animated illustrations in the page-turning reader; the additional 100 have still illustrations. Selected separate videos are available on YouTube.