Very short story · A1

Belling the Cat

Aesop’s fable·~150 words·~1 min read

The mice have a clever idea, but who will do it?

A family of mice lived in a house with a cat. The cat was quick and quiet, and she caught the mice one by one. The mice were very afraid.

One day all the mice met together to find a plan. A young mouse stood up. "I have the answer," he said. "Let us tie a small bell to the cat. Then, when she comes near, we will hear the bell and run away."

All the mice clapped. It was a wonderful plan. Everyone was happy and smiling.

Then a very old mouse stood up slowly. "It is a good plan," he said. "But tell me one thing. Who will put the bell on the cat?" And no mouse said a word.

Moral: It is easy to say a thing, but hard to do it.

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Check what you remember

3 quick questions about the story. Scroll up to re-read any time.

Question 1
Why were the mice afraid?
Question 2
What was the young mouse's plan?
Question 3
Why did no mouse speak at the end?
0 of 3 answered

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