The Lion and the Rabbit
Ladybird tales Series
What’s inside...
This early reader retells the classic folktale of a clever rabbit who outsmarts a fierce lion, teaching children about courage, ingenuity, and wit. Based on a popular Panchatantra story from India, the big lion in the forest is very hungry and wants to eat other animals for lunch. The clever little rabbit does not want to be eaten and must find a way to stop the lion for good. The book includes comprehension puzzles, book band information, and reading tips, making it perfect for children aged 4+ who are taking their first steps beyond phonics.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the Rabbit brave enough to approach the Lion?
How did the Lion's attitude change throughout the story, and what do you think caused it?
If you were in Rabbit's position, how would you try to solve the problem with the Lion?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone who was different from you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the Rabbit's shoes, fostering empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to promote active involvement and critical thinking.
Discuss the moral of the story and how it can be applied in daily life, bridging connections between the book's themes and real-world scenarios.
Celebrate creative solutions by asking your child how they might handle similar challenges, reinforcing the value of innovative thinking.
After reading, role-play a favorite scene together to help deepen your child’s connection with the characters and their dilemmas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cleverness overcomes strength
Explanation: In the story, the small rabbit uses its wit to trick the mighty lion, demonstrating that intelligence can prevail over physical power.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of using their brains to solve problems and navigate challenges, even when they feel outmatched.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The rabbit seeks the help of other animals to outsmart the lion, highlighting the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others and seeking help when faced with difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of humility
Explanation: The lion's downfall results from his overconfidence and underestimation of the rabbit, teaching readers about the risks of arrogance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to remain humble and respect others' abilities, understanding that everyone has unique strengths.
Example Lesson: Strategic thinking
Explanation: The rabbit's plan to trap the lion shows strategic thinking and foresight.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to think ahead and plan strategically in their own lives, whether in school projects or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Justice prevails
Explanation: The story concludes with the lion being defeated, reinforcing the notion that right and justice eventually triumph over wrongdoing.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of fairness and justice, understanding that wrong actions have consequences.