Short Stories » The Apple Tree and the Farmer

The Apple Tree and the Farmer

Once upon a time, there lived a farmer in a village, beside a forest. He had a big garden that had an old apple tree and other plants, trees and beautiful flowers. When the farmer was a little boy, he spent much of his time playing with the apple tree. Those days, the apple tree had given the choicest of apples to him. However, as time passed, the apple tree became old and stopped bearing fruits.

Now that the farmer was not getting any apples from the tree, he decided that the tree was useless. Therefore, he decided to cut the tree and use its wood to make some new furniture. He felt that since the tree was old and huge, he did not have to cure it, and it would make great furniture. He forgot that as a boy, he had spent his entire childhood climbing the tree and eating its apples.

Now the apple tree was home to several little animals in the neighborhood. This included squirrels, sparrows and a huge variety of birds and insects. When the farmer took his axe and began chopping the tree, all the little animals came rushing down.

They all began to plead with the farmer. They gathered round the farmer and said, “Please don’t cut the tree. We used to play with you when you were small, under this very tree. This is our home and we have no other place to go”.

The farmer was adamant. He raised his axe and the commotion grew.

“Please don’t chop and destroy my home and kids,” cried the squirrel.

“Please don’t chop and destroy my nest,” cried the little birds.

“Please don’t cut the apple tree,” cried the grasshopper.

The farmer, however, forgot his childhood and his animal friends. He began to chop the tree harder. All the little animals became desperate, and wanted to protect the apple tree at any cost.

The little animals said, “We will sing for you when you are toiling away in the fields. We will look after your little boy. He will not cry, but instead will be entertained and happy. You will like our songs and will not feel tired.”

However, their cries for help fell on deaf ears. Despite all their requests, the farmer continued to chop down the tree.

All of a sudden, he noticed something shiny. On inspecting it, he realized that it was a beehive, full of honey. He took a little and put it in his mouth. The taste of the honey woke up the little boy in him. Suddenly, the memories of his childhood came rushing back. The honey tasted so good that he wanted more. It brought a sense of happiness to him. He smiled and exclaimed, “This tastes amazing.”

Realizing the change in the farmer’s attitude, the little animals spoke in unison: The bee said, “I will always provide you with sweet honey.” The squirrel said, “I will share any amount of nuts that you want.” The birds cried, “We will sing as many songs as you want.”

Finally, the farmer realized his folly, and put down his axe. He understood that the tree was home to many lovely animals that provided him with so many things. He wanted his little boy to have the childhood that he had.

The farmer realized that the apple tree was not that fruitless. The little boy in him saved the apple tree.

He threw away the axe and said to the little creatures, “I promise that I would never cut this tree. I have realized my mistake and you all can now live in peace and harmony.”

The little creatures thanked the bee profusely. If the farmer had not found the beehive, they would have been homeless by now. They continued living happily in the old apple tree.

Moral: Respect and value what you have before it’s too late.

The Apple Tree and the Farmer - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

This story teaches us to take care of the things that help us, like the apple tree, and to not forget about the good things in life, even if they seem old or not useful anymore.

The Apple Tree and the Farmer - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

The story shows how the farmer almost made a mistake by cutting down the tree without realizing all the help it gave him in the past. It reminds us to value nature and not take it for granted.

The Apple Tree and the Farmer - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

This fable teaches us the importance of remembering our roots and the contributions of the things we often overlook. It encourages us to appreciate the environment and the creatures that help sustain it.

3 Fun Facts on The Apple Tree and the Farmer for Children

• Apple trees can live for many decades, sometimes over 100 years, and continue to bear fruit for most of their lives.
• Squirrels can store up to 1,000 nuts in a single year to survive the winter.
• Bees not only make honey, but also help pollinate flowers, which is essential for the growth of fruits and vegetables.

The Apple Tree and the Farmer Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What did the farmer decide to do to the apple tree at first?
• Why did the animals beg the farmer not to cut the tree?
• What changed the farmer’s mind about chopping the tree?

The Apple Tree and the Farmer Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• How did the taste of the honey make the farmer feel?
• What did the animals promise to the farmer after he decided not to cut the tree?
• What lesson did the farmer learn in the end?

The Apple Tree and the Farmer Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• How does the story of the farmer and the apple tree emphasize the importance of remembering past relationships and their value?
• Why is it important to appreciate nature and the environment, as shown in the story?
• How did the farmer’s realization about the tree reflect a deeper understanding of the balance between humans and nature?