Story video · 1:57
The Honest Woodcutter
A woodcutter drops his axe in the river. Will he take a shiny golden one instead?
The Queen Bee says
Tell the truth, even when a lie would get you something shiny.
Honey jar quiz
What did The Honest Woodcutter teach us?
Read the story
A short version to read together. The whole story is in the video.
Show the words
A poor woodcutter has only one axe. One day it falls into a deep river.
A river spirit shows him a shiny golden axe. Is it his? No. Then a silver axe. Is that his? No. The woodcutter tells the truth, because neither axe is his.
Tell the truth, even when a lie would get you something shiny.
Print and colour
Print a colouring page with space to draw the story, or a one-page activity card for the fridge.
For grown-ups
About this story
What happens
A poor woodcutter drops his only axe into a deep river. He's offered a shiny golden axe, then a silver one, and he turns both down because neither is his. It's the old fable, happy ending included.
Questions to ask afterwards
- Why didn't the woodcutter take the golden axe?
- How do you feel inside when you tell the truth?
- What would you have said to the river spirit?
Something to try at home
Play 'True or Silly?': take turns saying sentences and decide together which are true and which are silly.
- Length
- 1:57
- Ages
- 3 to 8
A TaleBee cartoon about honesty and being content.
Watch on YouTube (opens YouTube in a new tab)
Honesty
Being ContentQuick answers
What is the moral of The Honest Woodcutter?
Tell the truth, even when a lie would get you something shiny.
What is The Honest Woodcutter about?
A poor woodcutter drops his only axe into a deep river. He's offered a shiny golden axe, then a silver one, and he turns both down because neither is his. It's the old fable, happy ending included.
What lesson does The Honest Woodcutter teach?
It's a story about honesty and being content. Tell the truth, even when a lie would get you something shiny.
How long is The Honest Woodcutter?
1:57, which is about 2 minutes. It's a TaleBee story video told in simple English.
What age is The Honest Woodcutter for?
Children aged 3 to 8. It's gentle, has a happy ending and works well at bedtime or in class.
