The Monkey and the Boar
Cleverness wins where strength cannot
- Audio-only book • Pure listening, no pictures, no words
About this book
A man makes his old monkey perform tricks in town for money, then decides the monkey is too old and calls the butcher. The monkey overhears the plan and asks the wise wild boar for help. The boar's clever plan saves the monkey's life, and the story ends with gratitude all around. An ancient Japanese tale about cleverness and gratitude.
Book details
| Book type | Hearable Book – Audio only. No pictures, no words on screen. Made for listening. |
|---|---|
| Author | Samrath Singh |
| Ages | 5 to 7 years, also 3 to 5 years and 7 to 9 years |
| Grade | Grade 2 |
| Reading level | Level 3, Intermediate Readers |
| Length | 360 words, about 3 minutes of listening |
| Categories | Folktales |
| Interactive features | Audio-only listening |
| Language | English |
Where you can listen to this book
Reading and Math app: listen to it here, audio-only, no pictures, no words.
Get the Reading and Math AppRead Along App: audio-only listening, no pictures, no words.
Get the Read Along AppThis edition has no quiz or activity.
Why read The Monkey and the Boar with your child
Cleverness wins this story, not strength. The monkey cannot fight the man's decision, and the boar cannot fight the man either, so they solve the problem with a plan. Ask your child whether the boar's plan was fair, and what it means to be grateful. The ending gives a clear talking point about gratitude and second chances.
Talk about it together
- Why did the monkey ask the boar for help? He overheard the man say the butcher would kill him, and the wild boar was known to be very wise.
- Was the boar's plan fair to the man and his wife? Why or why not?
- What would you do for a friend in trouble?
Inside the book
The Monkey and the Boar is an ancient Japanese tale about cleverness and gratitude. A monkey in trouble needs help he cannot give himself, and a wise boar nearby has an idea. The story asks which wins: strength, or a clever plan thought through with a friend.
Children gain a first lesson in thinking before acting, and in saying thank you to the friend who helped. It is short, funny in places, and easy to retell. Listen to it together, then ask your child whether the boar's plan was fair, and what it means to be grateful.
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Frequently asked questions
What ages is this book for?
Ages 3 to 9 years, at Grade 2 and Level 3 for intermediate readers.
Is the book narrated?
Yes. It is a hearable book, so a natural human voice tells the story for pure listening. There are no pictures and no words on screen.
Which apps carry this book?
Both the Reading and Math app and the Read Along App, as an audio-only edition. This edition has no quiz or activity.
How long is the book?
360 words, about 3 minutes of listening time.
Is this a Japanese folktale?
Yes. It is an ancient Japanese tale that shows the significance of cleverness and gratitude. The wise boar, the grateful monkey, and the plan that saves a life all come from that tradition.
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