10個英語小故事
1、The Tortoise and the Hare(《烏龜和兔子》)
Aesop's fable tells the story of a hare who is very fast but arrogant, and a tortoise who is slow but persistent. They compete in a race, and despite the hare's quick start, he becomes complacent and takes a nap while the tortoise keeps going. The tortoise eventually wins the race, proving that slow and steady can win the race.
2、The Boy Who Cried Wolf(《孩子和狼》)
This well-known story is about a boy who repeatedly cries "Wolf!" to get attention, even though there is no wolf. People stop believing him when a real wolf appears and he cries for help, and as a result, he is not saved from the wolf.
3、The Emperor's New Clothes(《皇帝的新裝》)
In this story, two weavers trick an emperor into believing that they have made him a beautiful suit of clothes that only intelligent people can see. In reality, the emperor is naked, but he is too embarrassed to admit it. Eventually, a child points out that the emperor is not wearing any clothes, and everyone realizes they had been fooled.
4、The Lion and the Mouse(《獅子與老鼠》)
This fable tells the story of a lion who is caught in a trap and is freed by a mouse. Later, the mouse needs help and the lion repays the favor by saving the mouse from a predator. This story teaches the lesson that even small acts of kindness can be important and lead to greater rewards in the future.
5、The Three Little Pigs(《三只小豬》)
This classic children's story tells the tale of three pigs who build houses out of different materials: straw, sticks, and bricks. When a wolf comes to blow down their houses, the first two pigs' houses are destroyed but the third pig's brick house withstands the attack.
6、The Ugly Duckling(《醜小鴨》)
Hans Christian Andersen's story is about a duckling who is rejected by his peers because he looks different. However, as he grows up, he discovers that he is actually a swan and is beloved for his beauty and grace.
7、The Little Red Hen(《小紅母雞》)
This story is about a hen who asks her animal friends for help planting, harvesting, and grinding wheat to make bread. When they all refuse, she does the work herself and enjoys the bread alone. This story teaches the lesson that those who refuse to help should not expect to share in the rewards.
8、The Gingerbread Man(《姜餅人》)
In this classic tale, a gingerbread man comes to life and runs away from the woman who made him. As he runs through the forest, various animals try to catch and eat him, but he escapes until he meets a sly fox who outwits him and eats him.
9、The Boy Who Wanted More Cheese(《想要更多奶酪的男孩》)
This lesser-known story is about a boy who loves cheese and always wants more. When he is given a magical cow that produces unlimited cheese, he still wants more and more until the cow disappears and he learns the lesson to be content with what he has.
10、The Pied Piper of Hamelin(《哈姆林笛手》)
This famous fairy tale is about a town plagued by rats, and a mysterious piper who offers to get rid of them in exchange for payment. When the townspeople refuse to pay, the piper takes all the town's children away with his music, never to be seen again. This story is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of greed and breaking promises.