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The Swallow and The Crow

A Swallow boasts about its shiny feathers to a Crow, who responds by appreciating the joy and strength found in its own dark feathers.

A swallow flaunting its bright feathers to an unimpressed, dark-feathered crow

Audio available for B1 version

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There is a Swallow and a Crow in the forest. One sunny day, they talk about their feathers.

The Swallow feels proud. She says, "My feathers are blue and soft. They look like the sky. Your feathers are black and rough. Why don't you take care of yourself?"

The Crow looks at his feathers. They are black and strong. He says, "Your feathers are nice in the spring, but I do not see you in the winter. I like winter."

The Crow spreads his black wings and flies away. The Swallow thinks about what the Crow said.

Once upon a time, in a green forest, there lived a Swallow and a Crow. One sunny day, they began to talk about their feathers.

The Swallow, feeling very proud, looked at the Crow and said, "Look at my feathers! They are shiny and soft. They look like the blue sky and are as light as the wind. Your feathers are dark and rough. They don't shine in the sun like mine. Why don't you take better care of yourself? You should have some pride, my friend!"

The Crow listened carefully to the Swallow. He looked at his own black feathers, which were strong and durable. Then, he replied, "Your feathers might look lovely in the spring," he said, "but I never see you in the winter. That's when I enjoy myself the most."

With those words, the Crow spread his strong, dark wings and flew away, leaving the Swallow to think about what he had said.

In a lush, green forest, there lived a Swallow and a Crow. One bright and sunny day, they started discussing the appearance of their feathers.

The Swallow, feeling a sense of pride, glanced at the Crow and remarked, "Observe my feathers! They are sleek and soft, resembling the clear blue sky. They are as light as the gentle breeze. Your feathers, however, are dark and coarse. They do not glisten in the sunlight like mine. Why don't you take better care of yourself? You should take some pride in your appearance, my friend!"

The Crow listened attentively to the Swallow's words. He then looked at his own feathers, which were black, robust, and durable. After a moment of reflection, he responded, "Your feathers may indeed look beautiful in the spring," he acknowledged, "but I never see you during the winter months. That is when I truly enjoy myself."

With these words, the Crow spread his strong, dark wings and soared into the sky, leaving the Swallow to ponder over what he had just said.

Once upon a time, in a groovy green woodland filled with sassy squirrels and wise-cracking worms, there lived a Swallow and a Crow. You know, the typical woodland celebrities.

One scorching summer day, they began to natter about their feathers. The conversation went something like this:

The Swallow, puffing out its chest like a royal peacock, eyeballed the Crow and said, "Look at my feathers, darling! They're like a disco ball in the sunlight! They shimmer, they dance, they're as soft as your grandma's freshly baked cookies! And yours? Well, they're dark and hard. Like a rock wearing a tuxedo! What's the story there? Fancy putting some dazzle into your life?"

The Crow squinted at the Swallow, gave his feathers a thoughtful once-over, and replied, "Oh, those are feathers? I thought you'd been rolling in glitter again! But speaking of things that sparkle, your feathers may look like a million bucks in spring, but I've never seen you strut your stuff during the winter. That's when I'm dancing in the moonlight and having a good old jamboree!"

"But what about my shiny feathers? They're like the stars!" whined the Swallow.

The Crow smirked, "Stars, huh? Ever heard of disco balls going out of style? My dear friend, I enjoy winter's concert, while you're tucked away like last year's Christmas sweater."

And with that, the Crow spread his powerful, non-glittery wings and took off like a rock star leaving the stage, leaving the Swallow to ponder his words.

Beneath a canopy of trees so grand,
Where Swallow and Crow side by side did stand,
The sun cast down its golden hue,
As the two began a chat, as friends often do.

With a flutter and twirl, the Swallow did say,
"See how my feathers gleam and sway?
Like a shimmering sky, they catch the light,
While yours, dear Crow, are dark as night."

"Wouldn’t you like to gleam like the day?
Perhaps you should spruce up in some way!"
The Swallow chirped with a twinkle in her eye,
Her feathers reflecting the vast blue sky.

Crow tilted his head, his gaze so wise,
Studying his feathers, to Swallow's surprise.
"My feathers," he began, "are strong and true,
They might not shimmer, but here's my view."

"In the warmth you might dazzle, oh so bright,
But in winter's chill, you're nowhere in sight.
While I soar high, even in snow's gentle hum,
That's when I find my joy, and feel freedom come."

With a flap and a gust, to the skies he soared,
Above treetops high, where eagles roared.
As he vanished from view, into the blue hue,
Swallow pondered his words, gaining insight anew.

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Word Finder
  1. Swallow

    Small bird with shiny, soft feathers.
  2. Crow

    Large bird with strong, dark feathers.
  3. Feathers

    Soft parts that cover birds' bodies.
  4. Shiny

    Bright and reflects light very well.
  5. Soft

    Smooth and not hard to touch.
  6. Pride

    Feeling good about something you have.
  7. Durable

    Strong and lasts for a long time.
  8. Spring

    Season when flowers bloom after winter.
  9. Winter

    Cold season with snow and ice.
  10. Lovely

    Very pretty or beautiful to see.
  1. Feathers

    Soft outer coverings of a bird's body.
  2. Shiny

    Reflecting light, very bright or glossy.
  3. Durable

    Able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
  4. Pride

    Feeling of deep satisfaction with one's achievements.
  5. Lovely

    Very beautiful or attractive.
  6. Spring

    Season after winter and before summer.
  7. Winter

    Coldest season of the year, between autumn and spring.
  8. Rough

    Not smooth, having an uneven surface.
  9. Enjoy

    To take pleasure in something.
  10. Spread

    To extend or stretch out something.
  1. Lush

    Having a lot of healthy, green plants.
  2. Resembling

    Looking like something or someone else.
  3. Coarse

    Rough or not smooth to touch.
  4. Glisten

    To shine brightly with reflected light.
  5. Attentively

    Listening carefully and paying close attention.
  6. Robust

    Strong and healthy, not weak.
  7. Durable

    Lasting a long time without breaking.
  8. Reflection

    Deep thought or careful consideration.
  9. Acknowledged

    Admitted or recognized something as true.
  10. Soared

    Flew high and fast in the sky.
  1. Groovy

    Very cool and fashionable.
  2. Woodland

    An area covered with trees.
  3. Natter

    To talk for a long time about nothing important.
  4. Feathers

    The soft, light things covering a bird’s body.
  5. Dazzle

    To impress or surprise someone a lot.
  6. Eyeballed

    To look at or watch someone or something carefully.
  7. Shimmer

    To shine with a soft, flickering light.
  8. Squinted

    To partly close your eyes to see something better.
  9. Glitter

    Small, shiny pieces that reflect light.
  10. Smirked

    To smile in a way that shows you feel smarter or better.
  1. Canopy

    Cover formed by branches and leaves of trees.
  2. Gaze

    To look steadily and intently at something.
  3. Gleam

    To shine brightly, especially with reflected light.
  4. Shimmering

    Shining with a flickering or wavering light.
  5. Spruce

    To make oneself neat and tidy.
  6. Twinkle

    A flickering or sparkling light.
  7. Treetops

    The top part of trees, high above the ground.
  8. Dazzle

    To impress greatly with brightness or skill.
  9. Gentle

    Soft, mild, or kind in action or effect.
  10. Insight

    A deep understanding of a person or thing.
Understanding Questions
  1. Who are the two birds in the story?
    1. A Swallow and a Crow
    2. A Swallow and an Eagle
    3. A Crow and an Owl
    4. A Swallow and a Parrot
  2. What color are the Swallow's feathers?
    1. Black
    2. White
    3. Blue
    4. Green
  3. What does the Swallow think about her feathers?
    1. They are ugly.
    2. They are blue and soft.
    3. They are black and rough.
    4. They are hard and strong.
  4. Why does the Crow like his feathers?
    1. They are blue and soft.
    2. They are green and shiny.
    3. They are black and strong.
    4. They are red and smooth.
  5. What season does the Crow like?
    1. Winter
    2. Spring
    3. Summer
    4. Autumn
  1. What did the Swallow and the Crow talk about in the forest?
  2. How did the Swallow describe its own feathers?
  3. What did the Swallow say about the Crow's feathers?
  4. How did the Crow defend his feathers to what the Swallow says?
  5. What did the Crow do after talking to the Swallow?
  1. What does the Swallow use as a comparison to describe the appearance of its feathers?
  2. How does the Crow describe the Swallow's feathers in relation to the seasons?
  3. What is the Swallow's attitude towards its own feathers, and how does it view the Crow's feathers?
  4. Why does the Crow mention the winter months in his response to the Swallow?
  5. What action does the Crow take at the end of the conversation, and what might this symbolize?
Reflection Questions
  1. Why do you think the Swallow was so proud of its feathers?
  2. How did the Crow react when the Swallow criticized his feathers?
  3. Can you think of a time when something that looked good wasn't as useful as something that might not have looked as nice?
  4. What does this story teach us about judging others based on their appearance?
  5. How can we apply the lesson from this story in our own lives, especially when we meet new people or when we think about our own strengths?
Fable Quotes

Boasting is a mirror that only reflects our shiny feathers, not our inner strength.

What one sees as a flaw, another may see as strength.

Embrace who you are; each of us has a role to play, every season.