Max the Woodcutter and the River Goddess – A Kids Story About Saving Nature
The Woodcutter's Journey
Max lived in a small wooden hut near the edge of the village. Every morning, he woke up early, ate simple food, picked up his axe, and walked into the forest. Cutting wood was his job, and he sold the wood in the nearby town to earn money. Max was not rich, but he was honest, friendly, and always ready to help others. That is why everyone in the village trusted and loved him.
One sunny morning, Max was deep inside the forest, cutting a large tree. As his axe hit the wood, he suddenly heard a soft crying sound.
“Who is crying?” Max asked himself. He stopped working and listened carefully.
The crying sounded sad and gentle, like someone in great pain. Max followed the sound, walking past bushes and stones, until he reached a beautiful river. The water was clear, but it looked lower than before.
Near the river sat a glowing woman with long hair and shining clothes made of water and light. She was crying quietly.
Max felt surprised but not afraid. He slowly walked closer and said kindly,
“Excuse me, ma’am. Why are you crying? Can I help you?”
The woman looked up and wiped her tears.
“I am the River Goddess,” she said softly. “I protect this river and all the fish, frogs, birds, and animals that depend on it.”
Max bowed his head with respect.
“I am sorry to see you so sad,” he said. “Please tell me what is wrong.”
The River Goddess pointed at the forest and said,
“The trees are being cut too fast. New trees are not being planted. Without trees, the soil becomes weak, the rain does not stay, and slowly my river is drying up. If this continues, all the creatures in my river will die.”
Max felt his heart become heavy. He looked at his axe and then at the forest.
“I cut trees for my living,” he said sadly. “I never knew it could hurt the river so much.”
The River Goddess nodded.
“Trees are very important. They hold water, give shade, and protect nature. Without them, the earth suffers.”
Max felt very guilty.
“I am sorry,” he said. “I promise I will change. From today, I will only cut trees when needed, and I will plant a new tree for every tree I cut.”
The River Goddess smiled, and her eyes shone with happiness.
“Your promise makes me joyful,” she said. “Because of your kind heart, I will grant you three wishes.”
Max was surprised.
“Three wishes?” he asked.
“Yes,” she replied. “Choose wisely.”
Max thought carefully. After a moment, he said,
“My first wish is for a magical axe that cuts wood easily without harming nearby trees.”
The River Goddess waved her hand, and a shining axe appeared.
“For my second wish,” Max said, “I want a strong and gentle horse to help carry wood, so I do not overwork myself.”
At once, a beautiful horse appeared near the river.
“And my third wish,” Max said with a smile, “is for a small cottage in the forest, so I can live close to nature and protect it.”
The River Goddess raised her hands, and far away, a cozy cottage appeared among the trees.
“Your wishes are granted,” she said. “Remember your promise.”
“I will,” Max replied happily.
Max returned to his village and told everyone his story. The villagers listened with wide eyes.
“Trees save our river?” one villager asked.
“Yes,” Max said. “If we protect the forest, nature will protect us.”
Inspired by Max, the villagers began planting trees. Children helped by watering young plants. Slowly, the forest became greener, and the river grew strong again.
Max moved into his forest cottage. Every day, he cut only a few trees and planted many more. He talked to animals, cared for plants, and kept the forest safe.
Sometimes, Max would hear a gentle voice near the river say,
“Thank you, Max.”
Max would smile, knowing the River Goddess was happy.
And so, this kids story about nature and kindness became a famous legend. Parents told it to their children, teachers shared it in schools, and everyone learned one simple lesson:
When we protect trees and nature, we protect our future.
THE END
Story Comprehension Questions and Answers for Kids
1. Who is the main character in the story?
Answer: The main character is a kind and hardworking woodcutter named Max.
2. Where did Max live?
Answer: Max lived in a small village near a big green forest.
3. What was Max’s job?
Answer: Max was a woodcutter. He cut trees and sold wood to earn money.
4. Why did the villagers like Max?
Answer: The villagers liked Max because he was honest, kind, and helpful.
5. Who was crying near the river?
Answer: The River Goddess was crying near the river.
6. Why was the River Goddess sad?
Answer: She was sad because too many trees were being cut, and her river was drying up.
7. How are trees important to rivers?
Answer: Trees help hold water, protect the soil, and keep rivers full and healthy.
8. How did Max feel after hearing the River Goddess’s problem?
Answer: Max felt sad and guilty because he understood that cutting trees was harming nature.
9. What promise did Max make to the River Goddess?
Answer: Max promised to cut only needed trees and plant a new tree for every tree he cut.
10. How did the River Goddess reward Max?
Answer: She rewarded Max by granting him three wishes.
11. What was Max’s first wish?
Answer: His first wish was for a magical axe that could cut wood easily.
12. What was Max’s second wish?
Answer: His second wish was for a strong and gentle horse to carry wood.
13. What was Max’s third wish?
Answer: His third wish was for a cottage in the forest so he could protect nature.
14. How did Max change after meeting the River Goddess?
Answer: Max became more careful, planted trees, and protected the forest.
15. What did the villagers learn from Max?
Answer: They learned that protecting trees helps protect rivers and nature.
Moral & Thinking Questions for Children
16. What lesson does this story teach us?
Answer: The story teaches us to care for nature and protect trees and rivers.
17. Why should we plant trees?
Answer: We should plant trees because they give us clean air, water, and a healthy environment.
18. What would happen if all trees were cut down?
Answer: Rivers would dry up, animals would suffer, and people would have problems.
19. How can children help protect nature?
Answer: Children can plant trees, save water, avoid wasting paper, and keep their surroundings clean.
20. Do you think Max was a good role model? Why?
Answer: Yes, Max was a good role model because he learned from his mistake and helped nature.
Creative Questions for Classroom Discussion
21. What would you wish for if you met the River Goddess?
Answer: (Child’s own answer – encourages imagination and creativity)
22. What would you say to Max if you met him?
Answer: (Child’s own answer – helps build speaking skills)
23. Can you draw a picture of Max and the River Goddess?
Answer: (Activity-based answer – improves creativity)
24. What other animals do you think lived near the river?
Answer: Fish, frogs, birds, deer, and other forest animals.
25. How can this story help our planet?
Answer: It teaches people to respect nature and live responsibly.
Comments
Post a Comment