The Honest Hand of Jonah

Jonah drops a tool in the river and is offered something much finer. Will he tell the truth?

Jonah was poor but hard-working. Every day, he used a simple old bucket to help the village. One morning by the river, the old bucket slipped from his hand and splashed into the deep water.

Jonah sat down on the bank and sighed. It was his only one. Suddenly, the water swirled, and Gus the dinosaur rose from the waves, shining. β€˜Why are you sad?’ he asked.

When Jonah explained, Gus dived down and came up with a golden bucket. β€˜Is this yours?’ Jonah shook his head. β€˜No, mine was plain.’ Gus dived again and came up with another. β€˜No,’ said Jonah, β€˜it was wooden.’

The third time, Gus brought up the old bucket. β€˜That’s mine!’ said Jonah, delighted. Gus smiled. β€˜You told the truth three times, even when you could have lied. For that, you shall have all three.’

Jonah went home with the old bucket and the shiny gifts. He shared them with the village. And everyone said, β€˜Honesty is the finest treasure of all.’

πŸ’‘

The little lesson

Honesty is always the best treasure.

Let’s talk about it

  • Why was it hard to tell the truth?
  • What reward did Jonah get?

Finish stories to collect Jonah as a sticker in your Sticker Book.

More Fables stories

πŸ“œ Fables

Gia Tells the Truth

Gia drops a tool in the river and is offered something much finer. Will she tell the truth?

Ages 8–92 min
πŸ“œ Fables

Moe and the Jug of Water

Moe is thirsty, but the water is too low in the jug. A clever idea saves the day!

Ages 3–52 min
πŸ“œ Fables

Louie and the Jug of Water

Louie is thirsty, but the water is too low in the jug. A clever idea saves the day!

Ages 3–52 min

You might also like

🌴 Jungle

The Hidden Waterfall of Yuki

Yuki and friends hike through the jungle to find a waterfall that no one has ever seen.

Ages 8–92 min
⚽ Football

Kofi’s Magic Ball of Marigold Field

Kofi finds a football that glows, and every pass builds a bridge of rainbow light.

Ages 8–93 min
⚽ Football

Tara and the Dusty Boots

In the attic, Tara finds a pair of dusty old boots with a name inside.

Ages 8–93 min