
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse
Aesop’s Fable – Easy English Version
NARRATOR:
One sunny afternoon, a town mouse came to visit his cousin who lived in the countryside.
The country mouse welcomed him kindly and offered simple food—seeds, nuts, and fresh berries.
TOWN MOUSE:
“This food is too plain! In the city, I eat cake, cheese, and sweet fruit every day!”
NARRATOR:
The country mouse smiled politely, though he felt a little shy.
The town mouse stood tall and proud.
Then the town mouse said,
“Come visit me in the city! I’ll show you real food.”
NARRATOR:
The next day, the two mice ran together through streets and alleys until they reached a grand house.
The floors were shiny, and everything looked rich and clean.
On a long dining table sat delicious cakes, blocks of cheese, juicy fruits, and soft bread.
COUNTRY MOUSE:
“Wow! This food is so fancy and smells amazing!”
NARRATOR:
The country mouse had never seen anything like it.
But suddenly—BANG!
The door burst open, and a big cat leapt into the room!
The mice squeaked and ran for their lives, hiding under the sofa.
They waited quietly until the room was still again.
Then they tiptoed back to the table.
But—STOMP! STOMP!
A dog barked loudly and came charging in!
The mice fled once more, their hearts pounding.
NARRATOR:
Trembling, the country mouse looked at his cousin.
COUNTRY MOUSE:
“Your food is nice, but I like my quiet, safe life better.”
NARRATOR (ending):
And so, the country mouse went home, happy to be free from danger.
Sometimes, simple and safe is better than rich and risky.
THE END.
Vocabulary
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Town – a place with many people and buildings
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Country – quiet land with trees, farms, and animals
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Fancy – very nice or special
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Danger – something that can hurt you
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Safe – not in danger
Useful Expressions
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“This food is too plain!” – The town mouse doesn’t like simple food
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“Wow! This food is so fancy!” – The country mouse is surprised by the city food
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“I like my quiet, safe life better.” – A message about choosing peace over danger
Comprehension Questions
1. Who visited who first—the town mouse or the country mouse?
2. What kind of food did the country mouse offer?
3. What did the town mouse say about his food in the city?
4. What scared the mice at the big house?
5. Why did the country mouse go back home in the end?