Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

Short Stories for Kids

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The Journey to the Jasmine Jungle

Benny discovers friendship and adventure in the magical Jasmine Jungle, where laughter echoes through flowers.

Try this story at a different level?

 

Once upon a time in a quaint little village, lived a clever rabbit named Benny. Benny was not your ordinary rabbit; he had a bright red scarf that swished dramatically whenever he hopped. One sunny afternoon, Benny overheard a rumor about a hidden place called the Jasmine Jungle, where flowers glowed in the dark and streams sang sweet melodies. Intrigued and bursting with excitement, Benny decided he must go on an adventure to find this magical jungle. “This will be a story to tell!” he exclaimed, adjusting his scarf.

Benny packed a small backpack with carrots, a compass, and a very silly hat that made him feel like a grand explorer. With a hop and a skip, he set off down the winding path toward the Jasmine Jungle, singing a cheerful tune. However, as he ventured deeper into the woods, he encountered a chattering squirrel named Sandy. “Hey, Benny! Where are you off to with that ridiculous hat?” Sandy laughed, pointing at the hat that had a feather taller than Benny himself. Determined not to be discouraged, Benny replied, “I’m searching for the Jasmine Jungle! Want to join me?” Sandy’s eyes twinkled with mischief, and she nodded enthusiastically.

The duo hopped along, but soon they found themselves at a tall mountain. Benny looked up and sighed, “This might be harder than I thought.” Sandy, ever the cheeky one, suggested, “Let’s roll down instead!” With a shriek of laughter, they rolled down the sloping hill like two oversized bowling balls, tumbling and turning until they landed in a pile of leaves at the bottom. Dazed but giggling, they looked around and spotted a dangerous-looking sign that read, “Beware of the Snoring Sloth.” Benny gulped. “Oh dear! If we wake that sloth, we might become his midday snack!” Sandy grinned, “Let’s be sneaky!”

As they tiptoed silently, Benny tripped over his own scarf and went tumbling, which made a loud thud that stirred the sloth from its sleep! The enormous creature yawned wide, revealing a mouth full of leafy greens. “Who dares disturb my naptime?” it boomed in a deep, sleepy voice. Benny, shaking in his tiny paws, stuttered, “W-we’re just passing through!” To their surprise, the sloth chuckled, “You two are the first visitors I’ve had in years! Instead of a snack, how about I guide you to the Jasmine Jungle instead?” Relieved, Benny and Sandy could hardly believe their luck!

With the sloth leading the way, they finally arrived at the brilliant Jasmine Jungle. The flowers were in every color imaginable, and the melodious streams glimmered like silver ribbons in the sunlight. Benny and Sandy couldn’t believe their eyes! “Look at that glow!” Benny shouted as a flower bobbed up and down like a friendly puppy. They explored every inch of the jungle, dancing with the glowing flowers and splashing water from the singing streams. It was far more wonderful than they had imagined, and Benny thought this was a tale even the silliest hat could not overshadow.

As they headed back home, Benny learned an important lesson: adventures are always more fun with friends, especially those who can make you laugh and turn challenges into hilarious moments. Sandy, flipping her bushy tail, added, “And don’t forget, sometimes you just need to let yourself roll with it!” They both erupted into laughter, their hearts light as they made their way back to the village, ready to share tales of their mischievous journey through the enchanting Jasmine Jungle.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1quaintAttractively unusual or old-fashioned
2dramaticallyIn a way that is intended to create an effect; theatrically
3melodiesSequences of musical notes that are pleasing to hear
4intriguedAroused the curiosity or interest of
5venturedTraveled or journeyed, especially into the unknown
6chatteringMaking continuous, quick, high-pitched sounds
7mischievousShowing a playful desire to cause trouble
8discouragedMade less hopeful or enthusiastic
9slopingInclining or slanting downward
10enormousVery large in size or amount
11revealedMade known or shown something that was hidden
12stutteredSpoke with involuntary pauses or repetitions
13melodiousPleasant-sounding; musical
14glimmeredShone faintly with a wavering light
15enchantingDelightfully charming or attractive

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What made Benny different from other rabbits in the village?
2. How did Benny feel when he first heard about the Jasmine Jungle?
3. What items did Benny pack in his backpack for the adventure?
4. How did Sandy react to Benny’s silly hat when they first met?
5. What suggestion did Sandy make when they encountered the tall mountain?
6. What was the warning sign that Benny and Sandy saw while sneaking past the sloth?
7. How did the sloth respond when Benny and Sandy accidentally woke him up?
8. What lesson did Benny learn by the end of their adventure in the Jasmine Jungle?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time in a quaint little village, lived a clever rabbit named Benny. Benny was not your ordinary rabbit; he had a bright red scarf that swished dramatically whenever he hopped. One sunny afternoon, Benny overheard a rumor about a hidden (1)______ called the Jasmine Jungle, where flowers glowed in the dark and streams sang sweet melodies. Intrigued and (2)______ with excitement, Benny decided he must go on an adventure to find this magical jungle. “This will be a story to tell!” he exclaimed, adjusting his scarf.

Benny packed a small backpack with carrots, a compass, and a very silly hat that made him feel like a grand explorer. With a hop and a skip, he set off down the winding path toward the Jasmine Jungle, (3)______ a cheerful tune. However, as he ventured deeper into the woods, he (4)______ a chattering squirrel named Sandy. “Hey, Benny! Where are you off to with that ridiculous hat?” (5)______ laughed, pointing at the hat that had a feather taller than Benny himself. (6)______ not to be discouraged, Benny replied, “I’m searching for the Jasmine Jungle! Want to join me?” Sandy’s eyes twinkled with mischief, and she nodded enthusiastically.

The duo hopped along, but soon they found themselves at a tall mountain. Benny looked up and (7)______, “This might be harder than I thought.” Sandy, ever the cheeky one, suggested, “Let’s roll down instead!” With a shriek of laughter, they rolled down the sloping hill like two oversized bowling balls, tumbling and turning until they landed in a pile of leaves at the bottom. Dazed but giggling, they looked around and spotted a dangerous-looking sign that read, “Beware of the Snoring Sloth.” Benny (8)______. “Oh dear! If we wake that sloth, we might become his midday snack!” Sandy grinned, “Let’s be (9)______!”

As they tiptoed silently, Benny tripped over his own (10)______ and went tumbling, which made a loud thud that stirred the (11)______ from its sleep! The enormous creature yawned wide, revealing a mouth full of leafy greens. “Who dares disturb my naptime?” it boomed in a deep, sleepy voice. Benny, shaking in his tiny paws, stuttered, “W-we’re just passing through!” To their surprise, the sloth chuckled, “You two are the first (12)______ I’ve had in years! Instead of a snack, how about I guide you to the Jasmine Jungle instead?” Relieved, Benny and Sandy could hardly believe their luck!

With the sloth leading the way, they finally arrived at the brilliant Jasmine Jungle. The flowers were in every color imaginable, and the melodious streams glimmered like silver ribbons in the sunlight. Benny and Sandy couldn’t believe their eyes! “Look at that glow!” Benny shouted as a flower bobbed up and down like a friendly puppy. They explored every inch of the jungle, dancing with the glowing flowers and splashing (13)______ from the singing streams. It was far more wonderful than they had imagined, and Benny thought this was a tale even the silliest hat could not overshadow.

As they headed back home, Benny learned an important lesson: adventures are always more fun with friends, especially those who can make you laugh and turn challenges into hilarious (14)______. Sandy, flipping her (15)______ tail, added, “And don’t forget, sometimes you just need to let yourself roll with it!” They both erupted into laughter, their hearts light as they made their way back to the (16)______, ready to share tales of their mischievous journey through the enchanting Jasmine Jungle.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your favorite type of adventure, and why do you enjoy it?

2. How would you feel if you stumbled upon a hidden place like the Jasmine Jungle?

3. Do you think it’s important to have friends join you on adventures? Why or why not?

4. What is a memorable adventure you have experienced with friends?

5. How do you typically handle challenges when you are on an adventure?

6. Do you like trying new things, even if they seem silly or out of your comfort zone? Why?

7. What is a quality you admire in a friend, like Benny’s determination or Sandy’s humor?

8. How would you react if you encountered a creature like the Snoring Sloth in real life?

9. Do you think that laughter can make difficult situations easier? Why or why not?

10. What is a lesson you have learned from a fun experience or adventure?

11. How do you feel about wearing silly or unusual clothing, like Benny’s hat?

12. Do you think every adventure should have a happy ending? Why or why not?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. quaint
2. dramatically
3. melodies
4. intrigued
5. ventured
6. chattering
7. mischievous
8. discouraged
9. sloping
10. enormous
11. revealed
12. stuttered
13. melodious
14. glimmered
15. enchanting

Meanings:
(A) Pleasant-sounding; musical
(B) Attractively unusual or old-fashioned
(C) Shone faintly with a wavering light
(D) Delightfully charming or attractive
(E) Made known or shown something that was hidden
(F) Inclining or slanting downward
(G) Making continuous, quick, high-pitched sounds
(H) Spoke with involuntary pauses or repetitions
(I) Made less hopeful or enthusiastic
(J) Very large in size or amount
(K) Showing a playful desire to cause trouble
(L) Traveled or journeyed, especially into the unknown
(M) Sequences of musical notes that are pleasing to hear
(N) Aroused the curiosity or interest of
(O) In a way that is intended to create an effect; theatrically
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the name of the clever rabbit in the story?
(a) Max
(b) Charlie
(c) Benny
(d) Oliver

2. What does Benny wear that makes him feel like a grand explorer?
(a) A backpack
(b) A silly hat
(c) A crown
(d) A cape

3. Who does Benny meet while on his adventure?
(a) A wise owl
(b) A chattering squirrel named Sandy
(c) A playful fox
(d) A friendly deer

4. What do Benny and Sandy do when they reach the tall mountain?
(a) They climb to the top
(b) They build a fort
(c) They rest for a while
(d) They roll down the hill

5. What does the sign they encounter warn them about?
(a) The Hungry Bear
(b) The Sneaky Fox
(c) The Snoring Sloth
(d) The Angry Owl

6. What does the sloth offer Benny and Sandy instead of a snack?
(a) To guide them to the Jasmine Jungle
(b) To share his leafy greens
(c) To play a game
(d) To take a nap with him

7. How does Benny feel when he first sees the Jasmine Jungle?
(a) Amazed
(b) Scared
(c) Indifferent
(d) Tired

8. What important lesson does Benny learn by the end of the story?
(a) Always pack extra snacks
(b) Never trust a sloth
(c) Always wear a hat
(d) Adventures are more fun with friends

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Benny is a dim rabbit who wears a dark red scarf.
2. The Jasmine Jungle is filled with glowing flowers and melodious singing streams.
3. Benny unpacks a backpack with carrots, a compass, and a serious hat for his adventure.
4. He overhears a fact about a magical place called the Jasmine Jungle.
5. Benny and Sandy encounter a tall mountain and decide to roll down it for fun.
6. He meets a chattering squirrel named Sandy, who decides to join him on his journey.
7. Benny learns that adventures are more enjoyable with friends who can make him cry.
8. They accidentally wake a sleeping sloth, who offers to guide them to the Jasmine Jungle.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this story in two sentences. Here are some hints:
Who are the main characters?
What happens in the story?

Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What made Benny different from other rabbits in the village?
Benny was different because he had a bright red scarf that swished dramatically whenever he hopped.

2. How did Benny feel when he first heard about the Jasmine Jungle?
Benny felt intrigued and bursting with excitement when he heard about the Jasmine Jungle.

3. What items did Benny pack in his backpack for the adventure?
Benny packed carrots, a compass, and a very silly hat in his backpack for the adventure.

4. How did Sandy react to Benny’s silly hat when they first met?
Sandy laughed and pointed at Benny’s silly hat, calling it ridiculous.

5. What suggestion did Sandy make when they encountered the tall mountain?
Sandy suggested that they roll down the mountain instead of trying to climb it.

6. What was the warning sign that Benny and Sandy saw while sneaking past the sloth?
The warning sign read, “Beware of the Snoring Sloth.”

7. How did the sloth respond when Benny and Sandy accidentally woke him up?
The sloth chuckled and offered to guide Benny and Sandy to the Jasmine Jungle instead of making them his snack.

8. What lesson did Benny learn by the end of their adventure in the Jasmine Jungle?
Benny learned that adventures are always more fun with friends, especially those who can make you laugh and turn challenges into hilarious moments.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) place
(2) bursting
(3) singing
(4) encountered
(5) Sandy
(6) Determined
(7) sighed
(8) gulped
(9) sneaky
(10) scarf
(11) sloth
(12) visitors
(13) water
(14) moments
(15) bushy
(16) village
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. quaint
Answer: (B) Attractively unusual or old-fashioned

2. dramatically
Answer: (O) In a way that is intended to create an effect; theatrically

3. melodies
Answer: (M) Sequences of musical notes that are pleasing to hear

4. intrigued
Answer: (N) Aroused the curiosity or interest of

5. ventured
Answer: (L) Traveled or journeyed, especially into the unknown

6. chattering
Answer: (G) Making continuous, quick, high-pitched sounds

7. mischievous
Answer: (K) Showing a playful desire to cause trouble

8. discouraged
Answer: (I) Made less hopeful or enthusiastic

9. sloping
Answer: (F) Inclining or slanting downward

10. enormous
Answer: (J) Very large in size or amount

11. revealed
Answer: (E) Made known or shown something that was hidden

12. stuttered
Answer: (H) Spoke with involuntary pauses or repetitions

13. melodious
Answer: (A) Pleasant-sounding; musical

14. glimmered
Answer: (C) Shone faintly with a wavering light

15. enchanting
Answer: (D) Delightfully charming or attractive
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the name of the clever rabbit in the story?
Answer: (c) Benny

2. What does Benny wear that makes him feel like a grand explorer?
Answer: (b) A silly hat

3. Who does Benny meet while on his adventure?
Answer: (b) A chattering squirrel named Sandy

4. What do Benny and Sandy do when they reach the tall mountain?
Answer: (d) They roll down the hill

5. What does the sign they encounter warn them about?
Answer: (c) The Snoring Sloth

6. What does the sloth offer Benny and Sandy instead of a snack?
Answer: (a) To guide them to the Jasmine Jungle

7. How does Benny feel when he first sees the Jasmine Jungle?
Answer: (a) Amazed

8. What important lesson does Benny learn by the end of the story?
Answer: (d) Adventures are more fun with friends
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Benny is a dim rabbit who wears a dark red scarf. (Answer: False)
2. The Jasmine Jungle is filled with glowing flowers and melodious singing streams. (Answer: True)
3. Benny unpacks a backpack with carrots, a compass, and a serious hat for his adventure. (Answer: False)
4. He overhears a fact about a magical place called the Jasmine Jungle. (Answer: False)
5. Benny and Sandy encounter a tall mountain and decide to roll down it for fun. (Answer: True)
6. He meets a chattering squirrel named Sandy, who decides to join him on his journey. (Answer: True)
7. Benny learns that adventures are more enjoyable with friends who can make him cry. (Answer: False)
8. They accidentally wake a sleeping sloth, who offers to guide them to the Jasmine Jungle. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

Milo the mischievous monkey and Polly the Parrot become best friends, spreading laughter and joy throughout the jungle.

The Mischievous Monkey

Milo the mischievous monkey and Polly the Parrot become best friends, spreading laughter and joy throughout the jungle.

Lily discovers a hidden door in the enchanted forest and befriends a sparkling fairy named Hazel.

The Fairy’s Secret

Lily discovers a hidden door in the enchanted forest and befriends a sparkling fairy named Hazel.

Maya's wish for endless laughter brings joy and unity to her village, making her the laughter ambassador.

The Mysterious Mango

Maya’s wish for endless laughter brings joy and unity to her village, making her the laughter ambassador.

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