Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

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Short Stories for Kids

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The King of the Kites

A young boy named Ethan becomes the King of the Kites and teaches his village the power of compassion and friendship.

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Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between mountains, there lived a young boy named Ethan. He loved flying kites and dreamed of becoming the King of the Kites. Every day after school, Ethan would run to the nearby field with his bright red kite in hand. His kite soared high and far, wrapping around the clouds and dancing with the wind. The villagers were in awe of Ethan’s skill and cried, “Long live the King of the Kites!”

One sunny afternoon, while flying his kite, Ethan noticed a peculiar bird flying alongside it. As he focused his attention on the bird, he lost control of his kite, and it got caught in a tall tree. Determined to retrieve it, Ethan attempted to climb the tree, but his hands were too slippery. Just as he was about to give up, a mischievous squirrel named Sammy appeared. Sammy offered to help but with one condition – he wanted a lifetime supply of acorns. Ethan agreed, and with the squirrel’s help, the kite was finally freed.

Thrilled with his success, Ethan decided to create a festival to celebrate the kites in his village. He asked the villagers to create their own kites and held a grand competition. People traveled from afar to witness the event. The villagers spent days crafting their kites, some in the shape of dragons, others as colorful rainbows. On the day of the festival, the sky was filled with kites of all sizes and colors. The villagers cheered and applauded as Ethan crowned the strongest, most mesmerizing kite with the honorary title of “Master of the Winds.”

As the festival came to an end, Ethan noticed a sad-faced girl standing alone. Her name was Lily, and she had made a beautiful kite, but it had been too windy for her to fly it. Ethan approached Lily, bringing a smile to her face. He offered to fly her kite for her, and together they watched it soar high into the sky. The villagers were touched by the kindness they witnessed and joined in the applause. From that day on, they declared Ethan not only the King of the Kites but also the King of Compassion and Friendship.

The villagers realized that the true joy of flying kites was not winning or showing off, but the connections they made and the bonds they formed. Flying kites allowed them to escape the worries of the world and brought happiness to their hearts. They learned that sometimes it takes a small act of kindness to brighten someone’s day and that true kingship lies not in power or status, but in the love and compassion we share with others. And so the legend of the King of the Kites continued to inspire generations, reminding them to always lift each other up, just as kites soar high in the sky.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1nestledSettled comfortably within a surrounding area
2peculiarStrange or unusual in a way that provokes interest
3retrieveTo get something back, often from a difficult or inaccessible place
4mischievousPlayfully causing minor trouble or annoyance
5determinedHaving made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it
6thrilledExtremely happy, excited, or pleased
7festivalA celebration or gathering with activities and entertainment
8mesmerizingCaptivating or spellbinding in a way that holds one’s attention
9honoraryGiven as a mark of respect without the usual requirements or functions
10applaudedShowed approval or praise by clapping hands
11compassionSympathy and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others
12bondsConnections or relationships between people
13escapeTo break free from confinement or control
14inspireTo fill with the urge or ability to do or feel something
15generationsPeople born and living about the same time, regarded collectively

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What did Ethan dream of becoming?
2. How did Ethan’s kite get caught in a tree?
3. What was Sammy’s condition for helping Ethan?
4. What did Ethan decide to create to celebrate the kites?
5. What did the villagers create for the grand competition?
6. Why was Lily sad at the end of the festival?
7. What did Ethan offer to do for Lily?
8. What did the villagers learn about flying kites?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between mountains, there lived a young boy (1)______ Ethan. He loved flying kites and dreamed of becoming the King of the (2)______. Every day after school, Ethan would run to the nearby field with his bright red kite in hand. His kite soared high and far, wrapping around the clouds and dancing with the wind. The villagers were in awe of Ethan’s (3)______ and cried, “Long live the King of the Kites!”

One sunny afternoon, while flying his kite, Ethan noticed a peculiar bird flying alongside it. As he focused his attention on the bird, he lost (4)______ of his kite, and it got caught in a tall tree. Determined to retrieve it, Ethan attempted to climb the tree, but his hands were too slippery. Just as he was (5)______ to give up, a mischievous squirrel named Sammy appeared. Sammy offered to help but with one condition – he wanted a lifetime supply of acorns. Ethan agreed, and with the squirrel’s help, the kite was finally freed.

Thrilled with his success, Ethan decided to create a (6)______ to celebrate the kites in his village. He asked the villagers to create their own kites and held a grand competition. People traveled from afar to witness the event. The villagers spent days crafting their kites, some in the (7)______ of (8)______, others as colorful rainbows. On the day of the festival, the sky was filled with kites of all sizes and colors. The villagers cheered and applauded as Ethan crowned the strongest, most mesmerizing kite with the honorary title of “Master of the (9)______.”

As the festival came to an end, Ethan noticed a sad-faced girl (10)______ alone. Her name was Lily, and she had made a beautiful kite, but it had been too windy for her to fly it. Ethan approached Lily, (11)______ a smile to her face. He (12)______ to fly her kite for her, and together they watched it soar high into the sky. The villagers were touched by the kindness they witnessed and joined in the applause. From that day on, they declared Ethan not only the King of the Kites but also the King of (13)______ and Friendship.

The villagers realized that the true joy of flying kites was not winning or showing off, but the connections they made and the bonds they formed. Flying kites allowed them to escape the worries of the world and brought happiness to their hearts. They learned that sometimes it takes a small act of kindness to brighten someone’s day and that true kingship lies not in power or (14)______, but in the love and compassion we share with others. And so the legend of the King of the Kites continued to inspire (15)______, (16)______ them to always lift each other up, just as kites soar high in the sky.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is the significance of the kite in this story?
2. How would you feel if you lost something that was very important to you, like Ethan lost his kite?
3. Do you like participating in festivals or competitions? Why or why not?
4. Do you think acts of kindness, like Ethan flying Lily’s kite, can have a big impact on someone’s day? Why or why not?
5. What is the message or lesson that this story is trying to teach us?
6. Have you ever had a special connection or bond with someone through a shared activity or hobby? Can you tell us about it?
7. How do you think the villagers felt when they saw Ethan and Lily’s act of kindness?
8. Do you think it’s important to have a sense of compassion and friendship in our lives? Why or why not?
9. Have you ever experienced a small act of kindness that made a big difference in your day? Can you share the story with us?
10. How do you think the villagers felt when they witnessed the grand competition and the sky filled with kites?
11. What do you think it means to “lift each other up” in the context of this story?
12. Can you think of any other activities or hobbies that can bring people together and create connections like flying kites did for the villagers in the story?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. nestled
2. peculiar
3. retrieve
4. mischievous
5. determined
6. thrilled
7. festival
8. mesmerizing
9. honorary
10. applauded
11. compassion
12. bonds
13. escape
14. inspire
15. generations

Meanings:
(A) A celebration or gathering with activities and entertainment
(B) To fill with the urge or ability to do or feel something
(C) Showed approval or praise by clapping hands
(D) Sympathy and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others
(E) Captivating or spellbinding in a way that holds one’s attention
(F) Extremely happy, excited, or pleased
(G) To break free from confinement or control
(H) Having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it
(I) Given as a mark of respect without the usual requirements or functions
(J) Settled comfortably within a surrounding area
(K) Connections or relationships between people
(L) Strange or unusual in a way that provokes interest
(M) Playfully causing minor trouble or annoyance
(N) People born and living about the same time, regarded collectively
(O) To get something back, often from a difficult or inaccessible place
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did Ethan dream of becoming?
(a) The King of the Birds
(b) The King of the Village
(c) The King of the Mountains
(d) The King of the Kites

2. What happened to Ethan’s kite while he was flying it?
(a) It flew away into the clouds
(b) It got caught in a tree
(c) It broke into pieces
(d) It got tangled with another kite

3. How did Ethan retrieve his kite from the tree?
(a) By climbing the tree himself
(b) By using a ladder
(c) With the help of a mischievous squirrel named Sammy
(d) By calling for help from the villagers

4. What did Ethan decide to create to celebrate the kites in his village?
(a) A festival
(b) A parade
(c) A competition
(d) A museum

5. What did the villagers create for the kite festival?
(a) Their own kites
(b) Paintings of kites
(c) Songs about kites
(d) Sculptures of kites

6. What did Ethan do for Lily at the end of the festival?
(a) He gave her a prize
(b) He taught her how to fly a kite
(c) He flew her kite for her
(d) He made her a new kite

7. What did the villagers realize about flying kites?
(a) It is a dangerous activity
(b) It brings happiness and forms connections
(c) It is a waste of time
(d) It is only for children

8. What did the legend of the King of the Kites inspire generations to do?
(a) Compete against each other
(b) Become the best kite flyers
(c) Create their own legends
(d) Lift each other up and show compassion

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Ethan’s dream was to become the King of the Kites.
2. Ethan’s kite got wedged in a tree while he was focused on a bird.
3. The villagers were unimpressed by Ethan’s kite-flying skills.
4. The villagers crafted their own kites for the festival.
5. Sammy the squirrel declined to help Ethan retrieve his kite.
6. Ethan’s act of kindness towards Lily made him known as the King of Compassion and Friendship.
7. Ethan crowned the most impressive kite as the “Master of the Winds.”
8. Ethan chose not to arrange a festival to commemorate kites in his village.
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 did Ethan dream of becoming?
Ethan dreamed of becoming the King of the Kites.

2. How did Ethan’s kite get caught in a tree?
Ethan lost control of his kite while watching a peculiar bird flying alongside it, and it got caught in a tall tree.

3. What was Sammy’s condition for helping Ethan?
Sammy, the mischievous squirrel, wanted a lifetime supply of acorns in exchange for helping Ethan retrieve his kite.

4. What did Ethan decide to create to celebrate the kites?
Ethan decided to create a festival to celebrate the kites in his village.

5. What did the villagers create for the grand competition?
The villagers created their own kites for the grand competition, crafting them in various shapes and colors, such as dragons and rainbows.

6. Why was Lily sad at the end of the festival?
Lily was sad at the end of the festival because it had been too windy for her to fly her own kite.

7. What did Ethan offer to do for Lily?
Ethan offered to fly Lily’s kite for her.

8. What did the villagers learn about flying kites?
The villagers learned that the true joy of flying kites lies in the connections and bonds formed with others. They realized that flying kites brings happiness and allows them to escape the worries of the world. They also learned that small acts of kindness, like flying someone else’s kite, can brighten someone’s day.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) named
(2) Kites
(3) skill
(4) control
(5) about
(6) festival
(7) shape
(8) dragons
(9) Winds
(10) standing
(11) bringing
(12) offered
(13) Compassion
(14) status
(15) generations
(16) reminding
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. nestled
Answer: (J) Settled comfortably within a surrounding area

2. peculiar
Answer: (L) Strange or unusual in a way that provokes interest

3. retrieve
Answer: (O) To get something back, often from a difficult or inaccessible place

4. mischievous
Answer: (M) Playfully causing minor trouble or annoyance

5. determined
Answer: (H) Having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it

6. thrilled
Answer: (F) Extremely happy, excited, or pleased

7. festival
Answer: (A) A celebration or gathering with activities and entertainment

8. mesmerizing
Answer: (E) Captivating or spellbinding in a way that holds one’s attention

9. honorary
Answer: (I) Given as a mark of respect without the usual requirements or functions

10. applauded
Answer: (C) Showed approval or praise by clapping hands

11. compassion
Answer: (D) Sympathy and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others

12. bonds
Answer: (K) Connections or relationships between people

13. escape
Answer: (G) To break free from confinement or control

14. inspire
Answer: (B) To fill with the urge or ability to do or feel something

15. generations
Answer: (N) People born and living about the same time, regarded collectively
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did Ethan dream of becoming?
Answer: (d) The King of the Kites

2. What happened to Ethan’s kite while he was flying it?
Answer: (b) It got caught in a tree

3. How did Ethan retrieve his kite from the tree?
Answer: (c) With the help of a mischievous squirrel named Sammy

4. What did Ethan decide to create to celebrate the kites in his village?
Answer: (a) A festival

5. What did the villagers create for the kite festival?
Answer: (a) Their own kites

6. What did Ethan do for Lily at the end of the festival?
Answer: (c) He flew her kite for her

7. What did the villagers realize about flying kites?
Answer: (b) It brings happiness and forms connections

8. What did the legend of the King of the Kites inspire generations to do?
Answer: (d) Lift each other up and show compassion
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Ethan’s dream was to become the King of the Kites. (Answer: True)
2. Ethan’s kite got wedged in a tree while he was focused on a bird. (Answer: False)
3. The villagers were unimpressed by Ethan’s kite-flying skills. (Answer: False)
4. The villagers crafted their own kites for the festival. (Answer: True)
5. Sammy the squirrel declined to help Ethan retrieve his kite. (Answer: False)
6. Ethan’s act of kindness towards Lily made him known as the King of Compassion and Friendship. (Answer: True)
7. Ethan crowned the most impressive kite as the “Master of the Winds.” (Answer: True)
8. Ethan chose not to arrange a festival to commemorate kites in his village. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

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The Fantastic Fossil

A young boy’s discovery of a mysterious fossil leads to a village’s newfound fame and unity.

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