Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

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Short Stories for Kids

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The Tale of the Tangerine Tiger

A unique tiger with tangerine stripes leads his animal friends on a quest for a magical fruit, only to discover that true magic lies in friendship and laughter.

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Once upon a time in a lush jungle, there lived a unique creature called the Tangerine Tiger. Unlike the other tigers, he had stripes in different shades of orange, just like a tangerine. That’s why he got his name! Despite his vibrant appearance, he was shy and liked to spend his days exploring the colorful foliage of the jungle. The other animals in the jungle were in awe of him and his distinctly tangerine stripes!

One day, while the Tangerine Tiger was taking an afternoon stroll, he overheard the monkeys chattering excitedly about a rare and delicious fruit that had appeared in the jungle. The mysterious fruit was said to have magical powers that could grant anyone who ate it a special ability. Intrigued, the Tangerine Tiger decided to join the quest alongside his animal friends to find the magical fruit.

The journey was long and full of obstacles, but the Tangerine Tiger’s determination never wavered. As they ventured deeper into the heart of the jungle, they had to face treacherous vines, slippery mud pits, and even an army of mischievous squirrels who wanted the fruit for themselves. At times, they felt like giving up, but the Tangerine Tiger hopped and bopped around, spreading laughter and igniting hope in his companions.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they stumbled upon a hidden grove shimmering with golden light. And there, nestled on a tall and graceful tree, stood the magical fruit they were searching for! The Tangerine Tiger reached out to grab it, but just as he was about to pluck it from the tree’s branches, it slipped from his paws and rolled away. Disappointed, the Tangerine Tiger chased after it, with his friends closely behind.

As they raced through the jungle, the Tangerine Tiger realized that the fruit wasn’t magical at all. Its real power was in the joy and camaraderie it brought to everyone on their quest. It wasn’t the fruit itself that made them special, but their shared experiences and the laughter they had shared along the way. With a mischievous wink, the Tangerine Tiger decided to let the fruit roll away, leaving it behind for another curious creature to discover.

The animals returned to their homes feeling triumphant, knowing that true magic lies in friendship and adventure. From that day on, the Tangerine Tiger became a symbol of unity and laughter in the jungle, reminding everyone of the importance of enjoying life’s little moments. And whenever a new adventure arose, the animals would gather around their beloved Tangerine Tiger, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with laughter and an unwavering spirit.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1uniqueBeing the only one of its kind; unlike anything else
2vibrantFull of energy and life; bright and striking
3foliagePlant leaves collectively
4aweA feeling of great respect mixed with fear or wonder
5mysteriousDifficult to understand or identify; enigmatic
6intriguedHaving one’s interest or curiosity strongly aroused
7determinationFirmness of purpose; resoluteness
8treacherousDangerous or deceptive
9slipperyTending to cause slipping or sliding
10mischievousPlayfully causing trouble or annoyance
11eternityA seemingly infinite or immeasurable period of time
12shimmeringGlowing or glistening with light
13nestledSettled comfortably in a snug or secure place
14camaraderieMutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together
15triumphantHaving achieved victory or success

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What made the Tangerine Tiger unique compared to other tigers in the jungle?
2. Why did the Tangerine Tiger decide to join the quest for the magical fruit?
3. What obstacles did the Tangerine Tiger and his friends face on their journey?
4. How did the Tangerine Tiger keep his companions hopeful and motivated during the journey?
5. What did the Tangerine Tiger and his friends discover in the hidden grove?
6. Why did the Tangerine Tiger decide to let the fruit roll away instead of taking it?
7. What did the animals learn from their quest for the magical fruit?
8. How did the Tangerine Tiger become a symbol of unity and laughter in the jungle?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time in a lush jungle, there lived a unique creature (1)______ the Tangerine Tiger. Unlike the other tigers, he had stripes in different shades of orange, just like a (2)______. That’s why he got his name! Despite his vibrant appearance, he was shy and liked to spend his days (3)______ the colorful foliage of the jungle. The other animals in the jungle were in awe of him and his distinctly tangerine stripes!

One day, while the Tangerine Tiger was taking an afternoon stroll, he overheard the (4)______ chattering excitedly about a rare and delicious fruit that had appeared in the jungle. The mysterious fruit was said to have magical powers that could grant anyone who ate it a special ability. Intrigued, the Tangerine (5)______ decided to join the quest alongside his (6)______ friends to find the magical fruit.

The journey was long and full of obstacles, but the Tangerine Tiger’s determination never wavered. As they ventured deeper into the heart of the jungle, they had to face treacherous vines, slippery mud pits, and even an army of mischievous squirrels who wanted the fruit for themselves. At times, they felt like giving up, but the Tangerine Tiger (7)______ and (8)______ around, spreading laughter and igniting hope in his companions.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they stumbled upon a hidden grove shimmering with golden light. And there, nestled on a tall and (9)______ tree, stood the magical (10)______ they were searching for! The Tangerine Tiger reached out to grab it, but just as he was (11)______ to pluck it from the tree’s branches, it slipped from his paws and rolled away. Disappointed, the Tangerine Tiger chased after it, with his friends closely behind.

As they raced through the jungle, the Tangerine Tiger realized that the fruit wasn’t magical at all. Its real power was in the joy and camaraderie it brought to everyone on their (12)______. It wasn’t the fruit itself that made them special, but their shared experiences and the laughter they had shared along the way. With a mischievous wink, the Tangerine Tiger decided to let the fruit roll away, leaving it behind for another curious (13)______ to discover.

The animals returned to their (14)______ feeling (15)______, knowing that true magic lies in friendship and adventure. From that day on, the Tangerine Tiger became a symbol of unity and laughter in the jungle, reminding everyone of the importance of enjoying life’s little moments. And whenever a new adventure (16)______, the animals would gather around their beloved Tangerine Tiger, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with laughter and an unwavering spirit.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is a unique creature that you know of? How is it different from other creatures?
2. How would you feel if you had stripes in different shades of orange, just like a tangerine? Why?
3. Do you think it’s important to explore new places and things? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever been on a quest or adventure? What was it like? Would you do it again? Why or why not?
5. What is the most magical thing you have ever experienced? How did it make you feel?
6. Do you think laughter and joy can have a powerful impact on people’s lives? Why or why not?
7. How do you think the Tangerine Tiger’s determination and positive attitude affected his companions on the journey? Why?
8. Have you ever felt like giving up on something? What made you keep going?
9. Do you think true magic lies in material things or in the experiences we share with others? Why or why not?
10. How do you think the Tangerine Tiger’s decision to let the fruit roll away impacted his friends? Why?
11. What do you think are some of the little moments in life that bring joy and unity?
12. Have you ever been a symbol of something in your community? How did it make you feel?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. unique
2. vibrant
3. foliage
4. awe
5. mysterious
6. intrigued
7. determination
8. treacherous
9. slippery
10. mischievous
11. eternity
12. shimmering
13. nestled
14. camaraderie
15. triumphant

Meanings:
(A) Tending to cause slipping or sliding
(B) A seemingly infinite or immeasurable period of time
(C) Having achieved victory or success
(D) Plant leaves collectively
(E) Dangerous or deceptive
(F) Glowing or glistening with light
(G) Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else
(H) A feeling of great respect mixed with fear or wonder
(I) Firmness of purpose; resoluteness
(J) Settled comfortably in a snug or secure place
(K) Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together
(L) Full of energy and life; bright and striking
(M) Difficult to understand or identify; enigmatic
(N) Playfully causing trouble or annoyance
(O) Having one’s interest or curiosity strongly aroused
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What made the Tangerine Tiger unique?
(a) He had spots like a leopard
(b) He had stripes in different shades of orange
(c) He had stripes in different shades of blue
(d) He had no stripes at all

2. What did the Tangerine Tiger overhear the monkeys talking about?
(a) A new animal that had entered the jungle
(b) A rare and delicious fruit with magical powers
(c) A secret treasure hidden in the jungle
(d) A dangerous predator lurking in the jungle

3. What obstacles did the animals face on their quest?
(a) Deep rivers, steep mountains, and thick fog
(b) Fierce lions, cunning snakes, and venomous spiders
(c) Heavy rain, strong winds, and scorching heat
(d) Treacherous vines, slippery mud pits, and mischievous squirrels

4. What did the Tangerine Tiger realize about the magical fruit?
(a) It had the ability to grant anyone super strength
(b) It had the ability to make anyone invisible
(c) Its real power was in the joy and camaraderie it brought
(d) It had the ability to make anyone fly

5. What did the Tangerine Tiger decide to do with the fruit?
(a) Let it roll away and leave it behind
(b) Eat it and gain its magical powers
(c) Hide it and keep it for himself
(d) Give it to the monkeys as a gift

6. What did the animals learn from their quest?
(a) True magic lies in friendship and adventure
(b) True magic lies in material possessions
(c) True magic lies in solitude and isolation
(d) True magic lies in fear and uncertainty

7. What did the Tangerine Tiger become in the jungle?
(a) A feared predator
(b) A wise and respected leader
(c) A symbol of unity and laughter
(d) A mysterious and elusive creature

8. How did the animals feel after their quest?
(a) Disappointed and defeated
(b) Indifferent and uninterested
(c) Anxious and worried
(d) Triumphant and fulfilled

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The Tangerine Tiger was outgoing and disliked exploring the dull foliage of the jungle.
2. The journey to find the magical fruit was filled with obstacles and challenges.
3. The other animals in the jungle admired the Tangerine Tiger for his unique appearance.
4. The Tangerine Tiger became a symbol of unity and laughter in the jungle, inspiring the animals to face new adventures with a positive spirit.
5. The Tangerine Tiger had stripes in different shades of orange, resembling a tangerine.
6. The Tangerine Tiger realized that the real power of the fruit was in the sadness and animosity it brought to the group.
7. The Tangerine Tiger overheard the monkeys talking about a common and ordinary fruit in the jungle.
8. The Tangerine Tiger decided to abandon his animal friends on a quest to find the disgusting fruit.
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 the Tangerine Tiger unique compared to other tigers in the jungle?
The Tangerine Tiger had stripes in different shades of orange, just like a tangerine.

2. Why did the Tangerine Tiger decide to join the quest for the magical fruit?
The Tangerine Tiger was intrigued by the rumors of the fruit’s magical powers and wanted to find out more.

3. What obstacles did the Tangerine Tiger and his friends face on their journey?
They faced treacherous vines, slippery mud pits, and an army of mischievous squirrels who wanted the fruit for themselves.

4. How did the Tangerine Tiger keep his companions hopeful and motivated during the journey?
The Tangerine Tiger spread laughter and ignited hope in his companions with his playful and mischievous nature.

5. What did the Tangerine Tiger and his friends discover in the hidden grove?
They discovered the magical fruit they were searching for, but realized its true power was in the shared experiences and laughter they had along the way.

6. Why did the Tangerine Tiger decide to let the fruit roll away instead of taking it?
The Tangerine Tiger realized that the true magic was in the joy and camaraderie they had experienced, not in the fruit itself. He wanted to leave it behind for another curious creature to discover.

7. What did the animals learn from their quest for the magical fruit?
They learned that true magic lies in friendship and adventure, and that the little moments in life are what make it special.

8. How did the Tangerine Tiger become a symbol of unity and laughter in the jungle?
The Tangerine Tiger’s playful and mischievous nature, along with his ability to spread laughter and ignite hope, made him a symbol of unity and laughter in the jungle.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) called
(2) tangerine
(3) exploring
(4) monkeys
(5) Tiger
(6) animal
(7) hopped
(8) bopped
(9) graceful
(10) fruit
(11) about
(12) quest
(13) creature
(14) homes
(15) triumphant
(16) arose
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. unique
Answer: (G) Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else

2. vibrant
Answer: (L) Full of energy and life; bright and striking

3. foliage
Answer: (D) Plant leaves collectively

4. awe
Answer: (H) A feeling of great respect mixed with fear or wonder

5. mysterious
Answer: (M) Difficult to understand or identify; enigmatic

6. intrigued
Answer: (O) Having one’s interest or curiosity strongly aroused

7. determination
Answer: (I) Firmness of purpose; resoluteness

8. treacherous
Answer: (E) Dangerous or deceptive

9. slippery
Answer: (A) Tending to cause slipping or sliding

10. mischievous
Answer: (N) Playfully causing trouble or annoyance

11. eternity
Answer: (B) A seemingly infinite or immeasurable period of time

12. shimmering
Answer: (F) Glowing or glistening with light

13. nestled
Answer: (J) Settled comfortably in a snug or secure place

14. camaraderie
Answer: (K) Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together

15. triumphant
Answer: (C) Having achieved victory or success
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What made the Tangerine Tiger unique?
Answer: (b) He had stripes in different shades of orange

2. What did the Tangerine Tiger overhear the monkeys talking about?
Answer: (b) A rare and delicious fruit with magical powers

3. What obstacles did the animals face on their quest?
Answer: (d) Treacherous vines, slippery mud pits, and mischievous squirrels

4. What did the Tangerine Tiger realize about the magical fruit?
Answer: (c) Its real power was in the joy and camaraderie it brought

5. What did the Tangerine Tiger decide to do with the fruit?
Answer: (a) Let it roll away and leave it behind

6. What did the animals learn from their quest?
Answer: (a) True magic lies in friendship and adventure

7. What did the Tangerine Tiger become in the jungle?
Answer: (c) A symbol of unity and laughter

8. How did the animals feel after their quest?
Answer: (d) Triumphant and fulfilled
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The Tangerine Tiger was outgoing and disliked exploring the dull foliage of the jungle. (Answer: False)
2. The journey to find the magical fruit was filled with obstacles and challenges. (Answer: True)
3. The other animals in the jungle admired the Tangerine Tiger for his unique appearance. (Answer: True)
4. The Tangerine Tiger became a symbol of unity and laughter in the jungle, inspiring the animals to face new adventures with a positive spirit. (Answer: True)
5. The Tangerine Tiger had stripes in different shades of orange, resembling a tangerine. (Answer: True)
6. The Tangerine Tiger realized that the real power of the fruit was in the sadness and animosity it brought to the group. (Answer: False)
7. The Tangerine Tiger overheard the monkeys talking about a common and ordinary fruit in the jungle. (Answer: False)
8. The Tangerine Tiger decided to abandon his animal friends on a quest to find the disgusting fruit. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

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