Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

Short Stories for Kids

Complete lesson plans, including stories, listening, classroom activities, quiz questions and more!

The Jelly Bean Tree

A little girl named Mia embarks on a magical adventure through the Candy Kingdom after awakening a Jelly Bean Tree.

Try this story at a different level?

 

In a magical world, there was a young girl named Mia who had a big love for sweets. She was always searching for new tasty things to eat. One day, while she was walking in the magic forest close to where she lived, Mia found an amazing tree that she hadn’t seen before. It was full of jelly beans in every color and taste, shining in the sunlight. Mia couldn’t believe her eyes and really wanted to try them.

Mia reached up to grab a jelly bean from the tree, but as soon as she touched it, something crazy happened. The tree started to shake hard, and suddenly Mia was lifted into the air. The tree turned into a huge creature with a happy face and said, “Hello, little one. You woke me up. Now you’ll go on a great adventure!”

Mia’s heart was beating fast from excitement as she grabbed a jelly bean to hold onto. The creature changed again, this time into a magical wagon with wheels made from branches. “Get in, Mia!” it said. “We’re going to the Candy Kingdom, but watch out for troubles!” Then, with a quick movement, they were off, moving through a forest of candy canes and swamps of licorice.

On her trip, Mia met some playful gummy bears and clouds made of cotton candy that got her all sticky. She laughed and had so much fun trying sweets she’d never heard of before. The best part was at the end: the Jelly Bean Castle, where the king of the Candy Kingdom lived. He looked like a big chocolate bar and welcomed Mia with a friendly smile. He was happy because Mia had made the Jelly Bean Tree joyful.

When Mia left the Candy Kingdom, she took with her an important lesson from her adventure. The Jelly Bean Tree showed her that life can be full of nice surprises, just as her adventure was. It taught her that being happy and making others happy is better than any sweet. With a thankful heart, Mia went back to her home, remembering forever the fun time she had with the Jelly Bean Tree and the lesson she learned.

🎧 Listen:

Slow

Normal

📖 Vocabulary:

1magicalSomething that is not real and seems to be from a story involving magic
2creatureAn animal, person, or imaginary being
3adventureAn exciting and unusual experience or activity
4excitementA feeling of great pleasure and happiness
5wagonA vehicle with four wheels, usually pulled by horses or other animals
6movementThe act of changing position or going from one place to another
7playfulFull of fun and high spirits; enjoying play and games
8stickyCovered with a substance that is difficult to remove because it is gooey or adhesive
9joyfulFeeling or expressing great happiness
10kingdomA territory or community with its own government, often ruled by a king or queen
11welcomedGreeted someone in a friendly way to show that they are accepted
12importantHaving great significance or value
13surprisesUnexpected events or things that you did not guess would happen
14thankfulFeeling grateful or showing appreciation
15lessonSomething that is taught or learned through experience

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Who is the main character in the story?
2. What did Mia find in the magic forest?
3. What happened when Mia touched the jelly bean tree?
4. What did the tree turn into after Mia touched it?
5. What did Mia and the creature ride in to go to the Candy Kingdom?
6. Who did Mia meet on her trip to the Candy Kingdom?
7. What lesson did Mia learn from her adventure with the Jelly Bean Tree?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

In a magical world, there was a (1)______ girl named Mia who had a big love for sweets. She was always searching for new tasty things to eat. One day, while she was walking in the magic forest close to where she (2)______, Mia found an amazing tree that she hadn’t seen before. It was full of jelly beans in every (3)______ and taste, (4)______ in the sunlight. Mia couldn’t believe her eyes and really wanted to try them.

Mia reached up to grab a jelly bean from the tree, but as soon as she touched it, something crazy happened. The tree started to shake hard, and suddenly Mia was lifted into the air. The tree turned into a huge creature with a happy face and said, “Hello, little one. You woke me up. Now you’ll go on a great adventure!”

Mia’s heart was (5)______ fast from excitement as she grabbed a (6)______ bean to hold onto. The creature (7)______ again, this time into a magical (8)______ with wheels made from branches. “Get in, Mia!” it said. “We’re going to the Candy Kingdom, but watch out for (9)______!” Then, with a quick movement, they were off, moving through a (10)______ of (11)______ canes and swamps of licorice.

On her trip, Mia met some playful gummy bears and clouds made of (12)______ candy that got her all sticky. She laughed and had so much fun trying sweets she’d never heard of before. The best part was at the end: the Jelly Bean Castle, where the king of the Candy Kingdom lived. He looked like a big chocolate bar and welcomed Mia with a friendly smile. He was happy because Mia had made the Jelly Bean Tree (13)______.

When Mia left the Candy Kingdom, she took with her an important (14)______ from her adventure. The Jelly Bean Tree showed her that life can be full of nice (15)______, just as her adventure was. It taught her that being happy and making others happy is better than any sweet. With a (16)______ heart, Mia went back to her home, remembering forever the fun time she had with the Jelly Bean Tree and the lesson she learned.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is your favorite sweet treat and why?
2. How would you feel if you found a magical tree full of jelly beans like Mia did?
3. Do you like trying new foods or sweets? Why or why not?
4. What do you think it would be like to ride in a magical wagon made of branches?
5. How do you think Mia felt when she met the playful gummy bears and clouds made of cotton candy?
6. What is one lesson you have learned from a fun adventure or experience you have had?
7. Do you think it’s important to make others happy? Why or why not?
8. Have you ever had a surprise that made you really happy? Can you tell us about it?
9. If you could have a magical adventure, where would you want to go and what would you want to do?
10. Why do you think Mia remembered the lesson she learned from the Jelly Bean Tree?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. magical
2. creature
3. adventure
4. excitement
5. wagon
6. movement
7. playful
8. sticky
9. joyful
10. kingdom
11. welcomed
12. important
13. surprises
14. thankful
15. lesson

Meanings:
(A) Greeted someone in a friendly way to show that they are accepted
(B) Feeling grateful or showing appreciation
(C) Having great significance or value
(D) A territory or community with its own government, often ruled by a king or queen
(E) Covered with a substance that is difficult to remove because it is gooey or adhesive
(F) Something that is taught or learned through experience
(G) Something that is not real and seems to be from a story involving magic
(H) An exciting and unusual experience or activity
(I) The act of changing position or going from one place to another
(J) A vehicle with four wheels, usually pulled by horses or other animals
(K) An animal, person, or imaginary being
(L) A feeling of great pleasure and happiness
(M) Feeling or expressing great happiness
(N) Full of fun and high spirits; enjoying play and games
(O) Unexpected events or things that you did not guess would happen
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did Mia find in the magic forest?
(a) A tree full of jelly beans
(b) A hidden treasure
(c) A magical creature
(d) A secret door

2. What happened when Mia touched the jelly bean tree?
(a) Mia turned into a jelly bean
(b) The tree disappeared
(c) The tree turned into a creature and Mia went on an adventure
(d) Mia became invisible

3. What did the creature turn into after Mia touched the jelly bean?
(a) A flying carpet
(b) A magical wagon
(c) A talking animal
(d) A giant lollipop

4. Where did the wagon take Mia?
(a) The Chocolate Factory
(b) The Ice Cream Land
(c) The Gumdrop Forest
(d) The Candy Kingdom

5. Who did Mia meet on her trip?
(a) Talking animals and fairies
(b) Friendly wizards and witches
(c) Playful gummy bears and clouds made of cotton candy
(d) Dancing cupcakes and singing cookies

6. What did the king of the Candy Kingdom look like?
(a) A colorful lollipop
(b) A big chocolate bar
(c) A giant cupcake
(d) A sparkling rainbow

7. What lesson did Mia learn from her adventure?
(a) Eating too many sweets is bad for you
(b) Magic is real and can be found in everyday life
(c) Adventures are dangerous and should be avoided
(d) Being happy and making others happy is better than any sweet

8. How did Mia feel when she returned home?
(a) Thankful and happy
(b) Sad and disappointed
(c) Excited and curious
(d) Tired and exhausted

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The Jelly Bean Tree’s unchanged state and Mia’s uneventful journey remind her that life is void of pleasant surprises and that indulging in sweets is more important than spreading happiness.
2. While jogging in the ordinary forest, Mia stumbles upon a tree filled with bland and tasteless jelly beans.
3. Along the way, Mia encounters playful gummy bears and cotton candy clouds, enjoying new and unique sweets.
4. The creature changes into a magical wagon with wheels made of branches, and Mia hops in for a journey to the Candy Kingdom.
5. Grateful for her experience, Mia returns home, cherishing the memories of her time with the Jelly Bean Tree and the lesson she learned.
6. Mia eventually arrives at the Jelly Bean Castle, where the king, who resembles a chocolate bar, welcomes her with a friendly smile.
7. Mia is an elderly woman who despises sweets and is never interested in trying new snacks.
8. When Mia touches one of the jelly beans, the tree remains stagnant and reveals that it has always been an inanimate object, dampening her spirits and ending any hope for an exciting adventure.
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. Who is the main character in the story?
The main character in the story is Mia.

2. What did Mia find in the magic forest?
Mia found a tree full of jelly beans in every color and taste.

3. What happened when Mia touched the jelly bean tree?
When Mia touched the jelly bean tree, it turned into a huge creature and lifted her into the air.

4. What did the tree turn into after Mia touched it?
After Mia touched the tree, it turned into a magical wagon with wheels made from branches.

5. What did Mia and the creature ride in to go to the Candy Kingdom?
Mia and the creature rode in a magical wagon made from branches to go to the Candy Kingdom.

6. Who did Mia meet on her trip to the Candy Kingdom?
Mia met playful gummy bears and clouds made of cotton candy on her trip to the Candy Kingdom.

7. What lesson did Mia learn from her adventure with the Jelly Bean Tree?
Mia learned that life can be full of nice surprises and that being happy and making others happy is better than any sweet.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) young
(2) lived
(3) color
(4) shining
(5) beating
(6) jelly
(7) changed
(8) wagon
(9) troubles
(10) forest
(11) candy
(12) cotton
(13) joyful
(14) lesson
(15) surprises
(16) thankful
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. magical
Answer: (G) Something that is not real and seems to be from a story involving magic

2. creature
Answer: (K) An animal, person, or imaginary being

3. adventure
Answer: (H) An exciting and unusual experience or activity

4. excitement
Answer: (L) A feeling of great pleasure and happiness

5. wagon
Answer: (J) A vehicle with four wheels, usually pulled by horses or other animals

6. movement
Answer: (I) The act of changing position or going from one place to another

7. playful
Answer: (N) Full of fun and high spirits; enjoying play and games

8. sticky
Answer: (E) Covered with a substance that is difficult to remove because it is gooey or adhesive

9. joyful
Answer: (M) Feeling or expressing great happiness

10. kingdom
Answer: (D) A territory or community with its own government, often ruled by a king or queen

11. welcomed
Answer: (A) Greeted someone in a friendly way to show that they are accepted

12. important
Answer: (C) Having great significance or value

13. surprises
Answer: (O) Unexpected events or things that you did not guess would happen

14. thankful
Answer: (B) Feeling grateful or showing appreciation

15. lesson
Answer: (F) Something that is taught or learned through experience
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did Mia find in the magic forest?
Answer: (a) A tree full of jelly beans

2. What happened when Mia touched the jelly bean tree?
Answer: (c) The tree turned into a creature and Mia went on an adventure

3. What did the creature turn into after Mia touched the jelly bean?
Answer: (b) A magical wagon

4. Where did the wagon take Mia?
Answer: (d) The Candy Kingdom

5. Who did Mia meet on her trip?
Answer: (c) Playful gummy bears and clouds made of cotton candy

6. What did the king of the Candy Kingdom look like?
Answer: (b) A big chocolate bar

7. What lesson did Mia learn from her adventure?
Answer: (d) Being happy and making others happy is better than any sweet

8. How did Mia feel when she returned home?
Answer: (a) Thankful and happy
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The Jelly Bean Tree’s unchanged state and Mia’s uneventful journey remind her that life is void of pleasant surprises and that indulging in sweets is more important than spreading happiness. (Answer: False)
2. While jogging in the ordinary forest, Mia stumbles upon a tree filled with bland and tasteless jelly beans. (Answer: False)
3. Along the way, Mia encounters playful gummy bears and cotton candy clouds, enjoying new and unique sweets. (Answer: True)
4. The creature changes into a magical wagon with wheels made of branches, and Mia hops in for a journey to the Candy Kingdom. (Answer: True)
5. Grateful for her experience, Mia returns home, cherishing the memories of her time with the Jelly Bean Tree and the lesson she learned. (Answer: True)
6. Mia eventually arrives at the Jelly Bean Castle, where the king, who resembles a chocolate bar, welcomes her with a friendly smile. (Answer: True)
7. Mia is an elderly woman who despises sweets and is never interested in trying new snacks. (Answer: False)
8. When Mia touches one of the jelly beans, the tree remains stagnant and reveals that it has always been an inanimate object, dampening her spirits and ending any hope for an exciting adventure. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 3 stories?

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

The King of the Kites

Ethan, the King of the Kites, teaches everyone that flying kites is about friendship and kindness.

A mischievous penguin named Percy and a wise snow owl named Oliver form an unbreakable friendship on their journey to the legendary "Penguin Parade."

The Penguin Parade

Percy the penguin and Oliver the owl become best friends on an exciting adventure to the Penguin Parade.

In the end, it wasn't the blueberries that made the Bizarre Blueberry Banquet special, but the spirit of the village.

The Bizarre Blueberry Banquet

In a village called Berryville, the blueberries disappeared before the big party, but they found a secret blueberry bush and had a blast at the rain-soaked celebration.

A dolphin and a seagull team up to create a mesmerizing performance that wows the judges.

The Dolphin’s Dance

Flip the dolphin dreams of being the best dancer in the ocean, but he can’t jump high enough – until he teams up with his seagull friend Squawk and wows everyone at the audition.

Feedback