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 Adventure of the Black Labrador

Once upon a time, there was a black Labrador named Max. Max was a very adventurous pup and loved exploring the world around him.

One day, Max decided to go on an adventure and explore the nearby forest. He ran through the trees and bushes, jumping over logs and streams. Max was having a wonderful time!

Suddenly, Max heard a noise coming from a nearby cave. He was curious to find out what it was, so he slowly walked towards the cave entrance. As he got closer, he saw a small, furry creature peeking out of the cave. It was a little fox!

Max and the fox quickly became friends. The fox asked Max to come into the cave and explore with him. Max was very excited and gladly accepted the invitation.

The two went deeper and deeper into the cave, discovering all kinds of interesting things. They found a sparkling river filled with fish, a tall waterfall, and even a secret room filled with treasure!

Max and the fox had a wonderful time exploring the cave together. Before they knew it, the sun was setting and it was time to go home. As they said their goodbyes, the fox thanked Max for being such a great friend.

Max returned home feeling proud of himself. He had gone on an exciting adventure and made a new furry friend. Max would never forget the wonderful memories he made that day.

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Vocabulary

1. Adventure (noun): An exciting or unusual experience.
2. Forest (noun): A large area of land with many trees and plants.
3. Curious (adjective): Showing interest and wanting to know more.
4. Invitation (noun): A request to do something or to go somewhere.
5. Waterfall (noun): A large amount of water that falls from a high place.
6. Treasure (noun): Valuable items or wealth.
7. Setting (noun): The time and place in which a story or movie takes place.
8. Proud (adjective): Feeling satisfied with oneself.
9. Memories (noun): Something a person remembers from the past.

Comprehension Questions

1. What type of animal was Max?
2. What did Max discover in the cave?
3. Who asked Max to explore the cave?
4. What did Max and the fox find in the secret room?
5. How did Max feel when he returned home?
6. What noise did Max hear coming from the cave?
7. Where did Max and the fox explore?
8. What did the fox thank Max for at the end of their adventure?

Gap Fill Questions

1. Max was a ____ Labrador.
2. Max decided to explore the ____.
3. As he got closer, he saw a ____ creature peeking out of the cave.
4. The fox asked Max to come into the cave and ____.
5. They found a sparkling river filled with ____.
6. They also found a ____ waterfall.
7. They discovered a ____ room filled with treasure.
8. Max and the fox had a ____ time exploring the cave.
9. The fox thanked Max for being such a ____ friend.
10. Max returned home feeling ____ of himself.

Conversation Questions

1. What is your favorite pet?
2. What is the craziest adventure you’ve ever been on?
3. What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
4. What is the best way to explore a new place?
5. What is the most unusual animal you’ve ever seen?
6. What was the most interesting thing you’ve ever found while on an adventure?
7. What is the best way to bond with a pet?
8. What is the best way to stay safe while exploring?
9. What is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Max was a black Labrador.
2. Max and the fox discovered a sparkling river filled with fish, a tall waterfall, and a secret room filled with treasure.
3. The fox asked Max to explore the cave.
4. Max and the fox found treasure in the secret room.
5. Max felt proud of himself when he returned home.
6. Max heard a noise coming from the cave.
7. Max and the fox explored a nearby cave.
8. The fox thanked Max for being such a great friend.

Gap Fill Question Answers:

1. Max was a black Labrador.
2. Max decided to explore the forest.
3. As he got closer, he saw a small, furry creature peeking out of the cave.
4. The fox asked Max to come into the cave and explore with him.
5. They found a sparkling river filled with fish.
6. They also found a tall waterfall.
7. They discovered a secret room filled with treasure.
8. Max and the fox had a wonderful time exploring the cave.
9. The fox thanked Max for being such a great friend.
10. Max returned home feeling proud of himself.

📚 How about these other Level 1 stories?

The Castle in the Clouds

Lily climbed a big mountain and found a magical castle where she helped a friendly man find his lost key with the help of talking animals.

The broken letterbox becomes a source of laughter and connection as the townsfolk turn it into an interactive game for a mischievous squirrel named Nutkin.

The Broken Letterbox

The people in the colorful town found their broken letterbox and played a fun game to fix it.

The Rainbow Ribbons work together to fix a chaotic rainbow and teach us about unity.

Rainbow Ribbons in the Sky

Once upon a time, there were colorful Ribbons in the sky who made pretty rainbows. One day, a naughty cloud messed up their rainbow, but they worked together to fix it and make it even better!

Whiskers, the Queen of Cats, unites animals of all kinds and teaches them the power of compassion.

The Queen of Cats

Whiskers the cat was so kind that all the animals became friends and lived happily together.

Oliver, the tiniest elf, surprises everyone with his clever strategies and magical find at the Great Elf Games.

The Littlest Elf

Oliver, the small elf, showed everyone that being small doesn’t stop you from doing great things.