Amrita and the Trees
Read the tale of Amrita and the forest trees. What happens when the king’s men want to chop down the trees?. Children love stories. Bring the magic of good storytelling into your classroom with Classic Tales, and they'll love their English lessons too.
Story Summary
Amrita and Her Village
Amrita lives in a very hot village with a beautiful, big, green tree that she loves. The tree's leaves keep her cool. Near the village, there is a forest full of trees where Amrita often plays because it is nice and cool. There is also a desert with hot sand where Amrita never plays because it is too hot. The forest trees are important to Amrita and the villagers because they provide shade and coolness in the hot climate. Amrita expresses her love for the tree, saying how much she appreciates its green leaves and the comfort it gives her.
The King's Demand
One day, men arrive with axes, saying the king wants wood. They force the village men, including Amrita's father, to chop down the beautiful forest trees. Amrita cries and begs them to stop, but the men don't listen because the king has ordered it. They continue chopping down the trees, destroying the forest. Amrita is heartbroken as she watches the trees she loves being cut down. The villagers are powerless to stop the men, and the forest is left bare. This event marks the beginning of trouble for the village, as the trees provided essential protection.
The Flood
After the trees are gone, heavy rain falls. Without the trees to hold the mud, the river floods the village. Houses and animals are swept away by the water. The villagers cling to the branches of the big tree to survive. The flood destroys much of the village, leaving behind only mud. The villagers realize too late how important the trees were for protecting their homes. They must now work hard to rebuild everything. This disaster shows the consequences of cutting down the trees, as the village suffers greatly without the forest's natural protection.
Rebuilding and Planting
After the flood, the villagers work together to rebuild their village. They also plant new trees, hoping they will grow quickly and become big and strong. Amrita grows up, gets married, and has children who also love the trees. The new forest grows and protects the village from the desert sand. When strong winds blow sand toward the village, the trees stop it. Amrita thanks the trees for their help. The villagers learn the importance of trees and how they provide shade, protection, and beauty. The new trees become a vital part of the village's life and environment.
Standing Up for the Trees
Years later, the king's men return to chop down the trees again. This time, Amrita and the villagers refuse. Amrita stands in front of a tree, hugging it, and her children and neighbors do the same. They shout "No!" and refuse to move. The king's men realize the villagers need their trees and decide to leave. The villagers suggest taking trees from another forest without a village, but also advise planting new trees to replace them. Amrita teaches the importance of giving back, not just taking. The villagers' courage saves their trees, and they continue to live happily with their forest.
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Story Quiz
Sue Arengo
A Storyteller for Young Learners of English
Sue Arengo is a British author who writes wonderful stories for children learning English. She has worked with Oxford University Press for over 20 years, creating books that are fun and easy to read. Many of her books are part of graded reader series like Classic Tales, Dominoes, and Oxford Bookworms.
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