Stories for Kids - Story of Mouse Deer and Crocodile

Once upon a time, there lived a clever mouse deer that we will call Sang Kancil. He lives in the
great forest and has many animal friends. There are also other animals that are not so friendly,
animals who want to harm him or even eat him. So, he has to watch out for these animals.

One day while walking along the riverbank, he saw some delicious and yummy fruits on the
other side of the river. As he was about to cross the river, his very good friend, the fish, quickly
swam near Sang Kancil and warn him of the crocodile. The crocodile, Sang Buaya, is not a
friendly animal. He is always trying to catch and eat Sang Kancil.

Sang Kancil is aware of that, so he has to think hard on how to cross over safely. Finally, he
came out with a brilliant idea.

The Mouse Deer Brilliant Idea

Sang Kancil shouted for the crocodile "Sang Buaya, Sang Buaya!' The crocodile, hearing the
mouse deer, slowly swim nearer to the river bank. "Yes Kancil, what can I do for you. Eat you?"

"Ha ha ha, that's funny. Sorry not today" said the mouse deer. 'The king is organizing a grand
feast and he has asked me to invite all the animals in the forest. I need to know how many
crocodiles will be attending this grand feast.'

'Oh...OK. I will tell the rest of my fellow crocodiles and will let you know later" said Sang
Buaya.

"I can't wait that long, I need to know the answer now. Please call all of them. Ask them to line
up from this side of the river to the other side, so that I can count all of you" said Sang Kancil



Crossing the river

Sang Buaya wasn't sure if that's a good idea, but the thought of being invited by the king was too
exciting. So, he called all the crocodiles in the river, to line up as instructed by the mouse deer.
"OK, we are all here. You can count us now" said Sang Buaya. 'But not until you promise not to
eat me. Otherwise, I will not be able to go back and inform the king on the number of animals,
including you, the crocodiles that will be attending the feast' said the mouse deer. "OK you have
our promise' said Sang Buaya.

Sang Kancil quickly jumped onto the crocodile's back, counting the number as he jumped from
one crocodile to the next crocodile. He keeps jumping and counting until he reached the other
side of the river.

The crocodile fooled again

'Are you done?' asked the crocodile. 'Yes, and there is no feast, ha ha ha!' laughed Sang Kancil as
he quickly ran into the forest, towards the fruit trees.

Sang Kancil once again managed to outwit his enemy, Sang Buaya, who is by now so angry that
he is even more determined to eat Sang Kancil the next time he comes to the river.