This fresh take on an ancient Indian fable teaches a new generation that a beautiful but lonely prison is built by too much pride, and that being kind is much better than being a bully, as a kind spirit and an open heart create real connections. Read the complete book with rich colorful illustrations below.

In the big, green jungle, lived a very big snake named Silas. “I am the biggest and the best!” he would hiss. “S-s-so s-s-strong!”

One day, Silas found a perfect new home under the roots of a giant tree. “This is a home for the best!” he said. But right next door was a busy, busy anthill.

Silas did not like his new neighbors. He slithered to the anthill and hissed, “Go away, little ants! This is my home now. I don’t want you here!”

A little ant named Pip came out. “This is our home, too,” she said bravely. “We are not leaving.”

Silas was angry! “I am big and you are small! You will do as I s-s-say!” He puffed himself up, trying to look even bigger.

Then, Silas did a not-nice thing. WHUMP! He hit the anthill with his big tail. “Go away!” he shouted.

Suddenly, the anthill buzzed with angry ants. Out they marched, one after another! Pip was in the front, leading her friends.

The tiny ants crawled all over the big snake. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! They gave him tiny little bites. “Ouchy!” cried Silas. “S-s-stop, please!”

Silas felt very sore and very sad. He knew he had been a bully. He went back to the anthill. “I’m s-s-sorry,” he whispered to Pip. “I was not being kind.”

Pip and the ants forgave him. From that day on, Silas the big snake and the tiny ants were the best of friends. Silas learned that being kind is much better than being a bully.

* © Developed with the assistance of Gemini.ai by Henrik Frederiksen [Founder ElephantTribe.org]

** Original Story from The Patantra: Book III “Crows and Owls”