Power cuts. Sticky afternoons. A child tugging at your sleeve with, “I’m bored”.

Before screens became the go-to fix, Indian families had a gentler solution: stories. Told on verandahs and rooftops, whispered in the dark before bedtime, these folk tales weren’t just about talking animals and clever kids. They were about values, humour, courage—and sometimes, just a good laugh.

And the best part? They still hold up. With talking animals, clever kids, tricky kings, and a few magic pots thrown in, these tales can make any lazy summer afternoon fly by.

Here are five folk tales you can tell your child this summer. No scripts needed. Just your voice, a little time, and maybe a mango slice or two.

1. The mongoose and the farmer’s wife (Pan-Indian)

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