Muhammad Usman Qazi

This classic fable teaches children the importance of hard work, planning, and responsibility. The story follows a busy ant who works hard to gather food for the winter, while a carefree grasshopper spends the sunny days singing and playing. When winter arrives, the grasshopper struggles without food, but the ant is safe and prepared.

Through this simple tale, children learn that hard work, persistence, and saving for the future always help in times of need, while laziness and neglect can lead to difficulties.

Short Story

Non-fiction

English

The Ant And The Grasshopper

Frank Stockton

This story is about a semi-barbaric king who built a strange arena for justice. An accused person had to choose between two doors: behind one was a hungry tiger, and behind the other was a beautiful lady who would become his wife. When the king discovered that his daughter loved a young man of low rank, he sent him to the arena. The princess secretly found out which door held the tiger and which held the lady. What would the princess do? Would she give the right hint to the young man? What would come out of the door he opened—the lady or the tiger? Read this mysterious tale to find out if the young man’s life is saved or not.

Mystery

The Lady, or the Tiger?

Giovanni Boccaccio

Federigo Alberighi was once a wealthy young man in Florence. He was admired for his bravery and generosity. To win the love of the beautiful Monna Giovanna, he spent his fortune on feasts, tournaments, and gifts. But she never returned his affection, and soon Federigo was left poor, with nothing but a small farm and his most prized possession—a falcon. One day, Monna Giovanna’s son fell seriously ill and longed for Federigo’s falcon, believing it would make him well again. Out of love for her child, Monna visited Federigo to ask for the bird. Will Federigo be able to fulfill Monna’s son’s desire, or will something happen to make it impossible? Will true love and sacrifice be rewarded? Read this touching tale to discover how nobility of heart triumphs over wealth!

Prose

Federigo's Falcon

O. Henry

This humorous tale by O. Henry tells the story of the residents of Beersheba Flats, an apartment building in New York. When a sudden heatwave strikes, the city authorities order everyone to leave their homes and sleep in Central Park to escape the unbearable heat. Families from different backgrounds, including the O’Dowds, Steinowitzes, Callahans, Cohens, and Spizzinellis, are herded together in the dark night, carrying odd belongings like garlic, quilts, and canoes. What happens when strangers are forced to share blankets, bump into each other in the dark, and mistake noses to tell friend from foe? How do they cope with mosquitoes, ants, and sleepless children? And what shocking decision does the landlord of Beersheba Flats make after watching his tenants sleep under the trees? Read this witty tale to discover how city life, human nature, and irony collide.

The City of Dreadful Night

Katherine Mansfield

A husband and wife missed their train, for which the wife solely blamed her husband and continued to fuss and complain bitterly. She found fault with everything: the driver’s speed, the dust on the road, the flowers offered by poor children, even her husband’s small habits like smoking or suggesting the parasol. What could be the reason behind the husband’s complete silence? Why does the wife keep complaining? What will happen in the story that finally brings calmness to the husband? And how does the title “The Escape” truly apply……is it about the missed train, or something much deeper? Read this story to discover the answer.

The Escape

Louisa May Alcott

This story is about Joe Collins, a tall and brave soldier from Woolidge, who marched off to war with his regiment, leaving behind his old mother, a sick brother, and his beloved Lucindy. At first, he was full of hope and duty, but the war soon changed his life forever. Wounded in battle, Joe lost his right arm and returned as a broken but courageous man who never gave up on work or dignity. Years later, he was seen again in Washington hospital, wearing his red cap as a humble messenger, still carrying the spirit of a true soldier. How did Joe survive his terrible wound, and what kept him strong during his long suffering? Did Lucindy wait for him, or did she choose another path? Who came forward to care for Joe when he had no one left, and where did he finally find peace and honor? Read this touching tale of sacrifice, loyalty, and hope to find out!

Historical Fiction

My Red Cap

Hans Christian Andersen

A silver shilling, happy and excited to go out into the world, passed from hand to hand; from a child to a miser, from old people to young people; each using it for a time before letting it go. Eventually, it came into the possession of a gentleman who was travelling to foreign lands, unaware of the shilling’s presence in his purse. For him, it became a symbol of his home country, and so he never spent it. But when the shilling, driven by curiosity, tried to take a little peep into the world, what would happen? Would the silver shilling be valued by all, or would its curiosity bring punishment? Read this fascinating tale to discover how the shilling’s journey led it through misunderstanding and rejection, until it finally returned home to be recognized as true and genuine once more.

Moral

The Silver Shilling

“Something” is a thought-provoking classic by Hans Christian Andersen about five brothers, each determined to become ‘something’ in life, yet choosing very different paths. The eldest becomes a humble brickmaker, the second a master builder, the third an architect, the fourth a self-proclaimed genius, and the fifth a critic. After becoming what they wanted, each brother lived a different life and died in a different way. When they reach the gates of heaven, the youngest one finds himself alongside a poor woman, Margaret, who is to be taken into heaven. What good deed of Margaret earns her a place in heaven? Which of the brothers is allowed permission to enter? And what does the story reveal about what truly counts as “something” in life? Read this inspiring tale to discover how simple acts of kindness can hold greater value than ambition alone.

Something

This beautiful story by O. Henry is about a young but poor couple, Della and Jim. It was one day before Christmas, and Della had only one dollar and eighty-seven cents—a meagre amount to buy a special Christmas gift for Jim. Della was really worried, even though she had been saving every penny for months. While thinking, her eyes caught a glimpse of her beautiful long hair, her only valuable possession, and her eyes began to sparkle. What made Della happy while looking in the mirror? Will she and Jim be able to buy each other a Christmas present? What will the couple do to fulfill their wish? Read this heart-touching story to discover how people sacrifice their belongings to show their care and love.

The Gift of the Magi

In an old and beautiful manor house lived a wealthy family who cherished their gardens—the flower-garden, orchard, and kitchen-garden. The most astounding feature of the estate was two enormous, ancient trees, home to countless birds. Though the gardener, Larsen, often advised the owners to cut them down due to their age and appearance, the family refused. They believed the trees were the rightful heritage of the birds and must be preserved. One day, during a splendid party, the family praised the delicious apples and pears served at the table. However, when they discovered that the well-flavoured fruits came from their very own garden, would they finally recognize and appreciate Larsen’s efforts? What would the family do to show gratitude for Larsen’s loyalty and talent? Can true beauty be found in humble things like a kitchen herb or a common burdock? Read this beautiful story to learn about the quiet dignity of a devoted gardener and the subtle truth behind the so-called “good people” of the manor.

The Gardener and the Manor

Shaukat Thanvi

اردو کے نامور مزاح نگار شوکت تھانوی کا شمار ان ادیبوں میں ہوتا ہے جنہوں نے بیک وقت اردو ادب کی بہت سی اصناف میں خدمات سر انجام دیں۔ انہیں کثیر الجہات شخصیت کہا جائے تو غلط نہ ہو گاکیونکہ وہ صحافی بھی تھے اور مضمون نگار بھی، کالم نگاری میں بھی اپنا الگ مقام رکھتے تھے، ناول نویسی اور افسانہ نگاری میں بھی نام کمایا۔ زیر نظر  افسانے میں  مصنف نے اپنے دوست کے گھر میں قیام کے متعلق  بیان کیا ہے۔مصنف ایک بار لاہور اپنے دوست کے گھر آئے تو وہ کہیں گھومنے گئے  ہوئے تھے ۔ مصنف دوست کے واپس  لوٹ  آنےکا    انتظار کرنے  لگے ۔ انتظار کرتے دوران ایسا کیا ہوا کہ مصنف نمائش گاہ پہنچ گئے ؟پاس پر درج نام دیکھ کر گیٹ کیپر نے  کیوں چلانا شروع کر دیا ؟اس کے بعد مصنف کے ساتھ کیا بیتی ؟ اس کا حا ل جاننے کے لیے آئیے کہانی پڑھتے ہیں ۔

Humor

Urdu

Challang

Hammad Younus

This story comes from the diary of Ahmad, an eleven-year-old boy studying in Class 5. He wrote it during a tense period between India and Pakistan, from the 6th to the 10th of May. Based on true events, Ahmad’s personal account takes you on an emotional journey through fear, confusion, pride, and transformation. In these pages, Ahmad reveals the stages of his emotions and how his perception of the Pakistan Armed Forces changed dramatically during those few critical days. At first, he held doubts and even criticized the role of the military. But what led this young boy to think negatively about the very protectors of his homeland? How did the armed forces not only change Ahmad’s mind but also win the hearts of the entire nation? Read this heart-touching story to discover how a nation’s trust can be rebuilt, and how even a child’s perspective can reflect the spirit of an entire country.

Contemporary Fiction

Operation Bunyan Marsoos

An old street lamp had given many years of service to the same street, faithfully shining through rain, snow, and fog. Now, his time had come to retire. On his last evening at work, the lamp felt worried. The next day, the mayor and town council would decide his future. Would he be sent to light up a quiet suburb, a faraway village, or maybe a factory? Or would he be melted down into something else? The lamp felt very close to the watchman and his wife. He had started his job on the very same evening the watchman began his duties. Over the years, they had grown old together, and the lamp had become part of their little family. What would happen to the old lamp after his last night on the street? Could the kind watchman and his wife help change the lamp’s fate? Read the story to discover the old street lamp’s journey from fear to fulfillment.

The Old Street Lamp

A crippled little boy bound to his room, lives in his own fantasy to cope with his troubles, until, he finds a way to see the world by making a hole in the wall of his room. Once he peeks through the hole, his whole world takes another turn. What did Johnny thought of the outside world? What was the profession of Fay’s papa? Who was the artist who made several pretty sketches of Fay and Johnny? What was the name Fay gave to Johnny?
Read this story to find out how a simple hole in the wall became a doorway to friendship, hope, and a new beginning.

A Hole in the Wall

A majestic old oak tree stood high on the steep shore of a forest near the seacoast. This tree had lived for 365 years, witnessing the passage of time, the joys of nature, and the fleeting lives of tiny creatures like the Ephemera. He sympathized with the little Ephemera, whose life lasted only a single day. However, the tiny creature replied that the beauty around her was enough to fill her short life with joy and pleasure. The old oak did not understand her perspective. As winter approached, the oak tree, stripped of all its leaves, entered its time of rest and dreamed one final, beautiful dream. What would that dream be? Will the old oak finally realize the true beauty and meaning of life? Will he ultimately become one with the earth? Read this heart-touching story to discover the profound realities of life, time, and the eternal connection between all living things.

The Last Dream of the Old Oak

ایک بچے (احمد)کی ڈائری، جو 6 مئی تا 10 مئی، پاک بھارت جنگ پر اپنے تاثرات کا کھل کر اظہار کرتا ہے۔ یہ ڈائری واضح کرتی ہے کہ کیسے پاکستانی عوام کے جذبات اور احساسات اس جنگ کے دوران مسلسل تبدیل ہوتے رہے، مگر بالآخر پاک افواج نے جنگ اور عوام کے دل، دونوں جیت لیے۔
احمد کو کن متضاد جذبات اور احساسات کا سامنا تھا ؟ احمد کے ان متضاد خیالات کا سبب کیا تھا ؟کیا احمد کے شکوک وشبہات درست تھے؟ان سوالات کے جواب جاننے کے لیے کہانی کا مطالعہ کریں

A mother lost her youngest child, a boy of four years old. With him, all the comfort and joy of her life seemed to vanish. Though the father and daughters also mourned his death, the mother found no peace. Overwhelmed by sorrow, she questioned her faith and became lost in grief. One night, she visited her child’s grave and had a powerful vision in which she was guided by Death into the world beyond. Did the mother find her son there? What happened in that mysterious place that helped ease her sorrow? Read this moving tale to discover how a mother’s deep pain was transformed into faith, strength, and peace.

The Child in the Grave

Everyone is born with different luck; however, they must find it themselves. Once there lived a turner who made umbrella handles and rings but could hardly make both ends meet. He believed that his life would never change and that he would never find good luck. However, one day, a strong storm blew and broke off one of the biggest branches of the pear tree in the turner's garden. The turner crafted a big pear from that branch. How would that pear bring luck to the turner? Would he start a new trade or flourish through his own work? Read this fascinating story to discover how the turner found his luck!

Good Luck Can Lie in a Pin

An old maid resides in a poverty-stricken almshouse. From her window, she watches barefoot children playing and dancing merrily on the grass-covered rampart, a place rich with history. Once, the ground had been the grave of a child who had been lured to sleep. As she gazes at the children, the old maid reflects on her own life; how it was spoiled by unfulfilled dreams and the absence of marriage. What hidden stories lie behind the almshouse window? Why was the old maid never got married? Read this delightful story to discover what secrets lie within her old memories.

By the Almhouse Window

In the land near Smyrna, a beautiful rose grows by the grave of the legendary poet Homer. A nightingale, filled with love, sings his sorrowful songs to the silent rose, but she remains unmoved. The nightingale sings until his heart breaks. Soon after, a camel-driver passes by, and his little boy finds the dead bird and buries it beside Homer’s grave. That night, the rose dreams. What does the rose dream of? Does her dream come true? How does the rose’s fate take a turn when a poet from the distant North appears? Read this heart-touching tale to discover the power of poetry, the lasting legacy of the great ancient poet Homer, and how even a single rose can carry the spirit of art across time and distance.

A Rose from Homers Grave

Mirza Adeeb

درآمد و برآمد کی معروف کمپنی ’نیاز اینڈ نواز‘ میں جب عبدالقادر جعفری نامی ایک نوجوان نے بطور نیا ڈائریکٹر چارج سنبھالا، تو اس کے سنجیدہ رویے اور سخت گیر انداز نے سب کو حیران و پریشان کر دیا۔ کیا واقعی وہ اتنے بے رحم افسر تھے جتنے نظر آتے تھے ؟ کیوں وہ کسی سے غیر ضروری بات نہیں کرتےتھے ؟ اور پھر ایک دن جب وہ دفتر میں داخل ہوئے اور ان کے پیچھے چپڑاسی ایک پنجرہ لیے آیا، تو سٹینو اکرم شاہ اچانک بے چین  کیوں ہو گیا؟ اس پنجرے میں کیا تھا؟ اور اکرم نے ایسا کون سا انکشاف کیا جس نے جعفری کو چونکا دیا؟ یہ جاننے کے لیے آئیے کہانی پڑھتے ہیں ۔

Who  Aur Who

Woh Aur Woh

Once, a great queen, known for her love of roses, fell seriously ill. The wisest doctor declared that only the loveliest rose in the world; one that symbolized the purest and brightest love, could save her. People from all walks of life brought roses, each believing theirs to be the most beautiful, but none were the right one. Who would finally bring the loveliest rose to the queen? What would make this rose so special? Read this touching tale to discover the true meaning of the most beautiful rose in the world.

The Loveliest Rose in the World

Once, an elderly man lived with his wife and two sons in a house covered with red tiles in a small town on a Danish Island. Despite their young age, the two sons had great thoughts. Their father and mother always spoke to them about truth and justice, guiding them on the path of righteousness. The elder brother was fascinated by the forces of nature, while the younger one was deeply engrossed in his books. But what did the brothers see and hear one evening? How did their thoughts differ? And how would their interests shape their future? Read this inspiring story to uncover the remarkable journey of the two brothers.

Two Brothers

Hans Christian Andersen-Translated by Sobia Hussain

پڑوس کے قصبے سے  اپنے کارخانے کے حصص فروخت کرنے کی غرض سے ایک بیوہ  خاتون آئی۔اس کے پاس   پگی نسل کا کتا تھا جس کی جسمانی خصوصیات میں اس کی موٹی کمر اور ناک  سب سے نمایاں تھی۔ کچھ دنوں بعد پگی(کتا) مر گیا ۔ اس بیوہ کے پوتے پوتیوں نے   کارخانے کے صحن میں ہی اس کی   قبر بناڈالی اور اس کو خوبصورتی سے سجا کر   نمائش کے طور پر پیش کیا ۔ قبر کو دیکھنے کی فیس کیا مقرر کی گئی؟ گھنگھریالے بالوں والی لڑکی کو کیا ملال تھا ؟ جاننے کےلیے آئیے کہانی پڑھتے ہیں ۔

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