Birbal counts the crows
A funny old folk tale about Akbar, an emperor of India long ago, and his clever, witty friend Birbal.
1. Emperor Akbar loved asking his clever friend Birbal tricky questions. One day, he had a new one.
2. “Birbal,” said Akbar, pointing at the sky, “how many crows live in our city?”
3. Birbal looked up at the crows in the trees. He thought for a moment, and then he smiled.
4. “There are exactly 21,523 crows, Your Majesty,” said Birbal. Everyone in the court gasped!
5. “But what if we count them, and there are more?” asked Akbar. “Then some crows are visiting from other towns!” said Birbal.
6. “And if there are fewer?” “Then some of our crows have gone to visit their relatives!” Akbar laughed and laughed.
The lesson: some questions have no easy answer. A clever, cheerful reply can save the day!
Joke Corner Cover the answer and make your family guess!
Why are fish so clever?
They live in schools!
What has keys but can’t open a door?
A piano!
What do you call a bear with no teeth?
A gummy bear!
What goes up but never comes down?
Your age!
What did one wall say to the other wall?
I’ll meet you at the corner!
What do you call a sleeping bull?
A bulldozer!
Why did the bee go to the doctor?
It had hives!
What runs but never gets tired?
A river!