On a sunny summer day, a little ant worked hard, carrying grains of wheat one by one to her home to prepare for the coming winter.

A grasshopper hopped by, singing and playing among the grass. He asked her, surprised, "Why do you tire yourself so much in this lovely weather? Come play with me instead."

The ant replied as she kept working, "I am gathering food now because winter will come soon, and we won't find any food then. You should prepare too."

But the grasshopper paid no attention, and spent his days playing and singing without a single thought for tomorrow.

When the cold winter arrived, snow covered the ground and all the food disappeared. The grasshopper grew very hungry and could find nothing to eat.

He went to the ant's home asking for help. She kindly opened her door and shared the food she had gathered through her hard work, gently reminding him how important it is to plan ahead.

The Lesson: Working hard and planning ahead is better than wasting time in play.