“The Clever Monkey and the Hungry Crocodile” is a fun and witty play based on an old Indian folktale. It teaches children the importance of thinking quickly in dangerous situations. In this story, a monkey wants bananas, a crocodile wants the monkey’s brain, and a frog just wants to help… or cause trouble! This short play is perfect for classroom performances and storytelling activities.

CHARACTERS:

MONKEY – Clever and playful

FROG – Cheerful and chatty

CROCODILE – Sleepy but sneaky

SCRIPT:

(The Monkey and the Frog are near a wide river. The Crocodile is sleeping on the shore.)

MONKEY: (rubbing his belly) I’m so hungry! I could go for some bananas right now.

FROG: Bananas? You’ll have to cross the river for that. There’s a whole jungle full of them on the other side.

MONKEY: (looking around) Really? There aren’t any trees here. But… how can I cross? I can’t swim!

FROG: (grinning) That’s easy! Just ask Mr. Crocodile to take you. He loves helping others.

(The Crocodile opens one sleepy eye.)

CROCODILE: (grumpy) Who woke me up? I was dreaming about coconut pie.

FROG: (whispering to the Monkey) Go on! Ask him. Don’t be shy!

MONKEY: Um… Mr. Crocodile, sir… I’m terribly hungry and I heard there are bananas across the river. Could you take me there?

CROCODILE: (yawning) Hmmm. I’m tired… and lazy. Why don’t you ask the wind to carry you?

MONKEY: Please, please! I don’t know how to swim. I really need your help.

CROCODILE: (pauses) Well… I suppose a little swim wouldn’t hurt. Hop on. But no jumping!

(The Monkey climbs on the Crocodile’s back. They cross the river.)

MONKEY: Thank you! I’ll be right back. I just need to grab a few bananas.

CROCODILE: Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.

(The Monkey grabs some bananas, eats one, and returns holding a single banana.)

MONKEY: All set! Let’s head back, please.

(As they start moving, the Crocodile swims in the wrong direction.)

MONKEY: Um… this isn’t the way home.

CROCODILE: No, but it’s the way to my home. You see, my wife is very sick. The doctor said the best cure is a fresh monkey brain.

MONKEY: (thinking fast) Oh, Mr. Crocodile! Why didn’t you say so earlier? I left my brain on the tree where I picked the bananas!

CROCODILE: What?! You left your brain?

MONKEY: Yes! Let’s go back quickly before your poor wife gets worse.

(The Crocodile turns around and swims back.)

MONKEY: There! See that tree? That’s where I left it.

CROCODILE: Go! Hurry!

MONKEY: (jumps off and climbs the tree) Thanks for the ride, Mr. Crocodile!

CROCODILE: Wait! What about the brain?!

MONKEY: (laughing) If I didn’t have a brain, I wouldn’t have outsmarted you!

CROCODILE: You tricked me! Come back!

MONKEY: (from the tree) Maybe next time… learn to ask politely! Ha ha ha!

THE END

Author: :  An Indian Folktale

Adapted by: K I D S I N C O

Moral: Use your brain – it might just save your life!

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External Links (for educators and students):

The Monkey and the Crocodile Story

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