DECEMBER (SECOND) 2011 NO.

821

FOUNDER VISHWA NATH 1917-2002

Greater Happiness ... 6 Flashing Fireflies ... 9 Brave Baby ... 12 Arrogant Cloud ... 16 Blow Horn .... 19

torytime s
Manu and Tinus Bravery ... 23 Chintu Astuteness ... 33 Mummy Thief ... 46 A Match for Dimpy... 53 Big Tree Small Tree ... 56

funtime
Who Am I ? ... 28 Champak Checkers ... 29 Its Funtime ... 36

comics
Cheeku ... 26 A Trick that Failed ... 42

yourpages
From Young Readers ... 38
Editor, Publisher & Printer : Paresh Nath
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By Gyandev Mukesh

hulbuli Squirrel considered herself very lucky. She had a big banyan tree for a house. She lived there by herself in great comfort.

There were lush green pastures and fields near the banyan tree. The crops would sway in the fields when the wind blew. And grains scattered and fell on the grass every single day. This made things very easy for Chulbuli Squirrel. All she had to do was to climb down the tree whenever she was hungry and help herself to the grains. There was a small pond near Chulbulis tree too. It never went dry. In fact, the pond was full of cool and clear water throughout the year. Chulbuli Squirrel had to simply skip to the pond and drink its water whenever she was thirsty. The weather too was always pleasant. The skies above the tree were covered with soft, white clouds. And a cool and gentle breeze always blew around the tree. Chulbuli Squirrel would run up and down the tree and enjoy herself thoroughly. She didnt have a care in the world. I am so happy! Chulbuli Squirrel would often say to herself. Nothing can make me happier! A short distance from Chulbulis tree was a field with a barn. Babloo Rabbit and the barn owners dog who was called Tommy Watchdog lived there. They were Chulbulis friends and often played with her. Tommy Watchdog worked very hard during the day. He was also very alert during the night. If he ever saw anyone coming near the field or barn, he would start barking loudly and alert the barn owner.

One day, Chulbuli Squirrel met Tommy Watchdog near the field. He hadnt slept too well the previous night and looked very tired. I feel very sorry for you, Tommy, Chulbuli Squirrel said. You guard the field all day and night. You have to bark all the time. Your jaws must be aching with all the barking you do. Its hard work, isnt it? Tommy Watchdog kept quiet. He listened as the little squirrel went on. Look at me! I am so happy! Chulbuli Squirrel went on cheerfully. Theres no happiness greater than mine. Theres nothing that can make one happier than living in a comfortable house and having an easy life. Tommy Watchdog who had been listening patiently all this while finally said, You are wrong, Chulbuli. A day will come when you will know there are other things that can make you happier. You will realise that there are other things that can warm your heart besides living in a comfortable house and having an easy life. Chulbuli Squirrel didnt understand what the dog meant. ErTommy, my friend, she said. Lets discuss this some other day. Its lunch time now. I must go to the field. There are golden grains of corn waiting for me. The grains of corn lying on the field were soft and sweet. Chulbuli Squirrel ate them all and then rested on the grass below her tree. She looked up at the sky and saw that there were soft, clouds above her. The breeze too was cool and refreshing. Chulbuli Squirrel felt very happy. Ah! What beautiful weather! My life is perfect! she thought. There is nothing else that can make me happier! She closed her eyes and fell asleep on the grass.

SONAL SUMIT

Suddenly, the sound of screaming pierced Chulbuli Squirrels ears. She opened her eyes at once and looked around. She quickly hopped towards the direction where the sound was coming from. Chulbuli Squirrel hopped further and stopped. Oh no! she cried as she spotted her friend Babloo Rabbit. He was wincing and groaning in pain. Chulbuli saw that a big thorn had pricked Babloo Rabbits paw. It was bleeding and Babloo Rabbit looked very distressed. There was nobody around to help pull the thorn out of his paw. Chulbuli Squirrel quickly hopped towards Babloo Rabbit and tried to pull the thorn out with her teeth. But the thorn was thrust deeply and did not come out easily. Chulbuli tried harder. But the thorn still didnt come out. In fact, it pricked Chulbulis mouth. Ouch! Chulbuli Squirrel cried in pain. The thorn had stung and scratched her mouth badly but she decided to ignore it. She was more concerned about helping Babloo Rabbit. She couldnt bear to see her friend in such great agony. Chulbuli Squirrel tried to console Babloo Rabbit. Dont worry, my friend! she said in a reassuring tone. I know that I am small but I will try my best to help you. Chulbuli Squirrel then held the thorn tightly with her teeth. She loosened it at first by pulling it from all sides. She then pulled as hard as she could. To Babloo Rabbits great relief, the thorn now came out in one go. But Chulbuli Squirrel lost her balance in the bargain. She fell against a rock and injured her little back.
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Babloo Rabbit felt relieved as soon as the thorn came out of his paw. He stopped groaning and smiled. Chulbulis mouth was still stinging. And her back was badly injured too. But the moment she saw Babloo Rabbit smiling, she forgot all about her pain and watched her friend. Tommy Watchdog, who had heard the commotion, came along. He saw his two friends and immediately understood what had happened. Chulbuli, you are hurt, Tommy Watchdog told the little squirrel with concern. Let me apply some medicine on your wounds. Forget about my wounds, Tommy! Chulbuli Squirrel smiled and said. They really arent bothering me. Im feeling very happy now. I helped remove a thorn from Babloo Rabbits paw. It was causing him great discomfort. Tommy Watchdog smiled. Im sure youre feeling very happy now, Chulbuli, he said. But is this happiness greater than the one you get from living on your comfortable tree? Chulbuli Squirrel thought for a moment and then said, No, Tommy! This happiness is far greater. I am happier to have helped a friend in need than I am while living my comfortable life. I now understand what you tried to tell me. The greatest happiness comes from helping a troubled friend. Tommy Watchdog smiled. Chulbuli Squirrel had finally understood what he meant. Indeed, the greatest happiness comes from helping a troubled friend.

By Aparna Manoj Majumdar

here was no electricity in Satpudavan. Darkness gripped the whole forest as soon as the sun went down. There was nothing but pitch blackness after sunset. The animals that lived in the forest faced a lot of trouble during the nights without any light.

the fireflies to his palace. The fireflies were humble and came as soon as they received the message. Please give us whatever electricity you have, King Sher Singh said to the fireflies. We will pay you whatever you ask for. We want to utilize your electricity to light up our forest at nights. I am sorry, Maharaj. But this cannot be done. We have inherited the light. It is part of our bodies. We cannot just give it away, Jagmag Firefly said. He was the leader of the colony of fireflies. How dare you decline our Kings request? Makalu Fox said in a threatening voice. Give us your electricity or you will be punished! Please dont get angry, Jagmag Firefly pleaded. You must understand. Even if we give you the electricity we have within us, it wont be of any use to you. It wont

One day, Makalu Fox went up to King Sher Singh of Satpudavan. Maharaj, he said. I saw a huge colony of fireflies near a swamp outside the forest last night. They made such a bright sight. I think these fireflies have a lot of electricity. If they come to our forest and give us their electricity, we wont have any trouble seeing at nights. King Sher Singh sent his messengers to call

PRITPAL SINGH

work without us. We will perish if we give it to you. Minister Gajju Elephant heard the commotion and came to see what was happening. He greeted the King and then said, Maharaj, the fireflies are right. It is true. The light the

share their element with us. Maharaj, the fireflies cant give you their element even if they wanted to, Gajju Elephant explained patiently. The fireflies light is known as bioluminescence. It means organism light which is emitted because of a special kind of chemical product found in the fireflies bodies.

fireflies have is made by a biological action. They cant give it away. Is that so? King Sher Singh said. I dont understand. Please tell me more. Maharaj, the fireflies belong to the orthopoda community, Gajju Elephant explained. I read about them in an encyclopedia. They have a special element coming out of their bodies which can be seen at night. It is because of this element that they appear to flash light at night. That is why I have called them here. I want them to illuminate our forest with their light, King Sher Singh said. They must
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I will tell you more about this, Maharaj, the leader of the fireflies said respectfully. Thats a good idea, Jagmag, Gajju Elephant said. It will be best if you explain. The chemical element in our bodies is called Luciferin. It is present in our cells. We can use it as many times as we want. It doesnt get over. So, the Luciferin stays constant and doesnt get over? Sher Singh asked, looking very surprised. Thats correct, Maharaj! The Luciferin supply in our cells remains constant even

after we make light. Jagmag Firefly explained. Okay, but how does the light go on and off? King Sher Singh said. Maharaj, this entire process is governed by our nervous system. Luciferin is present in the inner surface of our respiratory tracts. Jagmag Firefly continued. When we breathe in and out, our nerves let the air go out with gaps. And so, it seems like our light is flashing or going on and off. I think I understand now, King Sher Singh said. Maharaj, please understand our problem. If we give this chemical substance of ours to you, it will be of no use. We will perish instead, Jagmag Firefly folded his hands and said.

I wont let you perish, Jagmag, King Sher Singh said kindly. But can you and your friends do me a favour? Of course, Maharaj! Jagmag said. Please tell us what we can do for you? Spread out in our forest instead of staying together in one place during the nights. The whole forest will be lit up that way. King Sher Singh requested. Yes Maharaj, we will do that, all the fireflies said together. From that day onwards, the fireflies scattered themselves throughout the forest at nights. The whole forest was illuminated with little sparks of light. All the other animals thanked the fireflies and rejoiced.

By R.K.Vashishth

aby Rabbit was sitting under a tree. He couldnt concentrate on anything. It was time for him to return home from school. But Baby Rabbit didnt feel like going back home. His school bag and lunch box were in front of him. He stared at them blankly and remembered the incident that had occurred just a few days ago Baby Rabbit had been strolling in Nandanvan. His favourite grass had grown there after the rains. Baby Rabbit was nibbling on the grass when a ripe mango had suddenly fallen from a tree. Baby Rabbit had been startled. But when he had realized that it was just a mango, his mouth had watered. He had picked the mango up and washed it carefully. Baby Rabbit had just started to suck on the mango when a vixen had leaped on him. Baby Rabbit had thrown the mango aside and hidden inside bush. Well, who doesnt love their life? He had then watched with baited breath from inside the bush. The vixen had sat down to eat the mango. Baby Rabbits eyes had filled with tears. He had wanted to scream and tell the vixen that the mango belonged to him. But he had not been able to utter a word. The vixen had gone away after eating the mango. She had sucked the kernel fully too and not left a morsel or a drop of juice.

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Baby Rabbit had come home and wept. He had narrated the incident to his mother. Baby Rabbits Mother had listened patiently. Son, she had then said lovingly. There is no need to cry so much for a mango. I will go to the market and buy a crateful of mangoes for you. You can eat them to your hearts content. Baby Rabbit had not been consoled. Mother, Im not upset because I didnt get to eat the mango, he said softly. Im upset because the vixen took something that was rightfully mine. What if I took away something that the vixen was eating? Would that be right? You are not wicked, Baby Rabbits Mother had said. You are a brave child, Baby Rabbit. Why would you do something so mean? Baby Rabbit sighed. Thats not the truth, Mother, he said sadly. The truth is that Im weak. Im even scared to go to school. There is no justice in this jungle. Please dont call me brave. Everyone fears brave creatures. But no one fears me. If I was brave, no one would have dared to bother me and everyone would have feared me. Baby Rabbits Mother shook her head sadly. She had no answer for her son. The very same day, Baby Rabbit saw his best friend Snehi Deer running for his life. A tiger was chasing him. Baby Rabbit had hidden behind a tree and watched. Snehi Deer had managed to save himself but had fallen sick after that. The fear of the tiger had given him a high fever. Like Baby Rabbit, Snehi Deer too thought he was a weak animal and had to struggle to save himself. Both these incidents had disturbed Baby
December (Second) 2011

Rabbit no end. He had not been able to study or play games after that. The fear of being attacked by a vixen or a tiger at any time had shaken him up badly. He often thought of going to King Sher Singh with his fears but was too afraid to do so. Baby Rabbit began to believe that he was very weak. I am a coward! he would cry and say. I am weak. I am afraid of everyone. Baby Rabbit picked up his school bag and lunch box and stood up. He slowly walked towards his house. He was still very upset. There was a pond on the way to Baby Rabbits house. He decided to stroll along it just to divert his mind. It was a peaceful and brightly lit spot. Moreover, no wild animals ever came to the pond. So, there was no danger there. Baby Rabbit saw some frogs in the pond. They were sitting on the lily pads and croaking happily. A cool wind started to blow. It made Baby Rabbit feel like running. He hung his school bag on a tree branch and started to run. As soon as Baby Rabbit began running, he heard splashing sounds coming from the water. He turned around and saw that all the frogs in the pond had noticed him. They looked very scared of him and were leaping and jumping into the safety of the water. Baby Rabbit was astonished. He stopped to watch. What? he said. Theres no one else here but me! Are those frogs afraid of me? Baby Rabbit smiled. He couldnt believe that there were creatures who were afraid of him too. He took his things and ran back home. He rang the bell continuously till his mother answered the door. Mother! he said happily as soon he saw his mother. I have something to tell you!
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What is it, Baby Rabbit? Baby Rabbits Mother asked. Youve rung the bell so many times. Good children ring the bell only once. Baby Rabbit hugged his mother and said, Guess what, Mother? I am brave! I am very brave! Yes, Baby Rabbit! I know that. But what has suddenly made you realise that? Baby Rabbits Mother asked, looking surprised. All the frogs in the pond dived into the water when they saw me! Baby Rabbit said and laughed. I was all by myself but there were at least a dozen frogs. They looked terrified of me! Son, you now know that there are creatures who think they are weaker than you, Baby Rabbits Mother said softly. Will you stop calling yourself weak now? I will never call myself weak again! Baby Rabbit said with a smile. Very good, Baby Rabbits Mother said. You are a brave and strong child. But dont scare the frogs just like the vixen scared you. Being strong and brave doesnt mean that you should scare others. It means protecting those who are weaker than you. Go back to the pond now and make friends with the frogs. They will stop fearing you and come to play with you. I will do that, Mother! Baby Rabbit said, running out of the house. Baby Rabbit then went to the pond and made friends with the frogs who stopped being afraid of him.

SONAL SUMIT

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By Indrajit Kaushik

loudy Cloud was a young cloud. He liked floating in the sky and causing trouble wherever he went. One day, when Cloudy took a whole lot of water from The Old Sea, The Old Sea felt that it was important to give the young cloud an important lesson. When you come across people craving for water, The Old Sea said, or farmers standing in the fields who are waiting for you to shower raindrops, dont disappoint them. Open your heart and quench their thirst. For that is the real purpose of being a cloud. And please, dont cause trouble or harm anyone. Well, I shall see, Cloudy Cloud said and quickly drifted away. He didnt like The Old Sea telling him what to do. Ha! Everybody wants to give you a lesson and impose their thinking

on you, Cloudy Cloud grumbled. I will shower raindrops wherever I want. I will do what I please. Let The Old Sea say whatever he wants. I dont care! The people of a village saw Cloudy floating in the sky. Their eyes shone with joy. Look there! Theres a rain cloud in the sky! It will shower raindrops on our lake! We will have lots of water to drink! Our thirst will be quenched! the villagers said happily. But Cloudy Cloud ignored the villagers and drifted away. Why should I bother if you are hungry or thirsty, huh? he said and left the poor villagers pining for water. Cloudy Cloud then floated ahead arrogantly. After some time, he stopped over a field. The farmers in the field looked up and clapped their hands. They were overjoyed. Their field was parched and they had been eagerly awaiting the rains.

Now we will get the elixir of life! Our field will receive rainfall! Our crops will grow! We will have grains to eat! This cloud will surely shower rainfall! the farmers sang and danced. Surely shower rainfall, huh? Cloudy muttered. Why should I shower rainfall on your field? Am I your servant? Do you think Ive brought the water especially for your field from so far, huh? Well, I really dont care about you or your crops! Cloudy then made a rude face and moved on. The farmers below blamed The Wind. Oh! The rain cloud was blown away! Wind, why did you do that? Our crops wont grow now! We wont have food to eat! they wept. The Wind who had been watching quietly felt very bad. He scolded Cloudy, Cloudy, I am being blamed for your mistakes. Why arent you showering rain? You are disappointing everyone.

Mind your own business! Cloudy Cloud told The Wind rudely. Dont you dare meddle with me or poke your nose in my affairs. Dont be so arrogant, young fellow The Wind told Cloudy Cloud. People will be grateful if you shower rain in places where it is needed. Saying so, The Wind went away, hoping Cloudy would understand. But Cloudy Cloud didnt care. He had made up his mind to do what he wanted. He wanted to play pranks and have fun. He found an old potter who was making mud pots and drizzled all over him.

SONAL SUMIT

Oh no! the potter cried. All my efforts have been wasted. The rain has softened all my pots even before they could dry and take shape. I am ruined! Cloudy Cloud grinned. He enjoyed seeing the old potter cry. The Wind noticed this and felt very upset. But he knew that no matter how he tried, explaining anything to Cloudy was quite useless. Cloudy Cloud decided that he would cause more mischief. He showered big drops of rain right above a lawn where a marriage reception was being held. The tents fell apart with the rainfall and the guests at the reception found that they were drenched. The food too was soaked with water and became inedible. There was chaos as everyone was running for shelter. Cloudy Cloud laughed. He enjoyed having fun at the expense of others. He then drifted ahead, looking for more places to cause trouble. The Wind who had decided to follow Cloudy couldnt bear to see the damage he was causing. He was very annoyed now. The Wind then went to his old friend, Tall Mountain. Tall Mountain, we must do something or this wicked, young cloud will go on troubling everyone. You are right, Tall Mountain said. I have been watching Cloudy too. He really is wicked. Dont worry. I have an idea. We will stop Cloudy from doing any further harm. Tall Mountain then explained his idea. A short while later, The Wind found Cloudy Cloud. He was showering raindrops above a clothesline full of dry clothes. Cloudy Cloud, I wont stop you from doing what you want! But I have a special request!

The Wind said politely. I hope you will listen. Cloudy stopped and turned around. He was curious and wondered what The Wind would say. What is it? he asked arrogantly. Please dont go close to Tall Mountain! He has a high fever and a bad cold! The doctors have warned him not to get wet, The Wind told Cloudy. Is that so? Cloudy Cloud asked mischievously. Yes, The Wind replied, knowing exactly what Cloudy would do. Then, just as Tall Mountain had predicted, Cloudy enthusiastically drifted towards Tall Mountains peak. I will shower raindrops on Tall Mountains peak and make him wet, Cloudy Cloud said and laughed. Now Cloudy Cloud didnt know how high and strong Tall Mountain was. He rushed towards Tall Mountains peak with all his might and collided into it with a loud bang. To Cloudy Clouds dismay, all the water he had within him splashed out in the form of heavy rain. And soon after that, he began breaking into pieces, like cotton balls. Help! I am vanishing! Please help me, Cloudy Cloud cried as he slowly faded away. I dont want to disappear! The last words that Cloudy Cloud heard before he faded away completely were, This is what happens to those who cause trouble and try to harm others. Cloudy Cloud realized that The Wind and Tall Mountain were talking about him. I wish I had been a good cloud and listened to The Old Sea and The Wind! Cloudy Cloud said. He then disappeared completely.

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By Vivek Chakravorty

iya and Manya had gone to their grandparents with their parents. Their car was left alone in the garage. All of them have gone for a vacation but have left me alone here. Now for 20 days I will be stuck in this darkness. Riya was telling Manya that they are going for 20 days to the grandparents, the car thought and felt sad. The car looked around in the garage to see if there was somebody to talk so that it could pass time. It spotted a rat who was busy eating something. Brother Rat, how are you? When the car called, the rat got terrified and hid inside a box. Why are you getting frightened? This is me, the car. You are getting so scared hearing my voice as if I am a cat, the car laughed, Anyway leave all these things. For 20 days its just the 2 of us in the house. Everyone has gone out.

PRITPAL SINGH

Will you play something with me? Later, right now I am going to the kitchen. I wont get a better opportunity to eat to my hearts content in the kitchen. I will rule the kichen for the next 20 days, the rat said overjoyed and ran out of the garage. I shouldnt have told him about everybody being out. Now he will not come to the garage, the car thought. It was 12 at night. The car too was trying to sleep. Just then the rat came back running to the garage. Phew, life saved, he was panting. What happened? the car was startled. You had told me that there is nobody in the house and all will come after 20 days, so I was sleeping in the kitchen. But now 2 people came inside the kitchen. I was about to be crushed under their feet. Thats very nice.
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What? I was about to get killed and you are saying that it is nice. No Brother, the man must be Riya and Manyas father. I am feeling happy thinking that I wont have to stay locked in the garage for 20 days, the car said joyfully. But none of them was Riya and Manyas father. Then they must be the neighbours whom they must have asked to keep a check on the house. Might be possible, the rat said. The garage opened at that time and 2 people entered inside. Appu, there is a car in the garage. Instead of taking 10 small things from the house, its better that we take the car itself, One man said to the other. Pappu, in that case get inside the car. Let us take the car. Stupid, if we start the car then the

neighbours will come to know that there is somebody in the house. This can put us in a loop. We will have to push the car and take it away, Appu hit Pappus head with his hand and said. They are thieves, the car panicked. Raise an alarm to chase them away, the rat said and started shouting loudly saying Thief, thief . Stop it. Your voice is so soft that nobody will be able to hear you and even if they do, no human would understand you. Its anyway good that they are not able to understand you, otherwise these thieves would have beaten you dead. So what shall we do now? Till they dont start the car, I cant do anything, but you can do something. What? You blow the horn which will cause a loud sound and the neighbours will wake up. Then these thieves will have to run away, when the car said this, the rat went inside and stood on the horn but it didnt blow. By that time Appu and Pappu had pushed the car outside the garage. Brother Rat, do something. What should I do? I am standing on the horn but it is not blowing, the rat said. Appu and Pappu were taking the car towards the gate. When the rat couldnt think of anything, he bit Appus hand and again stood on the horn. Appu saw the rat inside the car and wated to punch him.
December (Second) 2011

The rat moved from the horn and Appus hand touched the horn which started blowing loudly. What are you doing, you stupid? If you will blow the horn at this hour, the neighbours will wake up, Pappu shouted furiously. A rat bit me and I was hitting him. Appu, leave the rat and quickly get out from here, Pappu said, pushing the car. As soon as they reached the gate, they found the police waiting for them. How did the police come here? Appu was shocked. We are here because of your stupid behaviour. We were taking rounds over here when we heard the sound of the horn. We came here wondering who was the horn at this hour and found you two, the policeman said, putting handcuffs in their hands. That means we got caught just because of a rat, Appu-Pappu said, holding their heads. By that time, the neighbours also came over. They put the car back in the garage and put new locks to the garage and the house. Thank you, Brother Rat. You saved me from those thieves. That was my duty, Sister Car. Now you take rest and I will also leave. Where are you going at this hour? In the kitchen! When else will I get the opportunity to live and eat in the kitchen, the rat laughed and said. The car too started laughing.
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COMPLETE THE PICTURE IN THE GRID

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By Surbhi Sinha

t was a Sunday morning. Manu and Tinu were playing cricket on the playground near their house. Suddenly, the ball bounced hard and went into the adjoining house.

Oops! Manu said. Tinu, our ball has gone into Seth Malmalrams house. Come on! Lets go and get it back! Both the boys then ran towards Seth Malmalrams house to look for their ball. Look! Theres our ball, Tinu said and pointed towards the ball that had fallen near a window.

We should do something and save Seth Malmalram from being looted. He is our neighbour after all, Manu said, looking very concerned Tinu, why dont you run to the police station? Tell Inspector Shyam what weve just seen. I will stay here and teach these fellows a lesson! Tinu did as he was told and ran towards the police station. Manu stood still for a moment, wondering what to do. He spotted a motorcycle that was parked outside the house. Aha! This motorcycle must belong to the thieves! Manu thought. He found a sharp stick and punctured both the tires of the motorcycle. This will slow down their escape. Manu then looked around and found some stones. He picked them up and put them in his pockets. He then went back to the house and sneaked in after opening a bathroom window. Manu found a small bucket of water lying in the bathroom. This will come handy, he said, picking the bucket up. Manu then tiptoed and went into one of the bedrooms. There was a big almirah kept there. Hmm, Manu thought. The thieves havent come into this room as yet. But Im sure theyll be here soon. Manu climbed on a chair and kept the bucket on the almirahs top. He then climbed to the almirahs top and sat there, quite sure that the thieves would come soon.

PRITPAL SINGH

The two boys then went closer to the window to retrieve their ball. It was then that they heard the strange noises coming from inside the house. Manu and Tinu were curious. They knew that Seth Malmalram was a quiet person and rarely made any sounds. They peeped through the window and looked inside. The two boys were horrified by what they saw. Seth Malmalram was gagged and tied to a chair. There were two men in the house besides him. They both looked very shady. Oh no! Seth Malmalram has been gagged and tied to a chair! Manu said, looking very shocked. Those two men must be thieves! Tinu said as he watched the two men. I can see them opening the drawers and cupboards. They are stealing jewels and money from the house.

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Manu had guessed correctly. After some time, the thieves entered the room. We will get a huge booty today, Chunty! the thief whose name was Bunty said. Only this almirah is now left for us to loot! Yes! Let us open it and take whatever we can, Bunty, Chunty said and grinned. The two thieves put their hands forward to open the almirah but to their surprise something fell on them. It was the bucket of water that Manu taken from the bathroom. Ow! the thieves screamed. They were startled and stepped back at once. Whos there? Who has thrown water on us? Bunty shouted. Manu spoke in a throaty voice and said, I said that. I am the almirah. You both have dared to open me without asking for my permission. I will punish you for doing that. The two thieves were astonished. They had never heard an almirah talk before. Bunty, diddid this almirah just say something? Chunty nervously asked. Bunty was nervous too. But he didnt want to show his friend or the almirah who he believed could talk, that he was scared. He tried to sound as bold as he could and said, We are not afraid. You cannot stop us from opening you. Bunty put his hand forward to open the almirah again. Manu, who was crouching on the top of the almirah and clearly out of the thieves view,
December (Second) 2011

pelted the thieves with the stones he had picked up. The two thieves were terrified now. They were shaking like leaves and wondering how an almirah had stoned them. They ran towards the door. Lets get out of here! they both shouted. The almirah must be haunted! The two thieves opened the door and ran towards to their motorbike. But to their dismay, they found it punctured. The tires are punctured! Chunty cried. What bad luck! Forget about the motorbike! Lets run instead! Bunty shouted. The two thieves turned to run. But they had a rude shock when they saw Tinu standing there. Tinu had arrived at the nick of time with Inspector Shyam. Bunty and Chunty panicked when they saw Inspector Shyam. He was already pulling handcuffs out of his pocket. Going somewhere? Inspector Shyam asked and arrested the thieves at once. Manu and Tinu then ran to untie Seth Malmalram who thanked them and praised them for their bravery and intelligence. Inspector Shyam then invited the two boys to the police station where he rewarded them with a medal and a certificate each. Manu and Tinu were very happy that day. Whoever thought so much adventure could come from a lost cricket ball!
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EARLY ONE MORNING, SOMEONE KNOCKED ON KAALU BEARS DOOR.

OH! HELLO CHEEKU!

KAALU! SOMETHING STRANGE IS HAPPENING IN CHAMPAKVAN!

KNOCK KNOCK

WHO COULD IT BE NOW? TELL ME NOW. WHATS WRONG? THE ANIMALS NEAR THE RIVER ARE BEING HIT BY SOME FLYING WATER BALLOONS! WE MUST FIND THE CULPRIT! LITTLE BINU MONGOOSE WAS HIT ON HER WAY TO SCHOOL. BIKU SQUIRRELS CAKE WAS SMASHED! MOTU BOAR WASNT SPARED EITHER!

WHAT?

WHEN WERE THE ATTACKS REPORTED?

COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN POURING IN SINCE YESTERDAY.

WE MUST SOLVE THE MYSTERY AS SOON AS WE CAN!

WE MUST TALK TO THE VICTIMS FIRST.

WHAT HAPPENED EXACTLY, BIKU?

I WAS HOLDING A CAKE WHEN THE FLYING WATER BALLOONS HIT ME. I WONDER IF JUMPY MONKEY IS THE CULPRIT. I HAD REFUSED HIM A SLICE OF THE CAKE EARLIER.

CHEEKU AND KAALU THEN MET BINU MONGOOSE. WERE YOU ATTACKED BY THE FLYING WATER BALLOONS TOO, BINU?

YES! THEY WET AND SPOILT MY UNIFORM. IT HAPPENED RIGHT NEXT TO THAT WICKED FROGGY FROGS HOUSE. HES VERY NAUGHTY! OH NO! NOT FROGGY FROG!

SIGH! JUMPY MONKEY CAN BE VERY MISCHIEVOUS!

WHO COULD THE CULPRIT BE?

CHEEKU, LETS FIND THE THIRD VICTIM AND HEAR HIS STORY BEFORE WE COME TO A CONCLUSION.

THEY THEN WENT TO LOOK FOR MOTU BOAR. UGH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THE MUD, MOTU? I AM TAKING A MUD BATH. JOIN ME! ITS FUN!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ENCOUNTER WITH THE WATER BALLOONS, MOTU.

I WAS WALKING BY THE RIVER WHEN I WAS HIT. I REALLY DONT LIKE WATER OR WATER BALLOONS!

EWW! MOTU BOAR IS ALWAYS PLAYING IN THE MUD! I HOPE THE WATER BALLOONS GAVE HIM A GOOD WASH YESTERDAY. SUDDENLY, THEY HEARD A LOUD SOUND.

CHEEKU! LETS GO TO THE RIVERSIDE!

CHEEKU AND KAALU FOUND A HOUSE NEAR THE RIVER.

GOOD IDEA! WE MAY FIND THE CULPRIT THERE! SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE HAS FALLEN DOWN.

ITS AN EMPTY LOOK! THERE ARE BUCKETS OF WATER HOUSE. MY FRIENDS AND I USE IT TO PLAY BALLOONS HERE! WHO STAYS HERE? GAMES SOMETIMES! THEY WENT IN MEEKU?

THUD!

LETS GO IN!

WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT? IS SOMETHING WRONG? HAVE YOU BEEN THROWING WATER BALLOONS AT EVERYONE, MEEKU?

OH NO! IT ISNT ME! ITS THIS STUPID MACHINE THAT IVE INVENTED! IT IS SUPPOSED TO THROW BALLS WHILE I PRACTISE CRICKET. BUT IT IS FAULTY.

IT IS THROWING THE BALLS ALL OVER THE FOREST. I REPLACED THE BALLS WITH WATER BALLOONS SO THAT NO ONE GETS HURT.

HA HA! SO, THE MACHINE IS THE CULPRIT!

OUR FRIENDS ARE INNOCENT! THE MYSTERY OF THE WATER BALLOONS HAS BEEN SOLVED!

MEEKU APOLOGISED TO EVERYONE WHO WAS HIT. THEY ALL LAUGHED WHEN THEY HEARD ABOUT HIS MACHINE.

How Much Do You Know? Who Am I ?

I start with T, I end with T Im full of tea, who am I? Im as big as the elephant But I weigh nothing Im seen when there is light Find me right. I am taken from a mine Shut up in a wooden case I am never released from there Yet I am used by almost everybody.

1. Grand Central Terminal, Park Avenue, New York is the world's (a) largest railway station (b) highest railway station (c) longest railway station (d) None of the above 2. Garampani sanctuary is located at (a) Junagarh, Gujarat (b) Diphu, Assam (C) Kohima, Nagaland (d) Gangtok, Sikkim

3. Galileo was an Italian astronomer who (a) developed the telescope (b) discovered four satellites of Jupiter (c) discovered that the movement of pendulum produces a regular time A cloud was my mother, the wind is measurement my father (d) All of the above My kid is the cool stream, and rainbow is my bed. Who am I? 4. Each year World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is celebrated on (a) May 8 (b) May 18 (c) June 8 (d) June 18
Answers Who Am I? : (1) Teapot, (2) An elephants shadow, (3) Pencil lead, (4) Rain. How Much Do You Know? : (1) a. (2) b. (3) d. (4) a. (5) a.
28

5. Film and TV institute of India is located at (a) Pune (b)Rajkot (c) Pimpri (d) Perambur

PA

CH

EC

KE

RS

You will need

Coloured peg for each player Dice

Rules and Purpose of the Game

Finish the game with maximum credit points. Start the game when you roll 4 on your dice. Each player will have a coloured peg. You will get a credit of 50 points at the start of the game. Note that if you Land on a red angry face, you will lose 5 points Land on a smiley, you will gain 10 points. Land on a crying face, you will go back 2 boxes. Land on a success emoticon, you can move 2 boxes forward. Land on a surprise emoticon, you can jump to the finish line. The player who reaches the finish line first with maximum credit points shall be the winner.

December (Second) 2011

29

PRITPAL SINGH

you ? know
Guinness Book of world Records announced that Fizz Girl, a Munchin Cat from Californiais the shortest cat in the world. Munchin Cat breeds are generally born with short legs. Fizz Girl is only 6 inches tall.

did

The deep sea angler is a grotesque-looking fish that lives in the extreme depths of the ocean. Angler fish uses his fins to balance himself on the sea bed while waiting for his prey. But it looks like as if the fish has 4 legs and is walking on the sea floor.

All Lady bugs secrete a fluid that is sticky and foul smelling. People often claim they have been bitten or stung by Lady bugs. Lady Bugs do not have stingers. In reality some people are sensitive to the yellow sticky foul smelling fluid that they secrete and when it comes in contact with the skin, it causes allergic rashes.

By Shanta Nagrajan

Chintu Monkey and his friends studied in a school in the jungle. The school was located far away from where the animals lived. The young animals would have to walk a long distance to reach the school everyday. Chintu Monkey didnt like walking even though he was very adventurous by nature. There were big trees on both sides of the path that led to the school. One day, Chintu noticed them and had an idea. Hey! he thought. I can go to school by swinging from one tree to another tree. If I do that, I wont have to walk to school like the others do." So, Chintu Monkey began swinging on the trees. It saved him a lot of time and also saved him the trouble of walking. All the other animals watched Chintu

Monkey with awe. One day, Tiny Tortoise saw Chintu swinging on the trees and said, Look at Chintu! He is bold and fearless. He reaches school in just a few minutes by swinging on the trees. Isnt he lucky? We have a long distance to walk! It takes all our time! All the animals applauded Chintus decision of swinging to school. They would whistle and clap and cheer for him when they saw him swinging from tree to tree. But Chintu Monkey had grown very proud of himself and his clever thinking. He would often make fun of his friends and bully them. It rained very heavily one morning. There was a strong wind blowing too. Like every day, Chintu Monkey and his friends left their homes to go to school. My, the wind is really strong today! Chotu Rat said. It will surely blow me away. Its even blowing the leaves and twigs away from the trees! Chotu Rat then turned to Chintu Monkey and said, Chintu, why dont you walk with us today? The wind is strong and its raining heavily.

33

and swam to the river bank. But he was soaking wet. His books and school bag were drenched too. What shall I do now? Chintu thought worriedly. I am as wet as a sponge! If my friends see me in this condition, they will surely laugh at me. We are having a school test today so I really cant turn around and go home! Chintu Monkey panicked and looked around, wondering what to do.

It will be safer if you walk. Chintu Monkey ignored Chotu Rats suggestion. I am an expert swinger! he boasted and continued swinging on the trees. Ah! This wind is so pleasant, Chintu thought. The branches are swaying with it! Im enjoying the raindrops too! Chotu Rat was silly to suggest that I should walk with them to school today! But when Chintu Monkey tried to hold the branch of the next tree, he was in for a rude shock. The branch had bent with the force of the wind and grown weak. It snapped as soon as Chintu caught it and broke into two. Unfortunately, this branch was right above the river and Chintu Monkey found himself falling into the water below. Fortunately, Chintu was a good swimmer. He managed to save himself from drowning
34

PROITI ROY

He spotted Tiny Tortoise walking slowly and had an idea. Tiny, come here! Chintu ordered. I want your help! Tiny Tortoise ignored Chintu and continued walking. It took him a very long time to reach school and he couldnt waste even a precious moment by stopping. Besides, Chintu had made fun of him and bullied him so many times. Come here, Tiny! Chintu Monkey commanded. If you dont, I will tell the teacher that you havent studied for the test. Tiny Tortoise was startled. He knew that Chintu Monkey was capable of doing such things. Please, dont do that! Tiny Tortoise said and stopped. I will do as you say. Good, Chintu Monkey said. Now listen carefully, Tiny. I am going to tell all our friends that you were drowning in the river. I will also tell them that I got wet because I jumped in to save you. You have to nod when I tell them that. I do not want anyone to know that I had fallen into the river because of a broken tree branch. Is that understood?Chintu said sternly. Butbut we tortoises live in water, Tiny Tortoise said. We feel very safe in the water. In fact, we can swim very well. Everyone knows that! Dont worry, Tiny! Chintu said with a laugh. Our friends are quite stupid. They will believe my story!
December (Second) 2011

Soon, Chintu Monkeys friends came along. They were shocked to see how drenched Chintu was. Chintu, what happened to you? How did you fall in the river? Did you fall from the tree? Chotu Rat asked, looking very shocked. Oh! I cant fall off a tree! Chintu lied. I am an expert swinger! I saw Tiny Tortoise falling in the river. He was drowning. I jumped into the water to save him. Thats how I got wet. Tiny Tortoise nodded as he had promised. All the young animals began to clap. Oh Chintu! You are a hero! they said. You saved Tiny Tortoises life! Come on! We will tell the teacher about your brave deed. You should be rewarded in front of the entire school. Chintus friends then ran to school and told Teacher Dumbo Donkey all that they had heard. Well done, Chintu! Teacher Dumbo Donkey said lazily. As a reward for saving your friends life, I am giving you a holiday today. I will even exempt you from the test. Go home and play. Chintu Monkey ran out of the school gates happily. Ha Ha! I fooled everyone! They think Im a hero! And guess what? I dont even have to appear for the test! he said and laughed. He then began swinging on the trees again.
35

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white." The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?" - Chitra Sandy: What do you get if Batman and Robin get smashed by a steam roller? Candy: No idea! Sandy: Simple! Flatman and ribbon. - Anshu Friend 1 : A boy opened the fridge and started blushing. Why did the boy blush? Friend 2 : I dont know. Do you know why? Friend 1 : Yeah! He saw the salad dressing! - Praveen Annie : A doctor and a boy were fishing. The boy was the doctor's son, but the doctor was not the boy's father. Who was the doctor? Sunny : Im sure the doctor was his mother. - Pooja Anu : Did you hear the story about the piece of butter? Tanu : Never mind. I don't want to spread it around. - Bharat

December (Second) 2011

37

The Village Mouse

Once upon a time a town mouse went to his friend who lived in the nearby village. The village mouse was happy to see his friend. So he prepared a fine feast for him. The town mouse looked at the fruit and the ear of corn with hatred. He did not like the village food. "Is this how you live?" he asked, "Life in the village is very boring and it seems you do not get much here." He persuaded the village mouse to accompany him to the town and see all the good things there. So, the village mouse packed all his clothes and off they went to the city together. The village mouse was really surprised to see the things there. But as soon as they settled down to enjoy a fine meal of cheese and fruit, a big cat leapt in through the window. Seeing the cat, both the mice ran into a hole to save themselves, so the cat ate up all the cheese and fruit. When the cat had gone away, the mice came out of their hole. The village mouse was frightened. "I am going," cried the village mouse, "I like my simple life in safety than this grand feast in such a danger." So saying the village mouse ran back to his home.
- Ankit, Chennai.

Diksha, B. M. Model School

Drishti, Chandigarh

There are some mistakes in picture 2. Find out how many mistakes are there. Send your answers through SMS. First type the keyword DPBVB. Then leave one space DPDVB 7 and then type the total number of mistakes. For example, DPBVB 7, as shown in the photo of mobile. Then send the SMS on 57007. You may send as many SMS as you like. Any 5 correct respondents will be asked to send their complete address. They will be given a gift of Rs. 100 each. You can also send your answers by Post Card. Your answers should reach us by 30 December, 2011.

IN THE CHAMPAKA FOREST, THERE LIVED A MONKEY NAME BILLU. HE WAS VERY GOOD AT SWIMMING AND ROWING. BUT, HE WAS A CHEAT. HOW ABOUT GOING TO THE OTHER SIDE?

FRIENDS, COME ON BE SEATED IN THIS BOAT. I SHALL TAKE YOU TO THE RITHER SIDE OF THE RIVER

BY VENU VARIATH THUS-

GOOD. NEELU THE CROW OFTEN SAYS THAT A LOT OF FRUITS ARE THERE. SAME IS THE CASE WITH ME.

I AM TRAVELLING IN A BOAT FOR THE FIRST TIME.

WHEN THE BOAT WAS NEARING THE OTHER BANKDO YOU KNOW SWIMMING AND ROWING?

NO.

IN THAT CASE, I WILL SHOW YOU A TRICK.

WHAT TRICK?

LOOK! THIS IS THE TRICK!

ALAS! WHAT SHALL WE DO NOW?TRICK. TRICK.

EH!

SWIM LIKE THIS AND COME WITH ME.

WE DONT KNOW SWIMMING.

CHEAT! HE HAS DECEIVED US.

HA! HA! THAT WILL BE YOUR END.

SOON BILLU SEES LARGE CROCODILES COMING TOWARD HIM AAAH!

HI! HI! ENOUGH MEAL FOR THE DAY!

HA! HA!

IMMEDIATELY, BEELU SWAM BACK TO THE BOAT.

HM! YOU STOP THERE!

AFTER A WHILEBILLU CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS BOAT

ESCAPED! WHAT A RELIEF!

THEN BILLU ROWED THE BOAT TO THE SHORE. WE ARE LUCKY THAT THOSE CROCODILES APPEARED. YOU ARE RIGHT.

THE MONKEYS CAME SAFELY BACK TO THE BANK OF THE RIVER.

December (Second) 2011

45

By Jamshed Aazmi

he Bagh Bahadur Museum was a big and famous museum in Champakvan. It was very well known all over the world too. Tourists from far and wide flocked to see the antiques and valuable artifacts that were on display. Amongst the most famous displays of The Bagh Bahadur Museum, were the mummies of the last twenty kings of Champakvan. They were King Sher Singhs ancestors and had been embalmed and kept here for many years. These mummies made quite an unusual sight and the tourists who saw them were both fascinated and frightened. Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf were two wolves who lived in Champakvan. The two of them were thieves who specialised in

stealing antiques and valuable artifacts. They were very dangerous and cunning too. The wolves made their living by selling the stolen objects to collectors in foreign countries. Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf had set their cunning little eyes on The Bagh Bahadur Museum for a very long time. They wanted to steal the mummies and were working on plans to sneak them out of the museum. One night, Baddy Wolf sat down to make a map of The Bagh Bahadur Museum. He was drawing lines when Laddy Wolf came up to him and asked, Baddy Wolf, what are you drawing so late at night? Are you working on a plan to steal something big and priceless? You are right, my friend, Baddy Wolf nibbled on a pencil and said. I am making a map of The Bagh Bahadur Museum. The map will help us plan how we will steal the mummies. Once we manage that, our dream of growing rich will come true! That is fantastic! Laddy Wolf said, rubbing his hands with glee. You have finally started work on our Operation Museum. But how will we steal the mummies? There are tourists visiting

the museum all day and night. Dont worry about that, Laddy. We will make sure the tourists run away from the museum and clear our paths, Baddy Wolf said and laughed. Tell me how! I am your partner after all, Laddy Wolf said excitedly. He was eager to hear the plan. Listen then, Baddy Wolf said confidently. I am making a map of the museum. I have also chalked out the entire plan of stealing the mummies. We will first dig a tunnel to enter the museum. This tunnel will directly take us to the museums toilet area. Once we are inside, I will wrap you in white bandages that will make you look just like a mummy. You will have to act like a ghost and scare the tourists away. Laddy Wolf jumped excitedly. How wicked you are, Baddy Wolf! he said, looking thrilled. The tourists will be scared and flee the museum. We will steal the mummies then and make our way out through the tunnel. Thats right, Baddy Wolf said and yawned. Now go and make some tea for me. I want to finish drawing this map tonight. Baddy Wolf stayed up that night and after many hours of hard work, he completed the map. The next day, Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf took the map with them and walked to the pond behind The Bagh Bahadur Museum. Baddy Wolf began digging the tunnel with a shovel. Laddy Wolf took the mud and threw it into the pond so that nobody would suspect that a tunnel was being dug.
December (Second) 2011

The distance between the pond and The Bagh Bahadur Museum was long. It took the two wolves a whole month to finish digging the tunnel. The tunnel was dug exactly according to Baddy Wolf s plan. It opened directly below the museums toilet. After that, the two wolves spent some time making a door in the floor of the toilet that they could slide it open and enter. Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf were very confident now. They were ready to put their plan in action. The next night, Baddy Wolf wrapped Laddy Wolf in white bandages and sent him inside the museum. Laddy Wolf looked just like the mummies on display. He started walking all over the museum, making eerie sounds. The birds and animals who were visiting saw him and panicked. Eek! they shouted. Theres a walking mummy in the museum! A ghost! Everyone ran out, looking petrified. Soon, the news of the walking mummy spread like wild fire. Everyone in Champakvan was terrified. The tourists stayed away from the museum too. Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf laughed. Everything was going as per their plan. Now all they had to do was steal the mummies. One night, they crept inside the museum and stole one of the mummies out.
47

When they reached their house, Baddy Wolf said, Laddy, we should hide this mummy at a very safe place. No one should find it. After we do that, we will steal one mummy from the museum every day. We will contact the foreign agent after we have a few mummies and sell them for a lot of money. So, the two wolves started stealing the mummies every night. It took them just eleven days, to steal eleven mummies. Everyone in Champakvan was shocked when they heard the news of the mummies disappearing from the museum. And everyone had a different story to tell. Some said that the mummies had come alive and were running away from the museum. Others believed that it was the work of a sly thief. King Sher Singh was pacing to and fro inside his palace. He was very worried about the matter. After all, the stolen mummies were those of his ancestors. He sent for Cheeku Rabbit. Cheeku Rabbit came as soon as he could. He too had heard of the disappearing mummies. Maharaj, Im shocked, Cheeku Rabbit said. Ive heard that the mummies are disappearing from The Bagh Bahadur Museum. Is that true? Yes, Cheeku, King Sher Singh said with a sigh. Eleven mummies have disappeared so far. I have asked the police to patrol the museum gates. The security has been tightened too. But sadly, the mummies are still being stolen. There are rumours of a walking mummy in the museum. The police and security guards have heard it and are scared too. Cheeku, you are very smart. Id like you to work as a detective and catch the thief. Dont worry, Maharaj, Cheeku Rabbit said politely. I will do my best. Cheeku Rabbit then left for The Bagh Bahadur Museum. He began investigating and looked for clues all over. Soon, Cheeku reached the toilet. He checked the walls, the ceiling and finally the floor. Aha, Cheeku muttered. I think someone has tampered with the toilet floor. I should tap it with a stick and see. Cheeku found a stick and carefully tapped it all over the toilet floor. At one particular spot, the tapping sound sounded odd and hollow.

PRITPAL SINGH

Aha! Cheeku shouted happily. There is something below this floor! Cheeku bent down and found the sliding door that led to the tunnel. This is clearly the work of clever thieves, not ghosts. They have stolen the mummies by entering the museum through this tunnel, Cheeku said to himself. I will search the entire area thoroughly. The tunnel must surely have another opening somewhere in the forest. Cheeku Rabbit then left the museum and began exploring the entire area. Soon, he found the pond behind the museum. He saw that the water in the pond was unusually muddy. A pile of freshly dug mud was lying nearby too. Hmm, Cheeku Rabbit thought. The tunnel must have another opening here. The thieves must be using it to enter and leave the museum. Cheeku Rabbit looked around and found the tunnels opening in no time. Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf are only two thieves in Champakvan who are interested in stealing antiques and museum artifacts. Besides, they are the only thieves who can think so sharply and come up with such a cunning plan. Cheeku Rabbit then went to King Sher Singh and told him what he had found. King Sher Singh was furious. I will get Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf arrested at once! he roared. Maharaj, please dont do that, Cheeku Rabbit suggested. It would be better if we catch them red-handed so that we know where they have hidden the stolen mummies.
December (Second) 2011

Alright, Cheeku, King Sher Singh said. We will do as you say. I am giving you the authority to catch the thieves. Cheeku Rabbit then went to the police station and met Inspector Gendamal. He was the police officer in charge of the case. They started working on a plan to catch the thieves. That very night, Cheeku Rabbit and Inspector Gendamal took a few constables and hid behind the bushes near the pond. They waited there patiently. Just as the clock struck midnight, Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf came along. They tiptoed towards the tunnel. Aha! Cheeku Rabbit whispered. So, I was right! It is them! Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf had no idea that Cheeku Rabbit and Inspector Gendamal were watching them. They walked into the tunnel and made their way to the museum confidently. As soon as Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf returned carrying a mummy with them, Cheeku Rabbit alerted Inspector Gendamal and his constables. The two wolves walked deep into the forest. Cheeku Rabbit and Inspector Gendamal followed them quietly. Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf soon reached an abandoned house. They were hiding the mummies in it. Hooray! Operation Museum is a success! We have stolen another mummy from the museum again today! Laddy Wolf joyfully said once they had entered the house. We have twelve mummies now. We should sell them to the foreign agent as soon as we can. If the police get suspicious, then our dream of becoming rich will never be fulfilled.
49

You are right. We shouldnt be very greedy, Baddy Wolf said. I have spoken to the foreign agent. He is coming to Champakvan tomorrow night to buy the mummies. Well give him the ones we have. Well go on a long holiday after we get our money and return only after the matter has been forgotten. Suddenly, the house door creaked opened. The two wolves were startled. No one came to the abandoned house. Cancel your holiday bookings, if you have any, Inspector Gendamal shouted. Your game is over. You cannot go anywhere. Cheeku Rabbit followed inside. You have dared to steal Champakvans priceless treasures. King Sher Singh is furious. He is going to punish you for stealing his ancestors mummies, Cheeku Rabbit told the two thieves sternly.

Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf tried to escape. But Inspector Gendamal was too quick for them. He pounced on them and had them arrested. Baddy Wolf and Laddy Wolf confessed to their crimes. The police retrieved the stolen mummies and took them back to the museum. The following night, Inspector Gendamal arrested the foreign agent who had come to buy the stolen mummies. He too was thrown behind bars and punished. King Sher Singh was delighted that his ancestors mummies were back in the museum. He hosted a party in honour of Cheeku Rabbit for solving the mystery and felicitated him with a medal. Cheeku Rabbit was very proud of himself.

SHARP EYE
114

The illustration given below is part of a bigger illustration published in this issue. Look carefully through all the pages and tell us on which page is this larger illustration published.

DPDWA 18

You can SMS us your answers. First type the key word DPBWA. Leave one space after that and then write the page number. For example DPBWA 18, as shown in the photo of mobile. Then SMS this on 57007. You may send as many SMS as you like. Any 5 correct respondents will be asked to send their complete address. They will be given a gift of Rs. 100/- each. You can also send your answers by Post Card. Your answers should reach us by 30 December, 2011. Address: CHAMPAK, Delhi Press Building, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-55

50

Winners of Sudithi Global Academy, Itawa

Champak Creative Child Contest, Itawa, U.P .

On Childrens Day this year, Champak Creative Child Contest was organized by Delhi Press at Sudithi Global Academy at Itawa, UP. Here, about 160 children participated to show their skills. The panel of judges included Neelima Jain, Jyothi Dulhani, Seema Srivastava and Archana Sahni who carefully checked all the submissions. In the junior category, Ishu Yadav, Nidhi Lachkar, Tanishka Bansal, Priya Yadav and Akash Yadav were announced as winners and in the senior category, Prasha Tiwari, Prachi Raj, Mohini Kumari and Anchal Varma were selected for the state finals. Winners received a certificate, lunch box and pencil box from Champak. Principal Director Kamal Kumar distributed the prizes and greeted the winners. Kamal Kumar said that drawing is such an art that would help children learn many different things in life. She appreciated the efforts of Champak and said that children will remember this experience forever.

Show Skill Win Prizes

Champak Creative Child Contest, Lucknow, U.P .

Delhi Press conducted Champak Creative Child Contest at Saint Vivekanand Academy on 19th November 2011. The judges included Selen Ashish, Snehlata Lal and Shanti Das. From the junior cadre, Saurab Paul, Sanskriti Gupta and Arjun Gupta were selected for state finals and from the senior group, Rashmi Motwani, Pooja Gupta and Muskan Gupta were selected for their best paintings. The winners received prizes from Principal Director Sujata Dwivedi sponsored by Champak along with certificates. Sujata Dwivedi appreciated Champak for its content which helps children read and understand a lot of things.
Selected children at Saint Vivekananda Academy, Lucknow

Creative Girls

Elle Elephant was very courteous to all his customers. He is always smiling, just like his flowers! Elle Elephants customers would often say. But Elle Elephant had a rule that he followed very strictly. He only sold his flowers to the animals and birds who paid him right away. He didnt give credit to anyone. None of the customers even bothered to ask for credit for they knew what a hard worker the young elephant was and that he deserved to be paid right away.

By Dr.Gajendra Namdev

lle Elephant was a florist. He owned a small flower shop in Champakvan. Elle was a good natured fellow and took good care of his customers. He had even hung a beautiful wooden board outside his shop. On the board was painted in bold letters, ELLE FLORIST. Buy our flowers. They are beautiful and fragrant. They are fresh and will make you feel refreshed through the day.

Besides this, Elle Elephants flower shop had another specialty. Its fresh lotus flowers. Come rain or shine, Elle Elephant would wake up early every morning. He would wade in the pond and bring fresh lotus flowers from there. Elle Elephant would sell some of the lotus flowers from his shop. He would personally deliver the others to the homes and shops of
53

December (Second) 2011

PROITI ROY

the animals who didnt have the time to come to his shop. He didnt charge them anything extra. Everyone was impressed by the trouble Elle Elephant took. This resulted in good business for the shop. Dimpy Monkey was very fond of lotus flowers. He was a tailor and owned a small tailoring shop in Champakvan. Dimpy Monkey liked putting the lotus flowers in a vase that he had on his work bench. He relished their fragrance. Like Elle Elephant, Dimpy Monkey was an expert at his work too. Everyone liked the clothes he stitched. They looked nice and fitted well. And so, Dimpy Monkeys shop was always crowded. But Dimpy Monkeys nature was quite different from Elle Elephants. Dimpy Monkey was a grumpy fellow. He lost his temper very quickly too. Even the pettiest matter annoyed Dimpy Monkey no end. He wore glasses and every time he got angry and shouted, his glasses appeared like they were dancing on his nose.

Nobody liked Dimpy Monkey because of his foul temper. But there was no other tailor better than him in Champakvan. And so, all the animals in the forest had no choice but to ask Dimpy Monkey to stitch their clothes. Elle Elephant would take fresh lotus flowers to Dimpy Monkeys shop everyday. He would politely ask him for the money after leaving the flowers near the vase on the work bench. Once Dimpy Monkey had paid Elle Elephant the money, he would leave quietly. One morning, Elle Elephant went to the tailoring shop as usual to deliver a bunch of lotus flowers. He found Dimpy Monkey in the middle of an argument with a customer. Elle Elephant waited patiently till the customer left and then kept the flowers on Dimpy Monkeys work bench. Brother Dimpy, Elle Elephant said politely. Here are your lotus flowers. Please give me my money now. I cant wait any longer. I have to reach my shop soon. My customers will be waiting for me. Dimpy Monkey was

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in a terrible mood. Put the flowers in the vase! he scowled and said. I will give you the money tomorrow. You know I dont give anyone credit, Elle Elephant said courteously. It will take you less than a minute to reach into your pocket and give me my money. To Elle Elephants surprise, Dimpy Monkey grew furious. Fatso, he shouted. I have already told you that I will pay you your money tomorrow. Now stop bothering me and get out of my shop! Elle Elephant lost his temper too now. He didnt like being insulted or spoken to so rudely. Well Dimpy, Elle Elephant said, sounding very annoyed. I want my money right now. If you dont pay me right now, Ill take my flowers back. This made matters worse. Dimpy Monkey flew into a rage. Without even stopping to think, he picked up a pair of scissors and poked Elle Elephants trunk. You want money, Elle Elephant? Dimpy Monkey shouted. The glasses on his nose danced. Well, this is your money! Ow! Elle Elephant howled in pain. He then ran out of the shop. Dimpy Monkey laughed as he saw Elle Elephant holding his trunk and running on the street. Ive scared Elle Elephant away! he thought and began cutting a piece of cloth. Elle Elephant walked back to his shop, feeling very annoyed. Ill teach that horrible Dimpy Monkey a lesson! he thought. Hell never dare poke anyone again!
December (Second) 2011

Later that day, Dimpy Monkey was ironing the clothes he had just finished stitching when Elle Elephant suddenly entered his shop. Dimpy Mokey was surprised to see him. But before he could say anything, Elle Elephant threw some muddy water that he had in his trunk all over Dimpy Monkeys shop. The new clothes that Dimpy Monkey had stitched got dirty and there were small puddles of mud everywhere. Dimpy Monkey was astonished. Oh no! he cried. Elle Elephant has ruined my customers new clothes! I have taken so much trouble to stitch them. What will I tell my customers now when they come asking for their new clothes? Nothing like that had happened to Dimpy Monkey before. No one had dared to stand up to him or teach him a lesson. I shouldnt have poked Elle Elephants trunk, he said regretfully. When Dimpy Monkeys customers came to take their clothes, Dimpy had no choice but to tell them what had happened. Dimpy Monkey, each and every one of Dimpy Monkeys customers said. You always lose your temper at others. You are always rude to others. Today, you have found your match. Dimpy Monkey felt very embarrassed. He decided he would never lose his temper or hurt anyone again. He even apologized to Elle Elephant for poking his trunk and was never rude to him again.
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By Usha Brajacharya Verma

long time ago, there lived a tall and mighty tree in a big jungle. The tree was named Big Tree. Big Tree always stood erect and tall and looked down upon the smaller trees. Yes, Big Tree was quite arrogant.

When the wind blew hard, Big Tree would stand upright and tall. His trunk and branches would stay firm and wouldnt sway by even an inch. The wind could only make Big Trees driest leaves fall down. Big Tree would feel proud and boast, I am the tallest and mightiest tree in this jungle. The other trees should make me their king. My branches are thick and strong and my roots are spread wide and deep. Yes, I should be made a king. Small Tree was a smaller tree who grew right next to Big Tree. Small Tree was very thin and weak in comparison. When the wind blew hard, Small Trees trunk would sway to and fro. Big Tree would watch this happen. One day, he looked and Small Tree and said, Small Tree, you really are weak. You must grow up soon. I feel very sorry for you when the wind makes your trunk sway. Small Tree listened patiently and said, Dont worry, Big Tree. A time will come when I too will grow big and mighty like you. Big Tree laughed. Little one, I pity you, Big Tree said proudly. Look at how great I am! I help people by giving them shade on sunny days! And there are birds, animals and insects that have built their homes on me! I am very, very important.

Well, you are right, Big Tree, Small Tree agreed. You are always doing something worthwhile. But I am sure that someday I will be able to help others, just like you do. I will be very happy for you then, Big Tree said. You must stand erect then. You must spread your roots deep and far and raise your head high in the air, just like I do. Small Tree smiled and thought, I am in no hurry to grow up. I am happy with the way I am right now! Small Tree enjoyed the rain and the warm air. He had no idea that they were slowly helping him grow. Big Tree grew bigger with time too. But sadly, he became more and more arrogant. Every day, Big Tree would tease Small Tree and ask him to grow faster. Small Tree on the other hand, would simply smile. One day, when the two trees were talking, Big Tree suddenly said, Small Tree, you really are of no use to anyone. Why are you saying that, Big Tree? Small Tree asked, feeling quite hurt. No one comes to you for shade. And no creature lives or plays on you. Look at me! There are squirrels running all over me! I am sorry to say but you are quite worthless. Big Tree said haughtily. Small Tree felt bad but didnt utter a word. One day, I will be of use to someone too, Small Tree thought everyday as he drank the water from the earth. One day, people will flock to me for my shelter and shade! Creatures will live and play on me too! he thought as he made his food with his leaves in the sunshine. Then on, Small Tree ignored the harsh things Big Tree said and concentrated on growing. All, the other trees in the jungle were growing quickly. Im lagging far behind,

SONAL SUMIT

Small Tree realised. For some reason, Im taking very long to grow! A day came when the other trees in the jungle outgrew Small Tree. They looked far taller and stronger and covered Small Tree completely. But Small Tree didnt mind. Ill grow slowly and steadily, he thought and kept himself happy. The seasons changed and the trees around Small Tree kept on growing. Small Tree couldnt even see how tall the others were, but he was still happy for them. One night, a thunder storm hit the jungle. The wind howled and blew fiercely. Many strong trees found themselves falling down. Some others were uprooted. Many big trees found that their branches were being broken by the wind. There was panic and disappointment everywhere. Small Tree on the other hand, found that he was still firmly rooted to the ground. His trunk was swaying wildly in the wind but his branches were still too small for the powerful wind to break. The next day, the sun rose early in the morning. Its very first rays touched Small Tree since there were very few tall trees around now. The suns warmth made Small Tree wake up and smile. He felt very happy to be alive. Small Tree realised that his fortune was going to change for the better. As time passed by, many tall trees kept falling down. But Small Tree grew slowly and steadily in the sunlight. Big Tree was now old and weak. He was no longer erect or arrogant. One day, Big Tree sadly told Small Tree, I am old now. I have become useless. Birds dont make nests on my branches anymore

as they fear that my branches will fall down. All my leaves have fallen off and no one comes to me for shade. The squirrels too prefer to skip on you as they find your bark smoother than mine. Big Tree then began sobbing uncontrollably. Big Tree, Small Tree consoled his old friend. Being old doesnt mean that you are useless. You are still of great worth to me. You guided me when I was growing up. The knowledge you gave me is priceless. And its amazing that you are still standing with me, while all the other trees have fallen down. Is that true? Big Tree asked. I must say, that you have been very kind to me. The seasons have changed many times and many years have passed. You have remained a true friend all along. While I lost my other friends, you stood by me and made the life of an old tree happy. What I did was my duty towards you, Big Tree! Small Tree said softly. You appreciate my friendship and that is my biggest reward! By now Big Tree had realised that the smaller trees were unnecessarily ridiculed by the bigger trees for not growing as quickly. He felt sorry for all that he had said to Small Tree. And then, a day came when like the other big trees, Big Tree too fell down on the ground. Small Tree felt bad for his old friend. He would miss him. But he also knew that a day would surely come when he would become bigger and taller. The birds, animals and insects would make homes on him then. And people would come seeking his shade. Small Tree knew he would become useful for everyone, just like his old friend.

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