The Bragging Hedgehog

In a forest, there lived a hedgehog who was bragging all the time. He climbed up a log and shouted, at the top of his lungs, that he had outrun in high jumping even the hare. The animals of the forest gathered to admire the hedgehog who was such an accomplished athlete. Casually, the hare passed by and told the hedgehog: I have just come to compete with you in front of everybody! Seeing him, nervous, the hedgehog lost his balance and fell off the log. He climbed back again, ready to continue his speech. But all the animals that had been listening to him so far left disappointed with the hedgehogs big lies. So, the hedgehog remained on the log, talking to himself.

The bees save the forest

A few people came at the outskirts of the forest, intending to fell down the trees. They stopped by the brook, planning how to do and where to start from. Overhearing all this, the brook spread quickly the bad news all over the forest. The animals gathered quickly, worrying about losing their shelters. Lets call the bees to help us, said the bear, remembering how awfully he was stung by them when he had stolen their honey. In the morning, when the workers came, they saw the animals surrounding the forest just like a belt, and swarms of bees rushed at them from everywhere, chasing them away. Gratefully, all the flowers of the forest bloomed, inviting the bees to pick their nectar.

Blanca

In a farmers stable, a calf was born, as white as milk, and this is why she was called Blanca. After a few months, she grew up big and lively and the farmer decided to send her every morning to the pasture at the outskirts of the forest, together with the other cattle of the village. The first day, the farmer wanted to tie a bell round her neck, but as she saw it, Blanca wouldnt budge from her place. For several days on end, the farmer tried in vain to tie the bell but he did not succeed. So he sent her to the pasture without it, hoping that she would not get astray from the herd. But as she got out the village, Blanca was thrilled with joy; everything was green, new and wonderful. Not long afterwards, curiosity urged her to go to the forest and discover its secrets. As there was no bell round Blancas neck, her mother did not realize that she had got astray from the herd and then, in the evening, when she called her, nobody answered. When the cattle came home from the pasture, the farmer was very sad because Blanca was missing. She was in the middle of the forest, scared, calling her mother who couldnt hear her anymore. A hedgehog came out of the bushes. Why are you crying little calf? Who has upset you? I am also upset being homeless, and, as the night is falling, I am very sad. I got lost in the forest and I cant find my way home. Its so dark and I cant see a thing!

Ill help you; lets wait for the moon to come out of the clouds and light our way! The hedgehog climbed on the calfs back and led her to the humans village. In the middle of the night the farmer heard a faint voice at the gate and got out in a hurry to meet the calf. He understood that the hedgehog had helped her get back home and invited him to remain in his courtyard. As a reward, he gave him a bowl of milk. In the morning, Blanca waited quietly for the farmer to put the bell round her neck. Every evening, when she got back from the pasture, she would meet her friend, the hedgehog.

The Owl

Victor and Gloria were two siblings who used to spend their holidays at their grandparents. They enjoyed life in the countryside to the full, as the grandparents had a farm full of animals and a large garden. One day, as they were playing hide-and-seek, not knowing in what nooks to squeeze and where to climb up, Glorias shriek could be heard in the barns garret. Victor climbed up immediately to see what had happened. Gloria stood there pointing to the darkest corner of the garret. Ive seen something frightening! Its there! Its a monster! With big, big eyes and huge wings just like a bats! Dont be so scared, give me your hand and lets get closer together youve made me very curious! said Victor. But hardly had they taken three steps, when they heard a boo-hoo-hoo and wing flaps. In a nest, the children could see some eggs, as white as huge pearls glowing in the dark. Wed better talk to Grandfather in the evening, he must know more. I dont want us to make anything foolish said Gloria. In the evening, having heard what had happened, Grandfather told them: Its an owl, my dear! It has had its nest in the barn since last year. Its very useful in the farm, as it feeds on mice and insects. You shouldnt disturb it, especially when it is hatching. Grandpa, Id like so much to hold an egg like those ones, said Victor.

We mustnt do it. The owl might get upset and leave us. You wouldnt like the eggs to be deprived of the mothers warmth, would you? Grandpa, I cant wait to see the chicks flying over the barn! Not long afterwards, three chicks, as white as snow, appeared in the barn.

The Little Mices Ball

Deep down under the bed, Mousie found a cobweb. She took the scissors and cut some wonderful dresses out of it for her daughters. The Little Mices Ball was approaching fast. And, as good a mother that she was, she wished her daughters to be the most beautiful ones. Out of cheese skin, she even made them little hats and shoes. The young ladies became irresistible. The boy mice couldnt get their eyes off them all the evening. After the ball a lot of weddings followed. A lot of squeaking little grandchildren appeared in Mousies family.

The Bird House

When Mihai turned five years old, his father took him to the forest. He was a ranger and wanted his son to know the beauty of the environment where he worked. Mihai saw two workers cutting down a tree. Father, the workers are felling the tree because it doesnt give fruit, arent they? Each tree is important for all of us. Trees make the air cleaner, a lot of birds nest in their branches, and in their hollows the squirrels and foxes have found their shelter. Even the bees build their wax hives there. The forest is full of shelters of the animals that love and respect it. Mihai decided to make a little bird house himself, in which he put some straw to make a soft bed. He went to the forest and hung the little house on the branch of an old tree. The birds immediately started to inspect the wonderful lodge, thinking of how well their chicks will grow up there. Mihai was delighted to see that a family of birds have made their nest in the house built with his own hands.

The Bathing Rooster

Perched high up on a fence, the rooster kept watching enviously the geese that walked to the river early in the morning. They came back in the evening in the same way, one after another, in a file, in perfect order. The rooster thought of arranging his hens in a file. He asked them, scolded them, menaced them, but it was all in vain. Then, the desperate hens promised him that they would march in a file only if he promised to bathe in the river just like the geese. Conceited and adventurous, he pretended that bathing was a piece of cake for the likes of him. They all went to the river to see the wonder. But when they got there, the rooster claimed that the water was either too big, or too cold, or it was too wet. As to the bathing, no way. Thus, the hens could go home quietly. Behind them, the rooster strode less proudly than usual.

The Bragging Rooster

Early in the morning, the rooster woke up and perched on top of the fence shouting at the top of his lungs: Cock-a-doodle-doo, Im the smartest, Im the strongest of all! He looked at the feathers of the raven from the nearby tree and added: Cock-a-doodle-doo, Im the most beautiful too! Oh my, says the raven, I can see a fox in the distance. I believe it is coming straight to you to admire your feathers and see how extraordinary you are. Hearing this, the rooster gathered quickly all his hens, led them to the coop and locked the door. The raven got down from the tree and, all day long, he nibbled thoroughly at the hens grains. Then he shouted at the cock: Caw-caw! Now you get out of the coop. But mark my words: had you been the smartest, the grains would be now in your dewlap, not in mine.

The Magic Carpet

Once upon a time, in the Far East, there lived a nomad family who had three children. They would live in tents and would walk to and fro in search of food and better living conditions. In the daytime, the sun warmed their bodies and hearts. But when night came, they would grow sad, as they felt lonely and cold in their tent. One day, the woman sat down at the loom to weave a carpet. She told her husband that this carpet was going to be a magic one. He did not quite understand what that meant, but he let her do her job. When she finished it, the woman laid it down in the tent. In the evening they would sit down on it and, in turns, each of them would tell a story. The children were delighted to be with their parents and they would listen fascinated. Feelings of love and friendship were woven ever tighter with every evening spent in the family. Their eyes were sparkling with delight. The husband told the other nomad families about the magic of the carpet, so all the wives started weaving carpets for their families. This is why, ever since, more and more beautiful carpets appeared in the Far East.

Marys Fingers

One night, while sleeping, Marys fingers were having a council: Look at me, said the Pointer Finger, how dirty I am; all day long she makes me pick her nose and she never washes me. Doesnt she know there are handkerchiefs? Never mind, I have my own suffering too, said the Ring Finger. Cant you see what a big, black nail I have? Soon, I wont have a nail anymore, cried the Thumb. I tore it two days ago and nobody has taken care of me. What shall we do, peeped the Little Finger. We are all dirty and neglected. Its for the first time the fingers have decided to do something in order to change Marys bad habits. In the morning, Mary got down of her the bed and rushed to get some food because she was starving. But she couldnt grab the food as it kept slipping through her fingers. The same thing happened at lunch and at dinner. Late in the evening, she thought that the fingers might be upset with her because she disobeyed mothers advice to keep them clean. She went to bed starving and, when she woke up in the morning, she scrubbed her hands with soap and water; she clipped her nails and sat down at table.

The food was tastier than it had ever been before and her little fingers were happier than ever. Since then, Mary always knows that when you sit down at table your hands must be washed thoroughly.

The Wandering Little Ant

Once upon a time, in an anthill, there lived a very curious ant who kept wondering about what happened in the world and how large the Earth really was. One day, she sat down to rest on a bolder, close to the anthill. Up in the sky, a cloud was just passing above her. Oh, its so good to see you! - the ant said. Could you give me a ride high in the sky so that I can see the Earth? The ant climbed up on the cloud and it lifted it higher and higher Just sit here on this grain of dust and grab it tight, so that you may not fall down! The cloud took the ant above the forest, to see the animals. It took it to see the rivers and the fields. Why are those people looking up? asked the ant. Because there is drought and they are hoping for some rain. It passed above a town and the ant saw the children getting out of the school. Why are the children so noisy? They are happy that they have learnt something at school and now they can play merrily answered the cloud. Oh yes how beautiful indeed! But now Ive got tired and I feel heavy, said the cloud. Hold tight, I must shake!

The ant was scared to death. It heard terrible noises and a blinding light was flashing. On top of all, even its wings got wet. Oh dear, I want to go home, help me get home! cried the ant. Suddenly, the rain stopped and the sun made a beautifully coloured toboggan, on which the ant slid to the ground: the rainbow.

The Cricket and the Ant

Autumn had come for some time and the cricket couldnt find anything to eat. He went to the ant to see if he could persuade her to give him a few grains. He had seen her work all summer and he knew that she had a larder full of goodies. The ant agreed, on condition that he taught her to sing. The cricket sang for her from morning till night and, after each song, he ate a grain from the ants larder. The ant tried to imitate him but, whenever she tried some vocalization, nothing melodious came out of it. They went on like that, until they ran out of supplies. The music lessons also finished. The cricket left in a hurry to find out another ant that he might teach to sing.

The Hare and the Squirrel

It was a very beautiful autumn day when Hop-Hop, a smart and enterprising hare, started scouring the fields and orchards in search of winter supplies. While crossing an orchard, an apple core hit his head, right between his ears. He looked up and saw a squirrel nibbling hastily at some apples. Will you give me some apples? - said the hare; we can share them and well have food for all the winter, both of us. The squirrel laughed in his face and threw another core between his ears. Then, Hop-Hop swallowed to no avail and scratched his head over how to eat some apples. A wild boar, which was very fond of apples, also appeared. I could bet that you cant shake down all the apples from this tree with a single blow!- Hop-Hop told him. If you succeed, they are yours; if not, they are mine. Very confident in his own forces, the boar agreed and dealt a strong blow at the tree. All the apples fell. Look up and see that there is one apple left, said the hare artfully. Cross, the boar left. In fact, up in the tree one could see the squirrel, crouched with fear.

The hare gathered the apples and took them in his burrow. Then he told the squirrel: All the winter Im going to leave the apple cores at the door of the burrow; you can take them and shoot at target.

Iza and Mara

Two twin sisters, Iza and Mara, used to get a penny every day from their mother. As soon as she got the penny, Iza would go to the nearby shop and buy sweets. She would do her lessons in a hurry and then she would play until late in the evening. Mara used to put her penny aside and, when she gathered more, she would buy a story book. After finishing her lessons, she would enter delighted the wonderful world of the fairytales. Only afterwards did she go to play. One day, the schoolmistress asked the pupils to tell a story. Mara offered herself to do it and her story telling was so good that the children listened attentively and admiringly. Mara said that she would have a new story for them every day, as beautiful as that one. It was only then that Iza found out what beautiful stories her sister knew and she felt sorry, deep in her heart she should have spent her time and money better, just as her sister had done.

The Slob Who Became Hardworking

Once upon a time, in a village, there lived a man who was so lazy that he would eat only when he got something for free. The villagers gathered to put their heads together and see what could be done with their man, how they could help him live other than on charity. They decided that, for thirty days, each day a villager should go to his home and show him how to take care of the small derelict farm: one man showed him how to dig the garden, another how to prune the trees in the orchard, how to clean the well, how to cook and clean the house At first, the slob was reluctant, but he had no choice. If he hadnt accepted to work with the villagers that came to him, he wouldnt have got anything to eat. Little by little, the slob could see how his courtyard and garden had changed; the house and terrace were clean and tidy and the food was delicious after a days work. Thus, after the thirty days, our man had become beyond recognition. The satisfaction he felt after the work he had done had changed him into a quiet different person. This is why the villagers changed his name from The lazy one into The hardworking one.

Metamorphosis

Two caterpillar friends fell off a tree onto an anthill. Oh dear said one of them, what a palace! Look, what beautiful rooms! And what galleries! Lets get in and cool off a bit, for it is too hot outside. And they entered to check the rooms. But hardly had they begun to search the place, when the intruding caterpillars were welcomed with stings and hoots by the owners of the anthill. They barely knew how to withdraw as quickly as they could. Who might be these small and unwelcoming beings? Lets try once again! But, try as they might, they couldnt enter the anthill again because, meanwhile, they had changed into two butterflies with multicoloured wings. Becoming aware of their miraculous transformation, the butterflies flew to the flower garden and landed on a daisy. Their attention was caught by a bee, which was collecting the nectar from the nearby flower. You see, brother, how elegant and colourful we are? And the poor bee has so small wings and such an ugly buzzBut we, we are very beautiful! Buzz! Buzz! - replied the displeased bee. I am not so beautiful, but I and my sisters feed both men and animals. What are you doing all

day long? You are just flying from one flower to another, bragging, arent you? The butterflies pretended not to hear her and, ashamed, kept quiet.

The Foal

In a farmers stable, the mare gave birth to a blazed foal. The foal was very proud of his beauty, he was happy to be close to his mother and have plenty of milk to drink to his hearts content. One morning, the foal woke up alone. The farmer went with the mare to plough the field, he went to the market, he worked as a carter. The same today the same tomorrow the foal got angry and wouldnt drink the milk anymore. He grew weaker every day. The farmer was extremely worried, trying to find a solution for the foal to recover. After a few days, when he had to go to the market, the farmer put a bridle to the foal and tied him next to the mare. He ran tirelessly and happily all day long. In the evening, he drank all the milk, looking gratefully at his master.

The Snowman

It was a wonderful winter day. The fresh snow was urging the children to play. A snowman turned up in the lane. A child brought an old pot from home and put it on the snowman for a hat; another one put a carrot for his nose. A stick torn off a fence turned the snowman into a reliable guard of the whole lane. Thus, the snowman realized that he was unique, great and handsome, and he took his role as guard in earnest. He would play with the children every day and the lane was full of exultant yells and joy The days passed by, the sun was shining ever brighter in the sky and the snowman grew smaller and smaller. He started shaking and crying his nose fell down, his eyes rolled to the ground. Not even his best friends, the children, could save him from the heat of the sun. Feeling sorry, the children took their leave of the snowman and promised to meet again the next winter. The snowman disappeared and a snowdrop sprung bravely from the ground announcing the coming of spring.

Mice Story

Two mice were living in the same larder. One of them dug a gallery in the wall, while the other one found an empty boot and took hold of it. I dont think it is O.K. to make your house in the boot! If a cat comes, it will grab you with its claws on the spot! said the other mouse. Mind your own business neighbour! In my house I can store a lot of supplies to keep for a rainy day, while your house in the wall can barely hold you alone! They had a good life in the larder full of sacks with wheat and corn. The mouse with the boot was greedier and filled it with a lot of grains so that he now had to sleep on top of the heap. But the master of the house learned about the pranks of the mice and summoned the cat to give him a helping paw. As he entered the larder, the cat rushed at the mouse sleeping on top of the boot and was so close to grab him. The other mouse, seeing the terrible scene, quickly called his neighbour to come over. The tomcat stretched his paw, but the gallery was too narrow and he couldnt reach the mice hidden inside. In vain did he move his whiskers to catch the smell of mouse. Squeezed inside and frightened to death, the two barely got off with a whole skin For the time being!

The Stubborn Donkey

A donkey, on his way back from the market with his master, stopped in the middle of the road and refused to move anymore. The bags on his back seemed too heavy to him and he decided that, from then on, he would work only when and how he pleased. Much as the farmer entreated him, then even whipped him, the donkey wouldnt budge: hee-haw! hee-haw! hee-haw! Fortunately, the farmers neighbour, who also had a donkey, happened to be passing by. He moved the burden of the stubborn donkey on his own one and they all made for home. Our donkey was frisking merrily, seeing that he had got rid of his burden. In the evening, the farmer prepared, as usual, a pail of oats and one of water. The donkey was eager and he was very glad seeing his master coming with the pails. But the farmer passed him by and took the pails to the neighbours donkey. That evening, the stubborn donkey went to sleep hungry and thirsty. But the next day he was more obedient and hardworking than usual.

The Magic Shoes

Ioana was a little girl who was very fond of watching television. Her mother urged her to play with the other kids, but she wouldnt. She just sat in front of the TV. Ioana grew more and more sullen every day and would talk less and less. When the time came for her to go to school, she sat down at the desk alone, as she had no friends at all and was very unhappy. One day, her mother brought her some shoes which cast a spell on the TV-set. It wouldnt start unless the shoes had taken one thousand steps. Ioana was very upset, thinking that she was going to lose her only friend - the TV-set. She got outside to take the thousand steps, thinking of her TV-set. She met children. She made friends. She forgot about the television. Her life is now full of joy and she has a lot of friends.

A Caterpillar Story

Two caterpillars bumped into each other just in the middle of an apple. Hey, sister, I was the first to arrive in the middle, the apple is mine! Oh no, you should look for another one, as I was the first to enter! Lets get out and fight! Ill see you out, near the apple stalk! Ill knock you down with a single blow! Thus, in a short while a terrible fight began. Tock! Tock! Tock! What goodies under the bark of this old apple tree! The woodpecker! She must be looking for us! Wed better tear away! I declare we are at a draw! Lets hide somewhere! The caterpillars entered the apple again and they lived there together as good friend. The apple was big enough to hold both of them.

Nocturnal Show

In the pond at the edge of the village, there lived a large family of frogs. They looked forward to the evening in order to announce, each one with its own voice, the rain of the following day. The frogs made such a fearful uproar that the peasants decided that, for their own peace, they had better dry up the pond. Hearing the appalling news, the frogs gathered to put their heads together. My dear, said one of them, we must do something so that the humans might appreciate us, we must sing in parts and find a conductor whom all of us should obey. The little frogs called the glow worms in order to help them put on a show of light and sound. Three crickets offered to accompany the group of sopranos with their violins. When evening came, the artists started the performance. The villagers were impressed by the concert echoing from the pond and went there to see the wonder. The news about the beauty of the show was spread in the world and in the evening, at the pond, even people from the surrounding villages came to admire the artists. Now the villagers were happy that they hadnt dried up the pond, because the nocturnal show brought them relaxation and fun after a days work.

Tudor and the Glasses

Tudor had been wearing glasses since he was very young and now, when he got to school, he and his glasses were inseparable. The time passed by and Tudor was due to buy a new pair of glasses. He was proud of the new glasses and eager to show them to his colleagues. When he came back from school, he found the old pair of glasses flooded in tears. Left home alone, the old glasses felt abandoned and betrayed. They knew they had done their duty well and had helped Tudor, being by his side at all games and events, so they couldnt explain why they had been abandoned. The boy understood their sorrow and, starting with the next day, he took to school both pairs of glasses: the new one seated on his nose and the old one in the desk, witnessing everything at school. Tudor was delighted that in this way he could keep an old and devoted friend close to him.

The Wind and the Clouds

Thunder and lightning! The clouds were holding a council. We cant go on like that anymore! The wind blows us only where he wants. He never asks us anything! Sometimes we bump against the mountains, other times we float above the oceans Lets hide in a cave, said a cloud, no wind blows there and we cant be found. And the clouds hid in the cave. Now, that the clouds were hidden, the wind was blowing in vain, bringing only drought, and the people and animals started to suffer. One very hot day, a shepherd entered the cave with his flock of sheep, to cool off. He met the clouds that were floating freely to and fro. He found out that they were hidden there, discontented that the wind took them only where he wanted to. The wind is the most faithful servant of the Earth; he works tirelessly night and day helping the plants, birds and insects in their flight and carrying the clouds wherever nature is thirsty. You had better get out of here, lazybones, and make it up with the wind! Then the clouds appeared again in the sky and shook their heavy cloaks, giving the Earth the long expected rain.

A Childs Smile

In a village, there lived a sullen old woman, who would never speak to anyone. Next door lived Iulia, a little girl who was afraid of her, whenever she saw her severe and unfriendly look. One day Iulias mother told her that the old woman was so sad because she had lost her three sons in the war. Since then, whenever Iulia passed by the house of the old woman, she greeted aloud, with a broad smile, and asked if she could help her. Little by little Iulia softened the heart of the old lady who greeted her back and even answered some of her questions. Now, Iulia was not afraid of the old woman anymore and called on her daily, to help her with the housework. The old woman became more talkative and always looked forward to meeting Iulia. To her, the visit of the little girl was like a ray of sunshine after the rain. The little girl learned that the people who need a smile the most are those who cannot offer it themselves.