Сказки на английском легкие для прочтения. Несколько коротких детских сказок с моралью. Используйте разные методики

Ни для кого не является секретом, что сегодня изучение английского языка – это необходимость. Современные родители стараются привить своим чадам любовь к иностранному языку с детства, отправляя их на дополнительные занятия или нанимая частного репетитора. Однако мамы и папы тоже могут поучаствовать в процессе обучения малышей. Детские сказки на английском языке – лучший способ усвоения материала. Через чтение ребёнок не только погрузится в мир любимых волшебных героев, но и научится воспринимать привычные истории на чужом языке и усвоит новые слова. Таким образом, вы привьёте ребёнку интерес не только к изучению языка, но и литературе.

Английский язык через сказку

Детство – лучшая пора не только в силу беззаботности, но и эффективности усвоения новой информации. Именно поэтому учёные советуют начинать учебный процесс в 2-4 года, когда мозг ребёнка способен легко воспринимать учебный материал.

У обучения иностранному языку в раннем возрасте есть свои особенности. Игровая методика и восприятие большей части материала на слух лишь некоторые из них. Сейчас в свободном доступе находится множество видеороликов, аудиозаписей и книг в помощь родителям и педагогам.

Занятие для маленького ученика должно быть построено в виде увлекательной игры, и что, как не сказка, лучше всего соответствует этому требованию? Английские сказки для детей учитывают все аспекты языка – лексику, элементарную грамматику, навыки чтения и аудирования. Какой бы метод подачи вы не выбрали – показать сказку на видео, прочитать её самому или вместе с детьми – можно всегда быть уверенным, что маленький слушатель останется доволен!

Сказки на английском языке способствуют развитию фантазии и расширению кругозора у детской аудитории. Помимо традиционных навыков – восприятие текста, его интерпретация, – ребёнок научится концентрироваться и проводить аналогии с родным языком.

Вы, наконец, определились, какую сказку будете изучать сегодня вместе с сынишкой или дочкой. Какие моменты стоит учесть во время урока?

Прежде всего, не занимайтесь насаждением знаний. Пусть процесс знакомства с героями и текстом будет для ребёнка развлечением, а не пыткой. Используйте фантазию, чтобы превратить это в захватывающее действие: меняйте голос при озвучке, выучите песенки персонажей, придумывайте ассоциации или разыграйте как сценку!

Стоит избегать традиционного объяснения грамматических премудростей. Если и браться за это дело, то делать всё порционно и простым языком. Возможно, в этом вопросе вам понадобится помощь профессионала, который подскажет наиболее удобный вариант.

Пусть сказка превратится в чудесное путешествие по миру изучаемого языка!

Сказки для малышей на английском языке

Итак, мы выяснили, что сказка – один из лучших вариантов погружения в языковую среду. Какие же сказки на английском языке для детей выбрать?

В этом вопросе всё зависит от уровня владения языком. Обычно на современных книжках с обучающими сказками на английском всегда указан требуемый запас знаний и количество слов. Иногда к сказкам прилагаются задания, вопросы. Также текст могут сопровождаться аудио- и видеоприложением. В принципе все эти материалы не так трудно отыскать в интернете.

Следует начать с тех историй, которые малыш уже слышал на русском языке. Узнаваемые герои и ситуации облегчат процесс восприятия иностранной речи. В дальнейшем уже можно знакомить ребёнка с новыми персонажами, например знаменитой

Используйте адаптированное издание, которое ориентировано на возраст и степень владения английским языком. На первых порах желательно, чтобы оригинальный текст сопровождался переводом. Не забывайте использовать собственное воображение, чтобы мотивировать своё чадо к дальнейшим занятиям.

На нашем сайте вы найдёте множество полезных материалов, в том числе и детские сказки на английском языке. С ними процесс обучения ребёнка английскому языку станет гораздо продуктивнее и веселее.

Сказки могут быть хорошим материалом. Это прежде всего связано с тем, что сказки интересны и познавательны. Тем более мы знаем перевод многих сказок с детства и нам, чтобы их переводить, не нужно брать словарь.

Сказка на английском языке — The tortoise and the hare

The hare was once boasting of his speed before the other animals. «I have never yet been beaten,» said he, «when I put forth my full speed. I challenge anyone here to race with me.»

The tortoise said quietly, «I accept your challenge.» «That is a good joke,» said the hare. «I could dance around you all the way.»

«Keep your boasting until you’ve beaten,» answered the tortoise. «Shall we race?» So a course was fixed and a start was made. The hare darted almost out of sight at once, but soon stopped and, to show his contempt for the tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The tortoise plodded on and plodded on, and when the hare awoke from his nap, he saw the tortoise nearing the finish line, and he could not catch up in time to save the race. Plodding wins the race.

Перевод сказки на русский язык — Черепаха и заяц

Заяц однажды похвастался, что он быстрее всех животных. «Меня никто до этого не побеждал», — сказал он, «когда я включал свою полную скорость. Я вызываю любого чтобы посоревноваться со мной».

Черепаха тихо сказала — «Я принимаю вызов». «Это хорошая шутка», — сказал заяц. «Я буду танцевать вокруг тебя всю гонку».

«Хвастайся до того, как ты будешь побит», — ответила черепала. «Мы будем соревноваться?». Так, о гонке было договорено и старт был дан. Заяц сразу же скрылся за горизонтом, но вскоре остановился и, чтобы показать презрение черепахе, лег вздремнуть. Черепаха шла дальше и дальше, и когда заяц проснулся, он увидел, что черепаха возле финишной линии, и он уже не успевает вовремя, чтобы спасит гонку. Медленный и трудолюбивый выиграл гонку.

Еще ниже представлен краткий художественный перевод это сказки-басни:

Черепаха и заяц спорили, кто из них быстрей. Назначили они для состязания время и место и разошлись. Но заяц, полагаясь на свою природную резвость, не старался бежать, а улегся возле дороги и заснул. А черепаха понимала, что двигается она медленно, и потому бежала без передышки.

Так обогнала она спящего зайца и получила победную награду.

Таким образом, данная сказка показывает, что терпение и труд все перетрут.

Ниже представлены русские сказки на английском языке с переводом на русский:

1. Сестрица Алёнушка и братец Иванушка (ALYONUSHKA)
2. Аленький цветочек (THE SCARLET FLOWER)
3. Репка (The turnip) с переводом
4. Колобок (The bun) с переводом
5. Три поросенка (Three little pigs)
6. THE GOLDEN FISH (золотая рыбка)
7. Теремок (The wooden house) с переводом
8. Goldilocks and the three bears (Златовласка и 3 медведя)

Вы можете скачать все вышеозвученные сказки на английском языке в одном документе.

Сказки на английском помогут успешнее обучать детей, т.к. сам процесс запоминания нового материала будет проходить для них в лёгкой и весёлой форме. Не стоит относиться с пренебрежением к сказкам и взрослым – если вы только начали учить английский, то простые и незамысловатые тексты сказок – это то, что вам сейчас нужно.

Ugly duckling

Давайте прочитаем и узнаем, как сказка про гадкого утёнка выглядит на английском языке. Мы разделим её на части, чтобы текст был более читабельным и его было легче сравнивать с переводом на русский язык. Каждый столбик текста на картинке соответствует ячейке текста с переводом в таблице, таким образом, вам будет легче сравнивать перевод на русский язык с его английским оригиналом.

Совет: перед прочтением сказки ознакомьтесь со словариком, который находится в конце каждой сказки. Таким образом, вам будет легче и проще воспринимать английский текст при его первом прочтении.

Ugly duckling – гадкий утёнок

Обратите внимание: одни те же сказки для детей на английском языке могут иметь различные вариации, однако, суть и основной сюжет при этом остаются неизменными. Одни сказки переполнены деталями, которые появились то ли при переводе на различные языки, то ли были наполнены ими в различных интерпретациях. Другие же сказки наоборот сокращены и много деталей упущено.

The ugly duckling became a beautiful swan – гадкий утёнок стал прекрасным лебедем.

Слова из сказки

• Duck – утка.
• Duckling – утёнок.
• Clutch – гнездо с яйцами.
• To hatch – вылупляться (из яйца).
• To recall – вспоминать.
• Prisoner – узник, заключённый.
• To peck – клевать.
• Shell – ракушка.
• Feather – перо.
• To worry – волноваться.
• Ugly – уродливый.
• To tease – насмехаться.
• Reflection – отражение.
• Swan – лебедь.
• Shame – стыд.
• To astonish – удивлять.

Cinderella

Изучая сказки для детей на английском, просто нельзя пройти мимо такой красивой и романтичной сказки, как «Золушка». Это одна из самых красивых сказок о том, что настоящая любовь преодолеет все преграды, а скромность и искренность всегда получает добро в ответ на добро. В некоторых интерпретациях сказки Золушку зовут Элла – такое же имя дали ей и создатели самой красивой фильма-сказки 2015 года про Золушку.

Cinderella story, part 1 – История Золушки, часть 1

Cinderella story, part 2 – История Золушки, часть 2

Слова из сказки

Давайте посмотрим, какие слова можно встретить, перечитывая детские сказки на английском языке.

• Wicked – злой.
• Stepmother – мачеха.
• Stepsister – сводная сестра.
• To treat – относиться.
• To curl – завивать.
• Gown – наряд.
• Fairy godmother – крёстная мать.
• To appear – появляться.
• To wave – махать.
• Magic wand – волшебная палочка.
• To touch – касаться.
• Slippers – туфельки.
• Palace – дворец.
• To struck – поражать.
• To rush – спешить.
• To fall in love – влюбляться.
• To find out – узнавать.
• Kingdom – королевство.
• To squeeze – втискивать.
• To recognize – узнавать.

The three little pigs

Эту поучительную сказку очень хорошо знают все с детства – это сказка о трёх поросятах. Мораль её состоит в том, что труд и усердие всегда вознаграждаются, в данном случае в сказке все поросята выжили только благодаря тому, что третий поросёнок усердно работал и потратил время на то, чтобы построить дом именно из кирпича. Третий поросёнок знал и предусмотрел, какие опасности могут возникнуть и его предусмотрительность спасла жизни всех поросят.

The three little pigs, part 1 – Три маленьких поросёнка, часть 1

The three little pigs, part 2 – Три маленьких поросёнка, часть 2

Слова из сказки

• Pig – поросёнок.
• Straw – солома.
• Stick – палка.
• Brick – кирпич.
• Quickly – быстро.
• Lazy – ленивый.
• Juicy – сочный.
• Tender – нежный.
• Meal – еда.
• To chase – преследовать.
• To be frightened – быть напуганным.
• To be terrified – быть в полном ужасе, до смерти напуганным.
• To huff – вдыхать; запугивать.
• To puff – дуть.
• Hardly – едва.
• To blow – сдувать.
• Safe – безопасный.
• Chimney – дымоход.
• To boil – кипятить.
• Pot – котелок.
• To feel sorry – сожалеть.

Посмотрите сказу про трёх поросят на английском:

Изучение английского языка, впрочем, как и любого другого иностранного языка, процесс длительный и трудоемкий.

Чтобы достигнуть определенных результатов в кратчайшие сроки и при этом не потерять желание двигаться дальше, следует обратить внимание на многочисленные рекомендации, советы и методики изучения и обучения английскому языку.

Одним из таких приемов является использование сказок в процессе обучения. Этот прием особенно популярен и продуктивен при работе с детской аудиторией, но его могут использовать и взрослые на различных этапах изучения английского языка.

Сказки, которые используют для изучения иностранного языка, условно можно разделить на 4 большие группы:

1. Адаптированные тексты
2. Начальный уровень сложности
3. Средний уровень сложности
4. Сказки продвинутого уровня сложности

Такое разнообразие текстов позволяет выбрать именно тот материал, который будет полезен и актуален для конкретного ученика. Изучение языка всегда поступательное, поэтому стоит двигаться от простого к сложному.

Даже если спонтанно выбранная сказка оказалась подходящей, то чтобы появился прогресс в изучении английского языка недостаточно просто бегло прочесть её.

Будет гораздо лучше проработать максимально эту сказку, разобрать все тонкости, но при этом стоит помнить, что детское терпение не безгранично и этот процесс не должен утомлять ребенка и вносить в процесс обучения дискомфорт.

Для этого нужно грамотно построить схему работы:

• Не торопиться! Для детей очень важно, чтоб все было четко, если необходимо, то нужно сделать яркие акценты на главном.
• Подготовить ребёнка к работе, чтобы он не отвлекался и мог максимально сосредоточиться.
• Снятие барьеров: языкового и лингвострановедческого.
• Восприятие сказки на этапе первичного прочтения. Очень важно, чтобы дети могли выделить главное и усвоить больше половины от общего объема.
• Контроль понимания основного содержания. Следует убедиться, что дети действительно поняли изложенное в сказке, а не просто слушали или читали бездумно.
• Повторное прочтение (при необходимости).
• Обучение или усовершенствование языковых навыков и навыков говорения. Следует обсудить с детьми детали, например, внешний вид главного героя, либо же попробовать воспроизвести диалог между героями.

Работая таким образом с английскими сказками для детей очень скоро будет видна положительная динамика. Ребёнок будет получать положительные эмоции от таких занятий и с удовольствием осваивать все новое и неизвестное ему.

Русские сказки с переводом на английский

Нет ничего лучше, чем слушать/читать сказку на английском языке, которую хорошо знаешь и понимаешь на русском. Качественно выполненный перевод сказок есть на сайте http://mir-skazok.net/category/russkie-skazki или http://nota.triwe.net/children/tales/tales.htm .

В мире сказок есть идентичные по сюжету сказки на двух языках, а есть специально переведенные и обработанные специалистами тексты исконно русских сказок. И те и другие, идеально подходят для изучения английского языка.

Достоинства данного вида сказок:

• Хорошо работает интуитивное чутье. Дети хорошо знают сюжет, поэтому им легче понять то, о чем в данный момент говориться в сказке, даже если им неизвестны какие-то слова, выражения или обороты.
• Всегда есть возможность сопоставить английский вариант какого-либо слова или выражения и их русский эквивалент. Детям не стоит тратить много времени, чтобы искать переводы в словарях, а достаточно лишь вспомнить этот момент в русской сказке.
• Познание русского фольклора, традиций и обычаев, которые, несомненно, вплетены в текст.

Английские сказки с переводом на русский

Идея и смысл, который вкладывают в сказки, на самом деле, одинаков во всем мире, как правило, это борьба добра и зла, воспитание в человеке доброты и сострадания к ближнему, высмеивание лени, и т.д.

Именно поэтому дети легко воспринимают сказки разных стран и английские сказки не являются исключением. Если постараться и вспомнить различные русские сказки, то наверняка можно будет найти что-то с аналогичной сюжетной линией.

Английские сказки с переводом на русский язык имеют свои преимущества:

• Начальный уровень знаний английского языка не позволяет освоить сложный английский текст, поэтому приходится неоднократно прибегать к переводу на русский язык.
• Хороший способ пополнить свой словарный запас английскими идиомами, фразеологизмами и устойчивыми словосочетаниями, которые обычно присутствуют в сказках в большом количестве. При этом сразу есть возможность познакомиться с русским эквивалентом.
• Знакомство с английскими традициями и уставами жизни.

Интересные английские сказки для детей представлены на сайте http://en-land.ru/skazki , дети получают огромное удовольствие от прочтения.

Анимированные сказки на английском

К сожалению, анимированные сказки не очень популярны, а зря. Для лучшего усвоения материала необходимо использовать как можно больше человеческих способностей и чувств.

Это очень хорошо получается при работе именно с анимированными сказками.

Ребенок видит перед собой книгу, он может смотреть на картинки, которые подсказывают ему сюжет сказки.

Таким образом:

• Одновременно работают разные органы, отвечающие за восприятие информации.
• Ребенок тренирует навыки чтения с правильной интонацией.
• Тренируются навыки аудирования и восприятия английской речи.
• Получает удовольствие от рассматривания ярких красочных страниц, которые равномерно сменяют одна другую.

Хорошее собрание анимированных сказок представлено здесь http://englishon-line.ru/audirovanie-skaski.html , каждый ребенок сможет выбрать то, что ему нравится.

Аудиосказки для детей на английском онлайн

Аудиосказки на английском языке чаще всего рассчитаны на уже более высокий уровень знания языка и подходит для тех, кто уже что-то знает, а не только знакомиться с языком.

Слушать сказки очень полезно, ведь именно через органы слуха человек способен получить львиную долю информации о мире. Именно восприятие на слух у многих вызывает наибольшую проблему при изучении английского языка, а сказки способны понизить этот барьер.

Наверное, главное преимущество такого рода сказок в том, что их огромное количество в интернете,например, http://detkam.e-papa.ru/mp/22/ или http://audiobaby.net/audioskazki-na-anglijskom-jazyke .

В современном мире даже дети проводят онлайн много времени, так почему бы не увлечь их прослушиванием сказок, и таким образом, совместить приятное с полезным. Ведь научно доказывает, что даже в фоновом режиме английская речь благотворно влияет на изучение этого сложного языка.

Видеосказки на английском языке онлайн

Кто из детей не любит смотреть мультики? Их любят абсолютно все! На просторах интернета в открытом доступе можно найти огромное количество разных мультфильмов, вот только не все из них полезны для просмотра детьми.

Дети получают от этого не меньший заряд позитива и удовольствие, но при этом, порой сами того не зная, они погружаются в обучающую среду.

Такая непринужденность и нестандартный подход к изучению приносят отличные результаты:

• Дети заинтересованы и с нетерпением ждут продолжения, мотивация огромна.
• Запоминается огромное количество лексического материала.
• Улучшается восприятие речи на слух.
• Дети учатся концентрировать внимание на длительное время, становятся усидчивыми.

Английский детям
Детские рассказы на английском языке — для тренировки техники чтения и самостоятельного перевода.

Всего десять рассказов на английском языке для детей:

JUMBO THE LITTLE ELEPHANT

Once upon a time a baby elephant named Jumbo used to live in a forest. He always used to dream that one day he would be able to swim. His mother tried hopelessly to make him believe that he is very heavy in weight thats why he could not swim. But he never listened.
He would reach by the river and happily look at his glance in it.

Once he slept early and then he dreamed that he was swimming deep in the river. He was swimming here and there and frolicking happily. He made friendshp with some small but harmless fishes. He even found a place to take rest in nights. He was very happy. He could see the colors of different lights that were flickering ceaselessly. The lights were coming out from some fishes that were very beautiful and colorful.

After seeing him, the colorful fishes went to him and they asked his name. He said his name was Jumbo and from the very next day he became friends with them.
Now they would daily play hide and seek together. But in the meanwhile Jumbo could not realise the mischievious plan of those fishes. The fishes actually were very amused at the look of Jumbo. They wanted to make his big ears there home. They thought how would it like be if they play hide and seek in Jumbo’s big fans like ears and his mouth.

One day when Jumbo was fast asleep after playing, all those colorful fishes arrived and entered his mouth and making exit fom his ears. They were playing and making fun of Jumbo. When Jumbo woke up he realised that he made a big mistake by making friendship with them.
He cried but nobody came for his help. At last his mother woke him up from his dream. Seeing his mother in front of him, Jumbo cried inconsolably and promised that he would never ever think of swimming in future. That made his mother happy and she served him hot delicious food

©2009 Renuka Singh Saxena

THE CROCODILE

There was once a baby crocodile. He had a beautiful shiny tail and all the other crocodiles were horrible to him because they were jealous of him.
One day the little baby crocodile counted all his beautiful shiny scales and there were a thousand. A lot more than he thought. So he counted all the other crocodiles and there were twenty and that was including the grown up crocodiles. He decided that he had many scales and could spare forty from his tummy so he wished for forty of his scales to be on his pillow by morning, but there weren’t any. Even three weeks later there weren’t any.
Then one day a magic crocodile granted him a wish. He wished for forty of his scales to be on his pillow when he woke up in the morning.
He woke up and there were forty beautiful shiny scales on his pillow. So he gave all twenty crocodiles, including his parents two scales each.
From then on everybody was kind to the little baby crocodile who had given away forty of his beautiful shiny scales.

©2001 Steph Skellorn

HONEY NUT CARROT CAKE

Joseph hurried to finish his breakfast. It was a bright and sunny day and he wanted to go outside and play.

He swallowed a mouthful of cereal. «Bye, Mom,» he said. «I’m going outside to play ball.»

«Not before you get your chores done,’ his mother said. I’m baking a pie for dessert and I want you to go pick some raspberries.»

Joseph’s mouth watered as he thought about taking a delicious bite of pie.

«I love to pick raspberries,» he said, grabbing a basket and skipping out the door.

Walking through the meadow, he came upon a rabbit munching on a carrot.

«Hello, Mr. Rabbit,» Joseph said. «Would you be so kind to tell me where I might find some raspberries?»

«I couldn’t be much help finding raspberries,» the rabbit said, wiggling his nose. «My carrots have an excellent crunch, why don’t you try a bunch?»

Joseph pulled some carrots out of the ground and put them in his basket. «Thank you, Mr.Rabbit,» Joseph said, and skipped away whistling.

Hearing a noise high up in a tree, Joseph stopped and saw a squirrel gathering nuts and storing them in a hole.

«Pardon me, Mr. Squirrel, but would you be so kind to tell me where I might find some raspberries?»

«Oh, little boy, there are no raspberries up here. There are only nuts to pick from the trees. Try some nuts before you leave, and you’ll forget about raspberries.»

Joseph picked some nuts from the tree and dropped them in the basket. He waved goodbye to Mr. Squirrel and continued his journey.

He entered the dark forest and was scared…just a little. But maybe he would find raspberries. He heard a noise ahead of him. Walking slowly towards the noise, he found a black bear sitting on a log eating something gooey.

«P-p-pardon me, M-M-Mr. B-b-ear, do you know where I might find some raspberries?»

«Little boy, come closer to me and I’ll give you something tasty called honey,» the bear smiled.

Joseph stepped closer to the bear and dipped his hand in the honey. It tasted delicious and sweet.

The bear leaned towards Joseph and roared. «The honey tastes good, but not as good as you will little boy.»

Joseph screamed and ran out of the forest. He jumped over rocks and ran through the meadow all the way home. He looked behind him and was happy to find that the bear didn’t follow him. Looking down at his basket he frowned. He had carrots, nuts, and some of the bear’s honey that dripped in the basket, but no raspberries.

Walking into the kitchen he had an idea. With his mother’s help, Joseph baked a surprise dessert using his carrots, nuts, and honey. At dessert, he ate every crumb of his honey-nut carrot cake and it was the best cake he ever tasted.

© 2000 Sherry Pittinger

THE LITTLE FISH WHO SWAM TO THE BIG OCEAN

Once upon a time, there was a fish named George. He lived in the water, as all fish do but something was different about George, he did not like the water. He swam and swam around in the water, and every place he swam, he would find something that he did not like. First, he said that the rocks were to big, then he said that the rocks were too small. Nothing would please him. The other fish in his school, all fish belong to a school, would try to cheer him up. They did not understand why he was unhappy. They loved swimming around in the shallow water and being together.

The school lived in the inter-coastal waters of South Florida. This water was full of life and warmth. There was always plenty of food and activity and there was never a dull moment for these fish. However, for some reason, George felt restless and discontent and he wanted more. One day, a big, old and wise fish came to visit his school. He listened intently. The old and wise one was telling of vast waters and limitless swimming. He was telling of great whales and big fish. He was also telling about great light and darkness. Suddenly George wanted to experience this too. The other fish in his school were not interested but George was eager. He swam with the big fish towards these vast waters with great dreams. He did not know where he was going but he trusted the older and wiser fish..

Soon the water began to feel cold and he was seeing giant fish that looked very hungry. He would have been afraid for his life, but he was much too excited by the new sights. Soon they came to a cave and they found a safe place for the night with food nearby.

George liked it in the cave. It was very quiet and he could hear calming sounds. Melodious sound seemed to be coming from a long distance. Even when the big fish swam away, George decided to remain. This was against all normal fish instinct, as fish wants to be with other fish. However, as I said earlier, George was not a normal fish. The melodious sound fascinated him and he could not stop listening to it. He even began to distinguish the different tones and types of sound. He listened and he listened. He did not eat or move because he was so busy listening. The more he listened, the more he began to understand about who he really was. The more he listened, the more he fell into a different awareness and soon he forgot that he was a fish and that he did not like the water.

One day the big and wise fish was swimming by the cave and he thought about George, so he went into the cave. There he found George just where he had left him quite some time ago. George had changed however, and did not look the same at all. He was shining in a special way and his breathing was extremely slow. George recognized the old and wise fish and welcomed him.

George was now also old and wise and the two left the cave together.

By Acharya E.T.

A WINTER NIGHT IN THE FOREST

It was a winter night and the cool breeze is making animals seek some shelter and a cover on their bodies. The sparrows entered their nests, the rabbits went into their burrows, the parrots went into the holes on the tree trunks, the squirrels hide into the shoots of the coconut tree. Thus all those birds and animals settled down to face the chill night. Dr.Dove was watching all these animals in the bright moon light from its whole on the nearby rocky hill.

By mid night the chillness increased and a couple of crows had fallen seriously ill for the exposure to the severe cold.

As the Sun rises all the animals and birds started coming out and assembled at the bottom of the rocky hill.

What a cold it was last night. The winter has just begun now. By January it would be very cold. If the cold winds blow like this we will certainly reduce in number – said a crane that lives on the nearby thorn bushes.

I could hear the sound of my teeth as I shivered in the night – said a dog.

Though we are big we too feel the cold said an elephant.

Though I am in my Den I too felt it.

Here comes an idea – said Dr. .Dove by landing on a big stone.

We all know that the Lion lives in a big den in this hill. I have seen another small den that can comfortable accommodate our Lion. It is just on the other side of this Hill. I feel that the Lion can leave this big den and occupy the small one so that those animals that have no home can take shelter in the big den. Thus they can protect themselves from exposing to the severe cold.

As soon as Dr. Dove completed telling this, the lion roared and rejected the idea. I need this big den let animals seek shelter in the small den that you had located.

Looking at the elephants Dr .Dove said – Dear Lion this is only for the winter months and rainy days the rest of the time you can use this big den. The elephants trumpeted in support of this statement and urged the lion to agree.

Seeing the unity and the support Dr. Dove got from the herd of Elephants the Lion said: OK I agree.

The animals disbursed in search of food.

It was night again. All those animals that have no home gathered in the big den and felt good to be there. As the night advances the cold winds blew more frequently and making the animals shiver even in the Den. Some how they spent the night and gathered again at the bottom of the hill to share their experiences.

Since the den is not so deep it can protect us partially from the severe cold. We have to live with it – opined the deer.

Having listened to this discussion, Dr. Dove said: I have another idea to help you keep warm. You all can collect the twigs and our elephant friends can bring dried logs in the forest to the den. As mid night one of you can make these twigs and dried logs into a small heap and set fire. Then the den gets the warmth from this fire.

Great idea jumped a monkey.

That night the animals make their own hearth and felt the warmth and slept comfortably.

The animals make it a practice.

©2007 IVNS Raju

MARVIN THE CURIOUS MOUS

Marvin was a little white mouse about two years old. He was one of a litter of 29 other mice. His mom was always worried that he was going to get hurt. He was so curious about the world «Curiosity killed the cat,» she warned. Marvin never really listened to his mother’s warnings. The world was just too big to be ignored.
Marvin lived in a small hole in a wall of a house. The owners of the house just moved out and new humans moved in. The little mouse ran around curiously. He never saw so many wonderful new things. The old humans that lived here didn’t own so much stuff.
There were so many treasure to explore. Where to start, Marvin didn’t know. Then he saw it! He neve saw anything like it before. What was it?
It was big and black and round. It had three holes on the top. Marvin the little mouse wanted to explore more. «What was it used for? he thought to himself. He crept closer. He crawled to the top of the strange object.
Then something horrible happened to poor Marvin. He fell into one of those big holes.
It was so dark and scary. Poor Marvin did not know what to do. He tried to come out but the inside was so slippery he couldn’t climb out.
It wasn’t until a human picked up the object that Marvin found a way to escape. You see who ever picked it up made the holes face the floor and Marvin slid right out.
«That was neat,» thought Marvin after he got over being afraid. He thought it was so neat he decided to do more exploring.
The next thing Marvin found was weird looking. It was big, really big and odd shaped too. Marvin remembered the shape of a human foot. It kind of looked like that, but Marvin knew that humans couldnt’ take their feet off. So what was it?
Marvin crawled inside, it was wet and smelly. Marvin didn’t want to stay very long inside of it. Marvin tried to get out as fast as he could. There was one problem though. A human was near the thing he was in. The human screamed when she saw Marvin. Marvin hated when humans did that, it hurt his ears.
Marvin knew that the scream would cause the other humans to bring the CAT! Marvin knew that meant he had to run. That is exactly what Marvin did, he ran. Poor little Marvin ran as fast as his little feet could take him.
«Whew,» he thought once he was in a safe place. «That was a close one.» Marvin made a silent promise to avoid humans at all cost. He also needed to avoid the CAT. Marvin wasn’t stupid, for a mouse cats meant bad news.
Well, that was over. Time for Marvin to explore more. So Marvin slowly crawled out of his hiding spot and found something he new well. It was cheese and it was sitting on a wood thing. «The humans must have dropped it,» thought Marvin.
So Marvin walked up to the cheese and quickly grabbed it. Before Marvin knew what was happening he heard a loud SNAP! Poor Marvin’s tail was caught under a metal bar and boy did it hurt.
Marvin didn’t know what to do. All he could do was cry. He was scared and alone. Most of all, Marvin was in pain. At first he thought he could maybe wiggle his way out. That didn’t work. Next he tried to pick up the bar. That didn’t work. The he saw a human and knew it was the end.
The human picked up the trap with Marvin in it. «Poor little guy,» the man said. He lifted up the bar and freed Marvin. Then he patted Marvin on the head and let him go.
Marvin couldn’t believe it. He was free. He wasn’t going to be fed to the CAT. He was so happy he walked playfully away. He would always remember the kind man that saved his life.
Most of all Marvin would remember to be a little less curious.

©2004 Christy Ann Robinson

PUFFER BUNNY AND THE ESCAPE TO THE MEADOW

Once upon a time, there was a little bunny named Puffer Bunny. He was so fluffy that everyone wanted to cuddle him. He lived with some kids in a comfortable bungalow. The kids were named BoBo, Bobby, and Kit. Bobby was especially fond of little Puffer because he had raised him from a baby.

One day they were playing in the back yard and Puffer Bunny took off jumping and prancing. He wiggled under the fence and headed off through the pasture behind the house. By the time the kids could get over the fence, Puffer was long gone.

Meanwhile, Puffer had scurried down into a hole and was crawling through a long tunnel. He felt something wet and cold. He held his breath in fear, but when his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he realized he was nose to nose with another little bunny! He let out a sigh of relief! The new little bunny whispered, «My name is Doodlebug.» Doodlebug took Puffer by the paw and led him down through more passages and into a cozy little burrow. His brothers and sisters were snuggled together, all warm and safe. There was Dipsy, Dapper, and Dolly and the baby twins, Digger and Dodger. Puffer was thrilled to see a whole family of bunnies!

However, outside of the little burrow, the kids were worried sick about their little bunny. They saw a little fox trot off into the deep woods. They just knew that the fox had gotten their little Puffer. Bobby cried quietly while Bobo and Kit tried to figure out what to do. BoBo said, «Guys, it’s time we headed home.»

All the kids climbed back over the fence and trudged home. The night was long with worry.

Back in the bunny burrow, Puffer was really enjoying himself. He and Doodlebug slipped out for a little mischief. See Puffer was always exploring and Doodlebug could never say no to an adventure. The two frisky bunnies frolicked towards the woods. Just as they were approaching a rotten log, a rattle-snake slithered up. The two bunnies froze. The snake had the bunnies cornered. Their hearts were pounding so loud that the earth shook. The snake said, «Yum, dinner!» And his body lurched forward at Doodlebug. Quickly, Puffer Bunny jumped over the snake, grabbed the rattle, and shook it with all his might! What a sound it made! That snake jumped up in surprise-which gave the two buddies just enough time to bound on outa’ there.

Doodlebug’s mom rang the dinner bell just as they were coming back to the rabbit hole. She saw the looks on their faces and gave them each a hearty hug. She had fixed a dinner of cabbage and carrots, and they ate all they could eat. When the fluffy little bunnies finished their dinner, they invited Puffer to spend the night. He was delighted!

The next morning, Puffer pranced on home to his little bungalow. The kids were overjoyed that he was safe!

© Copyright 1999 Francis Allgood

THE MISSING PICNIC FOOD

Once upon a time there was a forest fire in a big, big forest. All the little animals that lived there ran as fast as they could to get away from the hot flames. Squirrels, raccoons, foxes, snakes, turtles, rabbits, mice and many other animals had to find new homes. Some of them went to other forests, some of them went to parks, and some of them actually had to make their little homes in the yards of human beings, or, people.

Far, far away from the fire was a house where three little children lived. Their names were Thomas, Kathy, and Carrie. They all went to school but on this September day it was Saturday. They had been playing all morning. Now it was lunchtime. They were hungry. They asked their mom if they could have lunch, and she said, «Why don’t you have a picnic in the yard»?

That sounded like a great idea, but WHERE in the yard? So Mom told them to lay a picnic cloth in the green grassy grass near the scruffy old juniper bushes. While they were doing that, she would make some celery sticks, carrot sticks, and some yummy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

When the kids had spread out the picnic blanket, they ran into the kitchen and asked if lunch was ready. Mom told them to take the carrot sticks and plates out to the blanket, and to take their drinks also. So Thomas, Kathy and Carrie took these things out to the blanket and arranged them carefully. Then they ran as fast as they could, huffing and puffing, back to the kitchen and said to Mom, «What else have you made so far»? So she said, «I’ve got your celery sticks cut up for you now – run these out to your picnic blanket.» So out ran the three kids as fast as they could go to add these to the carrots on their plates.

But when they got to the blanket, something was wrong. Where were the carrot sticks? They were all gone! «This must be a trick,» said Kathy. «Let’s leave the celery sticks here and see what happens!»

Then they ran as fast as they could back to Mom, who by now was making the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They told her that someone had stolen the carrot sticks. She said, «You’re kidding!» and they said «Come on – we’ll show you!»

Mom hurried out with them to the picnic blanket. But now, not only were the carrot sticks missing, but the celery sticks were gone, too! Mom said, «Maybe one of your neighbor friends is hiding them just to be silly.»

So everyone spread out and looked behind trees, bushes, and just about everywhere. Unfortunately, they couldn’t find the carrots, the celery, or anyone hiding.

Finally Mom said, «Well, your drinks are still out here. Let’s get your sandwiches. You guys go ahead and eat them out here and maybe something will turn up.»

So Thomas, Kathy and Carrie sat down to their picnic and they ate their sandwiches. Of course, while they sat there, they couldn’t help but look around for the sneaky celery and carrot thief.

They were just about finished eating when Carrie looked over at the juniper bushes and saw something move. She softly said, «Shshsh!» to Thomas and Kathy. «There’s something wiggling over there! See the bushes moving?» So everyone sat very still, and a little brown animal came to edge of the bushes and looked at them. It was a rabbit. Quietly it went back into the bushes.

«I have an idea», said Thomas. «Let’s get more celery and carrots, and see if that rabbit is our thief. We’ll put them at the edge of the bushes, and watch from the window.»

They quietly went back into the house and got Mom to cut up more celery and carrots. They carefully put them down near the bushes and walked back to the house. As they watched, the little rabbit came out and grabbed the vegetables in his mouth and carried them back into the juniper bushes. Mom had watched, too, and she said that she had never seen a rabbit in the yard before. She thought that maybe because of the forest fire, he had needed to look for a new home.

«Maybe we can keep feeding this rabbit, and he will stay here for a long time,» said Mom.

That is just what they did. They fed the little rabbit every day. A few weeks went by. The weather turned cooler and finally winter came and they didn’t see the rabbit. Sometimes they would take food out to the edge of the bushes, and sometimes the food would disappear, and other times it just stayed there. All winter they worried about the rabbit – was he cold, was he scared, did he move somewhere else?

Finally, spring came. They watched for the rabbit day after day. In early April, the day before Easter, when the trees had just a few leaves, Thomas, Kathy, and Carrie took the food out to the bushes, and as they watched, the little rabbit came out and grabbed it! Whatever he had done during the winter, he was OK now!

The kids continued to feed him, and one day, the little rabbit came out to get his food, and he had four little rabbits with him! Their rabbit was a Mommy rabbit!

So from that time on, the kids fed the rabbits, and year after year, there was always a little rabbit family that lived in their scruffy old juniper bushes.

By Paula Fayad

A SQUIRREL IN A WINTER NIGHT

You are aware that during winter the trees shed leaves and make the birds and other small animals that live on them to face cold nights.

One cold night a squirrel found it difficult to bear the cold. It was on a search for a place that can protect it from the cold. It ran into the parasol of a hut that belongs to an old man who lives on the outskirts of the forest.

As soon as the squirrel started moving in the parasol of his hut the old man heard the sound of it, came out and found the squirrel shivering with cold. He extended his hand and waved his fingers to come on to it. The squirrel for a moment kept quite and it recalled what all it had seen this old man doing earlier. It appeared from this recalling that this old man is a good one. It slowly crawled onto the hand of the old man who caressed it with his another hand and took it in side.

It was very warmth inside the hurt and it made the squirrel stop shivering soon and fall asleep. It slept for more than three hours and woke up with the sound of the cupboard door opened by the old man. The old man noticed this and came near the squirrel with a hot cup of tomato soup. He fed the squirrel with the spoon and emptied the cup.

The squirrel became active and found the holes in the roof of the hut. The old man slept again. As the day breaks out, the old man woke up and found searched for the squirrel in vain. He thought that it had gone back to the forest. He became busy with his daily chores.

As he was about to rest for a nap after the lunch, he heard a noise on the top of the roof. He looked up and found that the holes on the roof are being filled with a lump of fiber. He went out to find out who was at work and saw the squirrel seriously filling the holes one after the other first with the fiber and topping it with a big leaf meticulously.

The old man came inside and started doing some thing. The squirrel on the top of the roof completed its job and entered the hut to find out if it missed any hole. The old man thanked the squirrel and offered a cup of hot milk. The squirrel drank it merrily.

The old man asked, ‘how did get the fiber and the leaves to fill all the holes at once?’

I came out in the morning when you were still sleeping, started collecting the fiber and leaves from the nearby creeper in small quantities and brought them to the rooftop. Once I felt I had enough material to fill the holes I started doing the job that I know well.

Though you are a small animal you have a big mind to think and great strength to do the job. I thank you for your kind help. You can live with me, if you want – said the old man.

The squirrel agreed to it by waving its tail and the head in joy.

Indeed the holes were well filled and the rainfall that occurred a couple of days later made it further firm and there was no leakage in the hut.

They lived together for a long time in the same hut.

©2007 IVNS Raju

THE TIGER AND THE LION

One day a tiger felt that it was more powerful than the lion and wanted to challenge the lion. It went near the lion’s den and started shouting and making all kids of sounds. It was noon and the lion was fast asleep after a meal. The sounds created by the tiger woke up lion.

Who is there? Shouted the lion.

There was no reply but the shouts of the tiger increased.

The lion came out of its den and stood in front of the tiger that was shouting continuously.

Staring deep into the tiger’s eys the lion asked: Why are you disturbing me, you can go to any other place in the forest and shout as loudly as you can. But I never allow you to disturb me any more.

The tiger looked furiously at the lion and said: Look this forest belongs to all and so is this place too. You have no right to ask me to vacate this. I shall continue to be here and shout, as I like.

In the meantime an elephant that was passing by noticed the argument between the tiger and the lion and came.

‘Stop quarrelling. What is the problem. Let me know,’ demanded the elephant.

The lion explained the reason and the tiger stood to its stance. The elephant felt helpless to resolve their conflict.

Then came Dr.Dove. It has inquired from the elephant: What is going on here? Generally I do not see a tiger and a lion together?

The elephant reported the matter briefly.

That’s the entire problem? Yelled Dr.Dove.

The elephant was surprised at the casual attitude of Dr.Dove.

Don’t you think it is not a problem at all? : The elephant asked.

Yes it is very much a problem but not at all a difficult one to solve. The elephant got further perplexed with this response from Dr.Dove.

Dr.Dove now took the lead and starting flying in-between the tiger and the lion.

The tiger and the lion got disturbed with this.

Seeing them giving a pause to their loud arguments, Dr. Pigeon proposed: Dear friends you can solve the problem.

How both the tiger and the lion shouted.

Very simple the tiger can continue to shout and the lion can continue to sleep: said Dr. Pigeon.

You stupid Dr.Dove. You are fit only to pull out the thorns from the feet, clear dust from the eyes and treat cut injuries of the animals but not the problems like this – yelled the lion.

The tiger joined the lion and said: leave us alone we shall solve our problems ourselves.

No my dear friends, please listen to me.

Dr. Pigeon requested the lion to follow and enter the den quickly. The lion thought for a while and then followed Dr.Dove. As the lion entered the den, Dr.Dove took out two lumps of cotton from its kit and approached the Lion.

Mr. Lion please listen to me these lumps of cotton help you proof yourself from the sound pollution being made by the Tiger. Please place these lumps one each in to your ears and experience for yourself.

The lion did as suggested and both the lion and Dr.Dove came out the den silently.

Dr. Dove told the tiger: Mr. Tiger please shout as loudly as you can you will have no objection from the Lion.

The tiger shouted loudly and the lion felt no disturbance.

The lion retuned to its den greeting the Pigeon by waving its paw. The tiger got furious at this gesture and continue shouting at its best – also puzzled as to why the lion has become so calm.

Seeing this confused state of the tiger Dr. Dove told: Mr. Tiger I told the tiger of your power and advised him not to quarrel with you. You are more powerful than the lion. See the lion itself has agreed to it.

Tiger felt very happy and gently stroked Dr .Dove with its claw in appreciation of its help. Then Dr. Dove told: Mr. Tiger you should not stay here that too before a lion’s den. Because seeing you here other animals might feel that you are serving the lion. So I suggest that you should to that hilltop and live there.

Yes, Dr. Dove I shall follow your advice and I thank you for this: saying this the tiger proceeded to the hilltop.

The elephant was thrilled at this sudden change and astonishingly looked at Dr. Dove.

Dr.Dove fluttered its wings and flew towards south.