Today’s story-Watching the Garden is a folktale from Thailand about a little boy trying to get the beans from his garden back.

To find out if he succeeds, listen to the story

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/watching-the-garden

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Transcript:

Once in Thailand, a little boy was sent to watch the garden by his grandfather. But after a while he grew bored and went off to play. As soon as he left, a crow swooped down and stole some beans. Just then, the boy's grandfather came and was most annoyed. After some time, the boy returned with a smile, which quickly turned upside down when he saw his grandfather's face.

“Look what happened when you left,” the old man said to the boy.

“We need those beans. You should have watched. It was your work.”

The boy felt very sad and wanted to help.

He decided to get the beans back from the crow. So he ran to a hunter and said, “Please sir, shoot an arrow at that crow so he will drop the beans he stole.”

“Why should I bother the crow?” asked the hunter. “You made the mistake, not the crow.”

The boy walked on until he found a mouse.

“Please little mouse,” he said. “Chew the hunter’s bowstrings so he will shoot an arrow for me.”

“I am not mad at the hunter,” said the mouse, “it's your problem”.

So, the boy walked on soon he saw a cat and said, “Please friend cat, nip that mouse so it will help me.”

But the cat too refused.

Children, who do you think the little boy would meet next?

Exactly -a dog!

So, the boy met a dog.

“Dear dog,” he said. “Chase that cat so it will nip the mouse and help me.”

“Chase him yourself,” replied the dog. “I am busy.”

 Then the boy found a hammer and begged him to beat the dog.

“I am too tired,” said the hammer.

So the boy ran to a fire.

“Fire, strong fire,” he said, “Burn that stubborn hammer so it will agree.”

“Too much work,” sizzled the fire.

Children , let’s list all the people and things that the boy met

Yes- the hunter, the mouse, the cat, the dog, the hammer, and the fire.

Next the boy pleaded with some water, “Pour yourself on the fire, dear water, to help me.”

“But I like that fire,” replied the water.

So the boy asked the earth to cover the water but the earth refused to.

Then the boy found an elephant and begged, “Could you please pound the earth so it will cover the water.”

The elephant shook his trunk.

So the boy sat down and cried.

Children, why did the boy cry?

Yes, the boy cried as he was sad about losing the beans and wanted to get them back. But no one was helping him.

At that time, a little mosquito flew around him. The boy suddenly caught it.

“Now, little mosquito,” he said, “Fly into the elephant’s ears and annoy him or else squeeze you to death.”

The mosquito was scared. He flew into the elephants ear.

The elephant was scared and he pounded the earth.

The earth was scared and it covered the water.

The water was scared and fell on the fire.

The fire was scared and ran to burn the hammer.

The hammer was scared and threatened the dog.

The dog was scared and chased the cat.

The cat was scared and ran to nip the mouse.

The mouse was scared and ran to bit the bowstring.

The hunter was scared and he shot an arrow.

The arrow scared the crow.

The crow dropped the beans and they fell right into the garden again.

The grandfather was delighted and forgave the boy at once. then they enjoyed a meal of the best noodles and the freshest vegetables.

But after that the boy always watched the garden very carefully and he waited until he was all finished before he went to play.

Try to recall all the events in the story.

And remember that we must finish our work before running off to play.

Escapades of Letter B is a story of Alphabet B's adventure in a forest. He observes the daily routine of various animals and becomes especially fond of the baby bear.

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-alphabet-escapades-letter-b.

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Alphabet B was very adventurous. He loved to travel to places near and far.

On one of his travels, he reached a beautiful forest. The forest was full of big and small trees, with fruits and flowers of many kinds and colours. He liked the forest so much that he decided to stay there for a few days.

Alphabet B quietly observed the daily routine of the animals there. He watched the squirrels, the baboons, the deer, the birds, the bees to just name a few.

Alphabet B was very fond of the bear family that lived in a cave towards the east of the forest, especially the baby bear. This cub was no ordinary baby bear. While all his friends and family roamed around in the jungle, looking for the honeycombs, fighting with the honeybees, eating the honey that the bees made, the baby bear had a different routine. 

Unlike the rest of the bears, the baby bear, would come out of the cave with his family but he trotted straight to his favourite banyan tree. He lay his precious belongings which were his books and the soap water that he loved to make bubbles with. Next, he would 

pluck a few banana leaves and lay them neatly under the banyan tree. Then he sat comfortably and started reading his books.

As soon as the baby bear’s friends saw him, they rushed towards the banyan tree. The baboons jumped from tree to tree to reach the banyan tree, the birds flew, the ants marched, the rabbits scurried, and the beetles flew to the banyan tree. Even the barn owl would get up from the middle of his sleep when the baby bear arrived at the banyan tree.

All the animals gathered around the banyan tree because they all loved when the baby bear read stories to them. Even the alphabet B would hide amongst the branches of the banyan tree and enjoy the stories that the baby bear read.

After reading the story for his friends, baby bear would blow bubbles some big and the others small. He loved to observe his friends play with the bubbles. The little birds would pop them with their tiny beaks, the baboons would push then with their hands, just like we push a ball. The ants would wriggle when bubbles would fall on them, and the beetles chased them till they popped. Well, the owls, needless to say went back to sleep. This happened every single day.

There was a gigantic beehive opposite the banyan tree. The bees were extremely curious. They wanted to know what was happening under the banyan tree every single day. One of them asked the other bee while cleaning the beehive, “Why do all the animals rush to meet the baby bear every day?”

The other bee replied, “I have no idea, but they all seem to enjoy their time together.”

One day, a group of beetles were rushing towards the banyan tree, as they had gotten late. When the beetles crossed the hive, they heard a bee shout out, “Hey

beetles! Why do you all go to the bear under the banyan tree? What's so special about him?”

One beetle stopped and shouted back, “0h! don’t you know he tells us very nice stories. Why don’t you come and join someday?

Bees were excited but scared at the same time. Excited as they also wanted to enjoy the story, Scared, as the bees and the bears had never been friends.

But still a few of the brave bees gathered their courage and followed the beetles. Scared of being shoed away, they approached the bear slowly. And To the bees’ surprise, the bear said, “Please don’t be afraid, you are welcomed to listen to the story.” All the beetles, bees, and other animals heard him in pin drop silence. The bees were enchanted not just by the story, but by the baby bear too for he was very gentle and kindhearted. They all thanked him and went back happily Now, every day even the bees joined the baby bear’s story telling sessions. Each following day the numbers kept on increasing.

One day, after the storytelling session, the bear was returning to his cave when he saw some nice blue coloured berries and he plucked them and tossed them into his mouth. “Umm these are delicious, wonder why no one eats them?” thought the baby bear, plucking a bunch of berries. But as soon as he ate them, he had such a terrible-terrible tummy ache, it was so acute that he lay on the ground shouting in pain. -Someone please help me…help me.

Well children, should the bear have eaten those berries, without knowing if they were safe or harmful? Yes, indeed. He did a big mistake eating the wild berries. You too should not try to eat anything you are not sure of.

In fact, those blue berries, which looked so delicious were not the good blue berries to be eaten.

The birds saw him in pain and fluttered their wings as fast as they could they told the baby bears parents, “Please come, baby bear is not well.”

Mummy and papa bear hurried to the place where baby bear lay. Mummy bear patted the baby bears hands and said, “Don’t worry, you will be ok soon.” The birds were circling around the baby bear and fanning him. But nothing that the mummy papa bear did, or the birds did help the baby bear. Alphabet B was really sad and prayed for the bear cub to become fine soon. The bees were busy as usual cleaning their hive but when they heard a lot of commotion, they rushed to see what had happened. Looking at the baby bear, the bees at once buzzed into action and took a big piece of hive with delicious honey dripping from it towards the baby bear. Seeing the bees, Papa bear shooed them, “Go away, please leave us alone as out baby is in a lot of pain.”

One of the bees politely said, “We are not here to trouble your baby bear, but to give him some honey that will help his stomach.”

Astonished the mummy bear, thanked the bees and took the honeycomb. She placed the piece of honeycomb oozing with honey in bear’s month. As he sucked into the hive, the honey worked like magic and in no time the baby bear was feeling better. Mumma and papa bear thanked the bees for helping. All the animals were delighted. d mummy and papa bear shouted, “Three cheers for the bees. All the animals echoed-Hip -hip -hurray, Hip -hip -hurray, Hip -hip -hurray!

Everyone left for their homes as it was getting dark.

Alphabet B smiled and was happy that the bear cub was healthy again. He decided it was time to travel again and slowly walked away from the forest for yet another adventure.

Escapades of Letter A is a story of Alphabet A's first day of school and his excitement to learn the sound he makes.

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-alphabet-escapades-of-letter-a

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

It was the day alphabet A had been waiting for; the day he would go to school. He quickly got ready and was on his way. He was really excited about the school. He wanted to hear lots of stories and learn about the shapes, animals, plants and of course, the sound that he makes.

On the way to school, he crossed a pond. There he met an alligator. The alligator was looking up at the tree beside the pond.

“What are you doing alligator?” asked Alphabet A

“I am collecting all the apples that are falling down from this apple tree. Want to join me?”

“I would have loved to, but I have to go to school. They will tell me lots of stories and teach me about the different shapes, animals, plants ….and of course the sound that I make. 

Waving bye to the alligator, Alphabet A went ahead. 

He now met some ants.

“What are you doing ants?” asked letter A.

“We are carrying grains to our ant hill. Want to join us?”

“I would have loved to, but I have to go to school. They will tell me lots of stories and teach me about the different shapes, animals, plants ….and of course the sound that I make.

Waving bye to the ants he said, “Hope you collect lots of grains today!”

Jumping along, Alphabet A reached school.

School was fun. His teacher told a story during the circle time. Then they played with the blocks. After the snack time, the teacher took them to the playground. Alphabet A was really enjoying the school.

But he was most excited when the teacher taught the sound that alphabet A makes.

A says /a/.

A says /a/.

Letter A was delighted, He kept saying “A says /a/. A says /a/. A says /a/.”

Soon it was time to return home. Delighted, letter A thanked the teacher and waved bbye to all his new friends, “ Cu tomorrow friends!”

A was glad he learnt learn what sound he makes and kept singing to himself, “A says /a/. A says /a/.”

While he was returning, he met a wood cutter with an axe. Axe is like a big knife used for cutting trees.

As soon as he saw the axe, A shouted, “Axe starts with me. Yipee! A says /a/, Axe.”

He went ahead and met the ants again.

A asked ants, “So, how many grains did you collect?”

The ants kept marching and said ‘lots! We hope that you enjoyed your school.”

Then suddenly A exclaimed, “Wow! Ants, my dear friends, your name starts with the sound that I make! A says /a/ ants.”

Ants smiled and gave him a thumbs up to alphabet A.

A marched ahead. He met the alligator again as he was passing the pond.

“What did you do whole day alligator?”

“I made an apple pie with all the apples I collected!”

Suddenly, he realized he heard the sound he makes.

He exclaimed, “Wow! A says/a/, /a/ apple. That’s what you collected. Alligator your name starts with A. A says/a/, Alligator. Oh my god! I learnt so much at the school today.”

“I am glad you enjoyed school. Now run off home!” said the alligator.

Alphabet happily went home singing- A says /a/. A says /a/.

A crow is a bird whom most people ignore and do not attach any special things like peacock feathers, Cuckoo's singing or sparrow's nests.

Today’s story – ‘The Crow’s Discover’- is a story where a crow tries to learn something that would be special, but does he succeed?

Let’s listen to the story and find out.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-the-crows-discovery

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

The sun’s rays had started to paint the east horizon with hues of red and orange. In his nest, Kalu, the crow, woke up and looked around. He was bored. He cleared his throat and called a few times.” Ka, ka! It is so boring,” He thought to himself. Then suddenly, He heard beautiful music. A koel was singing his sweet song somewhere nearby.

Children, “koels and cuckoos are cousins belonging to the same family. Both birds lay eggs in the nests of host birds. koels are primarily found in the  Indian Subcontinent, China, and Southeast Asia.

Getting back to the story

For a while, Kalu enjoyed the song. Then he got mad. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair! It was he who had warmed the eggs that the koel had hatched from, and now that little bird was singing so much better than his! But he shouldn't be jealous, he told himself, the thing to do was to take singing lessons from the Koel.

Kalu went looking for the koel and found his at last. The koel looked at him a little suspiciously, but Kalu was very respectful.

“You have the sweetest voice in the world. Will you teach me to sing?” Kalu asked humbly.

“For sure, but you have to be here at dawn every morning,” said the koel. 

Kalu nodded.

“Great! So, let’s start tomorrow morning,” said the koel soaring high in the sky.

Kalu was very worried. He loved his sleep and never woke up before sunrise. But he was very firm about his singing lessons and so he wound up his alarm clock and set it before he went to bed. When the alarm rang, Kalu jumped out of the bed, rubbed his eyes and spread his wings to yawn. Then, he flapped his wings as fast as he could and reached the koel.

The koel was waiting impatiently.

“Good morning Koel!” greeted Kalu.

“Let’s get started.” Kuhoo, kuhoo. Now you copy me, Kalu, “she sang and asked Kalu to try.

 Eagerly, Kalu tried, but all he could say was, “Ka-ka, Ka-ka.”

After a while, the koel had had enough, “I give up. You are just not able to learn. Please find another teacher. I have to rush to the place I recently found some grains piled up. let me go and enjoy that. Don’t tell anyone else, Kalu as then I’ll have to share which I don’t want to.” 

Kalu was very disappointed that He couldn’t learn to sing.

He had tears rolling down his cheeks and sadly He returned to his nest.

Another day Kalu saw a mouse gnawing at a sack. 

Kalu called out, “Hey mouse, please teach me to gnaw too!”

The mouse whispered, “Shhhh, be quiet, else all the mice will come and finish the grains in this sack. This is my find and I want to eat it every day. I don’t want to share with anyone. Moreover, you are a crow, you crows can never learn anything, except cawing. I can’t teach you.”

Children, what can you say about the character of the mouse? Is he helpful, mean, kind, or unkind?

Well, days passed and Kalu went about doing his regular chores. But he had a burning desire to be able to do something as special as singing like Koel or gnawing like the mice.

Soon it was the rainy season. Kalu used to watch the peacocks dancing. He loved to see their grace in every movement. He wanted to dance just like them.

So one day he went up to one of the peacocks and requested, “Would you be kind enough to teach me to dance?”

The peacock smiled and said, “Sure, I could most certainly do that. Just follow me.”

The peacock continued, “One-two move to the left, 3-4 move to the right.”

The crow focussed and tried. He couldn’t get it right on the first try. He tried again, and again, but all in vain.  

“Looks like I can never learn to sing like koel, gnaw like a mouse, or even dance like a peacock!” Sadly he walked back home.

“I am good at nothing,” He said sobbing.

As He passed a house, He saw wheat spread on a mat for drying.

He burst into a smile.

Children, why did the crow burst into a smile?

Let’s listen ahead.

Kalu flapped his wings as fast as he could, announcing about the wheat to all his friends and family.

They all gathered in the backyard and had a feast.

They all thanked Kalu for being generous.

It was then that a thought struck Kalu, “So what if I can sing, gnaw, or dance, but I am generous and invited my friends and family to share the wheat that I found. No other animal did that.”

He was proud of himself and grateful that He was a part of such a kind and sharing family.

Today's story, The Mountain Lion Learns A Lesson is an adapted folktale from Spain. It is a story about an arrogant Puma who learns a lesson.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-mountain-lion-learns-a-lesson

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Transcript:

It is said that many, many years ago, there lived in Mexico a lion, as black as coal and strong like no other animal.

He knew that his presence scared the other animals in the forest, so he enjoyed scaring them whenever he saw the opportunity.

If he caught them off guard, he would suddenly start roaring, causing them to be greatly startled. Another of his favourite hobbies was to climb trees and jump noiselessly so close to them that they were terrified. The Puma had a lot of fun with these practical jokes, but the other animals were fed up with his pranks.

Children, do you play any tricks on your friends?

Remember, our pranks should not harm anyone.

One day, the Puma was running at such speed and suddenly it tripped over the house of a small grasshopper and destroyed it. The grasshopper got very angry.

“Do you think what you have done is nice?” he said angrily, facing him bravely.

“I'm tired of you acting so arrogantly and troubling all the animals in the forest. Look, you destroyed my home that I had so painstakingly made!”

“How dare you talk to me like that?” The Puma roared so loudly that it could be heard throughout the forest.

“An insect as small and useless as you doesn't have to tell me what I should or shouldn't do, that's all!”

The grasshopper was not scared, he gathered his courage and said, “That's what you think?” the grasshopper screeched, his voice becoming almost hoarse from the effort to appear threatening.

“You have kicked my home and you will have to take care of the rebuilding cost of it.”

“Ha ha ha! Don't even dream of it, you fool! Get out of the way and let me pass. I have more important things to do than be here wasting time with you.” Roared the lion

The Puma was preparing to leave without giving in, without even apologizing. This made the grasshopper enraged. “Since you are so brave and believe you are stronger and smarter than anyone, I challenge you to fight. Tomorrow at this time, we will face each other right here. I will gather my army and you will gather yours. We'll see who wins!”

Children, whom do you think will be in the army of the grasshopper and the army of the lion?

Let’s listen ahead.

“Alright! You and your army will get what they deserve and then you will learn to respect me," shouted the lion, convinced that the grasshopper had everything to lose.

Both, the Puma and the grasshopper went in search of their army. The grasshopper gathered his friends the wasps; the Puma asked some of the foxes. When the appointed time arrived, the two sides appeared ready to confront each other in the open field. They looked at each other with contempt and watched every movement.

One of the foxes with the most experience in this type of situation decided it was time to attack. He looked at the Puma to ask for his approval and when it nodded, he encouraged the others to attack the opponents, “Attack! Let not even one of those insects remain!”

The grasshopper reacted and also shouted at the army of wasps at him. “Let's go, friends! This is going to be a piece of cake! Attack!”

The Puma and the foxes were much larger in size and strength, but they did not have the secret weapon of the wasps

Children, what do you think the secret weapon of the wasps is?

Yes, indeed, the secret weapons are their stingers.

They took their secret weapons and stuck them into the backs of their enemies, again and again.

The Puma and the foxes began to jump due to the unbearable pain.

The stings were hurting the Pumaand foxes so much that they ran towards the nearest lake and jumped into the water to relieve the stinging. They submerged their bodies except their heads. The dozens of wasps, under the orders of the grasshopper, remained buzzing a short distance above them.

If the Puma and the foxes wanted to get out of the water, wham!... They would come back to bite them! So they had to soak for hours.

As night fell, the temperature of the water dropped and they were so cold that their bones were hurting. They were hungry, thirsty, and could no longer bear the strain of staying afloat. Putting aside his pride, the Puma surrendered.

“Okay, grasshopper. I admit that I was wrong. You and your army have won the battle,” the Puma acknowledged with a tired voice.

Of course, the Puma felt very humiliated but had no other option. The grasshopper sighed and applauded his faithful wasp friends as a thank-you for their help. Then he looked into the lion’s eyes, “I hope you have learned your lesson. Strength is not the most valuable thing one has. Nor is size or believing oneself better than others. And let it be clear to you: no matter how small some of us may be, together we can defeat the most powerful.”

Today’s story, The red leather shoes, is about a shoemaker who extends kindness to someone in need. And what she gets in return, she never saw coming!

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/archive-the-red-leather-shoes

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Long, long ago, in a small village in a sprawling kingdom, there lived a shoemaker.

Customers travelled from all corners of the kingdom to order shoes from the shoemaker. For everyone agreed the woman had a gift for making the most beautiful, comfortable footwear, and making it fast.

Children, which colour are your favourite shoes?

Everyone was in awe of her skill and speed.

Eventually, though, things began to change.

The shoemaker was growing older — so her eyes were growing weaker, her fingers were growing stiffer, and her work was growing slower.

But, the shoes she made were still as beautiful and comfortable as ever, but her customers were growing annoyed about how long they had to wait. Soon, the customers found a cobbler in the capital city, a young fellow who could churn out shoes like they were pancakes on a griddle, but certainly, the craftsmanship suffered and was no way close to the shoemakers.

Unfortunately, before long, the shoemaker in the village had no customers. And with no customers, she had no income. She couldn’t afford the material to make new shoes… or food to fill her belly!

Children, what do you think will happen to her now?

One morning, as she sat down for a meager breakfast of rice and tea, she glanced around her dusty shop. The shoemaker frowned as she sipped her tea. If she didn’t get any customers soon, she’d be in trouble! She kept thinking that there must be something she could do. Then, all of a sudden, something caught her eye. She shuffled to the kitchen, stretched up her creaky arms, and brought a box down from the shelf. It was a wooden box made from a walnut tree, with elaborate, intricate designs carved along the sides and top.

When the shoemaker lifted the box’s dusty lid, her eyes lit up. “There you are! I’d almost forgotten about you!”

Children, do you have a special box in which you keep your most prized possessions?

Let’s listen ahead to find out what she found in the box.

The shoemaker reached inside and unfolded a big piece of leather. She rubbed the material between her fingers. It was as smooth as the petals of a rose and as red as a pomegranate.

The leather had been a gift from her mother, a brilliantly talented shoemaker who passed all of her skills down to her one and only child. And years and years ago, just before the old woman cobbled her final pair of shoes and let out her final breath, she pulled her daughter aside and placed the leather in her hand.

The shoemaker recalled her mother’s words, “This leather will make a marvelous pair of shoes, but do not be hasty in using it, wait for the right time.” 

The shoemaker knew the time had come. At last, she would use her beloved red leather to make a magnificent pair of shoes — so magnificent that she could make a pretty penny selling them!

The shoemaker fetched her cobbling tools and got to work. Day after day, week after week, month after month, she stooped down at her table, until at last the red leather shoes were finished. She excitedly placed the shoes in the front window of her shop expecting someone to buy it.

And sure enough, it wasn’t long before she heard the door chime ring. A customer entered and asked her the price of that pair of shoes.

The shoemaker proudly said, “ They’re fifty silver coins.”

“Fifty silver coins? The cobbler in the capital city would charge way less than that!” the customer yelled out in surprise.

The shoemaker explained, “But the cobbler in the capital city would never craft ….”

Before even she could finish her sentence, the customed stomped out, “I’m sorry. But fifty silver coins sounds way too steep to me. Good luck with the shoes.”

Well, as it turned out, the shoemaker needed far more than luck. All those who walked in, walked out saying that it was way too expensive compared to the one in the capital city. Much to the old shoemaker's dismay, all of them made a beeline for the door.

Well, it wasn’t long before the shoemaker’s cupboards were bare, her pockets were empty, and she was left with little more than a heavy heart and a hungry belly.

Then one evening, as a ferocious storm raged outside, the shoemaker sat huddled by the fire. She was rubbing her bony hands and trying to ignore her grumbling belly when all of a sudden she heard a knock. ...

Children, who could be at the door?

The shoemaker heaved herself to her feet and waddled to the door. Shivering outside was a haggard man. His face was smudged with soot. Raindrops pelted down on his long, shabby coat and tattered hat.

He said, “Good evening, madam. Sorry to bother you, but I spotted the glow of your fire through your front window. I’ve been begging in the streets all day long and I am chilled to my bones! May I please come in and warm myself?”

“Of course!” The shoemaker took the beggar’s arm and led him to the fire. She said, “I would have offered you some food, but I ate my last bowl of rice days ago, and I haven’t been able to …”

The shoemaker stopped short. For her eyes had wandered down to the beggar’s feet. The man wasn’t wearing any shoes or socks, and his toes, soles, and heels were all dirty and wet.

“I’m sorry, sir... but your feet! Have you no shoes to wear?”

“No, madam. I have no shoes. As a poor beggar, I have nothing at all, really! But you.. How is it you’ve fallen on such hard times?

The shoemaker heaved a sigh and told the whole story.

The beggar nodded. Then he gestured toward the front window.

“I couldn’t help but notice those red leather shoes you have on display. They’re utterly spectacular! I’ve never seen anything like them! Are you telling me nobody will buy those?”

Sadly the shoemaker said, “Not even one! Everyone who comes into my shop says the shoes are too expensive.”

“That’s a pity, hope people understand and appreciate the craftsmanship of these splendid shoes. Well, it’s time for me to move on. Thank you for the fire and for the company. It means more than I can say.” The old beggar said.

As the man began trudging toward the door, the shoemaker stopped him

Children, why did the shoemaker stop the beggar?

Well, the shoemaker gave him the red leather shoes from the window.

The old beggar’s eyes twinkled as he slipped the shoes on. They fit like a glove. The old beggar thanked her profusely and disappeared into the dark and rainy night.

By morning, the storm had passed. Outside the shoemaker’s shop, the sky sparkled a brilliant blue, and the sun shone high in the sky.

That day the shoemaker decided that she would sell her cobbling tools to get some money then decide what to do next.

But just as the shoemaker began gathering up her hammers and scissors, her pincers and pliers...there was a knock at the door.

Children, any guesses on who was at the door?

When the shoemaker opened the door, she saw an elegant horse and carriage on the street outside. The finely-dressed driver waved his velvet-gloved hand and grinned. He politely said, “Good morning, madam! Please, come with me. We don’t have a moment to waste. The King wishes to see you immediately!”

The shoemaker was confused. The king? But she did as she was instructed and climbed into the carriage.

When the carriage reached the palace, the shoemaker was ushered into a great hall. The moment she spotted the king sitting on his plush velvet throne, decked out in his lush satin robe, she bowed low to the ground.

The king said, “Good morning, dear madam! Please. You may rise.”

Slowly, she rose to her feet.

The king went on, “ I’ve summoned you to my palace to repay you for the red leather shoes.

The shoemaker blinked her eyes. She was totally confused.

The king explained, “ You see, nobody outside these palace walls knows it, but from time to time, I like to disguise myself, so I may wander about my kingdom unrecognized. I wish to see first-hand how my people live and how they treat each other. Last night I disguised myself as an old beggar. I made my way to your shop in the thunder, wind, and rain and I knocked at your door. And what did you do? You took me in, you sat me by the fire, and you gave me your most prized possession; the red leather shoes.

The shoemaker felt her cheeks flush and said, “Of course I couldn't just leave you out there shivering in the cold!”

The king added, “So you say. But do you know how many of your fellow citizens turned me away as I wandered from house to house? Do you know how many of them slammed their door in my face? And so I’d like to repay you by making you the official royal shoemaker. And in return, you may live in this palace and enjoy all the comforts therein. Do you accept my offer?”

The shoemaker’s heart stuttered and skittered inside her chest. It felt like a dragonfly fluttering its delicate wings.

Humbled the shoemaker said, “Yes, Your Majesty. I accept your offer.”

And so, the shoemaker packed up her shop in the village and moved into the palace, where she spent her days making beautiful, comfortable shoes for the king.

She worked slowly, but the king didn’t mind. For what the shoemaker lacked in speed, she made up for in skill. And even if her hands weren’t quick, her heart was warm, and that’s what mattered most of all.

Today's story, The Golden Cob, is a folktale from Spain about a very hardworking mother.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-golden-cob

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Transcript:

Once upon a time in a small town in Spain, there was a very humble farmer family. There was a father, a mother and five children. Unfortunately, that family was so poor that they barely had anything to eat. Their only way to sustain was a small field of corn. Even though they only had one type of food, they managed to make different recipes to feed and make the little ones happy. They made cakes, and breads from the corn... and they still had some corn left over to be able to sell in the market.

Guess who did all the work? All of this was done by the mother of the family, who was in charge of all the functions that had to be done related to corn and even go to the market to sell the corn. She was extremely hardworking.

Children, what all has to be done at a farm to grow anything?

Yes indeed, at any farm the farmer needs to, plant the seeds, take care of the plants, and then harvest the crop.

The mother did all that and then cooked food. After that, she prepared different types of corn dishes so that her children would not get bored of eating the same thing again and again.

Then she went to the market and sold the leftover corn. She was also the one in charge of maintaining and taking care of the house and ensuring that her children went to school. And guess what the father did?

The father enjoyed comfortable and endless naps.

One day the mother was so tired from working that she didn’t have the energy to do each of her daily tasks and sell what was left over in the market to earn some coins. 

The mother then cried inconsolably.

She thought, “Who would feed my children and sell the corn in the market?”

Then she saw her husband merrily sleeping, unaware that she was unwell.

She thought, “All this would not happen if my husband helps me.”

However, she knew that her husband would never lift a finger and do any work. He was a very stubborn and selfish person who only enjoyed sleeping and walking in the countryside.

The mother was so tired that she decided to stop thinking and go to sleep so she could rest and collect more corn the next day.

Just as she was heading to her room, she saw something that was very shiny. Believing that it was the result of fatigue, she decided to continue on her way to the room. But again her eyes noticed the flashes. What was that? It couldn't be a ray of sunlight because it was already night, although it was undoubtedly coming through the window, so she decided to go out to see what that intense reflection could be...

 Children, any guesses on what was the shiny thing?

“It's a golden cob! OMG! I can't believe it!" The farmer woman said excitedly when she finally realized that the flashes were coming from the cornfield.

After picking up the golden cob, the woman ran to the house to tell her husband, who was already asleep.

“What is it? I am tired, let me sleep,” said the farmer angrily.

He opened his eyes a tiny bit, and was startled to see a golden cob. He immediately sprang up from the bed. The farmer couldn't believe what he saw.

He thought that his wife was so good and so hardworking that the gods would undoubtedly have wanted to reward her. Then the farmer realised his mistake of being lazy and not extending a helping hand. He knelt down and promised to help her with everything.

The next day the farmers decided to go sell that ear of gold, and with the money they got they bought more corn, some new clothes and fixed up their humble house. The father stopped lazing around and worked very hard since then with his wife, so the profits from the corn only grew and grew and they never went hungry again. The father of that beautiful family understood that all that had happened was the result of teamwork.

He indeed was never lazy after that and helped the mother.

Welcome to the Fox Tales series. The two stories in the episode are about the proud fox learning a lesson that he should not be boastful.

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Transcript

The first story is: The Seven-Witted Fox and the One-Witted Owl

One day an owl met a fox, and the fox bragged about his intelligence and cleverness, and said proudly, “ I am very witty, probably the wittiest living being!”

The owl asked him, "Brother, brother! How many wits have you?"

"Seven," he said, boastingly.

"No wonder you are so clever. I have only one," said the owl sadly.

The fox raised his tail and walked away proudly.

A short time afterwards the owl again met the fox, but this time he was running for his life.

Children who do you think was behind the fox?

You may be right , Let’s see!

The hunters were after the fox, and the hound dogs were trying to catch him. Running as fast as his legs could carry him, he at last managed to slip into a hole.

The owl followed him, and seeing him there exhausted, asked him teasingly, "Couldn’t you any of your wits? Didn’t you say you have 7 wits!”

The fox replied, "Six. I have 6 wits, I lost one in the chase."

Meanwhile, the hunters and dogs came nearer and nearer, so they could hear the barking of the dogs. The fox did not know what to do. He was indeed very nervous.

The owl teasingly asked him, "How many wits have you now, old fellow?"

"Oh, I have lost all my wits, I have none left."

"Where is your cleverness of which you bragged so much ?"

"It is not kind of you, now, to tease a poor fellow when the dogs are at his heels, and there is no escape for him."

"Well," said the owl, "I have one wit, and I will see whether I can save you with that.”

Children, put on your thinking caps and think of a way that the owl will help the fox.

Then the owl added confidently, “It is my turn. I will lie down here at the entrance of this hole as though dead. When the hunters come, they will look at me get hold of me and probably discuss me. Meanwhile, they will forget you, and in the midst of all this confusion you just dash out and run for your life."

It happened just as the owl had said.

As soon as the hunters came up to the hole, they found the owl lying dead, I mean just acting dead, one of them said, "What is this ugly bird doing here? And a dead one too!

The second hunter added, “ Let’s kick him out of our way!”

“That’s right!” added the first hunter.

And while they were busy discussing what to do with the owl, and trying to get hold of it to throw it away, off went the fox through them and escaped.

Soon afterwards the owl met him again, and said, "How have your seven wits helped you when in time of danger? It is like that with people who have too much. They often have nothing when they want it the most. But you see, I had only one wit but a strong one and not a useless one like yours, and that saved not just me but you too.

So children, did that build your appetite for another story?

The next story is: The Fox and His Bagful of Wits and the One-Witted Hedgehog

One day somehow, a fox got into a poultry yard,

Children, do you know what kind of animals are there at a poultry farm?

Yes, the poultry farm has hens, turkeys, geese, ducks, etc.

So, after entering the farm, the fox ate to his heart’s content.

A few days later, the fox met a hedgehog who was going towards the poultry yard,

"Where are you going, brother?" asked the fox.      

"I am famished and want to get something to eat, but it’s tricky to enter the poultry farm. So, I am trying to find the best way to enter,” answered the hungry hedgehog.

"Oh," said the proud fox, "You just come with me, and I will show you. You know I am smart as I have a bag full of wits. I know my way, and there is plenty of poultry for you, and me and some to leave behind for another time."

The hedgehog, who was a wise old fellow himself, said to the fox, "A bag full of wits! That’s great I only have one wit. But let’s be careful. Now, be careful. Are you sure that the owners of the poultry yard will let you in again so easily?"

"Don't you worry," said the fox. "I know my business. Do not forget I have a bagful of wits. You just come with me,” said the fox leading the way.

And the hedgehog followed him.

But the people of the poultry farm were not such fools as the fox had taken them for.

Children, what do you think the people of the poultry farm did?

Ummm,. Let’s listen ahead

And just where the fox had gotten in last time the people of the poultry farm had dug a deep pit, and into that the fox and the hedgehog tumbled.

Ohhh no!

When they found themselves at the bottom of the pit, the hedgehog turned to the fox and said, "Well, you clever fellow, with a bagful of wits, is that the proper way to get into the poultry yard? Did I not warn you?"

"What is the good of arguing ?" replied the fox. "We are here now, and we must see how to get out of it."

Children, do you think the Fox will be able to get out, taking the help office bag full of wits.

Let’s see.

"But you are so clever, and I am only a poor old fool, why don’t you suggest Mr Fox?” said one very annoyed hedgehog.

"Why don’t you use one wit that you have and help us both get out of this deep pit?” said the fox angrily.

The two started quarrelling.

Finally, the hedgehog said, “I cannot help you. This sudden fall has upset me, and I feel uncomfortable and very sick."

"What," cried the fox. "You are not going to be sick here. That is more than I can stand. Out you go!"

So he got hold of the hedgehog by the snout, and the hedgehog coiled himself up with his little paws into a little ball around the fox's mouth. The fox lifted up his head with a jerk and threw the little fellow out of the pit.

Children, what do you think will happen now in the story?

As soon as the hedgehog saw himself safely out of the pit, the little hedgehog, bending over the mouth of the pit, said chuckling to the fox, "Where is your wisdom, you fool? You boast that you have a bagful of wits, but it is I who got myself out of the pit, though I have only a little wit."

"Oh," said the fox, whining, "do have pity on me! You are such a clever old fellow. Help me out of this pit too."

"Well, said the hedgehog, "I will help you. Now, you pretend to be dead, and when the people come and find you stiff and stark, they will say, 'The fox has died, and his carcass is rotting. It is going to make all the poultry farm stinky.” They will take you and throw you out. And then see wherever you land.

The fox did as the hedgehog had advised him, and when the people came and found him in that state, they hauled him out and threw him out of the farm onto the road. Quicker than you could clap your hands, the fox was on his legs, and he ran as if the ground was burning under him.

Since then the fox and the hedgehog have been good friends.

This is an adapted folktale from Australia. It’s a legend about how the mummy kangaroo got a pouch!

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Transcript

Long ago mumma kangaroo was grooming her joey on the bank of a brook. They liked to listen to the water babble as the mama combed her baby’s fur.

As she gave a final touch to Joey’s coat, she said lovingly, “Always stay close to mumma. Whenever we go out, I get worried when you wander off.” 

Before Joey cold even nod, they heard the sound of weeping.

Children, who do you think is crying?

They saw an old wombat staggering toward them.

“Oh dear,” the kangaroo whispered to her baby. “This wombat is old and sick. He must have great-great-grandchildren already.”

As the wombat swung closer, she heard him say, “Useless and worthless, worthless and useless.”

“What’s the trouble, friend wombat?” she asked.

He said, startled. “Who said that?”

“I did,” said Mumma kangaroo. “A kangaroo and her joey here.”

“I can’t see properly,” the wombat replied. “Nobody wants me around. Nobody thinks about me. I’m no good anymore. They’ve abandoned me, all of them.”

The mumma kangaroo, who had a tender heart, said, “It’s not as bad as that at all. I’ll be your friend. My joey and I will show you where the tastiest grass grows.” She let the wombat hold her tail. Then, slowly, she led him over to the juiciest grass and the cleanest water. The old wombat sighed with pleasure. It made the kangaroo happy to see him feeling better.

Children, think of one way you helped someone this week.

Suddenly she remembered her Joey! She had told him to stay close, but he had wandered off again. She raced back to look for him. So many times this had happened. She had gone out looking for food, and when she looked up, the little joey had wandered off. It scared her terribly.

Fortunately, she found her joey asleep under a gum tree. Not wanting to wake him from his nap, she decided to go back and check on the old wombat. Something was moving in the bush. An Aboriginal hunter, silently stalking the wombat!

Children, what do you think the mumma kangaroo will do now?

The hunter’s boomerang was raised above his head. Its smooth edges are ready to slice the air.

Children a boomerang is a curved flat piece of wood that can be thrown so that it will return to the thrower. It was traditionally used by Australian Aboriginal people as a hunting weapon.

Well, getting on with the story.

When the kangaroo saw the hunter, she froze. She couldn’t even breathe. As you must have realized by now he kangaroo was very kind hearted, so in spite of the hunter, she wanted to protect the wombat!

The kangaroo began to stomp the branches and twigs under her feet. Thump, thump, crack, crack, she pounded the earth. The hunter turned toward her. “Run,” she screamed to the wombat, “Run, there’s a hunter.” The wombat took off crazily, not knowing where he was going. The hunter didn’t care. Now all he wanted was the mumma kangaroo!

Children, do you think the hunter will catch the kangaroo? Listen ahead.

She hopped as hard and fast as she could into the bush, away, away from where she had left her joey asleep. At last, she came to a cave. She was too tired to go any farther and collapsed on the dirt floor inside. At least the hunter would have to kill her in the cool dark, not out in the open where other animals would be forced to watch.

The hunter ran past the mouth of the cave! The kangaroo breathed a sigh of relief. She stayed inside, listening for his return. She was afraid to go out.

Finally, when she saw him walk past the mouth of the cave again, his boomerang hanging from his hand. She waited until it was safe, then ran as fast as she could back to the gum tree.

Children, who was there under the gum tree?

That’s right, there was her joey, awake and ready to play. Together they went to look for the wombat, but he had gone.

What the kangaroo mother did not know was that the wombat wasn’t a wombat. He was actually the great god Byamee who had put on a disguise.

Children, In Australian Aboriginal mythology, Baiame was the creator god who created all living things.

So, Byamee had put on a disguise and had descended from the sky world to find out which of his creatures had the kindest heart. Now he had an answer that pleased him greatly and that was the kangaroo. Byamee wanted to give her the gift that would help her most of all. So he called the sky spirits together and said, “Go down below to where the eucalyptus grow tall. Peel the long strips of the bark and make an apron.”

Children, why was Byamee, getting a bag? Put on your thinking caps.

Then Byamee added, “Give it to the kangaroo mother and explain that she must tie it around her waist.”

And so they did. At the very moment the kangaroo mother tied the apron around her waist, Byamee transformed it into soft kangaroo fur. It grew into her own flesh. Now she had a pouch in which to carry her baby joey. He could even sleep in there as she went about her daily tasks.

The kangaroo mother was very delighted with her gift. She thanked the Baymee God and the sky spirits. But because she was the kindest creature of all, she didn’t want to keep it only for herself. She thought about the other kangaroo mothers and about the kangaroo rats and all the other marsupials and requested that all her friends too get a bag like hers.

Byamee loved the kangaroo’s generous heart. So, he decided to make pouches for all the other marsupial mothers. Ever since then, their babies almost never get lost.

Today's story, Little Golu And The Ribbon, is an original story that teaches children to recognise basic shapes

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-little-golu-and-the-ribbon

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Transcript

Little Golu was excited.

“Wow! A new set of crayon box!” But more than the crayon box, the ribbon on the next one caught his attention. It was a red ribbon with tiny hearts. He snapped the gift that was tied with the red ribbon, open. The ribbon fell a little distance from him. Golu glanced at it for the ribbon made a circular shape. Golu was attracted.

He bent down to get a closer look when he heard “Happy Birthday, Golu. I have turned myself into a circle.”

“Hey, you’re a talking ribbon. Woohoo! Oh, a circle?! I know many things that are circular. Hm.. the face of the wall clock is a circle, to start with. Next, pizza. The pizza we ate at the birthday party was circular.”

The talking ribbon said, “Look outside, what things are circular?”

“My new bicycle’s wheels are circular and so is the sun!”

“Now pick me up and toss me in the air. When I land on the ground again, I’ll show you a different shape,” said the ribbon. It fell and made a square shape.

“You are indeed magical,” smiled Golu, who had already started looking for square shapes around the house.

“The cushion is square and…” Golu was stuck.

The talking ribbon said, “How about the crackers that you enjoyed with cheese with your friends earlier today?”

 “Yes and the cheese slices, too. This is fun! May I toss you in the air again?” asked Golu with a sparkle in his eyes.

“Sure, I love this game too.” Golu tossed the ribbon and it fell as a triangle. He was quiet. He looked around his room but couldn’t find anything triangular.

Then he jumped and got a hold of his favourite musical instrument from the table - the triangle.

 Children, what is your favourite musical instrument?

Great

 “Now that’s a triangle!” “That’s right. And the sandwich and also the ice cream cone.”

“Can you also become a rectangle? With two long sides and two short sides?”

“Throw me yet again.” Golu threw it and sure enough, the talking ribbon formed a rectangle. “Now, this is easy. The gift on the table is a rectangle and my pencil box too. And my storybook on the bed as well.”

“And the door is my shape too!” added the ribbon.

“Well for the next shape, throw me yet again.” As Golu tossed the ribbon, a gust of wind blew the ribbon out of the open door. As it blew further away, it made the shape of a heart. Golu yelled, “That’s a heart! You’re now in the shape of my birthday cake.” Golu made a heart with his hands and blew the ribbon a kiss as it flew with the wind. “See you soon, Golu!” the ribbon called.

With a smile Golu went back to opening the gifts.

'Jumpy Learns A lesson' is a story that teaches us to have the spirit of never giving up.

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Transcript

Jumpy Frog opened his eyes to the bright sun of a new day. He stretched out his long legs and stuck out his tongue to taste the morning air. Jumpy hopped out of his bed onto the green, dew-soaked leaves and raced to his mom nearby.

“Wake up, Mommy, wake up,” Jumpy shouted with excitement.

“Good morning, my baby boy,”  his mom said. Jumpy yelled, “Do you know what today is?”

His mom teased, “No, what is today?”

Children, can you guess why is Jumpy so excited?

Let’s find out.

“My Birthday”, exclaimed Jumpy. “I’m 5 years old today.”

“Oh,” mom said, “Is it your birthday TODAY?”

“Mom, you remember, don’t you?” said Jumpy.

“Of course I do. It’s my favourite day of the year,” mom said. She pulled out a big box with a bright red bow.

“Happy Birthday, my son!”

“Oh, Mom, is this what I think it is?” Jumpy hoped she had gotten all his hints about what he wanted. A new guitar! The kind that his favourite band plays. Shiny blue and sounding awesome!

Jumpy pulled apart the wrapping paper and yanked off the bow. He opened the box and it was…… the guitar! Jumpy was so happy. He immediately picked it up and started playing. Only to his surprise, it did not sound too good.

Jumpy quickly got discouraged and threw down the guitar. Mom picked it back up and said, “Jumpy, try again. You’ll never know how good you could be if you give up so fast.”

Children, have you learned any new things recently? Please share what it was.

That’s lovely

Jumpy was disappointed. He wanted the guitar, but he did not want to take the time to learn to play it.

He surely did not want to hurt his mom’s feelings, so he picked the guitar back up and tried again. It sounded just as bad. He got very upset!

“Jumpy”, said his mom, “never give up. Practice, practice, and practice. Soon you’ll see that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”

That night Jumpy tried again. The day after that he tried again. The day after that he tried again. Each day he tried a little longer and a little harder. Until one day Jumpy played the most beautiful song on his guitar.

His mom had been listening, as she had each day. She was so proud of him for not giving up.

Jumpy and his mom would sit for hours together while Jumpy played the song over and over until it was perfect!

Jumpy was so proud of himself and his mom was so proud of him too!

Jumpy said, “Thank you so much for buying me this guitar. I guess you believed in me before I even believed in myself!”

Jumpy’s mom said,” That’s what moms’ are for! With this guitar, you will make beautiful music forever. Now what better gift could there be?”

Jumpy said, “This is the best birthday gift ever.”

Jumpy and his mom sat together on a bunch of lily pads while Jumpy played his music as the sun set around them.

Welcome to the Turtle Tales series.

'The Turtle Who Couldn’t Stop Talking is a Jataka tale about a turtle who didn’t follow the instructions that were given to him and faced the consequences.

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Transcript

A turtle lived in a pond at the foot of a hill. Two young wild Geese, looking for food, saw the turtle and started talking with him. The geese said, “It’s so much fun to talk to you. You are a very nice turtle”

“I also enjoyed myself talking to you both. Do come and visit me again!” answered the turtle.

Children, what do you think they talked about?

The next day the Geese came again to visit the turtle and the day after and the day-day after. In no time they became very well acquainted and soon they were great friends.

"Friend turtle," the Geese said one day, "We have a beautiful home far away. We are going to fly back to it tomorrow. It will be a long but pleasant journey. Will you come with us?"

"Oh, I really would have loved to, but how could I? I have no wings. Further, I walk so slowly that I could never reach just walking to your home," said the turtle sadly.

Children, can you suggest some way the turtle can travel to his friends’ homes?

Let’s see

Looking at their sad friend the geese discussed among themselves then suggested, "Oh, we will take you, but on one condition. You have to keep your mouth shut, and say not a word to anybody,"

"That’s easy, I can do that," said the turtle confidently. "Please do take me with you. I will do exactly as you wish."

So the next day, the geese brought a stick and two of them held the ends of it. "Now take the middle of this in your mouth, and don't say a word until we reach home," the two geese told the turtle.

The turtle was delighted and quickly held the stick in his mouth.          

The geese then sprang into the air, with the turtle between them, holding fast to the stick.

The turtle was having a great time looking at the land from high in the sky.

Children, can you tell three things that the turtle saw from the sky?

As they were flying over a village, the village children saw the two geese flying along with the turtle and cried out: "Oh, see the Turtle up in the air! Look at the Geese carrying a turtle by a stick! Did you ever see anything more ridiculous in your life!"

The turtle didn’t like the mockery of the children and forgetting the instructions of the geese started to say…

Children, what was the instruction of the geese?

Yes! The geese had instructed the turtle not to open his mouth till they reached home. But the turtle forgot all about it and he looked down and began to say, "Well, if my friends carry me, what business is that of yours?" when he let go, he tumbled down and fell with a big thud on the ground.

As the two Geese flew on, they heard the people say, when they came to see the poor turtle, "That fellow could not keep his mouth shut. He had to talk, and so faced the consequences."

Description: The Stone Soup Story is a European Folklore and a moral story. It has been passed down through generations to teach young ones that sharing and caring for those around you is a regular aspect of life. When we care for each other, we can lead a more fulfilling life, just like the villagers had a fulfilling meal because they decided to share their provisions.

.Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-stone-soup

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once upon a time, there was a small village which was inhabited by poor people. They didn’t like sharing their things with others as they had very little. In fact, they would lock their doors and windows tight and keep the little food they had for themselves.

Children, I’m sure you are not like these villagers and like to share what you have. What do you like to share with your friends at school?

One day, a visitor passed through the village. He was very hungry and exhausted from his long journey. He stopped at the first house he could see and knocked on the door, hoping to get some food.

The woman inside cracked open the door a little and asked, “Who are you?”

“I am a traveller, and I was passing through your village. I am tired and hungry. Can I please have something to eat?”

“Go away; we hardly have any food here,” replied the woman. “I doubt you’ll find anyone here who has food to spare. We are all poor,” said the woman. After she said this, the woman closed the door in the traveller’s face.

The traveller was not ready to give up and picked up a large stone from the ground and knocked again on the woman’s door. The lady came to the door again and opened it only halfway.

“What do you want now?” asked the woman.

“Since you are poor like me, maybe you’d like to have some of my stone soup. It is delicious and fulfilling!”

“Stone soup, you say?” laughed the woman as she saw the stone in the traveller’s hand. “You can’t make soup from a stone.”

To that, the traveller replied, “Yes, you can! I’ve done it before.”

Children, what is your favourite soup?

The woman didn’t believe him as she had never seen someone make soup from stones before. However, she was hungry too, so she invited him in. She lit the fire placed a kettle of water on top, and opened the windows to let the heat out.

Then the traveller placed the stones in the water until the water started boiling. He took a sip of the hot liquid and said, “It’s almost done! But, if you had just a little salt and butter, it would taste much better!”

The woman went to her cupboard and returned with salt and butter. As the traveller was adding them to the stone soup, the woman’s husband returned home with carrots and potatoes in his hand.

“What are you cooking?” asked the woman’s husband.

“Stone soup!” replied the traveller and the woman. The man could not believe this and thought that it was impossible to make soup out of a stone.

“It’s almost finished!” said the traveller as he tasted another spoonful of the soup. “However, it would taste much better if we added carrots and potatoes to it,” said the traveller. The husband was also hungry, so he agreed to add some carrots and potatoes to the stone soup.

Soon, the smell of the soup drifted out of the open window and down the lane. A neighbour who usually stayed inside wandered out and followed the smell all the way to the first house.

There, he heard the woman, her husband and the traveller talking about the stone soup.

“Is the stone soup ready now?” the woman and her husband asked the traveller.

“Yes, but it could be even better if we had some turnips and beans!” “I have some!” yelled the neighbour who was watching them from the window.

The neighbour was curious to taste the soup made of stones, so he returned with turnips and beans. He poured it into the pot, and the smell of the soup drifted further into the village.

Word of a traveller making soup out of a stone drew the villagers out of their houses and towards the woman’s house. They all followed the smell. “Is the stone soup ready yet?” asked the villagers when they came to the window. “Yes, but I remember having stone soup with fresh chicken and broth in the stew once,” replied the traveller.

“I have chicken!” said a farmer and then ran home to get some. “I have broth!” exclaimed another villager who ran to fetch it. They both came and placed the items into the pot. By this moment, the pot was full to the brim with goodness.

Children, can you guess what the traveller was trying to do by asking each person to add something?

Yes! Make a delicious soup.

The traveller tried another sip of the soup, “Perfect!” he exclaimed. He then proceeded to serve a bowl of stone soup to every villager.

“It’s delicious!” said the villagers. “Where can we get this magic stone?” asked some. The traveller shook his head and pulled out the stone from the soup. The villagers realised that it was a normal stone, and the flavour of the soup came from the ingredients and not the stone.

The traveller drank what was left of the soup and continued with his journey. The villagers realised the importance of sharing, and from that day on, they shared their things with each other and lived happily together.

Tenali Raman was a learned scholar and a poet in King Krishnadevaraya’s court. He was a minister in the court and was also one of the eight poets. He was famous for his wit and quick thinking.

On the Story Prism podcast, Tenali Raman tales are a collection of some of those stories.

Today's story- Raman Outsmarts a Thief is a story that teaches us that being a quick thinker and witty can save us from dire situations. Do you think Raman would be able to save himself this time?

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-tenali-outsmarts-a-thief

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Transcript

Once upon a time, Raman set out on a long journey. In those days, one had to walk through the jungle to get to another city.

Children, how can we travel from one place to another nowadays?

That’s a lot of ways, but long-long ago, people had to walk if they wanted to travel.

So, Raman started his journey. On the way, another traveller joined Raman, who said, “This forest is infested with thieves. I am afraid they will rob me. Can I travel with you?” the man asked Raman. Raman readily agreed.

That night, the two of them stopped at some place in the forest to rest. Raman was tired and fell asleep soon. His companion was waiting for this moment. In fact, he was a thief who used to rob travellers. He got up and looked under Raman’s pillow without disturbing him. He found nothing. He carefully searched Raman’s pockets looking for money. To his disappointment, he did not find even a paisa! Then he opened the bundle Raman was carrying. Again, he found nothing.

The next morning, the two resumed their journey. They halted for the night again. Raman again had a sound sleep. Whereas his companion yet again searched Raman’s belongings, looking for money and valuables. Again, he was disappointed.

The next day, the two travellers reached the holy city of Tirupati, the famous holy city in southern India. This was where Raman and his companion had to part company.

At that moment the companion confessed that he was a thief. “ I have never met with failure. But this time I failed. Now that we are parting company, please tell me where you hid the money in the night?” pleaded the thief. “Unless I know your secret, I may not be able to sleep,” he confessed.

Raman smiled, “I knew you were a thief the moment I saw you. I took care to hide money where you would never find it.”

Children, where do you think Raman hid his money?

Let’s listen ahead.

“But where? I looked for it everywhere,” cried out the thief.

“Did you look for it under your pillow?” asked Raman.

“I looked for it under your pillow and found nothing. Why should I look for your money under my pillow?” asked the bewildered thief.

“Because I hid the money under your pillow,” said Raman, “I was confident it was the one place you would never look for my money.”

That indeed surprised the thief's companion. He quietly went off his way thinking about how witty Raman was.

Careful and smart thinking can help one beat even the worst people in the world

Ganesha is the elephant-headed god of Hindus. 

This is a nice and funny story about Lord Ganesha. He was very fond of his devotees and at the same time used to have some good fun at their cost. He descends to earth during Ganeshotasav to be with his devotees. Except for one kind woman, no one in the village helps him, and he has taken the form of a poor boy

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources are available at www.rituvaish.com/ganesha-and-the-bowl-of-kheer

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Transcript

It was festive time in India and everything seemed to be colourful. Ganesh Puja was on the cards and the whole village was getting itself ready to celebrate the Ganeshotsav. Every house was getting a new look. Men, women and children alike, were showcasing their new dresses. Preparation of sweets by every household was in full swing, after all, Ganesha loves sweets.

Children, which are your favourite sweets??

That’s nice.

Meantime, to celebrate Ganeshotsav, Ganesha himself decides to descend down to earth to be with his devotees and help them in the celebrations. Ganesha is a very wise and witty deity and so it was natural for him to have some fun.

One fine day, when the whole village was busy preparing for the festival, a young boy was seen on the streets. He seemed to be very poor. While he was wandering on the streets, he was announcing, “A spoonful of milk and a fistful of rice, that's all I have. Someone please make me a bowl of kheer for me.”

Whoever heard the boy, immediately got annoyed. What a wishful thinking. How dare the boy dream of getting a bowl of kheer from such a meagre quantity of rice and milk. Simply unthinkable.

So none of the villagers came to his help or offered him any sweets to eat. They simply shooed him away. But the boy was very determined, he kept on ranting about his spoonful of milk and a fistful of rice.

“A spoonful of milk and a fistful of rice, that's all I have. Someone please make me a bowl of kheer for me.” He kept announcing as he roamed around the streets.

Ultimately, at the fag end of the day, an old woman took pity on him. She invited him to her house and said that she would prepare a bowl of kheer for him. The boy was overjoyed to hear this. He asks the woman to get a very big vessel. The old woman laughs at such a suggestion. “A big vessel? What for? The quantity of rice and milk is so less, that it won't even fill a bowl.”

But the boy was adamant, he kept on asking for the biggest vessel. Finally, the woman relents goes to a neighbouring house of a washerwoman and gets a very big vessel. The milk and rice are poured into the vessel. A little bit of sugar is also added.

In the meantime, while the kheer was getting cooked, the boy excused himself and went out of the house. Before leaving, he makes the woman promise that she won't eat or taste the kheer before he does. After a while, the woman too falls asleep and goes to bed. A very nice aroma was coming from the kheer and was filling the whole house. The aroma woke up the woman and she rushed towards the kitchen. Surprise, the huge vessel was overflowing with the most delicious looking kheer. It was filled to the brim.

She understands, it must be the blessing of Lord Ganesha himself.

She takes a spoon of the creamy white kheer and rushes to offer it to the idol of Ganesha, she had in her prayer room.

“Thank you lord Ganesha. I am blessed. I am offering this first spoon of kheer to you. ”

Looking at the lovely kheer, she got very hungry herself. She wanted to have a bite too, but alas, she has promised she won't taste before the boy.

“And where is the wretched boy? Why he is not coming?” she thought to herself.

Already he has given a lot of trouble to her, by asking her to cook for him.

Unable to contain her hunger anymore, she helps herself with a bowl of the mouth-watering dish. It was so delicious that she goes for a second helping, then a third, fourth and so on till she is unable to take anymore.

Lo and behold!

Magic! sheer magic, the vessel remained full to the brim, filling up again and again.

Soon after, the boy returns. The woman feels very guilty and ashamed of herself. She was not able to keep her promise. But the boy consoles her telling that she has already fed him. The woman was surprised to hear that. When did she feed him? No, never. With a chuckle, the boy replies, he was the Ganesha whom she fed in her puja room. Thus she has kept her promise. Saying thus, Ganesha takes his real form. The old woman immediately falls on the feet of Ganesha, weeping at the same time, for not having recognized him.

Ganesha lifts her up, embraces her and tells her to ask for a wish. The woman replies that she is a poor uneducated woman and doesn't know how to ask one. Ganesha advises her to try. The woman then wishes to Ganesha, that she be made into a young, beautiful and rich woman with a beautiful palace and a garden. Ganesha smiles at her. Of course the woman is not so foolish. In one wish itself she has asked for so many things. He asks the woman to distribute the kheer to the whole of the village first, then he will see whether to grant her wish or not. The woman immediately rushes off to fulfil the task given by Ganesha and in no time she completes it too.

On her return, she finds that Ganesha is there waiting for her. She asks him about her wish. Ganesha asks her to turn back and bend down. As soon as she turns and bends, she feels a hard push on her back, stumbles forward and falls flat on her face.

Children, can you please tell me what was happening to the woman?

Let’s listen ahead.

The woman gets very angry, and gets up to admonish Ganesha, but at that very instant she realizes that she is in a different world. She finds herself surrounded by beautiful flowers, and trees and facing to her is a big palace. She was wearing beautiful dresses and ornaments.

She thanks Ganesha for fulfilling her wish. The villagers when they came to know of this incident, felt very ashamed of themselves. That Lord Ganesha himself came to their place and they failed to welcome him. They rush to the old woman's place and ask for Ganesha's forgiveness. Ganesha had a heart of gold and forgave everyone.

Welcome to the Fox Tales series. Today’s story-'The Fox And The Stork' is a story where Fox tries to act smart, but listen to the story to find out if he succeeds or not!

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources are available at www.rituvaish.com/the-fox-and-the-stork

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Transcript

One day, a selfish fox invited a stork for dinner.

Children, How do you feel when you get an invitation to a party?

Indeed.

So, even the Stork was very happy with the invitation – On the day of the party she dressed up in her finest suit and with a big smile on her face, she reached the fox’s home. She stored her feathers with her long beak. Then feeling good she knocked at the door with her long beak.

Children, the Stork uses her beak for two things, can you name them and add another use?

That’s right, the stork used her beak for straightening her feathers and knocking on the door. She also uses her beak to catch fish.

Let’s listen ahead.

So, the stork knocked at the door of the fox’s house. The fox opened the door and greeted her. Then took her to the dinner table. The aroma of the delicious food made the stork’s mouth water.

The fox served some soup in shallow bowls for both of them. As the bowl was too shallow for the stork, she couldn’t have soup at all. But, the fox licked up his soup quickly.

The stork was angry and upset, but he was a calm, even-tempered fellow and saw no good in flying into a rage and behaved politely.

She thanked the fox for the dinner, which she couldn’t even taste.

After a few days, the stork invited the Fox to dine with her in turn.

The fox was intrigued that despite what he had done to the stork, she was still inviting him.

The fox was excited about the dinner and on the day of the dinner, he. Got ready and went to the stork’s home. The stork welcomes him and she too served soup, but this time the soup was served in two tall narrow vases.

Children, why do you think the stork did that?

Yes, to take revenge.

The stork drank the soup from her vase, but the fox couldn’t drink any of it because of the soup container’s narrow neck. The fox realised his mistake and went home hungry.

Moral of the Story

A selfish act backfires sooner or later!

oday’s story, Judge Rabbit and Tiger is an adapted folktale from Cambodia. The story is about a witty and clever rabbit who tricks Tiger.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/archive-judge-rabbit-and-tiger

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Transcript

Tiger was mad. Judge Rabbit had tricked him again. Poor Tiger’s tail hurt because of that trick. So, he was chasing Rabbit to teach him a lesson.

“I'll get you, Rabbit,” he roared, running through the forest. Rabbit ran and ran and ran as quickly as he could. But he heard Tiger close behind.

Children, do you think the tiger would eat the Rabbit?

“Tiger runs fast,” thought Judge Rabbit.

“So I'll have to think even faster.”

Just then Rabbit saw a bee’s nest in the tree. He climbed quickly up and sat next to it. Carefully he took a leaf licked it and put it over the door hole, so it stuck.

 Children, why did he do it?

That’s because he had a trick up his sleeve.

With the leaf stuck over the hole, angry bees were suddenly trapped inside the nest. They wanted to get out. They buzzed and buzzed very, very loudly. And the buzzing sounded like a special kind of drum.

Judge Rabbit pulled back his arm, then swung it almost to the nest. He pretended to hit the nest, but of course, he was most careful not to. Back and forth his arm waved as if beating a fine steady sound on a drum.

Tiger came and stood under the tree.

“I ‘ve got you now, Rabbit,” he growled.

“And I am going to eat you up.”

“Not now, Tiger, “ Cried Judge Rabbit.

“Later you can eat me. Right now I’m too busy.”

“Busy Doing what?” asked Tiger as he watched Rabbit, who seemed to be hitting something.

 “I am playing the drum for the angels above,” he replied, “They love this music and they will give me a grand gifts.”

Tiger listened carefully.

Buzzz.. Buzzz…Buzzz.

It did sound quite nice, like a finely tuned drum.

Children, can you guess what was going on in the tiger’s mind? 

He was only thinking about the gifts. He didn't think about bees. He didn't recognise the bee’s nest. He just thought about all the gifts Rabbit was getting.

The tiger felt jealous.

“Rabbit, I want to play the drum and get gifts,” he said.

Judge Rabbit knew his plan was working.

“Sorry Tiger,” said Rabbit. It's my turn.”

“Please, Rabbit,” pleaded Tiger. “Please let me play.”

“But if you come up here, you will eat me,” Rabbit replied.

“No, no, I promise I won't,” said Tiger. “Let me play and I'll be your friend forever.”

“Well ,” said Rabbit. “Pleeeeese,” begged Tiger.

“Oh! alright,” said Rabbit. “I'll go find another drum, you climb up here and watch me. When I jump up and down three times, hit that drum as hard as you can. The angels will love it !”

“Akoon, Akoon!” said Tiger, thanking Judge Rabbit again and again.

Then Rabbit came down and started to run.

Tiger climbed up slowly and sat next to the drum. He watched and waited for Rabbit’s signal. At last, he saw the three big jumps, with the grin and dreams of gifts, he took his hand and gave the drum one huge hit.

Buzzzzzz Buzzzzz…Buzzzzz.

The nest broke. Hundreds of furious bees raced out. Tiger jumped down and tried to run. But the bees followed right behind. Those angry bees chased him for a long- long time.

As for Rabbit, he was far, far away, and quite safe.

He wiggled his ears, munched his favourite cucumbers, and thought about poor tiger, tricked again.

The Clever Monday is a folk tale from Thailand wherein a witty monkey keeps outfoxing others and in the end, is left empty-handed.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-the-clever-monkey.

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Transcript

Once there was a clever monkey that enjoyed outsmarting people and profiting from them. One day, the monkey got a thorn in his tail and went to a barber.

Monkey told the Barber. “Remove this thorn from my tail.’

The Barber said, “Sure! Please be seated.”

The barber took his razor, which is like a knife, brought out the thorn but oops at the same time got a bit of monkey’s tail.

The monkey was furious, “You cut a bit of my tail, now give me this razor as compensation.” He thought the barber has nothing else to give him. Something is better than nothing.

The barber did as was asked and the monkey was happy, he had won over the barber.

So, children, what do you think the monkey will do with the razor? ..let’s see

On the way home, the monkey met an old woman who was cutting firewood, but her axe had broken. The witty monkey wanted to get the wood because he thought the razor was of no use. So, he cooked up a plan in his mind.

He politely asked the old woman with the broken axe, “What happened? Why are you sad?

The old woman replied showing the broken axe, “My only axe broke and now I cannot cut the wood.”

The witty monkey knew his plan was working. He offered the woodcutter lady to use his razor to cut the wood.

Children, do you think razors can cut wood? No!

Then what will happen to the razor? Let’s see.     

The woman gladly accepted the offer but soon the razor broke as the monkey had thought. The monkey was enraged, “You broke my razor, and you have to give me all your firewood in exchange for the razor.”

The scared woman did as was asked by the monkey.

The monkey was happy, he had won over the old lady

Collecting all the firewood the monkey went ahead.

Shortly afterwards the monkey met another woman who was preparing Thai fishcakes by the fire. The aroma of the delicious fish cake wafted all around that made the witty monkey’s mouth water.

Children, What is your favourite snack? Is it something sweet, sour, salty, or spicy?

Well, let’s get ahead with the story and see what happens.

The woman was very sad.

The monkey asked, “What happened, why are you sad?”

The woman replied, “My firewood is exhausted, but the fish cakes are not ready yet. I do not know what to do?”

The monkey smiled as a plan was brewing in his witty mind to get hold of all the fishcakes. And as a part of the plan, he offered the woman his firewood.

The old woman gladly accepted the offer.

After some time, the fish cakes were ready, but she had used up all the firewood.

Hence, the monkey became very vexed and said sharply, “You have to give all the fishcakes as the price for the use of my firewood.

The scared woman did as was asked.

The monkey was happy, he had won over the lady.

Happy and amused, that clever monkey ran off with the fishcakes. However, the aroma of the fishcakes attracted some dogs who barked and chased the monkey. This was when the petrified monkey left all the cakes behind him and climbed onto a tree to find shelter from the dogs.

Finally, the clever monkey was empty-handed, while the dogs feasted on the delicious fish cakes!

You see children, the monkey tried to outsmart, but in the end, he was left with nothing.

Hence remember; Being clever is good, but tricking people for your personal gain is not!

Akbar and Birbal folktales are very famous in India. These are a set of moral stories inspired by the interactions of Mughal Emperor Akbar and his wisest courtier Birbal and have been enjoyed by children for many many years. These stories were mostly passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth, till the print medium started. You know children, Birbal was an extremely witty courtier and. you will really enjoy listening to the witty, interesting, and sometimes funny, occurrences in the lives of Akbar and Birbal. These stories also help us to think smart just like Birbal.

Today's story: Birbal Counts The Crows is one such witty story where Akbar tests him

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-birbal-counts-the-crows

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Birbal was Akbar’s favourite minister. Once Akbar wanted to test Birbal’s wit and asked him a question. He asked, “Birbal, tell me how many crows live in our city Agra?”

Children, Agra is a city in the north of India and a part of Akbar’s kingdom.

Do you know how to take care of birds?

Yes! We could give them water in the summers, and put some seeds for them, if they are hurt, we can bring them home.

Birbal very quickly replied, “Your highness, there are 1,46,789 in number.”

Akbar was surprised how could Birbal tell this with so much accuracy. He questioned Birbal, “How can you give an exact number and be so confident?”

Birbal innocently smiled and said, “Your majesty, you can ask your soldiers to count them. If there are more than 146789, then some of the crows from our neighbouring cities would be visiting their relatives in Agra or if they are fewer, then some of ours must have gone to visit theirs. But I am sure we have only 146789 in our kingdom.” 

Akbar laughed, once again impressed with his minister's wit.

Hope the story made you smile.

Children, can you tell me what must you do to increase the number of birds in your area?

Indeed, we should not destroy their nests, grow more trees as the trees are home to the birds and not add to pollution

'The obstacles in our path' is a story that teaches us that when obstacles come, the lazy and self–centred people only complain, while the kind-hearted simply get things done. Let’s listen to the story.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-obstacles-in-our-path

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Transcript

Long long ago, there was a king. He was a good ruler and always took care of all the people in his kingdom.

One day the king decided to test his people and placed a big and heavy boulder in the middle of a very busy road.

Children, why do you think the king did that?

Let’s listen ahead.

After placing the boulder in the middle of the road, he hid behind the bushes and waited to watch what people would do.

Some of the king’s richest merchants and courtiers came by. When they saw the boulder, they just complained and said, “Why is this boulder here?”

Some even blamed the king for not keeping the roads safe. And then they simply walked around the boulder and went their way.

King thought to himself, “All these people only think about themselves, none of them is kindhearted.”

As he was thinking about all the people who crossed, he saw a farmer carrying a huge sack of vegetables on his back. On approaching the boulder, he said to himself, “Omg! How did this boulder come into the middle of the road? It may hurt someone, especially at night.”

He laid his sack and then started pushing the boulder to the side. It was a big boulder, and it took a lot of effort to move it. He was tired after a hard day at the farm, but he didn’t give up. The farmer kept pushing the boulder with all his might and finally succeeded in moving it to the side.

After wiping his sweat, he went back to the middle of the road to pick up his sack.

Lo and behold! He found an envelope with gold coins.

He looked at it in surprise and then looked around to see whose envelope that would be. It was then that he saw the king walk towards him, “Dear farmer, this is your reward for being kindhearted and thinking about others. Many rich people passed, but none even gave a thought that the boulder might hurt someone. You are indeed very kind-hearted. As a reward, I want you to keep these gold coins.”

The farmer folded his hands and said, “Thank you, you are a very kind king.” 

The next day when people heard this incident, they felt very bad but surely understood the real meaning of being kind.