Welcome to the Fox Tales series. Today’s story-The Fox and The Armadillo is a folktale from Argentina, where a fox, however hard he tries to outsmart his friend, the armadillo, fails.

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

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Transcript

Once upon a time, a fox and an armadillo were very good friends.

Children, do you think fox can be a good friend? Think of stories where the fox has been cunning? The crow and the fox!

They spent a great deal of time together and had lots of fun but didn’t do anything useful. One day, the armadillo decided that he was not going to waste his time doing anything, and instead do something meaningful.

Children, could you suggest armadillo what useful activity he could do? He could be the guard as Armadillos are barrel-shaped animals covered with natural armor. In fact, its name in Spanish means ‘little armored one.’

So, he decided to do farming.

He immediately set out to work and started to build a fence around a plot of land that he bought His friend, the fox, was quite puzzled by the armadillo’s behavior. He wondered why his best friend is working so hard instead of having some fun in the sun. Seeing the armadillo working hard to make the fence, the fox asked, “Why are you making the fence?” “To sow some crops and earn some money, fox,” replied the armadillo.

The fox was surprised by the answer, and he started to suspect his best friend. Why did the armadillo want to make money?

Was he trying to become richer and more famous than him?

Did he want to earn a good name from the other animals and get all the attention?

These were some of the questions that arose in the fox’s mind. Soon, fears such as these got the better of the fox and he quickly made a cunning plan. Since he had more money than the armadillo, he decided the best thing would be to join up with his friend, give the armadillo money for the crops, make him do the donkeywork, and earn the benefits himself. This way, he wouldn’t have to work too hard but still end up making more money than the armadillo.

Children, can you guess how he will manage that?

Let’s see.

So, he went up to his sweating friend and said, “You must use have used up all your money buying the land and putting the fence. Why don't I give you the money to buy the seeds to sow, dear friend? Of course, if I am paying for the seeds, then I get to decide what part of the crop belongs to me. Fair is fair after all, isn't it?”

Armadillo was very smart too. He immediately saw through the fox’s cunning plans. But he also knew that without the fox’s money, there was no way he would be able to grow any crops. So, he decided to agree, for the moment.

“Thank you, dear friend. What would I have done without you? All my efforts would have come to nothing if not for a friend like you,” said the armadillo.

“Ah ha! The silly fool is falling for my plan,” thought the fox happily. “Okay friend, so you will do as I tell you to, right? This first time whatever grows beneath the land will belong to you, and everything that grows above it, will belong to me,” he said greedily. For a moment, the armadillo was alarmed but then he said to himself, “I am not going to let him get away with this. I’ll teach that greedy pig a lesson.”

Children, can you guess what will armadillo grow, so that he is at an advantage?

He can grow anything that has a more useful part under the earth. For example, onions, beetroot etc.

Children, let’s listen ahead to see what the armadillo sowed.

Bright and early the next morning, the armadillo just started to prepare the field for sowing, and guess what he decided to sow? … POTATOES!

The fox was furious. When the crops were harvested, all the potatoes went to the armadillo, while all he got were the leaves! Not to be outdone easily, the fox said, “This crop has been very bad for me. The next time, you take what grows above and I'll take everything that grows below.” Again, he left feeling gleeful for having outwitted his friend. The clever armadillo set out to work again.

Children, what do you think the armadillo will grow this time?

That’s right, something that grows above the ground like tomatoes, cauliflower, etc.

This time around he tilled the land, watered it, and planted … WHEAT!

Yet again when the crops were reaped, all the wheat came to the armadillo and a fox got only the roots and the leaves. Now the fox was really angry! Each one of his attempts to get the better of the armadillo was proving to be unsuccessful.

“That rogue's really having his cake and eating it too. Does he think I'm going to let him get away that easily? My money is being spent and he’s the one getting richer. I must teach him a lesson!” So, he thought hard and long for a few days.

When he hit upon what he thought was a brilliant plan, he called the armadillo, “Friend, the last two times the crops have not been good for me. I spent all my money but ended up with just leaves and roots which have no value to me. So, it’s only fair that when you sow the next crop, I get both what grows above and below the ground you can have everything that lies in between!”

Accordingly, the armadillo got the field ready for sowing. And what do you think he planted this time? … CORN!

The crafty fox had been outwitted again.

Description: Today’s story, Tree of Blossoms, is a folktale from Japan. It’s a story about how being kind is rewarding and being unkind eventually leads to your downfall.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-tree-of-blossoms

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

Long, long ago there lived an old man and his wife who cultivated a small plot of land. They were satisfied, but unfortunately, they did not have a child.

They had a pet dog called ‘Shiro’. ‘Shiro’ means white, and he was so-called because of his colour.

They showered all their affection on their dog to the extent that if they had something nice to eat, they always gave it to Shiro, denying themselves of it.

Children, do you have any pets? If so, what have you named them, and why?

The happiest time for the couple was when they returned from the fields and had their frugal dinner of rice and some vegetable and then went to the veranda and sure enough, Shiro was waiting for his master. The old man would say, “Chin, chin!” and the dog sat up and asked for food, his master gave it to him. After that, they played with Shiro.

Children, what games do you think the old couple played with Shiro?

Their next-door neighbor was very wicked and cruel, who hated good neighbors and the dog Shiro with all their might. Whenever Shiro happened to look into their kitchen, he was rudely kicked out.

One day, Shiro was heard barking for a long time in the field at the back of his master’s house. The old man ran to check what was wrong. Then Shiro dragged him seizing the end of his kimono to a large Cherry Blossom tree. There he started digging with his paws, jumping with joy. The old man understood that the dog was telling him about something that was buried under the tree. So, the old man dug and was pleasantly surprised to find a heap of coins, gold coins!

The old man ran to call his wife, and together they carried home the treasure. In one day the poor couple became rich. His gratitude to the faithful dog knew no bounds, and he loved and petted him even more than ever.

Now, the neighbor found out about how the old couple became so rich and he became more envious after seeing the treasure. So, a few days later the neighbor called the old man’s home and asked to borrow the dog saying they wanted to show that they no longer hated the dog. Shiro’s master was too kindhearted to refuse their request and lent the dog on the condition that they should take good care of him.

Children, why does the wicked neighbor want the dog?

Let’s find out.

The wicked man returned home with an evil smile on his face. He took the spade and dragged Shiro by his collar to the Cherry Blossom tree and yelled at him,” Find the treasure! Find the treasure!” Scared, Shiro began to dig the earth under the tree. Then excitedly the neighbor started digging, only to find a heap of trash. The angry neighbor took his spade and killed Shiro. He buried Shiro there in the same hole where he found the trash. In his anger, he even cut the tree and got the tree trunk back home.

After waiting for several days, the old man went to the neighbor and asked him to return his dog. The neighbor told him that because of the dog’s bad behavior he had killed him and buried him under the Cherry Blossom tree. He said he cut the tree and got the trunk home to sell the log. Saddened, and with tears rolling, he pleaded for the tree trunk as a remembrance of his dog. Luckily, the neighbor agreed.

The old man carried the trunk of the tree and at home made a big mortar. In this, his wife put some rice and pounded it. A strange thing happened! The wife put rice into the mortar and no sooner had she begun to pound the rice to make cakes, it began to increase in quantity till it was about five times the original amount. It was indeed the reward from Shiro for their faithful love to him. From then onwards they were never troubled for food.

Again, the greedy neighbor, hearing about their new good luck was filled with envy. Soon they called in to borrow the mortar. Shiro’s master was too kind-hearted to refuse their request and lent the mortar on the condition that they should take good care of it.

When the neighbor pounded rice, only horrid-smelling stuff came out.

Children, why do you think the mortar gave rice to the good old couple and some bad stuff to the mean neighbour?

Yes, that’s because the old couple was kind whereas the neighbour was mean and unkind.

After a few days the old man went to the neighbour’s house to get his mortar back, but to his disappointment saw it being burnt. Very disappointed, the old man said sadly, “May I take back the ashes as a remembrance of Shiro?” “Yes, sure,” the neighbor agreed.

It was late autumn and all the trees had shed their leaves. The old man decided to scatter some ash on them. Lo and behold, the cherry trees, the plum trees, and all the blossoming shrubs burst into a bloom. The old couple was delighted and saved the rest of the ash.

The story of the old couple’s garden spread far and wide, and people from far and near came to see the wonderful sight.

One day, the old man heard a knock at his door. He opened it and to his surprise, saw a knight standing there. The knight said, “I am a messenger of the king. Unfortunately, the king’s favourite cherry tree has withered, and no one is able to revive it. The King heard about you who could make the withered tree to blossom, and so he wants you to help him revive his favourite tree.”

“Yes, certainly! I’ll try to see what I can do,” said the old man humbly.

The old man respectfully followed the knight with the ashes of the mortar tucked in his kimono. Once he reached the garden, he scattered some ash on the tree and indeed the tree burst into full bloom.

The king rewarded him with silver and gold and many other precious things. The King further gave him the name-The Old Man who makes the trees to blossom.’

Hearing about the story of the old couple being invited and then being rewarded by the king, the wicked neighbor was more jealous than ever now. So he set to work and gathered the ashes which remained in the fireplace after burning the mortar. He then went towards the palace yelling, “Here comes the wonderful man who makes the withered cherry trees blossom!”

The King asked him if he was the same person whom he had named ‘The Old man who makes the trees to blossom?”

The evil neighbor lied and said, “Yes indeed!”

Children, is telling a lie a good thing?

No, let’s see what happens to the mean and now also a liar neighbour?

He followed the King to the garden and scattered some ash on one of the cherry trees, but with no effect. The King understood that the man was a fraud. He was caught and put behind bars. Thus, he met with punishment at last for all his evil doings.

The good old man became rich and prosperous and lived happily ever after with his wife.

Description: There is no historical record about the employment of court jesters but folklore has many stories about Andare and the pranks he played on the King, his Ministers, and even the Queen. He was probably there to amuse the King to take away the tension from the day-to-day work of the King and his Ministers.

His stories are similar to the Akbar Birbal stories.

'Andare managed to eat the sugar' is a fun story where the court jester eats sugar despite the king not wanting him to eat.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/andare-managed-to-eat-the-sugar

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

One morning, when Andare went to the palace, he saw some sugar spread on a mat put out to dry in an inner courtyard. Andare had a sweet tooth and the king knew that.

Children, Having a sweet tooth means to love eating sweets. Do you have a sweet tooth? Which is your favourite sweet?

Andare pretended not to know what it was and asked the king, who happened to be there at the time, “Your Majesty! What is this stuff, that is on the mat?” “It is a kind of white sand Andare that is going to be used for some construction work in the palace.” The king said playing a prank on Andare.

But Andare was smart and immediately thought of a cunning plan to eat the sugar. When he returned home that evening, he told his wife and son of the sugar in the palace and his plan to eat it up.

Children, what do you think Andare and his family will do to eat the sugar?

The following morning, he gave some instructions to his son and set off to the palace. The king happened to be once again there where the sugar was put out to dry. They were soon in deep conversation when Andare’s son appeared on the scene with signs of great distress. “What’s the matter, my son?” asked the jester.

"Oh, father dear, our mother dear has just died,” sobbed the lad. “And she called out to you several times before she died. Oh father, what shall we do?” Andare fell on his knees and, wringing his arms like a mad man, began to weep in a torrent, yelling out, “What is the use of my life now? Let there be sand in my mouth! I too want to die!” With that, he rolled about on the mat gulping down handfuls of the “white sand!” Little Andare too followed the father’s example and soon the sugar on the mat was almost over.

The king was both astonished and amused at the scene. He knew that Andare had once again played him a handsome trick. “Take home, what is left of the sand. Place a little of it in your dead wife’s mouth, and see what comes of it. Perhaps she may come back to life, Andare!” said the king.

Panchatantra stories are one of the most widely translated books in history and are known for their wisdom on practical life. The stories are delightfully narrated, with animals and birds often being the central characters. Thus they provide valuable life lessons in a light-hearted manner.

In today's story, a smart monkey saves his life because of his quick thinking in the wake of a major problem.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-monkey-and-the-crocodile

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

Once upon a time, there lived a monkey on a mango tree on the banks of a river. The mangoes of that tree were the sweetest of all. The tree bore fruits year-round. The monkey used to live very happily on the tree eating the tasty fruits and playing on the tree. 

Children, do you like mangoes? Do you know in which season we get mangoes?

Yes! In the summer season.

So the monkey enjoyed the sweet mangoes, every single day of the summer.

On a particular day, a crocodile came near that mango tree. He seemed very exhausted. The monkey offered him some delicious mangoes from the tree. The crocodile loved those mangoes and thanked the monkey for the same. From then on, the crocodile used to visit the monkey every day and they became good friends.

Children, what do you think the monkey and the crocodile talked about?

Interesting! Listen ahead.

One day the crocodile thought to take some mangoes for his wife. When his wife ate the mangoes, she demanded something very unusual from the crocodile. She said that when these fruits are so tasty, then how delicious would be the heart of that monkey who regularly eats these mangoes! 

She ordered the crocodile to bring the monkey’s heart for her. The crocodile was shocked at her demand. The monkey was his friend. How could he betray him? He declined to kill the monkey and bring his heart to her. 

Children, when the crocodile declined to kill the monkey, what does it tell you about the nature of the crocodile?

That’s correct, he was a kind and trustworthy friend.

The crocodile’s wife was adamant about getting the monkey’s heart. She cooked up a plan in her mind. She told the crocodile that she is not keeping well and the doctor has recommended her to eat a monkey’s heart to recover. She even threatened him that if the crocodile didn’t get the monkey’s heart for her, she would surely die. The crocodile had to give in to her demand.

With a heavy heart, the crocodile left to get the monkey. He went to the monkey and said, “Friend, my wife loved the mangoes sent by you. She has invited you to our house to thank you.” The monkey agreed and sat on the crocodile’s back so that the crocodile could take him to his house. 

In the middle of the river, the crocodile began sinking in. The monkey got frightened and he asked the crocodile as to why he was sinking. The crocodile, knowing that now there was no escape for the monkey, replied, “Forgive me, my friend. My wife needs to eat your heart to save her life. That’s why I am taking you with me.” 

The monkey was outraged, but he was smart. He kept calm and told the crocodile, “ I  would be more than happy to save your wife’s life. After all what are friends for? But I  left my heart at the mango tree. We could quickly go there and I can get my heart from the tree.”

Children, what will happen now?

The crocodile accepted it at once and turned back. As soon as they reached the tree, the monkey jumped onto the tree and said, “O foolish crocodile, how can someone take out his heart and keep it somewhere else? You have deceived me as a friend. Now go and never come back.”

The ashamed crocodile went back to his home.

Moral of the Story :

Quick Intelligence can save you from problems.

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's Khichadi is a tale where Birbal helps a poor man get his much-deserved reward.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/birbals-khichadi

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

On a cold winter day, emperor Akbar and Birbal took a walk along the lake. As they were discussing matters related to the empire, a thought came to Birbal that a man would do anything for money. He expressed his feelings to Akbar. Akbar put his finger into the lake and immediately removed it because it was freezing cold.

Akbar immediately said, “ I don’t think a man would spend an entire night in the cold water of this lake for money.”

Birbal replied confidently, “I am sure I can find such a person.” Akbar then challenged Birbal to find such a person and said that he would reward the person with a thousand gold coins.

Children, do you think Birbal would be successful in finding a person who would be ready to stand in freezing water for a whole night?

Let’s see.

Birbal searched far and wide until he found a poor man who was desperate enough to accept the challenge. This poor man was really in need of money.

The poor man entered the lake and Akbar had guards posted near him to make sure that he did as promised.

Children, what’s your guess, would the poor man would be able to stand in cold water.

Well, the poor man kept standing the whole night inside the pond, shivering badly. But he did not come out even once.

The next morning the guards took the poor man to Akbar.

The Emperor asked, “Tell me something, how could you stand in the freezing cold water all through the night?”

The innocent poor man replied, “Huzoor, I could see a faintly glowing light coming from your palace, a kilometre away. Looking at that light gave me imaginary warmth and strength to keep standing in the water.”

After listening to the poor man, Akbar declined to pay him his reward saying that he had got warmth from the light and this was cheating. The poor man went away disappointed and empty-handed.

Children, do you think Akbar did the right thing by not giving the reward to the poor man?

That’s correct, it wasn’t good on Akbar’s part not to give the poor man his well-deserved money.

Birbal tried to say something in the favour of the poor man but the Emperor refused to listen to him. Soon after, Birbal stopped coming to the durbar and sent a messenger to the king stating that he would come to the court only after he had cooked his khichdi.

One day passed, the second day passed, the third and fourth day too. When Birbal did not come to the court for five days, the Emperor himself went to Birbal’s house to see what he was doing.

Children, can you guess what Birbal was doing?

Listen ahead to find out.

Birbal had lit the fire and kept the pot of khichdi one metre away from it. Akbar asked him “How will the khichadi get cooked with the fire one metre away? Are you in your senses, Birbal?”

Birbal humbly replied, “O’ Jahapanah! If it is possible for a person to receive warmth from a light that was a kilometre away, then it is also possible for me to cook this khichdi a metre away from the fire.” Akbar understood his mistake. He called back the poor man and rewarded him with 1000 gold coins as promised.

Description: Today’s story is a folktale from Africa: The tale of Maskini and Tajiri. It’s a story about how weak and helpless defeat rich and strong.

This story is similar to a story from India under the category_ Akbar, and Birbal that will be told in the next episode, so don't miss the next episode and experience the similarity in folktales from different parts of the world.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-tale-of-maskini-and-tajiri

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

Tajiri in Swahili means Rich person and Maskini means poor.

Every evening, Tajiri, or rich man, sat down to a hearty meal prepared for him in his kitchen. He had many delicious dishes laid on his table. There was so much food that he could never finish the whole meal that was prepared. The food that was leftover would have been enough to feed a whole family, but the Tajiri was extremely stingy. The leftover from his table went to fatten his pigs so that he would have the benefit of them later.

Children, should one waste food?

No! we should never waste food.

Maskini, or poor man lived on a shoestring budget which meant that he couldn’t afford the lavish meals. He only owned a goat that gave him milk and cheese, but his evening meal was usually nothing more than a bowl of porridge. However, he had found a way to make it more enjoyable.

He would eat his meal while sitting outside the Tajiri’s kitchen, where wonderful smells came wafting through the open window. They made his mouth water, and the porridge seemed like a feast.

Children, what is your favourite dish? Can you guess the dish being cooked from the smell? What does your favourite dish smell like?

That’s great

One evening, the tajiri decided to take a walk in his garden to work up an appetite for dinner. He saw the maskini sitting outside the kitchen window. As the tajiri watched, he saw the maskini inhale deeply, and a blissful look come over his face.

“How dare he helps himself to my smells,” thought the tajiri, and he ordered his servants to seize the maskini and escort him to the village jail.

Children, do you think that the maskini had done anything wrong?

Listen ahead

A few days later, the maskini was summoned before the court that met weekly in the village centre, where the case would be decided on its merits.

The tajiri explained that the smells from the kitchen belonged to him and that the maskini had been stealing his smells. Hence as payment, he demanded the makini’s goat, which was the only thing he owned.

 Children, do you think the maskini would have to give his goat to tajiri?

Let’s see

When asked to respond, the maskini looked very sad, could only stare at the ground and shuffle his feet, afraid to speak.

The village elders, who had been hearing the case, now withdrew to the shade of a nearby Baobab tree. After a brief discussion, the village chief came forward and addressed the crowd, “The maskini did help himself to the smells from the tajiri’s kitchen,” he said, “however, he did not receive any food from him. We have concluded therefore that the tajiri should not be given the goat. However, in fairness to him, we believe he should have the right to smell the maskini’s goat whenever he wants.”

The maskini was furious and left without saying a word but the people of the village approved the court's decision. They felt justice had been done.

Panchatantra stories are one of the most widely translated books in history and are known for their wisdom on practical life. The stories are delightfully narrated, with animals and birds often being the central characters. Thus they provide valuable life lessons in a light-hearted manner.

In today's story, a merchant leaves an iron chest in the care of his friend while he travels to a neighbouring village. And returning, the friend, who was very greedy, told the merchant that the mice ate up his iron chest. To find out how does the merchant get his revenge, listen to the story

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-mice-that-ate-iron

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

Once there was a rich merchant called Naduk. Time passed, and his business turned for the worse.

Soon it was so bad that he not only lost all his money but also got into debt. He decided to leave the city and find his fortune in a new place. He sold all his possessions to pay off his debts.

Children, what is your favourite possession, something that you would not want to let go of? 

All that he was left with what is a heavy iron chest.

Before leaving his town, Naduk went to see his good friend Bondu. He requested him to keep the chest with him till he returned.

“Of course my friend! I will keep the chest safe for you,” said Bondu.

Naduk thanked him and left.

He travelled far and wide for many years and worked very hard. He started trading in spices and soon all his hard work paid off and he became rich again.

Children, can you name a few spices?

That’s nice.

Happy, that he was rich again, Naduk returned to his town.

He bought a new house and opened a very large shop.

Bondu had also heard that Naduk was back in town and has started a new business with the money that he had earned in all these years. Bondu was getting a little jealous of Naduk. 

One day after work Naduk went to visit his friend Bondu who welcomed him warmly. They talked for long. As he was about to leave, Naduk asked Bondu to return his iron chest.

Bondu had no intention of returning it as he knew that when he sold it, it would fetch him a good price. He put on a sad face and said, “Something bad has happened. I had kept the chest safely in my storeroom, but the mice have eaten it. I am really sorry.”

Children, do you think a mouse can eat iron??

Certainly not!

Naduk understood what was going on in Bondu’s mind.

Patting Bondu’s shoulder Naduk said, “Please don't feel sorry. It's not fair. It is not your fault that the mice ate the iron chest,”

Bondu was pleased to see that Nadu had fallen for his lie.

“How stupid can one be,” thought Bondu.

Children, do you think Naduk is stupid?

Listen ahead.

Meanwhile, Naduk asked Bondu to send his son home with him so that he could hand over the gifts that he had brought for him.

Bondu immediately asked his son Pinto to go with Naduk and fetch the gifts.

Naduk took the boy home and locked him in the cellar of his house.

Children, what do you think will happen now?

When Pinto didn't return by evening, his father got worried and came to ask about the whereabouts of his son.

Naduk said, “Oh! It was so unfortunate that while we were coming to my house, a hawk swooped and carried the boy off. I followed the hawk for some time but could not keep pace. I am sorry my friend.”

On hearing this, Bondu became furious he accused Naduk of lying. He insisted that a hawk could not carry a 15-year-old boy.

A quarrel started and they both went to the court

“Your honour, I had sent my son with this man to fetch some gifts from his house. But my son has not returned since. This man has stolen my son,” cried Bondu.

The magistrate ordered Naduk to return the boy to his father.

But Naduk insisted that a hawk carried off the boy. The magistrate asked him how it was possible.

To this Naduk replied, “If mice can eat up an iron chest, surely a hawk can carry off a boy!”

The magistrate understood that there was more to it than meets the eye here. He asked Naduk to explain everything in detail.

Naduk then narrated the entire story. Everyone in the courtroom had a good laugh. The magistrate ordered Bondu to return the iron chest to Naduk and Naduk to return Bondu’s son.

Baba Yaga is a folk tale from Russia. In Russian folktales, Baba Yaga is either a rich or someone who helps the hero. In today's story, Baba Yaga is a witch

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/baba-yaga

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

Once upon a time, there was a man and woman who had only a daughter. Unfortunately, the wife died. Thinking about how to raise a child all by himself, the man remarried. But the wicked stepmother took a dislike to the little girl. She made her do a lot of work, scolded her often, and was always scheming how to be rid of her forever.

One day, the father went off somewhere for work and the stepmother said to the girl, "Go to your aunt, to my sister, and ask her for a needle and thread to sew you a blouse." The aunt was really Baba Yaga, the bony witch.

Children, do you think the stepmother really wanted to sew her a blouse?

Let’s see

Now, the little girl was not stupid and she knew that her stepmother was planning something wicked. So, she first went to her own aunt for advice. "Good morning, auntie," she said. "Mother has sent me to her sister for a needle and thread to sew me a blouse. What should I do?" The aunt told her what to do. "My dear niece," she said. "You will find a birch tree there that will lash your face; you must tie it with a ribbon. Next, you will find gates that will creak and bang; you must pour oil on the hinges. After that, you will find dogs that will try to rip you apart; you must throw them fresh rolls. Finally, you will find a cat that will try to scratch your eyes out; you must give her some ham." The little girl went off, walked, and walked and finally came to the witch's abode.

Children, can you please help the little girl recall who she would be meeting?

Yes, the birch tree, the gates, the dogs, and the cat.

As she reached the hut, and inside it sat Baba Yaga, the bony witch, spinning. "Good day. Auntie," said the little girl. "Good day, dearie," the witch replied. "Mother sent me for a needle and thread to sew me a blouse," said the girl. "Very well," Baba Yaga said. "Sit down and weave." The girl sat at the loom. then Baba Yaga went out and told her serving-maid, "Go and heat up the bath-house and give my niece a good wash; I want to eat her for breakfast."

The serving-maid did as she was told. 

The poor little girl sat there half dead with fright, begging, "Oh, please, dear serving-maid, don't burn the wood, pour water instead, and carry the water in a sieve." And she gave the maid a kerchief.

The serving maid didn’t burn the coal and carried the water in a sieve which spilled on the way.

Meanwhile, Baba Yaga was waiting; she went to the window and asked, "Are you weaving, dear niece? Are you weaving, my dear?" "I'm weaving, Auntie," the girl replied, "I'm weaving, my dear."

When Baba Yaga moved away from the window, the little girl gave some ham to the cat and asked her whether there was any escape. At once the cat replied, "Here is a comb and towel. Take them and run away. Baba Yaga will chase you; put your ear to the ground and, when you hear her coming, throw down the towel, and a wide, wide river will appear. And if she crosses the river and starts to catch you up, put your ear to the ground again and, when you hear her coming close, throw down your comb, and a dense forest will appear. She won't be able to get through that for sure."

Children, what two things did the cat gave and why?

Yes, a towel for the river to appear, and a comb for a forest to appear.

The little girl took the towel and comb and ran saying, “Thanks kitty! You are very helpful.”

As she ran from the house, the dogs tried to tear her to pieces, but she tossed them the fresh rolls and they let her pass.

As she moved ahead, the gates tried to bang shut, but she poured some oil on the hinges, and they let her through.

The birch tree tried to lash her face, but she tied it with a ribbon, and it let her pass.

In the meantime, the cat sat down at the loom to weave, though to tell you the truth, she tangled it all up instead. Now and then Baba Yaga would come to the window and call, "Are you weaving, dear niece? Are you weaving, my dear?" And the cat would answer in a low voice, "I'm weaving. Auntie. I'm weaving, my dear."

The witch got a little suspicious and rushed into the hut to check. She saw that the girl was gone. She gave the cat a good beating and scolded her for not scratching out the girl's eyes. But the cat answered her, "I've served you for years, yet you've never even given me a bone, but she gave me some ham."

Baba Yaga then turned on the dogs, the gates, the birch tree, and the serving-maid, and set to thrashing and scolding them all.

Children, why did the birch tree, dogs and the cat help the little girl?

Yes, because she was kind and gave them each a thing.

But the dogs said to her, "We've served you for years, yet you've never even thrown us a burnt crust, but she gave us fresh rolls." And the gates said, "We've served you for years, yet you've never even poured water on our hinges, but she oiled them for us." And the birch tree said, "I've served you for years, yet you've never even tied me up with thread, but she tied me with a ribbon." And the serving-maid said, "I've served you for years, yet you've never even given me a rag, but she gave me a kerchief."

Using no time, Baba Yaga Chased the little girl. As the witch drew closer, the little girl spread the towel, and a big river and a big river appeared. Somehow, Baba Yaga crossed it and was drawing close to the little girl when she threw the comb, lo and behold, a big forest appeared and the witch got lost in it.

In the meantime, the little girls reached home safely, much to her stepmother’s surprise. Father was home by now and he pampered his little daughter with lots of gifts.

The little girl in her heart thanked her own aunt profusely for all the tips.

Aesop fables are a group of stories thought to have been written by Aesop, a Greek Storyteller. Each Aesop story demonstrates a moral lesson.

Do you have arguments with your friends and families? I am sure you do. Arguments usually can be settled if we do not have any ego and listen to other people too. But in the story, today, the Sun and the Wind have an argument, and let’s see what happens.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-sun-and-the-moon

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Transcript

Once the Sun and the Wind were talking and got into an argument over who was stronger.

The wind was very proud of itself and its powers. It said, "Even the mighty clouds bow before me. They know that I can drive them away with my strength. But the clouds can envelop you, Sun,  as you are not powerful at all compared to me. In fact, you are a small thing before me."

Children, can you please tell me what all can Sun do?

Yes! The sun can melt ice, give us heat in cold weather, it dries our clothes, etc.

So, they kept arguing and the Wind kept boasting about how strong she is.

At last, they agreed to have a trial of strength. A trial of strength is like a bet.

The sun calmly said, "It is the time that will tell you who is stronger of the two."

Soon, they saw a man who was wearing a coat. The Sun pointed to the man and told the wind, "Let us see who makes the man to take off his coat."

Children, whom do you think will win?

Let’s listen ahead.

The Wind agreed and chose to have the first turn. It blew harder and harder. But the man instead of removing his coat wrapped it more and more, and tightly too.

Children, why did the man wrap the coat tightly when the wind blew?

Yes! Probably he was feeling cold! … let's see.

So, the wind failed as it couldn’t make the man remove his coat. The wind got tired and exhausted. She stood still and accepted her failure.

Now, it was the turn of the Sun to try its strength. I

Children, what do you think the Sun will do?

Ummm..listen ahead.

The Sun gentle began to shine. It became hotter and hotter; fiercer and fiercer. Ultimately, the man felt very warm and removed the coat.

The Wind lost and the Sun won. The Sun smiled from ear to ear while the once-proud wind hung her head.

Moral: The story teaches us about the superiority of gentleness over force.

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 since 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.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/poet-raidas

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Transcript

In the town of Agra, there lived a rich businessman who was a miser. Many people used to flock outside his house every day hoping for some kind of generosity.

Children, what do you think the people who came to his house were expecting? Probably money, food, gold coins, etc.

But they always had to return home disappointed for he was extremely miser.

Children, when are you disappointed? When our best friend doesn’t talk to us. When by mistake water gets spilled on our painting etc.   

Well, the rich man used to ward them off with false promises and then never live up to his word.

Then one day, a poet named Raidas arrived at his house and said that he wanted to read out his poems to the rich man. As the rich man was very fond of poetry, he welcomed him in with open arms. Raidas started to recite all his poems one by one enchanting the rich man. The rich man was very pleased and especially so when he heard the poem that Raidas had written on him because he had been compared Raidas with ‘Kubera’, the god of wealth. The rich man was elated and promised Raidas some gifts and asked him to come and collect them the next day. Raidas was very excited and pleased. 

Early, the next morning when he arrived at the house of the rich man, the rich man said that he never enjoyed his poems. In fact, they were some of the worst ones that he had heard.  And that if he truly wanted to reward him, he would have done so the very same night.

Children, Is it good to break a promise?

You must have heard the saying-Promise breaker is a shoemaker.

So, one must never break a promise.

Raidas was extremely upset, but as there was nothing that he could do, he quietly left the house.

Children, do you suggest anything that Raidas could have done?

Yes, he could call the helpers who were present that day and heard the poems.

On his way home, he saw Birbal riding a horse. He had heard that Birbal was very intelligent, and he had a solution for all problems. So, he stopped him and asked for his help after narrating the whole incident. Birbal took him to his own house in order to come up with a plan. After giving it some thought he asked Raidas to go to a friend’s house with five gold coins and request the friend to plan a dinner on the coming full moon night, where the rich man would also be invited. Birbal then asked Raidas to relax and leave the rest to him.

Children, can you guess what was on Birbal’s mind?

Listen ahead.

Raidas had one trustworthy friend whose name was Mayadas. So, he went up to him and told him the plan. Mayadas invited the rich man and told him that he intended to serve his guests in the vessels of gold, which the guests would get to take home after the meal. The rich man was pleased to hear this and jumped at the offer.

On the full moon night, the rich man arrived at Mayadas’ house and was surprised to see no other guests there but Raidas. Anyhow, they welcomed him in and started a polite conversation. The rich man had come on an empty stomach and so was getting hungrier by the minute. Raidas and Mayadas were quite full as they had eaten just before the rich man’s arrival.

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

Listen ahead.

Finally, at midnight the rich man could bear his hunger no longer and asked Mayadas to serve the food. Mayadas sounded extremely surprised when he asked him what food was he talking about. The rich man tried to remind him that he had been invited for dinner. At this point, Raidas asked him for proof of the invitation. The rich man had no answer and was upset. At that point, Birbal walked into the room and reminded the rich man of the same treatment that he had himself meted out to Raidas.

The rich man realized his mistake and begged for forgiveness. He confessed that Raidas was indeed a good poet and had not asked him for any reward. He himself had promised to give him some gifts and then cheated him out of them. To make up for his mistake he took out the necklace that he was wearing and gifted it to Raidas. Raidas was very pleased. Then they all sat down to eat a happy meal.

Raidas was all praise for Birbal and thanked him profusely. Emperor Akbar also invited him to his court and honoured him, all thanks to Birbal.

Birbal really was a wise man.