Story Prism

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.

The Pre-Hibernation Party

Is a story about friendship where some hibernating animals help each other and finally have a great time together.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-pre-hibernation-party

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Transcript

The dry leaves rustled and dragged powerlessly along with the cold winds.

Chippy, the chipmunk, was collecting acorns around the oak grove and was taking them to her burrow to store for the long winter months.     

Garry, the groundhog, passing by called out, “Chippy, ready for winters?”

“Oh! I am trying to be winter-ready, collecting as many acorns as I can, but I am so tired.”

“Why don’t you rest a while?” Garry suggested.

“I really do not want to be short of food this winter, so not resting at all,” Chippy said running around to look for acorns.

Garry whisked past and yelled out, “Best of luck Chippy for your store of acorns. Hope to see you at the Pre-Hibernation party.”

Children, what do you think is a Pre-Hibernation Party?

Pre means before, so pre-hibernation means before hibernation.

Chippy’s acorn dropped from her paws and worriedly placing one of her paws on the head, she said, “OMG! Is the Pre-Hibernation party today? I so want to come for the most awaited party of the year. Let me rush and get a few more acorns. Thank for reminding me. See you later,” saying so, she hurriedly picked up the acorn, stuck a couple in her cheeks and rushed home.

She sure didn't want to miss the party and made a few quick trips back and forth from the grove to her burrow and back.

On one of the trip, she heard her friend Carla, the cardinal whistle, “Coming for the party tonight, Chippy?”

“Yes, yes, I want to. Just collecting the last few acorns,” saying so the chipmunk moved ahead, pushing the leaves aside.

As Chippy was about to enter her burrow, she saw Tony, the turtle, dressed in his finest jacket and yelled out to him, “Wow, you look very fine! Aren't you early for the Pre-Hibernation party?”

“You know this time the party is far away at the bear’s den and if I don't start now I will never make it. You know I am very slow.      See you there Chippy!”

Children, can you tell who all were planning to go to the pre-hibernation party?

Yes! Chipmunk, groundhog, cardinal, turtle, squirrel, and bear

Then Chippy entered her burrow, kept the acorns in the store, and started getting dressed. She put her lavender colour headband and a bow on her tail, took a quick glance in the mirror, and was excited to be ready for the party.

As she was coming out of her burrow, she stopped, proudly looked at her pile of acorns, and smiled to herself, “This year I won’t be short of food.”

Chippy was smiling from ear to ear as she went for one last trip to the grove.

She quickly put a few acorns in the pouches of her cheeks. And then rushed back home. She scurried through the living room and passed the kitchen to reach the storeroom. Her jaw dropped as she entered her storeroom. All the acorns that she had so painstakingly collected and stored were gone. Indeed, her collection of acorns had been robbed.

She came out wailing from under the ground, “I have been robbed! I've been robbed!

Skinky, the skunk, who was passing by stopped at her wailing and consoled, “ That’s awful.”

“I will not be able to survive the winter. I only have three acorns with me,” cried one very depressed chipmunk.

Skinky who wasn't good with pacifying tried his best and said, “Please do not cry. Let me think of something!” He started pacing up and down around the burrow.

Children, do you think Skinky would be able to help out Chippy?

Listen ahead.

Then, suddenly Skinky raising his tail he exclaimed, “I have an idea. Let me call all our friends and we can together decide how to find the robber and get you through the winters. will help you collect the acorns for the winters. You know Chippy, Teamwork makes dreams work.”

Skinky called out to Carla sitting in the tree above the burrow, “Carla, could you please call everyone here immediately  It's an emergency.”

Carla flapped her wings with all her might calling out to the friends, “ Reach Chippy’s burrow, there’s an emergency. Reach Chippy’s burrow, there’s an emergency!”

Garry, The groundhog, Tony, the turtle, Beady, the bear, and others came rushing at Carla’s call.

Chippy sadly narrated what had happened.

“We are friends and friends help each other. Let’s plan how to find the robber,” said Garry, the groundhog.

A very worried bear said, “That’ll take time and we’ll all soon be hibernating, so Chippy needs food urgently to survive the winters. Why don’t we all first rush and collect as many acorns for our little friend.”

"That’s a great idea," everyone said in unison.

From behind a big bush came a small squirrel, “Don’t worry, I have many spare acorns and will surely share mine with Chippy, what are friends for after all.”

Children, what do you share with your friends?

That’s great

“Since we have two hours before the party, everyone rush and gathers acorns for Chippy, “ said Beady, the bear.

All the friends shouted, “123 let's go! Mission Acorn Collection!”

There was a rabbit behind the bushes who was witnessing this friendship, and looking at them tears rolled down his cheeks.

All the friends were on the job of collecting the acorns and within no time there was a heap of acorns in front of Chippy’s burrow. Chippy along with the squirrel carefully placed them in the kitchen store.

“Thanks, friends! You all are indeed true friends. I think with this pile I should survive the winters.”

“ And then I have many that I’ll be glad to share if you run out of yours,” added the squirrel.

“Time to move towards the party venue,” said Skinky.

But Tony was sad. He said, “You all enjoy the Pre-Hibernation party. I won't be able to reach on time. I am so slow,” with his head hung down he started moving back home.

Children, how do you feel if you have to miss a party?

Really sad no? That’s exactly how Tony felt.

At that very moment, sweeping him off the floor, the Bear said, “You sure will! I’ll carry you to my den.”

The Pre-Hibernation party was a blast. The squirrel’s hip-hop dancing was a treat to the eyes. Carla’s tweeting song was indeed music to the ears that was well coordinated with Tony’s flute.

Skinky at the drums was a sight not to be missed, playing with his front paws and his tail too.

Suddenly a rabbit hopped in, “ I am sorry! I am sorry. I will never do it again. Please excuse me, he was pleading with his front paws folded asking for forgiveness.

“What did you do bunny rabbit?” asked Garry, the groundhog.

“I am the robber who robbed Chippy chipmunk of all the acorns. I will return them, I promise. Please excuse me.”

He was the same rabbit who had seen all the friends helping Chippy. And he felt remorseful. He was ashamed that he has robbed Chippy of all the acorns.  

Everybody looked at the rabbit in surprise and was speechless.

Finally, Chippy went towards the rabbit and said, “Well, you sure sound sincere about your sorry, and I accept your apology. Please return the acorns and promise never to rob again. Right now, come rejoice with us.”

The rabbit sheepishly joined the dancing. Soon all were yawing and friends wished each other happy hibernation and went to their homes.

The chipmunk scurried back home too with the rabbit following her. The rabbit brought all the acorns from his burrow and placed them back in the chipmunk’s burrow. Then he stood there with his head down.

“Well, I excuse you bunny. Now please go home, I want to sleep,” the chipmunk said waving bye to the rabbit.

The story "Why The Sun And The Moon Live In The Sky", is an African Folktale about the friendship of the Sun And The water and how the sun and the moon moved to the sky.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/why-the-sun-and-the-moon-live-in-the-sky

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

This is about the time long, long back, when the sun and water were great friends, and they both lived on the earth together. The sun used to visit the water very often. 

Children what do you think the sun and the water did together.

I see. That’s interesting!

So the sun often visited the water, but the water never returned the visits.

At last, the sun asked the water, “ I visit you so often, but you never visit me. You. must visit me sometime dear water.”

The water replied, “ I would love to, but unfortunately your house is not big enough, and that if I come with all my people, that would drive you, dear sun out of your own home.”

Children, who are the people that water is talking about?

Yes, the fish, sharks, jellyfish, whales, etc. In fact, all the sea animals are the people that the water is referring to. 

The sun was thinking about it when water said, "If you want me to visit you, you will have to build a very large house. But I warn you that it will have to be humongous, as my people are numerous and take up a lot of room.”

The Sun was thrilled with this idea and gave a high five to the water with its rays and said, “ I’ll surely build a big, very big house and then invite you, dear friend. And That’s a promise.”

Soon afterward, he returned home to his wife, the moon, who greeted him with a broad smile. The sun told the moon what he had promised the water. 

Children, what had the sun promised the water?

Yes, to build a big house and then invite water.

The moon was delighted at the prospect of having water as their guest. 

So, the next day, they began building a large house to entertain water and all his people. 

It sure took a long long time.

When it was finally completed, the sun asked the water to come and visit him.

When the water arrived, one of the water’s people called out to the sun,” Is it safe for the water to enter your house, Mr. Sun?”

The sun answered, "Yes, tell my friend water to come in and bring all the people."

The water began to flow in, along with the big fish, the small fish, the fat fish, the thin fish, and all the other water animals. Splish-splash, Splish-splash.

The sun and moon happily greeted them.

Children, how do you greet guests who come to your house?

Very good.

Very soon, the water was knee-deep in the house, so the water asked the sun if it was still safe, and the sun again said smilingly, "Yes., please come! "

So more water, along with more fish, and whales, and jellyfish and sharks came in.

When the water was at the level of a man's head, the water said to the sun, "Do you think it’s okay if more of my people come?"

Not knowing any better, the sun and the moon both nodded, "Yes, yes! absolutely."

More and more of the water's people came in, until the sun and the moon had to sit on top of the roof.

Looking at the sun and moon up on the roof, water called out once again, “ Is it still okay for water people to keep coming in.”

The sun and moon looked at each other and together answered, “Yes! You are most welcome!” 

So more and more of the water's people came in. They were swimming everywhere splish-splash, splish-splash.

The water soon overflowed to the top of the roof.

Children, what do you think will happen to the moon now?

Well, believe it or not, the sun and the moon were forced to go up into the sky.

……and they have been there ever since.   

The Tongue Of A Dog is an adapted folktale from Chiapas, located in the South-East of Mexico.

Aren’t you sometimes intrigues by how different animals have different shapes, sizes, colours, and textures of tongues? This folktale from Mexico is about how the Dogs got their long tongue.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-tongue-of-a-dog

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

You know that the Dogs have a long tongue, and the Crocodiles don’t. But in ancient times, long, long back, things were different from the ones we know today. For example, Dogs did not have tongues, whereas Crocodiles had long tongues. And when after running or playing for a long time, the Crocodiles were thirsty, they used to stick their long tongues out and quickly slurp some water to satisfy their parched throats.

It was that one day when the sun was particularly scorching, the Dog was very thirsty. He saw a bowl of water, but he couldn’t drink.

Children, can you tell why he couldn’t drink water from the bowl?

Yes! That’s because he didn’t have a tongue and so he couldn’t reach the water in the bowl.

He tried and tried, but couldn’t drink any water. He was so thirsty that day, that he wished he had a tongue that he could dip in the bowl and satisfy his parched throat.

For the first time, he resented the lack of a tongue and thought that not having a tongue was the biggest disadvantage. He set his mind on doing something about it.

Children, what do you think he will do?

Listen ahead.

He decided to find his friend, the Crocodile, who was famous around the animal kingdom for having the most beautiful of tongues.

 “Crocodile, lend me your tongue, for I am parched,” said the Dog with a sense of urgency, as soon as he saw his friend.

 “Good evening first of all,” answered the Crocodile, evidencing the Dog’s impoliteness.

Children, why do you think the Crocodile thought that the Dog was impolite?

Yes! That’s because the Dog didn’t greet him.

I hope you all greet everyone when you meet them.

That’s great.

“Good evening Crocodile, let me borrow your tongue,” the Dog urged him.

“I cannot. I really need it to express my love when I am happy,” he said.

The Crocodile stuck out his tongue and wagged his tail to show how he uses his tongue to express his happiness.

Suddenly, the Dog disappeared for a while.

Children, any guesses as to where the Dog went?

Ummm…listen ahead.

So, the Dog ran away and when he returned, he got with him some chickens, cats, birds, and all kinds of animals that he had been hunting.

“If you let me borrow your tongue, I promise I will bring you loot like this every day. Come on, you can surely share your tongue for just for a little while for this kind of scrumptious meal every day,” he insisted.

The Crocodile was so excited about the free food that he accepted the deal. He lent his tongue to the Dog, dreaming about all the delicious food that the Dog would bring for him.

The Dog was delighted with the tongue and went to drink water. 

However, the Dog never showed up in the surroundings ever again.

Since that day, the Dog had that funny tongue that everyone knows, and the poor Crocodile had to resign himself to the fact that his imposing jaws would no longer flaunt his tongue muscle.

Welcome to the Fox Tales series. You all know that fox is very clever and intelligent. Usually, no one can fool them easily. But in the story-Fox and Rooster, listen to how a clever Rooster is smart enough not to be fooled.

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

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Transcript

A Rooster lived in a small forest. The Rooster was very intelligent and clever. He would wake up at dawn and crow - COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO” and wake up the whole forest

Children, who wakes you up in the morning and how?

That’s interesting. 

 One day a fox came to this tiny forest.  The fox saw that a Rooster was sitting on a tree branch. Seeing the Rooster, the fox's mouth started watering, “ This Rooster looks so good and healthy. He’ll make a delicious meal.” But for that, he would have to call the Rooster down from the tree. He thought about how to get the Rooster down. So, naturally, his clever mind started thinking about how to get the rooster down.

Suddenly he got an idea and grinned from ear to ear.

Children, can you guess what was the fox’s plan?

Listen ahead.

Now, the fox thought that she would fool the Rooster and bring it down. Thinking that she said to the Rooster, “What are you doing up there, come down and we can both sit down and talk together.” By saying this the fox wanted to fool the Rooster.

The Rooster was a clever one and said, “No I can’t come down because I stay away from the dreaded animals. That’s why I can’t come down to you there. I’m afraid that you will catch me and eat me up.”

“Hey! You don’t know,” the fox said, “Today all the animals in the forest have decided that they will live in harmony and will not hurt each other. So now you don’t have to fear anyone. There is no need to be afraid of me either. Come down and we can sit and talk.”

Children think for a moment that the Rooster and the fox were talking. Can you imagine what were they talking?

Nice! Listen to the story ahead.

The Rooster was listening to the fox and he knew deep in his heart that the fox was trying to fool him. So, the Rooster put his mind into it and said to the fox, “Oh wow, that’s a good thing! If that’s the case then we can all live together. Our forest would become a wonderful place. None of the animals would be scared anymore and all will live happily.”

Having said that, the Rooster stretched his neck, trying to look far away into the forest.  

Seeing the Rooster do this, the fox started wondering, “ What is this Rooster doing?” and asked in an irritating voice, “What are you seeing there? What is there? Come down and we can talk.”

“Nothing, just looking at the forest. It seems that some wild dogs are coming here and that’s why I am looking at them.” The Rooster said to the fox.

“What? Wild Dogs?” the fox said in a shaky voice. He panicked and tried to get out of there. As she started running away, the Rooster called out, “Why are you going from here? Wait we were going to sit and talk and when the wild dogs would come, we would be able to sit and talk with them too.”

“No! No! I can’t stop here if I stay here and the dogs come, they will eat me that’s why I have to leave from here.” Fox howled

“But it was decided in the morning that all the people in the forest will live together with each other and will not kill anyone, then why are you afraid?” The Rooster asked the fox, teasingly.

Now, the fox was clever too. He screamed, “Actually, this news has not yet reached the wild dogs. That’s why I have to run away from here.”

Saying this the fox immediately fled from there.

The Rooster was happy and glad that he was able to protect himself.

As for the fox, he was never seen in that forest again.

Love, The Guinea Pig is a story where a little girl learns many things from her pet, including love.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/love-the-guinea-pig

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

I love you,” Reena said, courageously putting her finger through the cage bars. Reena lay on the shop floor, nodding her head, happily talking to her chosen guinea pig. “I love this one. Look, look mum, she’s nibbling me.” The vanilla and caramel coloured guinea pig tasted one of Reena’s fingers while making little happy noises: “wheek, wheek, wheek.”

“Aww, she sounds lovely. Isn’t she lovely mum!” Reena spread herself out on her stomach, rolling around and peeckabooing with the guinea pig.

“Yes Reena, she’s lovely. Is she the one? You decide.” Reena’s mum, Madhu, hunkered down beside Reena.

Reena mimicked the happy noise of the guinea pig: “wheek, wheek, wheek, yes, you’re going to be my pet and I’m going to take care of you and love you a lot.” Reena giggled.

“That’s right; you’re going to care for her,” Madhu repeated while letting the little guinea pig nibble on her fingers too.

“I am 7 years old and can take care of a pet now! I know how to shoulder responsibility,” asserted Reena.

Then talking to the guinea pig in the cage she said, “Love, that’s what I’ll call you, what do you think of your new name, Love?”

“Wheek, wheek, wheek, wheek.” Love kept nuzzling her neck. “I think she loves her name.”

“You handle her with love, gentleness and great care. I predict you’ll be the best of friends,” the animal caretaker said. Reena smiled, “I know,” she said. Holding loved she twirled around happily, “I’m a natural guinea pig lover.”

Children, what responsibility do you think Reena would need to shoulder if she takes Love home?

That’s right…feeding, cleaning, playing with guinea pig, etc.

Mum paid for Love and all the bits and pieces she would need. Mum packed the cage, food and toys into the boot of the car while Reena settled Love into a box full of holes.

At home, Reena had already made space for Love’s cage. She made a little enclosure by placing books and toys in a circle on the floor and let Love out to discover while she fixed up the cage.

She put old newspapers at the bottom, then hay and straw. She filled the water bottle and hung it between the cage bars, she added a salt bar and some yummy fruit treats and a wooden house with a ladder and a bowl of dry fruit on the roof of the house.

“Wow, I wouldn’t mind living in there,” said her older brother Jay as he came home, eager to be introduced to the new family member.

“Love, this is my brother Jay. Jay, meet Love.”

“He’s lovely,” said Jay.

“She’s a she.” Reena made the important stuff clear, but Jay protested.

“If she’s Love, then she’s both a she and a he. Love doesn’t have a preference.”

Reena loved her brother, “Ok, you can call Love male, and I call her female. After thinking she added: “If I love her more than I love you, am I a bad sister?”

“No, because love can’t be measured.” Jay picked up Love and cuddled her.

“What does that mean?”

“It means love is always love, there is no less or more, it’s just love.”

“So when I look at Love and my heart is swelling with love, and when I look at you and get a warm feeling in my body, it’s all love?”

“Yes, clever sister.” Jay gave Love to her and ruffled her hair.

Children, who all are the people you love?

That’s awesome, you all have a big heart.

Reena loved looking after Love. Love was her new best friend. They played every morning before Reena went to school. They played in the afternoon when she came home from school. They had a last cuddle before Reena went to bed. Reena’s warm heart had opened wide since Love came into her life.

Reena’s mood changed with Love, instead of being angry and on the edge most of the time, she became calm and centered.

“All credit to you, Love,” she said.

Reena cleaned Love’s home twice a week which was plenty for Love to always have a clean and snug home.

Reena invited her friends to meet Love when she had settled in the house.

“She’s so cute,” her friend Lollo said.

“You’re so lovely, yes you are,” Mia talked silly with Love.

“Hahaha, did you hear, she purrs, a guinea pig purr,” her friend Roe said.

“What’s she saying?” Mia asked.

“She loves all of you,” Reena translated. “We love you too,” they replied.

“She knows,”

“But how?” her friends chorused.

“By the way you look at her, by the way you hold her, by the way you talk to her, and by the way you feed her. Here, try to give her some spinach. She loves spinach.” Reena grabbed a bunch from the tray she kept prepared for Love and gave it to her friends to feed Love.

They played with Love until it was time for her friends to go home. They hadn’t done any of the stuff they used to do before Love came into their lives, but no one minded.

“Can we come tomorrow again, please?” All her friends made heart signs with their hands in Love’s direction.

“Yes,” Reena sighed happily.

Unfortunately, the next day, Reena woke up with a sniffle. Her mum gave her extra vitamins in the form of fruit and said her body would do the rest of the healing work automatically and naturally. She rested and ate the fruits her mom gave her. She took good care of Love too.

Reena was so fond of Love, that she included Love in every story she wrote at school. She wrote poems about her too, which she was happy to recite for the class, even if they would never win an award. She was in love with Love and everything she wrote was beautiful and wonderful.

In geography, she informed everyone that guinea pigs originally came from South America.        

If you get a pet, what would it be? Or if you already have one, what is it?

Sweet

At home, Reena and her mum set up an adventure track for Love in the living room and let Love run free. It was indeed exciting to watch Love move about freely.

As Reena played with Love on the track, she scratched her arms.

Reena was now sneezing and scratching. His arms had little bumps now.

She sneezed and scratched her arms again.

“Summer colds are the worst.”

Later at night, Reena and her family ate together and they took turns snuggling with Love.

Reena sneezed and scratched her arms again. She covered up with long-sleeved shirt and when her mum asked if she wasn’t hot she said she must have got a summer cold and sneezed loudly yet again.

“Summer colds are the worst,” she said.

Children, why did Reena cover up her arms with long-sleeved shirt?

That’s right! Because she didn’t want mom to know about it.

“You do look like you’ve got a bad dose of allergy,” her mum said and looked at her more closely. There was no hiding the red eyes and the runny nose.

When her face became blotchy, her mum brought her to the doctor.

Somehow, she knew what the doctor was going to say.

Children, can you guess what Reena guessed the doctor would say?

Listen ahead.

“Reena, you’re allergic to guinea pigs, you’re allergic to Love.”

She knew it. “OK, just give me the medicine, I’ll take anything you say,” she announced, proud for being brave in a difficult situation.

The doctor made a sad face and said sorry. Mum said sorry too.

“NO...there’s no sorry.” Reena’s face dropped and her body slumped to the floor.

“I’m sorry, there is no medicine. The only cure is to get rid of the guinea pig.”

“Get rid of....get rid of...Love...NEVER!”

“I understand how you must feel.”

“No you don’t. Are you seven? Do you have a guinea pig who’s your best friend in the whole wide world?”

“No, but...”

“Well then, you don’t know, and I’m not going to get rid of Love. Thank you and good bye.”

She got up, banged the door, ran out and started walking back home, she caressed Love and said, “You are the best friend I have ever had, the best friend I will ever have. You always listen, you never give out, you don’t care if I use the right word or a bad word. We do fun stuff together. We go on adventures. We watch movies together. We discover new things together: you taught me to eat spinach, celery, and broccoli. Thanks, Love.” Reena hiccupped. “    You taught me to be calm, to slow down, to enjoy the little things, like cuddling and looking into your cute face.”

Mom flowed her into the car and gently asked her to sit in the backseat.                

Later that evening someone rang the doorbell and a teenage girl introduced herself.

The teenage girl came into the living room where Reena sat on the floor, holding Love for dear life.

She sat down on the floor too.

“Hi, I’m Amor. I’ve been looking for Love for such a long time.

Reena looked at her with tears streaming down her face.

“What do you mean? You could have gotten any guinea pig and called her Love. Why do you have to take mine?

“She’s not mine, just as she was never yours, she’s handed down by the power of love. Do you know what the power of guinea pig is?” Amor asked. Reena shook her head.

“It’s love, their special power is love.”

“I called her Love.” Reena stopped crying.

“You are a special guinea pig lover. I can see that you have taken the responsibility of her seriously, she is beautiful.”

Reena knew Love was beautiful, but Reena didn’t look great. Her eyes were almost bloodshot and she had to blink a few times to see properly.

“Sometimes a pet is not for life.       Letting go is a hard lesson to learn so early in life,” Amor said, stretching her arms out for Love.

Reena kissed Love one last time and handed her over to the girl.

“Will you call her Love?”

“Yes, that’s her name and her power. Love started weeping almost immediately. Reena broke into crying again, ripping and crushing crying.

Madhu rushed in and hugged Reena close.

“We will all miss Love,” Reena’s mum said, “but sometimes the heart has to team up with the brain to reach the best decision for everyone. Love will live in your heart.”

The girl hugged Reena with Love before leaving.

Today’s story, Santa's Bean Bag, is a story that tells you what Santa does after Christmas.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/santas-bean-bag

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

Children, have you ever wondered just exactly what does Santa does right after Christmas?

Most of you are probably far too busy playing with the toys to even think about what Santa does after Christmas.

It really is very easy to guess! When he gets back to Santa Land, he eats a huge bowl of porridge, his favorite, and then he goes to bed and sleeps for a week.

Well! almost a week.

Yes, that's right a week, and nobody can wake him up. All the elves wear their earplugs because his snoring is so loud.

You would think that the elves and reindeers would be tired too.

Yes, indeed they too are tired and they usually sleep for a day or two or maybe three for they all have been so busy, and they are so very tired.

Santa doesn't sleep in his bed for his extra-long After-Christmas sleep.

Mrs. Claus is pleased to say he has a giant extra-large bean bag for extra-long snoozy snoozes.

Before finally deciding on the bed Santa tried many.

Santa had first tried a hammock but kept falling out.

Next, he tried a water bed, but he was seasick.

After that, he tried an air bed but he was far too heavy - it hissed and fizzed all night long until it was as flat as a pancake by morning! And Santa had backache for a month!

Santa’s bean bag is big and squashy, and it is an enormous Santa size, and it is blue with white stars. After Christmas, Santa is a bit fed up with red as you can imagine. And his red coat and black boots are sent down to the elves' laundry room to be washed and all the buttons and tears repaired. Climbing up and down the chimney and steering a sleigh at high speed can ruin a red coat.

And Christmas stockings are completely banned until next Christmas, so, all Christmas stockings for a hidden way out of sight. When Santa wakes up with a huge yawn and giant groan, he has a big breakfast, even if it is at breakfast time. And then it is time to plan the famous After-Christmas party.

All the elves, reindeer, and Santa just love that After-Christmas party.

At the After-Christmas party, there is just about everything that makes it into a special party. There are cakes-sticky cakes with jellybeans chocolate fudge. There is ice cream, all kinds of special melting tastes. There is a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit to dip.

There are games, everybody has their favorite party game. The elves love noisy games. So, there are lots of noisy balloon games. Stick on reindeer's tail is always a big hit - elves have blindfolds and tails are soft and fluffy and nobody wins.

There are lots of games with music too- musical bumps are noisy, and also everybody's funniest game. Have you ever seen a reindeer bump with the thump onto a cushion when the jingle music stops?

Funny sight, right?

And then there are presents. Silly presents, the sillier the better – the presents are all wrapped in bright paper, but no red! They are piled up high and l the names of all the elves are put into a big bag. Santa picks one of the presents from the huge pile and then dips into the bag to pick a name – so who gets what? That's the fun and nobody knows. There are hula hoops, slime kits, crazy masks, cuddly sharks, soapy bubbles, sticky tattoos, Mad hats, and lots of laughs.

And everybody says this is the best party ever!

Well, until next year, it always is the best.

I know a lot of children would like to go to Santa's extra special After-Christmas party, but sorry it's elves and a reindeer-only party.

But maybe there is something you children can do for Santa and it would only take a minute or two.

Do any of you ever send a little thank you note after you got your Christmas Presents? It’s time you do that. Write a note or draw a picture just to say thanks to Santa. But not on red paper, please!

Today’s story, Santa Does not Forget is about a mother teaching her son the importance of remembering to do the tasks assigned to him.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/santa-does-not-forget

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

Once there was a little boy named Nicky, who lived with his father and mother. He was kind and obedient and shared all of his toys with his friends. However, he always forgot to do odd jobs and even important jobs he was asked to do.

Every time he was asked to do something and then asked if he completed the task, he had an answer, “I forgot.” If he was sent to the tailor to remind him of an urgent change, he would forget to tell the tailor about it. If he were given money to pay for electricity, his mother would find the money and bills in his pocket that very night. If the teacher asked him to do an assignment, he would even forget that.

The reason for not doing a specific job remained the same- I forgot.

He never made a conscious effort to try and remember

 Children, what do you think this reason was?

You guessed it right – “I forgot.”

He never made a conscious effort to try and remember. His mother decided to do something about it to make him remember everything.

 Children, do you have any tricks that you can share with the little Nicky to avoid forgetting?

Let’s see.

Christmas was coming, and like the other children, Nicky made a list of all the good deeds done during the past year. He also prepared a list for Santa Claus, asking for his favorite items, and showed it to his mother. 

His mother said, “Santa might forget to bring those for you.” But Nicky was confident and said, “Why would he forget? He has so many elves to help him out. Also, I have been a good Nicky. I share my toys, and I am kind. That’s what Sant Claus looks for. So he’ll surely place all that I want in my Christmas stocking.”

Proudly, he left the list of things he wanted in the Christmas Stocking on the window sill.

Children, what are the things on your list this Christmas?

That’s sweet.

On Christmas morning, Nicky woke up early, and with a twinkle in his eyes, checked his stockings. He hurriedly put his hand in the Stockings to find his gifts. But what was that? All he found was his own list. And the bottom of the list it was written, “ I FORGOT!” in bold text. His mother knew what was happening, so she stayed away from him.

Children, how do you think Nicky felt?

Yes, Nicky was heartbroken.

Tears rolled down his cheeks.

Soon they had to go to Nicky's grandfather's house. Nicky dragged himself sadly to visit his grandfather with the rest of the family. All through the drive, he didn’t utter a word.

Once they reached his grandfather’s house. Everyone wished each other a Merry Christmas. Then Nicky’s grandfather took him to the Christmas tree.

One look at the Christmas tree brought a big smile on Nicky’s face. 

 Children, can you guess why?

Listen ahead to find out.

Next to his grandfather’s Christmas tree, Nicky found everything he had wanted!  

In addition to all that he wanted, there was a big note saying, ‘ SANTA DOES NOT FORGET, NEITHER SHOULD YOU!’

And there was another big note, ‘ SANTA, DON’T FORGET’ referring to Nicky as Santa.

Nicky promised his parents that he would try hard to sincerely remember all the tasks given to him. 

He still forgets sometimes, but his mom still reminds him when things are out of hand “Santa don’t forget!” 

He slowly understood why it was so important to remember one’s duties and responsibilities in life.

Today’s story is an original story that I wrote, inspired by the ornaments my neighbour’s little child was hanging so lovingly on his Christmas tree.

Do you know the significance of each of the Christmas ornaments? Or do you think it’s just for decoration? Well, enjoy the story “No Ordinary Ornament."

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/no-ordinary-ornament

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

It was late November, little Rhea watched as the movers carried luggage to the apartment next door. She was excited that finally, she would have neighbours. She crossed her fingers and prayed that the new family would have kids who could be her companions. She kept peeping out of her window now and then to check and get an update on the move.

It was around noon when she heard the kids and rushed to the door. To her delight, she saw three kids walking toward the next-door apartment. Seeing Rhea, they came to meet her and introduced themselves as Tim, Kelly, and Ryan.

Well! What followed was days of playing, chatting, and sleepovers. In fact, a strong bond of friendship developed among them. They all celebrated Rhea’s birthday together on the 20th of December, which Rhea claimed was the best so far.

All the kids were excited that the Christmas holidays were round the corner and, on the first day of the holiday, Kelly invited Rhea to her house to put up their Christmas tree. Rhea had seen many Christmas trees in the malls and schools but never helped someone put one up. So she was thrilled.

Ms. Brown, the children's mother, brought the big fir tree in with the help of the children. Mr. Brown unpacked the boxes filled with all the decorations from previous years.

“This is going to be my first time decorating a Christmas tree!” said one very excited Rhea with a twinkle in her eyes.

Taking out the lights from one of the boxes, Kelly replied, “Let's put up these lights first. You may then unpack the bells that my father wraps so well every year so they don't break.”

“But why do we put these bells?” asked Rhea innocently. Kelly glanced at the two siblings looking for an answer. And they in turn looked at their father for the answer.

 “Children, bells are rung in the church after the mass. When you go to the church you hear the bells right? And that’s why we also put bells on the Christmas tree,” answered the father.

“That's interesting,” Tim nodded as he started to open the next box. “So dad, why do we put all decorations on the tree; the candy canes, the bird in the nest, angels, etc. Is it for decoration or is there some significance that is there?”

“I’ll take this one!” mom replied, taking out a candy cane. “I’m glad you asked. This is the staff of the Shepherd. And the wreath is for...” before she could finish Tim jumped in, “Sprucing the front door!”

“No dear, that represents the thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries represent the blood.”

Holding a rabbit in one hand and a fruit basket in the other Rhea asked, “What about these, aunty?”

“The rabbit symbolizes peace with nature and the fruit is so we always have plenty to eat and to remind us to be generous.”

“Mom, Dad, how come you never told us about this earlier?” Kelly inquired.

“I was waiting for you to be inquisitive enough and ask yourself,” mom said lovingly hanging the bird ornament on the tree, “and this bird in the nest reflects happiness and joy.”

The tree was already looking beautiful.

Ryan opened another box and asked, “Hey mom, this frog must be from Kelly's toys!”

“Ha, ha! The frogs traditionally are symbols of good luck. Frogs can’t move backward or side to side.”

“You know,” father jumped in, “They always move forward suggesting we all achieve our goals and accomplishments.”

“Mmm… I will be like the frog from now onwards, moving ahead to achieve my goals,” Rhea thought to herself.

Ryan took out the teapot, “Now this for sure has no meaning!”

“Dear Ryan, you serve tea to guests in the teapot. This teapot ornament symbolizes hospitality,” Ms. Brown responded.

Rhea said, “I have seen angels being hung. Do you have them?”

“Oh, of course! Open the box marked ‘angels and stars’, right over there,” Mr. Brown replied. “Rhea, angels are a must, for through them we ask for guidance in our lives.”

“But what about this house ornament?” questioned Kelly.

“That symbolizes shelter and protection for the family. And the star that we perch on the top represents the stars that led the three wise men to baby Jesus,” the mother helped the children understand. “Now I'll ask you all a question. Why is there a Christmas tree during Christmas in the first place?” asked father.

Kelly, Rhea, and Ryan looked puzzled but Tim yelled out, “I know, I read somewhere, it's because the evergreens would always keep the away from the evil spirits away! Isn't it?”

“You’re right! The Christmas tree is to keep evil spirits and illness at bay,” Mr. Brown patted Tim.

Everybody stepped back to look at the Christmas tree. It looked gorgeous, adorned with all the ornaments.

Then Ms. Brown announced, “Rhea join us on Christmas Day morning to find the Christmas pickle ornament.”

“Pickle ornament?” one very confused Rhea asked.

Kelly excitedly said, “You know, it's a Christmas tradition to hide a pickle ornament in the tree, and the first person who finds it gets an extra present and has a year of good fortune.”

“I'll be there for sure! Thanks, uncle and auntie, for letting me be a part of your Christmas traditions and I learned so much today,” Rhea said.

“So did we!” said the siblings unanimously

Today’s story, The Carol Singers, is about a group of four Carol singers. Through this story, your kids can learn about teamwork and how by helping each other, we can bring true happiness to the world.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-carol-singers

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

Once were four penguins named Micky, Fred, Rob, and Eve who were fond of singing Christmas carols before the inhabitants of the Ice Pack, where they lived. Every time they sang, they received a golden star which they put up on their Christmas tree. One Christmas eve, Micky caught a terrible cold and started sneezing. He knew for sure that he was coming down with the flu.

‘Achoo! Achoo!” he sneezed loudly again and again. “Looks like you will have to sing without me this year as I am quite unwell,” he told his fellow singers.

“No, that’s not possible,” said the other three unanimously.

“Achoo!” Micky went again.

But they realized that the inhabitants of the ice pack looked forward to their performance every year and would be terribly disappointed if they didn’t sing.

So, the penguins decide to approach Doctor Lolo and ask to heal Micky soon. The doctor thought for a while and told them that the only way to get Micky better was by using the golden seaweed which could be found in the Indian Ocean. Doctor Lolo also told them that the butterflyfish would surely help them in the Indian ocean.

The penguins were saddened as they realized that the Indian Ocean was far away from them and that it would not be possible for them to get the seaweed in such a short time.

‘So, no Christmas Carol this year then,” Fred was tearful, and his tears fell in the water below, which Pincho, an ice fish, felt on his body. He hurriedly swam up to the penguins and asked them the reason for their sadness.

On hearing their problem, Pincho says, “Wait! If it is the Indian Ocean, I have an idea.” He had friends and family spread across all the great seas of the world and he could send them messages.  

‘Wow! That’s a brilliant idea,“ exclaimed the four friends.

There was not a second to lose.

So, Pincho passed the message to the first ice fish. The first one passed it to the next one and so on and so forth. In a few minutes, the message was passed on from one fish to another, across the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, before finally reaching the butterflyfish in the Indian Ocean. The butterflyfish looked for the golden seaweed, high and low. When he finally found it, he passed it to the nearest ice fish, who then passed it to the next and so on, till it reached Pincho.

The penguins were overjoyed, and they asked the doctor to prepare the medicine from it.

Doctor Lolo quickly prepared the medicine  Micky gobbled down the seaweed medicine in one gulp and to everyone’s relief, his original voice returned in a jiffy.

The penguins went to the  Christmas carol show which was a big hit, and they got their golden star. The penguins thanked Pincho and told everyone how Pincho helped them in finding the golden seaweed. Pincho was the hero of the hour, and he thanked all the ice fish for the great teamwork which helped him get the golden seaweed from the Indian ocean far away.

And the penguins were proud attaching the beautiful golden star to the top of the Christmas tree once again.