Story Prism

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

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

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Transcript

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

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

Indeed.

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

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

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

Let’s listen ahead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children, why do you think the stork did that?

Yes, to take revenge.

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

Moral of the Story

A selfish act backfires sooner or later!

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

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

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

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

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

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

“Tiger runs fast,” thought Judge Rabbit.

“So I'll have to think even faster.”

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

 Children, why did he do it?

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

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

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

Tiger came and stood under the tree.

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

“And I am going to eat you up.”

“Not now, Tiger, “ Cried Judge Rabbit.

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

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

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

Tiger listened carefully.

Buzzz.. Buzzz…Buzzz.

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

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

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

The tiger felt jealous.

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

Judge Rabbit knew his plan was working.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then Rabbit came down and started to run.

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

Buzzzzzz Buzzzzz…Buzzzzz.

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

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

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

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

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

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The scared woman did as was asked by the monkey.

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

Collecting all the firewood the monkey went ahead.

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

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

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

The woman was very sad.

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

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

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

The old woman gladly accepted the offer.

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

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

The scared woman did as was asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send your artwork to [email protected].

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

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

Do you know how to take care of birds?

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

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

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

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

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

Hope the story made you smile.

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

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

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

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

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

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

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

Children, why do you think the king did that?

Let’s listen ahead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today's story, 'It Is Okay To Be Scared' belongs to the 'Turtle Tales' series. It is a story about a little turtle who is frightened of everything! But with the help of his sister, he learns to conquer his fears.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/it-is-okay-to-be-scared-archive

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Transcript

OMG! What was that? I got hit by lightning…oh my god, I am really scared. Today the lightning bounced off, but what is next time…. I am petrified!” shrieked one very scared baby turtle, Timmy.

Children, could you please describe thunder and lightning in the sky?

Awesome!

Let’s listen ahead

“Timmy, you’ve got to come out of that shell of yours. so we can get moving and reach the water!”

Even though Timmy knew his sister was right, he was still too scared to come out of his shell.

Ever since Timmy was hit by lightning, he was afraid of everything! From, the gurgling of water, to chirping crickets, to the little field mice, to the moonlight. Even the slightest bit of wind startled and scared Timmy and he would go into his shell.

The lightning bolts and thunder from the storm still haunted his dreams. Just thinking about them made Timmy tremble.

“Of all the eggs that mamma laid, we’re still the only two who haven’t reached water yet,” said Timmy’s Sister.

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t do it,” said Timmy.

“Come on, Timmy! You can too. This is just something you have to face. There’s going to be tougher things in life to deal with than just a little storm.”

“Just a little storm – you call that a little storm? The lightning bounced off my shell!”

“Well, I must admit it was amazing to see it bounce off you, Timmy. But why are you so afraid now?”

“Where there’s one there’s bound to be another,” said Timmy. “Maybe next time the lightning bolt doesn’t bounce off me and goes straight inside. Then I’m a goner!”

“Look, Timmy, if we don’t find a pond soon we’re both going to be goners anyways. And besides, the chances of you getting struck by lightning again are probably one in a million.”

“Yeah, which means it could happen,” said Timmy.

“You’re going to have to trust me, Timmy. Since you were the last egg to hatch, I have to look after you. That’s the rule! You’re my baby brother, after all!” said Shiny.

“You hatched forty seconds before I did,” said Timmy. “What makes you so grown up?”

“I’m not all grown up. But like it or not, I am still your older sister. And unlike you, I’m not afraid of everything under the sun.”

Shiny’s explanation wasn’t enough to get Timmy out of his shell.

“Nice try. But I’m still not risking it,” said Timmy.

Children, can you please suggest something to Timmy to be able to overcome his fear of lightning?

Great!

Just then, a little turtle named Goldie walked up to ask for directions. Goldie was a baby turtle too.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you, but could you please tell me where to find Crimson Lake? I need to reach it to be with my family. I am afraid of being away from my family.”

As soon as Timmy heard Goldie, he felt calm and for the first time since the big storm, Timmy didn’t feel afraid as he realized that other turtles are also afraid of something.

Without hesitation, Timmy popped out of his shell to offer Goldie assistance but then felt too shy to say anything to her.

Shiny saved him though – she pointed to where she believed Crimson Lake to be and asked Goldie if she wanted help finding it.

“It shouldn’t be too hard to find,” said Goldie. “Thanks for your help and I hope we’ll meet again someday. Let me rush to my family.”

As Goldie walked away, Timmy exclaimed, “You see, Shiny, I’m not afraid. I’m out of my shell and nothing will ever scare me again,” said Timmy gleefully.

But before Timmy could utter another word he had jumped right into Shiny’s arms!

“What is it now, Timmy?” asked Shiny.

“Oh, I just heard the most awful sound in the world. The sound of thunder! Another storm must be on the way.”

A couple of giggles followed by a loud grumpy laugh could be heard close by. It wasn’t thunder that had frightened Timmy.

Children, can you guess who made that sound?

A little squirrel pounding rocks against a tree was what had scared him.

“Kid, are you sure you’re a turtle and not a chicken?” asked the squirrel sarcastically.

“Don’t tease my little brother,” said Shiny. “There’s nothing wrong with being afraid.”

“Well, I’m not afraid of storms and all I have is a bushy little tail, whereas you have a strong shell. If I had a shell-like his, I wouldn’t be afraid of anything.” said the squirrel.

“I saw you running away from a stray cat yesterday,” said Shiny.

“Yeah, so what?” said the squirrel.

“You were scared to death of that cat, but that cat didn’t scare me.”

Children, what are you scared of?

“What are you saying?” asked the squirrel.

“Everybody gets scared sometimes. Why is my brother being afraid of thunderstorms any different from you being afraid of a cat?”

The squirrel knew that Shiny had made a good point, so he just shook his head and darted out of sight.

“Wow. Thank you,” said Timmy. “You really are a great older sister.”

“As I said before, Timmy, that’s my job.”

“You know, sis, I’ve learned something today. I may not like thunderstorms, but being afraid of them isn’t something to be ashamed of.”

“That’s right, little brother. And it takes courage to know that.”

As Timmy and Shiny journeyed to find Crimson Lake, Timmy felt proud about having gained the courage to finally leave his shell.

Throughout his life, Timmy would encounter many thunderstorms to be sure, but none were as scary as the first one. That’s because Timmy never looked at them the same way again.

And oh how he loved telling his grandchildren about the summer lightning bounced off his shell!

This story is adapted from an Australian folktale. It’s about a joey who is very curious about why only he can do a certain thing and his friends can’t.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/why-do-kangaroos-hop-archive

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

“Mama, why do kangaroos hop? Why don't we run, or walk, or slide on our bellies?” Kip, the joey bounced his tail up and down on the red dirt.

“We're kangaroos. That's what we do. We leap through the air. I've never heard of a kangaroo running, or walking, or sliding on their bellies,” Mama said busy cleaning the house.

Children, can you think of an animal that slides on its belly?

That’s correct- snakes slide on their bellies.

Kip hopped off. “I'm going to the billabong, Mama.”

Children Billabong is an Australian name for an isolated pond left behind after a river changes its course.

So, Kip was going to the Billabong and waving to Mother said, “I want to play with my friends.”

Mummy Kangaroo waved back lovingly.

When he was approaching the pond, he saw his friend Kimmy Koala,

Now Koalas are marsupials, and can be thought of as pouched mammals. They carry their babies in a pouch and are native to Australia.

Getting back to the story.

Kip was inquisitive and asked Kimmy Koala, “Kimmy, do you hop?”

The Koala pulled a eucalyptus leaf out of her mouth. “I don't hop. I don't even run. I climb trees and sit here eating these delicious eucalyptus leaves. But why do you ask?”    

Kip, the joey, pondering about the Koala’s answer said, “Just checking. I am curious which of my friends hop. I’ll check with Cedric, the crocodile. CU later.”

Kip saw his friend Cedric Crocodile swimming in the water. “Cedric, do you hop?” shouted Kip.  

Children, would you ever go near a crocodile? 

Indeed you should never go near a crocodile. Always stay away from them.

The crocodile swam up to the side of the billabong. “Of course not. I swim. I can walk, but I don't run, and I do not hop either.”

“Why not?” asked Kip.

“Because that's the way we crocodiles are. We swim and eat fish.”

“Ok Cedric, I’ll see you later. Want to check with Danny, the dingo if he hops,” and off Kip went to meet Danny, the dingo while Cedric slid back under the water.

Kim met Danny Dingo at the far edge of the billabong ready to have a drink.

Children, A Dingo is a big Australian dog. It is almost like a fox.

“Hi Danny, I wanted to ask you something,” Kip looked at his friend.

Danny looked at Kip and nodded.

So children, what do you think Danny Dingo told Kip?

Yes, indeed Kip asked Danny, “Do you hop?”

Danny Dingo barked, “Ruff- ruff! No! You know I run, and I walk. I can even swim if I have to. But certainly, I can't fly and I don't hop.”

“Oh. Why not?” added Kip confused.

“Because that's the way dingos’ are. See you later as right now my family is waiting for me,” Danny ran off.

Kip waved bye and moved along the edge of the Billabong.

He looked at his reflection in the water and wondered, “Why none of my friends hop?”

So, children, what do you think will Kip do now?

Let’s listen ahead.

Just then he heard the enchanting singing of the Kookaburra.

Children Kookaburra is a bird that is also native to Australia.

He turned and saw his friend, Kara Kookaburra. Then he quickly asked, worried that she might fly off, “Hi Kara. Do you hop?”

The bird laughed her head off. “Of course, I don't. I could, I suppose, but mostly I fly. I'm a kookaburra and that's what I do.”

She flew off, heading for the sandstone rock in the distance.

So, what do you think Kara Kookaburra did on the sandstone rock?

Kip thought about all his friends and talking to himself said, “ I see, None of them hops. That means only kangaroos can hop.” Suddenly, his eyes sparkled, and he repeated, “None of my friends can hop, that means only us Kangaroos can hop. That's super cool.”

 He jumped as high as he could. “Look! How high I jumped! None of my friends can do that. I'm special.” He pushed with his legs and hopped all the way home. “Mama, I can hop. Dingos can't hop. Crocodiles can't hop; neither can koalas and kookaburras.”

“That's right, Kip. Are you happy about that now?” His mama smiled at him. “I’m happy that I'm a kangaroo and can hop all over the place. I can hop as high as I want.

Welcome to the Turtle Tales series.

Limu, the blue turtle is an adapted folktale from Hawaii. Originally written by Kimo Armitage, it’s a story about perseverance, friendship, and being kind at heart. 

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources are available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-limu-the-blue-turtle

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

Every year, thousands of baby turtles climb out of their sandy nests and make their way to the ocean. This year, out popped another baby turtle but this one was blue!

His parents named him Limu.

The tiny blue turtle opened its big eyes, shook the sand off its head, and started to make its way to the ocean.

When all the other turtles saw the blue turtle they started to laugh. They pointed their flippers at the poor turtle and teased him.

“No one likes me,” the blue turtle said.

He dunked his head under the surf and rode out to sea.

Children, how did Limu feel when other turtles teased him? 

Growing up in the sea, Limu the blue turtle would meet other turtles, but after looking at Limu other turtles would laugh and swim away.

“No one wants to be my friend,” Limu said sadly.

But growing up was not all bad, Limu would bodysurf in the big waves and he would have fun chasing colourful fishes into the coral.

One day when he was eating his favourite seaweed off some rocks he heard someone crying. When Limu looked up he saw a little Opihi.

Children Opihi belongs to the broad category of marine snails and has conical shells.

“Why are you crying?” asked Limu.

“I am so sad. I miss my sister who lives far away,” cried the little Opihi.

“I can take you,” said the blue turtle. “I can swim really fast and we will be there in no time.”

“You are such a nice turtle,” said the Opihi. “My name is Nani.”

“My name is Limu. Hop on my back and we leave right now,” said the blue turtle.

The Opihi jumped on Limu’s back. She hung on tight as the blue turtle swam under the water. They swam near the surface and they swam deep in the deep part of the water. They laughed with the family of seals playing in the water.

All of a sudden, the water became black. Nani was very scared.

“What is it ?” she cried.

Children, can you guess who could that be?

When Limu looked up he saw he had bumped into a big whale. The whale was crying.

“What's wrong?” Limu asked.

“I was swimming in the deep water near a sunken ship and I got a big piece of wood stuck in my flipper,” the whale cried, “It hurts so much.”

“Maybe I can help,” said Limu.

Limu bit onto the piece of wood and pulled with all his might. He pulled and pulled and pulled.

“You can do it!” yelled Nani.

Suddenly, the wood came out!

The whale was indeed very happy.

“How can I ever thank you?” asked the whale.

“My flipper is as good as new.”

“Glad I could help. My name is Limu,” the blue turtle said.

 Children, think of a time you have helped someone?

That’s nice. I am sure helping others made you feel good.

“My name is Jonah,” replied the whale. “Limu, you are a good-hearted Turtle. Thanks again.”

The blue turtle started swimming again with Nani, the little Opihi on his back. After a day of travelling the blue Turtle and the little Opihi could see the beautiful bay where Nani's sister lived. Many different kinds of colourful fish lived in the reef.

As Limu looked at all the different types of seaweed, he was delighted. There is so much food to eat here, he thought to himself!

“There is my sister’s home,” cried Nani. “I am so happy!” how can I ever thank you enough for bringing me here.”

“I’m happy that I could help,” said Limu.

They pulled closer to the water’s edge where Nani’s sister lived.

Nani let out a big yell “Ooh Lani”.

Lani saw Nani and cried tears of joy for she was happy to see her sister too. Nani jumped off Limu’s back and hugged her sister.

“Thank you so much Limu,” said Lani,” You are a great friend to my sister and me I am so glad to see Nani. Indeed you have a big heart.”

Then she told Limu, "Please eat some seaweed."

Limu ate and ate. He had never seen so many different types of seaweed. In fact, he was so busy eating that he did not see how far he had drifted from the rocky shore. All of a sudden he saw two beady eyes looking at him.

Then he saw a lot of beady eyes and big dark shapes and Limu became very afraid.

“You look good enough to eat,” said one of the dark shapes when it moved closer. Limu saw that it was a shark.

“You will make a delicious lunch,” said another shark.

“We have never eaten a blue turtle before,” called out another one.

Just then a big black shadow covered Limu the big black shadow started to flip the sharks high into the sky one by one. the other sharks were afraid and swam away as fast as they could.

 Children, can you guess who that big, black shadow was?

“It looked like you needed some help Limu,” said the whale.

“Oh, thank you Jonah, you saved my life,” said Limu.

“That's what friends are for, See you later Limu,” said the whale as he swam away.

Limu swam back to Lani's home.

He was so happy because he was in a beautiful place with his friends and he knew that no matter what he looked like on the outside others liked him because of the good turtle he was on the inside.

Today's story, 'Little Golu And The Ribbon' is a short story on shapes.

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

Send your artwork to [email protected].

Transcript

Little Golu was excited.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Children, what is your favourite musical instrument?

Great

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

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

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

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

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

With a smile, Golu went back to opening the gifts

Tenali in Dilli Darbar is a story where Tenali Raman from a southern state of India is invited by the king of a northern state of India. Listen to the story to find out what happens.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/tenali-in-delhi-darbar

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Transcript

At the time when Krishnadevaraya ruled over Vijayanagar, King Babar ruled over Delhi. Tenali was a famous jester in King Krishnadevaraya's royal court. When King Babar heard Tenali's tales of wit and intelligence, he wished to meet him. So he sent a messenger to Vijayangar to request Tenali to visit Delhi. With King Krishnadevaraya's permission, Tenali went to Delhi with the messenger.

In Delhi, Tenali was welcomed and settled in the royal guest house. The messenger went to King Babar to inform him about Tenali's arrival. The next day's appointment was fixed between King Babar and Tenali. Babar told his courtiers, “Tenali, the great witty jester from Vijayanagar has come to Delhi. Tomorrow in the royal court none of us must smile or laugh at his jokes. I want to test him as to how he will make us laugh and win a reward.”

Children, do you think Tenali Raman would win a reward?

Let’s listen ahead.

The courtiers of Dilli Durbar promised not to smile or laugh that day in the court before the guest.

At the given time Tenali also arrived in the Dilli Durbar. He told many witty tales and jokes to courtiers and King Babar, but all remained silent. No one even smiled at the jokes. This went on for not one day or two days but for 15 days.

Guess what, from the sixteenth day Tenali stopped going to Dilli Durbar. Instead, he disguised himself and followed King Babar everywhere to note his daily routine. Babar used to go for a stroll by the river Yamuna with his prime minister every morning.

Children, Yamuna is a famous river in India. Do you know the name of a river in your country?

Nice.

On the way, they would give gold coins to the poor and the needy beggars. After observing this Tenali made a plan.

The next morning, Tenali dressed up as an old man. He took a spade and a mango sapling and stood by the river Yamuna waiting for King Babar's arrival. Seeing him at a distance Tenali started planting the sapling. King Babar came to him and said, “Old man, you are very old indeed. You won’t live long enough to enjoy the fruits of the tree you are planting. Why are you taking so much trouble?'

“Your Majesty, I enjoyed the fruits from the trees planted by my ancestors. This tree's fruits will be enjoyed by others. I find joy in giving to others. I am not planting this to myself.”

The king was impressed by the reply and gave a bag full of gold coins. The old man thanked him and said, “Your Majesty you are indeed a great and kind king. People get the fruits when the tree has grown but you have given me the fruit of my labour even before I had planted the sapling. The thought of helping others has really benefited me.”

“I like this thought of yours. You can now take this second bag of gold coins as a reward,” King Babar added.

“Oh, Your Majesty, This tree will bear fruits once in a year only but before it has been planted you have filled my arms with fruits of joy twice.”

King Babar again said, “I like your thoughts and I am impressed by them.”

He gave the third bag too to the old man.

Now the prime minister got worried and said to the king, “Your majesty let's leave now, this man is too intelligent. His witty remarks will claim all the royal wealth from you.”

King Babar laughed and got ready to walk away. At this time the old man said, “ Your Majesty, can you give me just a look? “

When Babar turned to look, he saw Tenali holding a false beard in his hands. King Babar burst out laughing on seeing what Tenali had been up to. He said, “I am pleased, Tenali. You have truly proved that you are witty and a great jester.”

King Babar called Tenali to the court and gave him many more royal rewards.

When Tenali returned to Vijayanagar, King Krishnadevaraya was proud to see how Tenali had saved Grace. Tenali smiled and said, “So your Majesty, I am fit for a reward from you too.”

King Krishnadeva Raya agreed with a smile and gave Tenali ten thousand gold coins as a reward.