Today's story: Akbar Birbal and the Persian Lion

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/akbar-birbal-and-the-persian-lion

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

In the grand court of Emperor Akbar, where jewels sparkled, wisdom flowed, and courtiers competed to impress, there once arrived a visitor from Persia.

He did not bring gold.

He did not bring silk.

He brought… a challenge.

Under a velvet cloth lay a magnificent lion—(carved entirely from solid wax.)

The Persian merchant bowed low and announced,

“O mighty Emperor! This lion has been locked inside this iron cage without opening the cage door. If anyone in your court can remove it without breaking the cage, I shall accept defeat. If not… your court’s famed intelligence is but a rumour.”

A hush fell over the court.

The cage was strong. The bars were thick. The door was sealed.

One by one, ministers examined it.

They pushed. They pulled.

They peered. They puzzled.

But the lion sat inside—silent, golden, and impossible.

Akbar frowned. His pride trembled.

“Is there no one,” he thundered softly, “who can solve this?”

From the back of the court, a familiar calm voice rose.

“Jahanpanah, may I try?”

Children, can you guess who that was??

Indeed, It was Birbal.

With steady steps and a twinkle in his eye, Birbal walked toward the cage. He did not touch the bars. He did not shake the lock.

Instead, he asked for a long iron rod… and a flame.

The court whispered.

What was he planning?

Birbal heated the iron rod in the fire until it glowed red—fiery, fierce, fearless.

Then, slowly, carefully, he slid the hot rod through the bars and touched the lion.

There was a pause.

A drip.

Another drip.

Before the astonished eyes of the court, the majestic lion began to melt. Its fierce face softened… its proud mane collapsed… its mighty paws dissolved.

Within minutes, the lion was no more than a puddle of wax at the bottom of the cage.

Birbal stepped back and smiled.

“The lion was never truly trapped,” he said gently.

“It only needed the right perspective.”

The Persian merchant lowered his head in admiration.

“Indeed,” he admitted, “Akbar’s court is as wise as the world claims.”

Akbar beamed. Pride returned. Laughter echoed.

And once again, Birbal proved—

Strength may roar.

Locks may intimidate.

But intelligence… melts the impossible.

Let’s listen to the story and find out.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/infinite-love

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Infinite Love

Children, we run out of many things during our day, but is there something you cannot run out of?

Ravin, a happy five-year-old boy, lived with his parents, his grandmother, and his older sister. They always helped one another, and their home overflowed with love.

Every night at bedtime, Grandma read Ravin a lovely storybook and reminded him, “Always keep loving everyone.”

One night, Ravin asked thoughtfully, “You tell me to love everyone, Grandma. But if I keep giving love, won’t my love finish one day?”

Grandma smiled gently and said, “No, my dear. Love never finishes, no matter how much you give.”

The next day was Sunday. Ravin went to the playground early in the morning and began playing a game of cricket with his friends. It was great fun, but the sun was shining brightly, and soon Ravin felt very thirsty. He gulped down all the water from his bottle. After some time, his throat felt dry again.

He picked up his bottle and exclaimed, “Oh no! I’ve run out of water!”

One of his friends heard him and quickly shared his own water. Ravin felt loved. He thanked his friend.

Children, when do you feel loved?

That's great.

Now listen ahead

When Ravin returned home, he had to work on a project due on Monday—Best Out of Waste. Before starting, he rushed to the bathroom for a refreshing shower. As he pressed the shower gel bottle, he cried out, “Oh no! The shower gel has finished!”

“Mom! Dad!” he called.

His father came and handed him a new bottle of shower gel. Ravin felt loved again—clean, fresh, and happy. He thanked his father

Soon, he spread out paper rolls, soap boxes, bottle caps, and other waste materials to make a sculpture of the Himalayan ranges. But no matter how hard he tried, the mountains wouldn’t stand. Ravin felt disappointed and was running out of ideas.

Seeing his worried face, his mother said gently, “Why don’t you support the mountains with something?”

Ravin’s eyes lit up. “Thanks for this great idea mom!”

He ran to the garden, collected some wooden sticks, and soon his mountains stood tall. He planned to cover the mountains with brown paper and add tiny trees. Excited, as he squeezed the glue bottle, he exclaimed, “Oh no! I’ve run out of glue!”

His older sister, who was working on her own assignment, rushed over and shared her glue with him. Once again, Ravin felt loved. He thanked his sister.

The sculpture was finally ready, and Ravin was delighted.

After Grandma finished reading the bedtime story, she asked, “How was your day, Ravin?”

Ravin smiled and said, “Oh Grandma, I felt so loved today. I ran out of water, shower gel, ideas, and glue—but I never ran out of love.”

Grandma hugged him, knowing her lesson had come true.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/krishna-and-the-govardhan-hill

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

A long, long time ago, in a village called Vrindavan, there lived a cheerful and playful boy named Krishna. He had a magical flute and a heart full of love. Everyone in the village adored him!

Every year, the people of Vrindavan would pray to Indra, the god of rain. They believed that Indra sent rain for their crops and animals, so they offered food, sweets, and prayers to please him.

But one day, little Krishna asked,

“Why do we worship Indra? Isn’t it Govardhan Hill that gives us food, grass, and shelter? Shouldn’t we thank the hill instead?”

The villagers were surprised.

Children, can you tell me what a hill is? That’s right..

And Krishna explained to the villagers:

“The hill gives grass for cows, trees for fruits, and fresh water. Let’s thank Govardhan Hill!”

Everyone agreed with Krishna. So that year, instead of worshipping Indra, they made a big feast and offered it to Govardhan Hill.

But Indra was very angry.

He roared,

“How dare they stop praying to me? I will teach them a lesson!”

Children, any guesses on how lord Indra would teach the villagers a lesson?

Let’s listen ahead to find out.

Indra sent dark clouds and heavy rain. It poured and poured! The rivers overflowed. The animals shivered. The villagers were scared.

They ran to Krishna and said,

“Help us, Krishna!”

Krishna smiled calmly.

He walked to Govardhan Hill, and with his little finger, he lifted the entire hill like an umbrella!

He said,

“Come under the hill! You’ll be safe here.”

The villagers, cows, and animals all huddled under the hill.

For seven days and seven nights, Krishna held up the hill, without even a drop of sweat!

Finally, Indra saw Krishna’s power and felt ashamed.

He stopped the rain and came down to say sorry.

“Forgive me, Krishna. I now know you are no ordinary boy—you are divine,” Indra said.

Krishna smiled,

“Everyone must learn to be kind and not proud.”

From that day, the people of Vrindavan celebrated the Govardhan Festival every year, thanking the hill for its gifts.

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

Today's story, 'Tenali and the Great Pundit' is about how Tenali teaches a lesson to an arrogant scholar.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once, a great pundit came to Vijayanagar. He approached the king, Krishnadevrai and claimed that he was so knowledgeable that he could defeat all the king’s ministers in a debate about any subject.

The king accepted the challenge and asked his ministers to compete with the pundit. However, all the ministers were defeated as the pundit seemed to be an expert on every subject.

Children, I am sure you all love riddles. Can you ask a riddle now?

Nice, that’s really clever of you.

At last, it was Tenali Raman’s turn. Tenali showed the pundit a cloth cover in the shape of a book and told him, “I will debate with you on a topic from this great book called ‘Thilakstha Mahisha Bandhanam’.”

The pundit was stumped, as he had never heard of such a book.

The pundit asked the king for one night’s time to prepare. However, the pundit was worried that he would lose the debate as he had never heard of the book. So he packed his things and left the kingdom quietly at night.

The next day, the king and courtiers heard that the pundit had gone away during the night. The king was impressed with Tenali and told him he wanted to read the book that scared the pundit away.

Tenali laughed and said such a book did not exist. He unpacked the cloth cover only to reveal a bundle of ’til’ sticks and some sheep dung tied together by a buffalo-hide rope to form the shape of a book. Tenali had combined the Sanskrit names of the contents of the cloth cover to make up the book’s name – ‘Thilakashta Mahisha Bandhanam’. The phrase literally breaks down to "tila" (mustard), "kashta" (stick), "mahisha" (buffalo), and "bandhana" (rope), which can be interpreted as a rope made of mustard stalks used to tie a buffalo

The King was impressed with Tenali’s cleverness and rewarded him.

Moral

You should not be overly arrogant about your knowledge and wisdom.

And that’s because on our podcast, we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who, through the summer, have been learning how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp. Let’s give a warm welcome Bhargav

Transcript

Jack's Gold Day Over busy marketplaces, the sun rose in Willowbrook, a little town. Twelve-year-old Jack was a curious smart, caring boy who lived with his mother, Lily, in a small home on the outskirts of town. Lily had been ill for weeks thus, Jack would search the hills outside of town every morning in the hopes of finding something useful to assist his mother and pay for her medical bills. One morning, while digging near an old oak tree with the sun shining bright like a star, Jack's shovel hit something hard. He unearthed a small, dusty chest-and inside it, shimmering in the sunlight, were gold coins. Jack couldn't believe his eyes.He hugged the chest tightly “This could help mom," he whispered to himself. Excited, he ran to the town square and approached the first merchant he saw. The merchant, a sly-looking man with a crooked smile, eyed the gold greedily. "Ah, boy, these coins aren't worth much," the merchant said, rubbing his hands together. “I'll take them off your hands for five silver pieces." Jack hesitated. Five silver? That didn't sound right but he was desperate.Thus he started slowly reaching his hand out ready for the exchange,eager to get whatever he had to help his mom have a fighting chance As Jack was doing the exchange unsure, an older merchant from across the square called out. "Boy! Come here a moment." Jack walked over, and the kind merchant examined the gold carefully. “These coins are pure gold," he said warmly. “I'll give you a fair price, one hundred gold pieces." Jack's eyes widened.He jumped up and down and ran all over the place, never in his life had he got hold of this much money with this he would not only be able to pay for his mothers medical treatment but also have 50% of the money left over. He thanked the honest merchant and sold him the treasure. With the money, Jack rushed to the doctor and paid for his mother's hospital treatment. That evening, as Lily rested peacefully Jack sat by her side feeling relieved and grateful. From that day on, Jack remembered what he learned never rush into anything and take time to think and choose wisely.

And that’s because on our podcast, we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who, through the summer, have been learning how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp. Let’s give a warm welcome Kabir

Transcript

35 years ago in a small city in Argentina, there was a boy who’s name was John Barnes who grew up wanting to be a football superstar!

He really liked to play football. On a hot sunny day, there was a game happening, and John had gone to watch it with his grandmother. He wanted to play but he was only 8 years old. So, John’s Grandmother asked the coaches if he could play? But he was too young. So after a long time of convincing, he finally got a chance and used it. In that game, John played really well and he even scored. And shouted so loud that the whole stadium could hear him.

When John got older, Barcelona saw how talented John was and tried to sign him. John had a huge decision to pick – family or football? He had chosen football and then had a trial with Barcelona. And soon signed on a napkin. In his first game he had scored with Radamel giving him an amazing pass. And John was so happy.

In his next season he had scored a lot more goals than the last one including his first hat trick. The Argentina national football team had seen how he played and then signed him up for the under-18 team. Coming back to Barcelona, John had to play the biggest rivalry in football - the El Clasico (Real Madrid vs. Barcelona). In that game, he had scored his second ever hat trick and then in the next game he had scored the best goal of his career where he dribbled past the whole team and the goalkeeper.

Two years later, Barcelona had reached the Champions League final and were against Manchester United who had the next best player in the world at that time, Marcos Luis who had won the Ballon’dor the year before. In the final John had scored a header and the final score was 3-1. Barcelona had won the Champions League in 2009. John had won the Ballon’dor in 2009.

Next year was a big one. There was a World Cup to be played. Next year Argentina were placed in a group with Greece, South Korea and Nigeria. They won all of those games and didn’t concede a single goal. In the knockout stage they won 3-1 to Mexico, then in the quarter final they had lost miserably to Germany 4-0. Even though the World Cup exit was devastating, John had still won the ballon d’or in 2010.

In 2011, the big rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona had just got 1 big step bigger. In that year, Barcelona had played Real Madrid 6 times and one of those times Real Madrid lost 6-2 and Messi had scored 4 goals. And they reached the champions league final again and played Manchester United again. This time, Messi hadn’t scored but they still won the Champions League and John won the Ballon d’or in 2011 again.

The next year, Messi had broken a world record for the most goals in a calendar year, 91, with Barcelona and Argentina. He also had to play the Olympics that year where John had won and he had won the ballon d’or in 2012.

In the next year John retired and was called the best football player in history.

And that’s because on our podcast, we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who, through the summer, have been learning how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp. Let’s give a warm welcome Adhya

Transcript

The Magical Cap

Once upon a time, there were four friends named Karthik, Thanvi, Sumedha, and Sathwik. Sathwik had pet cats, and Thanvi had pet ducks.

But there was a big problem. There wasn’t enough food, and the water was dirty. The poor pets were getting sick. Everyone in the village was very sad.

Near their huts, there were some caves. People believed there was treasure hidden inside. So, many villagers started looking for the treasure.

One day, they found a secret cave! But oh no—the cave had a big lock, and they couldn’t open it. They searched and searched for the key, but they couldn’t find it.

Then, Karthik had an idea. “Let’s break the lock!” he said. They worked together and finally opened the cave. Inside, there was no gold… but there was a shiny, colorful cap!

They picked it up and asked, “Can you talk?”

To their surprise, the cap said, “Yes!”

It was a magical cap! The cap could give anything the villagers needed. Every day, the villagers came to the cave, asked for food, clean water, and other things, and the cap gave it all to them.

The pets became healthy again, and the village was happy. The magical cap helped everyone live a better life.

And they all lived happily ever after.

And that’s because on our podcast, we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who, through the summer, have been learning how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp. Let’s give a warm welcome Aarav

Transcript

The Best Pals

Once upon a time, there were 2 childhood friends who cared for each other. Their names were Bob and Ed. They used to live next to each other and their parents were also friends. Their day used to start together when they would first wake up and see each other as if giving a wake-up call. Both were equally loved up the elders in each other’s family. They were such good friends that many children were tried to make them fight but they did not succeed.

One day, they decided to go to the park and saw little kids playing football, Ed wanted to disrupt their game so he told Bob “Hey, let’s ruin these kids football game.” At this he said “These kids are having so much fun, I think we should mind our own business.”

 ”Yeah ! GO MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.” Said Ed angrily as he tackles the ball from the kid by pushing him and then scoring with POWER.

 ”See it isn’t that hard. I had fun and nothing really happened.” Said Ed.” Uh, Ed if you look at the kids then you can see how angry they are.” Said Bob. ”MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!” Shouted Ed” Okay okay geez chill calm down” Said Bob” I don’t want to be friends with you.” Said Bob” Alright bet” Said Ed

*THE NEXT DAY*

Ed finds the same kids who were playing football and right when he is about to take the ball from them the kid picks up the ball and tells his friends” Watch out, it’s the same guy who took our ball and scored.”

Ed started to feel a little bad but he didn’t care that much after that he saw a few people who were teasing him for not having any friends. He decided to go to Bob he rang the bell of Bobs doorbell.

“Sorry Bob, I should’ve listened to you. I really should mind my own business.”

Bob was happy that his friend realized his mistake. Ed and Bob hugged each other. They would have arguments but they were always together for good.

And that’s because on our podcast, we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who, through the summer, have been learning how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp. Let’s give a warm welcome Srihita

Transcript

 THE GREAT ESCAPE

Hi, I’m Srihita!

I was part of the Story Writing and podcasting Summer Camp 2025, organized by Miss Ritu Vaish, producer of the Story Prism Podcast. I had a great time learning how to write, record, and edit my own story.

Here’s one of the stories I created. I hope you enjoy it! Please give me your listening ear.

It was a bright, sunny morning in a cozy little neighbourhood, where the smell of fresh dough and melted cheese floated through the air. Inside a cheerful kitchen with checkered curtains and a warm, golden glow, a freshly made pizza sat on a plate near the open window. Birds chirped outside, and a soft breeze rustled the leaves in the backyard trees. It was the perfect day for an adventure.

The pizza’s name was Poly. But Poly wasn’t just any ordinary pizza—she dreamed of adventures and had one big goal: to never, ever be eaten.

"I want to go on an adventure!" she exclaimed one sunny morning, looking out the window. "I don’t want to stay on this plate anymore. I want to see the world!"

Poly slid off the plate and snuck out the kitchen door into the backyard.

“Wheee!” she cheered, spinning and sliding with joy.

But her excitement didn’t last long. Max, the neighbour’s dog, was playing outside when he spotted her.

“Yum, pizza!” Max barked, his eyes widening. “You’re my lunch for sure!”

Poly’s eyes went wide with panic. “Oh no!” she cried and rolled as fast as she could, trying to escape.

Max chased her across the yard, tail wagging and tongue out. “I’m going to catch you!” he barked.

“I can’t get caught!” Poly thought desperately. She spotted something in the corner of the yard and sped toward it was a big, messy pile of trash.

“Yes!” she whispered. “If I get all dirty, he won’t want me anymore!”

Poly jumped into the trash, covering herself in old banana peels, coffee grounds, and smelly leftovers.

Max screeched to a stop nearby, sniffing the disgusting smell. “Eww… never mind,” he groaned.

Poly giggled, proud of her clever escape. “Guess that’s one way to lose your appetite.”

But just as she caught her breath and thought she was finally safe, a shadow appeared across the grass. She looked up and saw…

A sharp-eyed bird had spotted her from above. With a loud screech, it flew down and snatched her up in its claws!

“oh no, help somebody, help” Poly shouted as the bird got higher and higher.

Down below, Max looked up and gasped. “Hey! That’s Poly!” Without thinking, he took off running, barking wildly. He chased the bird from the ground, and Jumped as high as he could and growling until it got startled and dropped Poly with a surprised squawk!

Poly landed with a thud onto a soft patch of grass. She blinked, dizzy, and looked up to see Max standing over her.

“Thank you for saving me!” she smiled

Max wagged his tail. “You’re welcome”

She looked at her dirty and smelly self and laughed. “If you help me clean up, maybe we could go on more adventures together. We could even save other foods from being eaten!”

Max perked up. “That sounds fun! Maybe I can find myself a snackable pizza”

“Exactly,” Poly giggled

Max barked happily. “Come on let’s go!”

And from that day on, a pizza and a dog: two unlikely friends: became the bravest, heroes the neighbourhood had ever seen.

And that’s because on our podcast, we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who, through the summer, have been learning how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp. Let’s give a warm welcome Lasya

Transcript

The Snake Exploration

Once, there lived a world famous archaeologist called Mark. He was blonde with blue eyes and fair skin. One day when he was watching the news, he saw that recently a group of explorers discovered a fossil of a snake, bigger than the anaconda in the Amazon rainforest.This lit up curiosity and a little bit of competition in him. So he informed his crew that they are going to the Amazon rainforest.

They were very excited to go and explore. They only packed food, water, extra pairs of clothes and weapons to defend themselves from animals. Then after a day after packing and resting they finally started their voyage. As they passed the very busy and hustling city, it started to get more peaceful.Very strong with colourful variety of flowers with tender butterflies around the flowers. They even saw animals gather around a sparkling lake full of water. Everyone was mesmerized by the beauty. They had to travel for four long hours and finally reach the starting of the humongous rainforest. They camped outside in the majestic forest and made smores, sang songs, and told spooky stories.

After some time it started raining, and their things got flooded. That is why they rushed to a nearby cave but unfortunately the cave got blocked! And the tribals started to corner them! The tribals said that they will only let them escape if they succeed in three challenges.

The 1st one required team work. The team had to touch a red dot drawn on the roof of the cave in under a minute. The team formulated a plan that the weakest would be on the top to touch the dot. They succeeded like a pro.\

The second one required strength. Their objective was to find the strongest tribals in 2 minutes and they have some time to plan. Their plan was that the tall people would find the short tribals and the short people would fight the tall tribals. The tall people fought the short time by taking them in the hands and spinning them while the short people fought the tall tribals by ducking under the legs and punching them in the stomach.

The third challenge required intelligence; they had to solve a riddle. The riddle was what word has 26 letters but only has three syllables. The team answered the alphabet. The tribals by now were very surprised by the team's endurance.The tribals not only let them go, but also promised that when they needed help the tribals would always be there for them and they just had to call them by blowing a whistle.

The team went to the camping site together to get food and luggage so they could embark on the journey but to their surprise the tents were torn, their food was eaten and the water was spilled on the ground.Thought of quitting but mark did not allow that he gave an Inspirational speech and motivated the team to keep going. After travelling for a while on foot they reached the Amazon river and took a break by drinking some water from the river, eating some fruits from the trees and resting on the grass for a while. but when they woke up they saw a big snake, bigger than the Anaconda, it was the great Titanaboa!Very surprised but the title of over tried to attack and each but everyone there is wrong on the trees as the Titan of over is its head mark then remember that tribals promise and blue whistles. Suddenly a group of tribals came with their weapons and killed the Titanoboa.Mark thanked the tribals a lot and he and his team went back to the bus to head home.

After he reached the city he informed the news about his insights on snakes. He said that the titanoboa could still be alive and snakes that are bigger could also be hiding in other forests. He became a big explorer.

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp. Let’s give a warm welcome Ananya J

Transcript

The Time Traveller’s Backpack

I am Ananya and I have been a part of story writing and podcasting

summer camp 2025 organised by Ms.Ritu Vaish, the producer of story

prism podcast. I had a great time writing my own stories, recording and

editing them. Here’s the one I wrote: Please give me your listening ear

Maya was just a normal 12 year old girl who had long hair, and she is a

little pale. She loved adventures and always dreamt of time travel. One day

, while walking home from school she was just normally kicking rocks , and

pebbles as she was thinking about flying cars, and humanoid robots. But

there was a huge tree and underneath the tree there was a shiny object.

She darted to check what it was , and it was a backpack , but not the usual

ones. It had glowing buttons , tiny screens , and a big green button which

said ‘GO’ on it.

Her eyes sparkled , curious, Maya kept the bag on. As soon as she pressed

the button the world around her twisted and spun like a colourful tornado!

When everything stopped , Maya found herself in a strange place. The

trees were taller than the houses , and the mountains were shorter than

usual. Dinosaurs roamed in the distance.

‘ I went back in time! ‘ Maya gasped with a mixed feeling of nervousness

and excitement. She explored the park. The ponds were bigger than lakes,

and there were houseflies which buzzed around. Suddenly her eyes

popped up when she saw a huge dinosaur, so she quickly hid behind a

huge rock.

Carefully, Maya gave it a piece of fruit from her lunch box to the baby

dinosaur. It thanked Maya

Just then the backpack beeped “ Low Battery. Must Return in 5 minutes.”

Maya didn't bother about it much. She was busy playing with her new

dinosaur friend.

Then she noticed that she forgot to return back as the backpack was

beeping. She panicked and did not know what to do.The dinosaur asked

Maya to follow him. Maya got confused and just followed him.

The dinosaur took her to a secret and mysterious cave. She was confused.

Then Maya and Dinosaur went through the obstacles, and they both

pressed a button together. Then they found a new bag. The dinosaur

asked her to put it on. Maya thanked the dinosaur and said goodbye. She

put on her bag and reached the same place where the old bag was. With

that Maya was ready for her next adventure.

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp. Let’s give a warm welcome Mihika

Transcript

Once upon a time, there were two girls living in Mexico, Anna and Bella. They were best friends and did everything together. They went on trips, played, and went to party together. If one couldn’t go somewhere, other wouldn’t go either. One day, they made plans to go to India. It’s gonna be so fun! I just know it! Bella Said with Joy. Let’s get our visa’s right now!! Anna I said. They booked their flight and got their visas. Few days later, they were about to board their plane, when Anna realized she had left her boarding pass and she didn’t have a phone for her identification, so Bella boarded the player and Anna went back home, tears rolling down her cheek.

The next day, Anna found her ticket and boarded another plane to India. Oh no! Anna a thought, worried. How will I know where Bella is? When she got off the plane, she found a piece of paper which looks like an itinerary. It was in Bella‘s handwriting! She had planned four destination. Taj Mahal, Charminar, Red Fort and the India Gate. Those sound-like interesting places! Anna thought. She bought four bus tickets and used one for the first destination, Taj Mahal. She couldn’t find Bella there. Anna felt sad. But she quickly cheered herself up by thinking ,well, Bella must have moved on.Hmmm…. What is the next destination? She checked the itinerary. Charminar! The next day, she used another bus ticket to go to Charminar. She couldn’t find Bella there either. The following day, she missed the bus, so used the last one for the last destination. The India Gate. This time she came early at around 4 AM. She went to a nearby hotel and slept there for sometime. When it was time for breakfast, she saw Bella at the other end of the dining Hall.

Anna came over to Bella. Hey Bella! Bella was surprised. What? How did you come here? How did you find me? Anna smiled. I came on another flight, and I found your itinerary. Wow! Bella said.

 Let’s go home now, you must be exhausted.

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Prapti

Transcript

MISCHEVIOUS   NUB   

 In a village there was a boy named D. Nub Junior Who lived in a village named Casa with his family, in his family there was his father named B.Nub , mother named E. Nub, elder brother named H. Nub. 

D.Nub had recently gotten a baby sister. The crib of the baby had twinkling stars mobile. One day when baby was sleeping, Nub junior was playing with the ball and the stars broke.  

Mother scolded him and asked him to go play in the garden. In the garden he saw his skateboard. He took it and started riding it on the road. But a car came and hit him. He fell and had to go to the hospital.  

His mother came to the hospital and was very worried. Nub junior had his leg broken and few bruises in leg and hands. He couldn't walk now and needed some help to walk. But he was enjoying lying down in the bed next to his baby sister playing with her.  

Nub was mischievous and playful, but he loved his baby sister a lot.  

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Raahi

Transcript

THE BLUE DOG

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was a secret forest. A huge pack of wild dogs used to live there. They terrified many animals and some of them would run and jump into ponds to save themselves from these brutes! All the animals feared them.

The dogs worked as guards for the Lion who treated them very badly. He would almost kill them when he was hungry. Most of the time, the dogs would trick a weak animal into coming to the Lion’s den, so that he could kill and eat it. Whatever was left, would be their food.

One day, the Lion was very very mad because his family had left him. He was so angry that he killed one of the guard dogs who was very weak. The other dogs watched in horror, as their poor friend was killed by their Master. Alas! They stood there helplessly, watching the pain and agony of their friend, but could do nothing about it. Suddenly, the sky turned a bright blue and out came a Blue Dog with Angel wings!

It turned out, that the weak dog became an Angel, and had come to defeat the Lion, once and for all!

To everyone’s surprise, the Blue Dog lifted the Lion with its mind powers and threw him across the forest. The Lion went and hit a tree! He was furious! He could not believe that the weakling had actually become alive and was fighting back! He came rushing back and tried to attack the Blue Dog. But the Blue Dog had magical powers.

They fought more, with punching, hitting and chasing around. All the animals began cheering for the Blue Dog. The Lion was now extremely exhausted from the fight and was also very scared of the Blue Dog. By now he had realized that he was losing the battle and the Blue Dog was way too powerful.

The Lion finally surrendered. He started begging to be forgiven. The Blue Dog towered over him, and said in a throaty voice, “You can be forgiven only if you seek apology from all the animals you have tortured for so many years. That is the only way you can redeem yourself!” The Lion was at a loss of words. He bowed his head low and whispered, “I am sorry”.

The Lion was banished from the forest. He was sent away to the forbidden land - “The Green Chapel”. No one heard of the Lion, ever again... or so they thought.

And then, they all lived in peace.

THE END

Moral of the story - Never underestimate anyone, even if they are smaller.

Raahi Chakraborty – 29^th April 2025

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Panav

Transcript

The Midnight Chapter (Panav)

Once upon a time, there was a family of three Emma, the mother, Josh, the father and a nine year young boy called Leo, who hated books.

One stormy afternoon, he was stuck in his school library for detention. It was small, it had a weird smell of new books but there was one book, that had a fragrant smell of a rose. So Leo went towards it and opened the book. The book was named “The book of lost” and suddenly, he was pulled inside it. The only way out was to read every chapter of the book.

Each one was a wild world - desserts, puzzles, monsters etc. The desserts were hot and dry, puzzles were hard to solve but he squeezed past it and monsters were fierce and scary but luckily he faced none. 

The talking page told Leo, the library only opens at midnight. Leo raced through the story reading fast, solving riddles and slowly learning to love the words. Just as the clock struck midnight, Leo finished the final page of the book. Lights flashed suddenly and he was back in the library. The storm outside finally cleared and he walked down the street and reached home. His parents were worried for Leo. When he returned, they asked him what had happened?

Leo told them everything that he went through that night. His Mom and Dad did not believe him and asked him to stop lying. Leo got upset and he didn't know what to do, so without telling anything, he went back to his room and locked it. Clutching the memory of the adventure, he promised himself he would never look at books the same way again. That night he fell asleep with the novel open on the side of his bed dreaming of the next story waiting for him.

Leo was a changed person the next day when he woke up. He was reading a book which he had got as a gift from his parents on his 8^th Birthday. When his parents saw him they were surprised and thought to themselves that Leo wasn't lying to them so they went up to Leo and apologized. Leo started loving books the end and his parents created a small library for him in his room.

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Devansh

Transcript

A DOG WHO DISAPPEARED

Once upon a time, there lived two friends, Bryce and Kyle. Bryce had a playful pet dog named Biscuit, who was always by his side. One day, the two friends decided to visit the carnival. That afternoon, they got ready, excited to explore the colorful festivities by evening.

The carnival was vibrant and lively, with spinning cotton candy, fire breathers, and popcorn stalls filling the air with joy and excitement. Mesmerized by the fire breathers' dazzling performance, Bryce and Kyle lost track of everything around them, including Biscuit. In the bustling crowd, Biscuit wandered off, unnoticed.

After some time, Bryce suddenly realized Biscuit was no longer with them. Worried, he turned to Kyle and asked, "Where’s Biscuit?" They searched the carnival frantically, calling out his name, but Biscuit was nowhere to be found. Heartbroken, they returned home, feeling helpless.

Bryce and Kyle went home sad. But the next morning determined not to give up , they started asking people in the neighborhood if they had seen Biscuit. They even asked the ice cream man, but he said, “I don’t know your dog, but maybe I can help if you show me a picture.”

Bryce said, “That’s genius!” They ran back to Bryce’s house, flipped the family photo album, and grabbed the adorable picture of Biscuit. Then they made big posters and put them all around the neighborhood, hoping somebody would recognize Biscuit.

Exhausted but hopeful, they returned to Bryce's house and waited anxiously by the phone. The night passed without any news, and Kyle eventually said goodnight and went home. The next morning, while Bryce’s parents enjoyed their morning tea, Bryce lay in bed, silently wishing for a miracle. Suddenly, the phone rang! He handed the phone to his dad, who spoke with the caller. The stranger on the line said, "I found your dog Biscuit. You can pick him up at the police station."

Bryce called Kyle right away, and they got super excited. They rushed to the police station, and there was Biscuit, reclining on a couch like a king! Bryce and Kyle hugged Biscuit and said, “We missed you so much!” Then they took him home and gave him a bubble bath.

From that day on, Bryce and Kyle promised never to lose Biscuit again!

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/anansi-and-the-pot-of-wisdom

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com

Transcript:

Stories from near and far are adapted from a local folk tale, teaching children, new perspectives from around the world. Without much ado let's get started.

Anansi literally translates to spider, and is a folktale character associated with stories of wisdom, knowledge, and trickery, most commonly depicted as a spider, in African folklore.

Anansi and the Pot of Wisdom

Anansi, the spider loves to spin a tale! He can amuse you for hours with stories full of wonder, stories full of fun, and stories full of facts.

Children, which is your favourite Story?

Anandi was very nosy. He knew almost everything about almost everybody. Almost. But Anansi wanted to know everything!

So, one day, he went to the house of the Sun God. "Oh, mighty Sun God! You see everything and everyone! Won't you share your great wisdom with me? I'll use it wisely to spin tales of wonder and fun for everyone."

The Sun God agreed, "Anansi, I will put all the wisdom in the world here in this clay pot. You must share this wisdom with everyone."

Anansi was delighted and promised to do so. Anansi took the pot home. He looked deep into the clay pot and sure enough, he saw sights he had never seen before.

He heard sounds he did not know existed.

He became greedy. "This is too good to give away. I will keep this great wisdom for myself," thought Anansi.

"I must hide it!" he decided, and he looked around for a good hiding place.

 Anansi decided to climb to the top of the tallest tree. There he would tie up the clay pot and the leafy branches will hide it.

Children, do you think that the top of the tree was a good place to hide the pot? Can you suggest another place.

Nice

Now listen ahead.

He started climbing the tree, holding the pot in front of him. “The climbing is hard! He thought

Have you ever climbed a tree while holding a pot?

 Anansi wishes he had nine limbs! His youngest daughter was outside and saw what a hard time Anansi was having. "Father, it would be easier if you tied the pot to your back. Then all your limbs would be free for climbing."

Do you think Anansi is happy to get good advice from his daughter? Think again!

"She is right—that would be easier! Why is it my young daughter could think of it, while I who possess all the wisdom of the world did not?"

Anansi got so angry that he threw the pot to the ground. All the wisdom of the world came flowing out of the pot. Some fell here, some fell there. No one got all the wisdom, but everyone git some wisdom. This is why, even today, wisdom is everywhere. If you listen to the stories—stories spun from storytellers all around the world—you will hear it.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-serpent-and-the-eagle

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once, a Serpent and an Eagle were struggling with each other in a deadly conflict. The Serpent had succeeded in surprising the Eagle and had wrapped himself around the Eagle’s neck. The Eagle could not reach the Serpent.

Children, can you please help the Eagle with ideas of how he could free himself?

Indeed, he couldn’t, as the serpent had wrapped himself around the eagle’s neck. Hence, neither could he attack the serpent with his beak nor claws.

Helpless, the eagle decided to soar in the sky. Far into the sky he flew, trying to shake off his enemy. But the Serpent’s hold only tightened, and slowly the Eagle sank back to earth, gasping for breath.

A Countryman chanced to see the unequal combat. In pity for the noble Eagle he rushed up and soon had loosened the coiling Serpent and freed the Eagle.

The Serpent was furious. He could not bite the watchful Countryman. Instead, he struck at the drinking bottle, hanging at the Countryman’s belt, and into it let fly the poison of his fangs. The eagle saw this act and was worried.

Well! The Countryman now went on toward home. Becoming thirsty on the way, he filled his bottle at a spring and was about to drink. There was a sudden rush of great wings. Sweeping down, the Eagle seized the poisoned water bottle from out the countryman’s hand for it was this countryman that had saved him from the serpent, and flew away with it to hide it where it could never be found.

Thus, he saved his saviour!

The Elephants And The Mice is a story about friendship..

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-elephants-and-the-mice

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

There was a village that was left by its people after it was shattered by an earthquake. However, the mice living in the village decided to stay and make it their home.

Children, do you think there were some other animals that made this village their home?

Yes, it could be bats, mongoose, hawks, etc.

On the outskirts of this village, there was a lake, where a herd of elephants visited regularly to bathe and drink water. Since the village was on the way to this lake, the elephants trampled the mice while walking there.

So, the king of mice decided to meet the elephants. He told them, ” O elephants, as you travel through the village, many mice are trampled. We will be very grateful if you could please consider changing your route. We will remember and return the favour when you are in need.”

The elephant king laughed, “We are giant elephants. What favour can you mice return? Nevertheless, we honour your request and change our route.”

Children, if there was only one way to the pond and that was through the village, can you suggest another solution?

That’s great.

Now listen ahead..

After a few days, the elephants got trapped and entangled in nets that were set up by hunters. They struggled hard to escape, but in vain. The elephant king remembered the promise made by the king of mice. So, he sent a fellow elephant who got lucky and was not trapped, to ask the mice king to come and help them.

Soon, all the mice came and started nibbling the nets, and freed the elephants. The king of the elephants couldn’t thank the mice enough!

Moral of the Story: A friend in need is a friend indeed. Always be kind to people, and grateful for their help.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-empty-pot

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com

Transcript:

Once upon a time, in China, there was a kind and hardworking boy named Ping. Ping loved flowers and plants, and he could make anything grow beautifully. He seemed to possess a Green thumb.

One day, the Emperor announced a special contest. He wanted to choose the next Emperor so that he could train the successor.

He gave every child in the kingdom a seed. He said, "Whoever grows the most beautiful flower from this seed will become the next Emperor."

The emperor distributed the seeds to all the children who arrived at his palace. Ping was also there.

Ping was extremely excited!

He carefully and with all his love planted his seed in a pot and took care of it every day.

Children, how do you think Ping took care of the seed?

Indeed, for the next few months he took utmost care of his seed. He watered it adequately, gave it the right amount of sunlight, and made sure it had good soil. Unfortunately, no matter what he did, nothing grew. Weeks passed, and the pot stayed empty. Ping was sad and worried, but he kept trying.

Finally, the day of the contest arrived. All the children brought their pots to the palace, filled with big, colorful flowers.

Children, please name some of the flowers you think were brought in by the children?

That’s nice.

Yes! There were pretty petunias, dazzling dahlias, and lovely lilies.

Ping felt embarrassed because his pot was still empty, but he decided to be brave and bring it anyway.

When the Emperor saw all the beautiful flowers, he frowned. Then he saw Ping’s empty pot and smiled.

He said, "Ping is the winner! He will be the next Emperor." Everyone was surprised.

Children, can you guess why?

The Emperor explained, "The seeds I gave you were boiled, so they couldn’t grow. Ping was the only one honest enough to bring the truth."

Ping became the next Emperor, and everyone learned that honesty is the most important thing of all.

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 rituvaish@gmail.com.

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

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-ugly-duckling

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

ONCE ON A FARM LONG AGO, a Mama Duck sat on her nest. “How long must I wait for my babies to hatch? I have to sit here all by myself!” But what could she do? A Mama duck must keep her eggs warm till they hatch. 

At last, the eggs began to crack. One yellow duckling stepped out of its shell, then another. Each little chick shook its wings. “Quack, quack!”

“Look at you!” cried Mama Duck with joy. “You're all so cute!”

“Quack, quack, quack!” they said with pride.

“Come line up," said Mama Duck. "We will go down to the lake for your very first swim.”

She counted – one, two, three, four, five.

“Oh dear!” she said with a frown. “I had six eggs. I should have six ducklings.”

One large egg was still in the nest. “Well!" said Mama Duck, "it looks like that big egg will take more time.” So she returned to sit on her nest again and wait some more.

The next day, the big egg started to hatch! Out popped a baby boy bird. 

Mummy thought, “My goodness! How different this one looked!” He was much larger than the others. He was not yellow, but dark-grey all over. And after he stepped out of his egg, he also walked with a funny wobble.

Children and all animals walk differently. Can you try the walk of some animals like, duck, lion, deer, elephant etc.

Nice! I am sure you enjoyed that.

One of the yellow ducklings pointed. “What's that? He can't be one of us!”

“I have never seen such an ugly duckling!” said another. 

“How can you say such a thing?” said Mama Duck in a very stern voice. “You are only one day old! Your brother hatched from the very same nest as you did. Now line up. We will go to the lake for your very first swim.”

All the way the other ducklings quacked, “Ugly! Ugly! Ugly!” The Ugly Duckling did not know why the other ducklings were yelling at him. He fell behind to take the last spot in line.

When they got to the lake, each yellow duck jumped in and swam behind Mama Duck. When it was his turn, the Ugly Duckling jumped in too, and he started to paddle. “At least he can swim,” Mama Duck thought to herself.

When the yellow ducklings got out of the water and started to play, the Ugly Duckling tried to play with his brothers and sisters. They yelled at him, “Go away! We will not play with you! You are ugly. And you walk weird!”

Children, how do you think the ugly duckling felt?

Yes, sad indeed.

I hope you include everyone in your games.

When Mama Duck was close by, she would not let them talk this way.

“Be nice!” she would scold. But she was not always close by.

One day, one of the yellow ducklings said to the Ugly Duckling, “You know what? You would do us a big favour if you just went away!” All of them started to quack: “Go! Go away!”

“Why won’t they let me stay with them?” thought the Ugly Duckling. He hung his head down low. “They must be right. I should go.” And he flew to the other side of the lake trying to find some friends.

Unfortunately, nobody wanted to play with him. ‘

‘Go away!’ said the pig.

‘Go away!’ said the sheep.

‘Go away!’ said the cow.

 ‘Go away!’ said the horse. No one wanted to be his friend.

Soon, it started to get cold. It started to snow! The ugly duckling found an empty barn and lived there. He was cold, sad and alone.

At last, spring came. Little dots of green spotted the tree branches. Short, bright flowers popped up from the ground. 

“It's time for me to go back to the lake to swim again,” the ugly duckling thought. 

“I feel good!” said the young bird, flapping his wings. “Why, I don't think I ever felt as strong as I do right now!”

Spring passed, then summer.

The leaves started to change colors when one day, the Ugly Duckling heard quiet splashing sounds behind him. He turned around.

A flock of beautiful birds sat on the lake.

“Don't worry!” he said to the beautiful birds, holding out one of his wings.

“I am leaving. I won't make trouble for you.” When he happened to glance down at the lake, he saw a reflection in the water that looked like one of those beautiful birds.

Why was the bird so close to him? He jumped back. The reflection jumped back, too.

Children whose reflection was that?

Yes! The ugly ducklings, who had now become a swan.

“What's this?” he thought, puzzled. He stretched his neck and strangely, the reflection of the beautiful bird in the lake stretched its neck, too. A little later he started to leave the lake.

“Why are you leaving so soon?" called out one of the beautiful birds. 

"Come back!” said another.  

“Stay with us!” said yet another swan. “We’ll be friends.”

Then, the bird who used to be the Ugly Duckling realized what had happened. He was no longer an ugly grey bird that wobbled when it walked. He had grown into a beautiful swan! Then a dark thought crossed his mind.

"You only want me because I'm a swan and I look like you," said he.

 "That's not it at all!" said the first swan who had spoken. "We saw you all alone down here and thought you might want to join us. We don't care how birds look. Why, take a look at Pelican over there." 

"No one would take me for a swan," squawked Pelican.  

"How did you end up with them?" asked once the Ugly Duckling.

"Stayed up too late the night before," shrugged Pelican. "Slept till noon. My flock took off without me. Was sure glad the swans came along when they did. Thanks, guys!" 

Said the second swan who had spoken, "And there's Egret." 

"What can I tell you?" said Egret. "I love to ride those wind currents! Then found out my entire flock was gone. By then there was no way I could catch up. If the swans didn't come along and invited me to join them, who knows where I'd be now?" 

Another good point. Our hero often imagined how lovely it would be to stretch out and just fly, fly, and fly some more.

The bird who used to be an Ugly Duckling considered, "These birds may be beautiful to look at, but they are also beautiful inside. This is the flock for me." 

And so the entire flock, including their newest friend, flapped their wings together. And in one moment the flock took off into the clear blue sky.

Moral:

The true beauty is what is inside of our heart. No matter how you are be yourself and love yourself the way you are.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/ram-and-the-cherry-tree

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once upon a time there was a blackbird that lived in a cherry tree outside Ram’s window. Every day, the blackbird would chirp around and sing his song. Ram really like his songs.

When Ram ate his breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner; the blackbird also ate his breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner.

Children, What healthy things did you eat today?

What was the blackbird’s breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack?

The blackbird always ate the cherries off the cherry tree outside Ram’s window for all his meals.

One day, Ram’s mother planned to make a cherry pie. So, Ram and mother picked all the cherries off the cherry tree. Mother washed the cherries and then she put them in the crust to bake.

When the pie was baked, she put it by the window and opened the window to help it cool off.

Ram was eating his breakfast. He saw the blackbird fly around the tree looking for his breakfast.

“What is this? There are no cherries on the tree today?” thought the blackbird.

The bird circled around the tree looking at every branch for even some cherries.

Then, the blackbird flew in through the window and sat by Ram

After that, the blackbird flew over to the window by the pie.

Ram smiled. The blackbird looked at Ram. He smiled.

The blackbird said, “I will have my pie without ice-cream!”

And with that, the blackbird took the pie under his wing and flew out of the window. He flew up to the cherry tree to hide.

 Ram saw him as he hid the cherry pie in a little hole in the tree.

“That blackbird stole the cherry pie!” Ram shouted.

Why did the blackbird steal the cherry pie?

Indeed, the blackbird stole the cherry pie as Ram and his mother did not leave any cherries on the tree for the blackbird.

When Ram looked outside, he saw the blackbird eating the whole pie! He was eating the crust! He was eating the cherries! Soon, the pie was all gone.

The blackbird taught Ram a lesson:

That we should think of others before you think of yourself.

Today's Story is : Mullah Nasruddin Feeds His Coat

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/mullah-nasruddin-feeds-his-coat

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Mullah Nasruddin had been working in the fields all day long. He was tired and sweaty and his clothes and shoes were covered with mud and stains. Because he had been fasting all day long, for Ramadan, he was also quite hungry.

Children Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which fasting is observed from dawn to sunset.

So, Mallah Nasruddin was also observing fast and hence was very hungry.

But finally, it was almost sundown and Nasruddin knew that he would soon be able to eat.

The wealthiest man in town had invited everyone to come break their fasts in his home that evening with a huge feast. Nasruddin knew that he would be late if he went home to change his clothes before heading into town. He decided it was better to arrive in dirty clothes than to be late.

“Oh, what a party it would be! What a feast!” Mallah Nasruddin thought as he walked to the wealthy man's home, Nasruddin imagined the delicious foods that he would soon be eating: dates, lentils and chickpeas, olives and bread, hummus, falafel, chicken and beef — and best of all — the desserts — halvah, date rolls, figs and baklava!

Children, what is your favourite dessert?

That’s nice!

When Nasruddin arrived, the wealthy man opened the door and looked Nasruddin up and down scornfully, from his worn, ragged clothes down to his muddy shoes. Without a word of welcome, he gestured for Nasruddin to come in and walked away abruptly.

Children, what was the wealthy man thinking or feeling?

 Let's hear what happens next.

Nasruddin joined the throngs of people, who were all dressed in their finest clothing. The tables were laden with all sorts of delicious foods: dates, lentils and chickpeas, olives and bread, hummus, falafel, meat — and best of all — the desserts — halvah, date rolls, figs and baklava!

Despite his efforts to hurry, the seats were all taken and nobody tried to move over or make a space for Nasruddin.

 In fact, nobody offered him food. He had to reach over and around people to get any food for his plate. Nobody spoke to him. It was as if he wasn't even there.

The other guests ignored him so completely that Nasruddin could not enjoy the food on his plate, no matter how finely prepared and how tasty it was. In fact, after only a few bites, Nasruddin was so uncomfortable that he decided to leave.

He hurried home and changed into his finest clothing, including a beautiful coat.

Nasruddin returned to the feast and this time the host welcomed him with a huge smile. "Come in, come in," greeted the host. As Nasruddin entered, people waved and called to him from all corners of the room as they invited him to sit near them and offered him food.

Children,  what the host and the other guests were thinking now?

Yes! They were probably thinking what a fine young man he is.

Nasruddin sat down quietly. Picking up a plump fig, he carefully placed it into his coat pocket, saying, "Eat, coat, eat”

Next he took a handful of nuts and put them into the pocket, saying, "Eat, coat, eat." Now he began to feed his coat, grabbing all sorts of foods.

He fed the coat lentils and chickpeas, olives and bread, hummus, falafel, chicken and beef — and best of all — the desserts — halvah, date rolls, figs and baklava!

Nasruddin became silent as all the other guests watched this strange behavior.

Soon everyone in the room was staring at Nasruddin, wondering what he was doing.

The host hurried over. "Nasruddin, whatever are you doing? Why are you feeding your coat in this manner?"

"Well," replied Nasruddin, "when I first came to this feast in my old farming clothes, I was not welcome. No one would speak with me. But when I changed into this coat, suddenly I was greeted warmly. So I realized it was not me that was welcome at this party, but my clothing. And so I am feeding my coat."

Children,  how do you think the host and the other guests might have been feeling when Nasruddin told them why he was feeding his coat?

Indeed, they would have been embarrassed.

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

Today's Story, 'Tenali and The Racing Horse',\ is where Tenali proves that the Urge to succeed is very important.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/tenali-and-the-racing-horse

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

One day, an Arabian horse trader came with a shipload of the finest Persian horses to Vijayanagara. The king,Krishnadevrai, was an avid horse lover. He bought many horses from the trader. All the courtiers too bought one horse each.

All the while, Tenali Raman was quiet and disinterested. Seeing this, one of the courtiers asked, “Raman, why are you so silent, and wouldn’t you also buy a horse?”

“Vijayanagara horses are superior to these Persian horses,” Raman remarked. 

The king and the rest of the courtiers were surprised to hear this. King Sri Krishnadevaraya said, “How can you be so sure, Raman? Can you prove it?”

“Certainly, your majesty,” Raman replied.

Children, Tenali’s horse was certainly not better than the Persian horses. Then, why does he take up the challenge?

The king announced that there would be a horse race. A Vijayanagara horse was to be trained by Raman, and the Persian horses were to be trained by the rest of the courtiers. The race would determine which horse breed is superior.

All the courtiers put in a lot of effort in training and feeding their horses. On the day of the race, the horses were lined up on the racetrack. Tenali brought his horse, which looked weak and ill-fed.

Everyone laughed and said that Raman would lose the race. When it was time for the race, Raman announced he would ride the horse.

Children, have you participated in a race? How did you prepare for it?

He then took a long pole, to the edge of which he tied some grass.

He mounted on the horse and held the pole in front of the horse so that it could see the grass, but not reach for it.

When the race started, all the horses ran swiftly. Raman dangled the grass in front of the horse. The hungry horse ran for the grass, but no matter how fast it ran, it could not get hold of the grass. The horse kept running as fast as it could and came first.

Everyone was astonished by what had happened. The king asked Raman, “How did you make this happen?”

Raman smiled and replied, “Your majesty, the hunger to succeed is the only thing that can help anyone to succeed.”

The king understood what Raman had said and rewarded him for his intelligence.

Moral of the story

Have a strong urge to succeed.

The Monkey and the Wedge is a story about a playful monkey who interferes in other’s work…listen to the story to find out what happens..

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

There was once a merchant who employed many carpenters and masons to build a temple in his garden.

Children, do you know of any machines that are used at a construction site?

Indeed, cranes, excavators, bulldozers, concrete mixers etc

Let’s listen ahead.

Regularly, they would start work in the morning; take a break for the mid-day meals, and return to resume work till the evening.

One day, a group of monkeys arrived at the site of the building and watched the workers leaving for their mid-day meals.

One of the carpenters was sawing a huge log of wood. Since it was only half-done; he placed a wedge in between to prevent the log from closing up. He then went off along with the other workers for his meal.

When all the workers were gone, the monkeys came down from the trees and started jumping around the site and playing with the instruments.

Children, what instruments does a carpenter use?

Yes! Measuring tape, hand saw, screwdriver etc.

There was one monkey, who got curious about the wedge placed between the log. He sat down on the log, and having placed himself in between the half-split log, caught hold of the wedge and started pulling at it.

All of a sudden, the wedge came out. As a result, the half-split log closed in and the monkey got caught in the gap of the log.

As was his destiny, he was severely wounded.

The wise indeed say:

One, who interferes in other's work, surely comes to grief.

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

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

So, gather around for the story The Biggest Fool in the Kingdom, a story where Tenali Raman calls The Kind a Fool…. Listen to the story to find out what happens.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/The-biggest-fool-in-the-kingdom

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

King Krishnadevaraya loved horses and had the best collection of horse breeds in the Kingdom.

 Children, I am sure you collect something or the other. Please share what it is.

That’s great.

Well, one day, a trader came to the King and told him that he had brought with him a horse of the best breed in Arabia.

He invited the King to inspect the horse. King Krishnadevaraya loved the horse; so the trader said that the King could buy this one and that he had two more like this one, back in Arabia that he would go back to get. The King loved the horse so much that he had to have the other two as well. He paid the trader 5000 gold coins in advance. The trader promised that he would return within two days with the other horses.

 Children, what is your guess, will the trader keep his promise?

Hope you keep promises when you make them…For remember : Promise breaker is a shoemaker.

 Two days turned into two weeks, and still, there was no sign of the trader and the two horses. One evening, to ease his mind, the King went on a stroll in his garden. There he spotted Tenali Raman writing down something on a piece of paper. Curious, the King asked, “Tenali what he was jotting down?”

“Nothing of importance your majesty,” replied Tenali hiding the paper.

 Children, what do you think Tenali was writing that he didn’t want the King to see?

Let’s listen ahead to find out.

Tenali Raman was hesitant to show the paper.

But after further questioning, he showed the King the paper. On the paper was a list of names, the King’s being at the top of the list.

The King questioned, “ What is this list for/”

Tenali meekly answered, “These were the names of the biggest fools in the Vijayanagar Kingdom!”

As expected, the King was furious that his name was at the top and asked Tenali Raman for an explanation.

Tenali referred to the horse story, saying the King was a fool to believe that the trader, a stranger, would return after receiving 5000 gold coins.

Countering his argument, the King then asked, what happens if/when the trader does come back? In true Tenali humour, he replied by saying, in that case, the trader would be a bigger fool, and his name would replace the King’s on the list!

Today's story: The pot full of wit is where Akbar once asked Birbal to leave , but then he misses Birbal and tries to get Birbal back into the court…But would Akbar succeed

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-pot-full-of-wit

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Akbar was once infuriated with Birbal and banished him from his kingdom. Birbal travelled to a faraway village and assumed a new identity and started working as a farmer. But after a couple of weeks, Akbar started to miss Birbal and hence asked his soldiers to find where he is and bring him back to the kingdom. The soldiers searched every part of the kingdom, “Birbal, Birbal where are you? King Akbar wants you back.” But, could not find Birbal.

Then Akbar then came up with an idea to find Birbal.

Akbar felt the only way to lure Birbal back to the city is to send a challenge his way

Children, can you guess what the idea was?

Let’s find out.

King Akbar sent word across the kingdom that the head of each village had to send him a pot full of wit. Anyone who can send the pot full of wit can instead fill up the pot with gold and diamonds from his treasure.

Children, wit means the ability to use words in a clever and imaginative way, So how can anyone fill a pot with WIT?.

The people in Birbal’s village found the announcement absurd and were wondering how to fill the pot with wit.

Then guess who came up with the idea?

Yes, Birbal!

He stepped in to help and came up with a way to give the king what he wanted. He put a small watermelon into the pot without separating it from its vine. That means the watermelon was still growing. He watered it every day and grew it big enough so that all the space in the pot was taken up.

Birbal then separated the watermelon from the vine and sent the pot to the king. The instruction that was sent with the pot read, “You can find the wit in the pot if you carefully remove the watermelon without cutting it.” Akbar realised that only Birbal could have sent the pot. He travelled to the village himself and brought Birbal back to the capital.

Moral: Even the toughest questions can be answered cleverly if you think hard.

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome to Manit

Transcript

There was a boy named Kevin who was playing with his ball on the front lawn of his house. Kevin was a curious boy, so he used to be curious about anything which was scary and intriguing.

One day while playing cricket with his friend, he hit the ball so hard that it landed on the front porch of an abandoned house.There was a poster on the door that said, “Don't enter or else you will die.” But neither Kevin nor his friend saw this message and entered the house. As soon as they entered, there was a loud bang on the door, and it closed.

Kevin was scared. His jaw fell, his legs trembled. His well-built body tried to open the rusty door but could not. Suddenly, a girl named Ritu also entered the haunted house. She also did not notice the message on the door.

When she entered, there was a loud bang on the door, and it closed. The girl got scared and asked Kevin,” You also got stuck in this old, abandoned house?” Kevin replied,” Yep, I am also stuck here.” Ritu said” We need to find a way out of here.”

Suddenly, a ghostly voice said in a deep voice, “If you can pass all my 3 levels, I'll let you go but if you don’t, you'll die”. They were now scared, and anxious but they did not have a choice. Their courage motivated them, and they agreed. After that, the ghost said, “In your first level you should try to break the doll or else you will die.”

They entered a bedroom and saw a girl who had the doll. She was a terrifying ghost, and she could do anything. Kevin and Ritu had a plan. Ritu would distract her, and Kevin could take the cute doll and break it and that is exactly what happened. After that they entered a room. The ghostly voice said” Excellent job on your first level now for level 2 you will go to the library. If you make a sound you die.” The voice also said, “The books also make sound.” They entered the library and saw an old woman who was a ghost with an axe. They were terrified and thought if they made a sound they would die. Ritu saw the shiny golden key on the cover of a book. She whispered to Kevin” We should take that.” They tip- toed towards the shelves, took the key, and opened the exit door.” This is the last level” the ghost said.” It is your fate escape or die.” He also said. A woman gave two paper rolls to both Kevin and Ritu. Kevin saw that they both wrote ‘D’ which means they said ‘die.’ Kevin used a trick and changed a roll to ‘escape,’ and they both escaped the haunted house.

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Aarush

Transcript

The mystery Treasure

Adventures are what Charlie loved, what a courageous man. On a wonderful sunny morning a well built, very adventurous person named Charlie started a short trek. On the way he heard the melodious music of the beautiful birds singing in happiness.he could see the eagles flying around and could feel the sun drowning his energy. As he reached the peak of the mountain he felt a sigh of relief and suddenly saw a map at the peak of the mountain. He examined the map and was able to identify that the map led to treasure hidden in the amazon forest. The almond eyes of Charlie could not believe it and did want to find the treasure and so the adventure began. Charlie went back home, packed his survival gear and flew to the amazon forest.

 Charlie started the journey early in the mourning and as the sun rose the sight of the forest was heavenly. The color combination of the wildlife and the forest was amazing.You could hear the leaves of the humongous trees rustling, the waterfalls cascading and the loud roar of the tigers waking up the jungle.since it is the amazon forest the feeling of dampness was there throughout.As charlie got deeper into the jungle the sun settled and charlie decided to call the day of. The sky was sparkling with the stars and that is a sight you would never see in the cities. After a good night sleep Charlie was all fresh in the mourning. The day was very cloudy and later in the morning a hail storm took place. Charlie had to find a good shelter. To find it he de-rooted from the course and was able to find a mother tree to give him shelter. The rain took away the last of Charlie’s survival gear and also gave him a big wound. Charlie gave his wound a little time to heal and focused on the survival resources. After a long period of time Charlie decided to go on where he left the journey. He then realizes that he is lost in the forest. Charlie gathers water, and food and heads towards the area he thinks the treasure is. After a couple of long days he starts to find familiar landmarks and is able to follow the map to find the treasure.

His body is tired but is refreshed with the treasure and he is amazingly happy with feelings beyond words.

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Ayaan.

Transcript

History takes a turn

By: Ayaan Shaik

gathering all my equipment, I went fishing not checking the weather. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a very stormy day., Fishing is certainly  my favorite thing to do in the  free time. Thunder was blazing onto the ocean’s ferocious waves. I, Lincoln, 24 years old, am an Olympic swimmer, I was confident that I could pull through the storm. What I had not realized was a huge mighty tsunami coming to life in a distance….

My brain was full of thoughts, and I had shivers running down my spine(we can’t change idioms) . The boat suddenly stopped moving. I turned around to check on the engine. Luckily, the moment I attached it to the power back up it started working. I immediately turned around to check on the waves, they were humongous and frightening. My eyes were wide open and veins were appearing on my forehead. The next moment, it had swallowed both my boat and me

Probably a few hours later as I opened my eyes, I saw what looked like diamond and emerald ores sparkling in a mythical cave. It was a jaw dropping sight. I said to myself, “This is unbelievable! What a majestic view! This must be worth millions of dollars.” Slowly and carefully I moved deeper into the cave, awestruckby the twinkling ores.

Abruptly, there were no more sparkles , but what  came before my eyes was a huge ancient city. My mouth had let out a big smile. It seemed like a realm ,before I thought of anything else, a hammer struck my head with a loud THUD! I woke up in a jail cell. It was very different from what we have on earth. It was made of stone with moss coverings. I said to myself, “Someone from this city might have seen me as a threat.. Or maybe they don’t allow visitors…?” As I looked out of the bars, the city was majestic but it was almost in ruins, there were very large dwellings though they were not as advanced a civilization as us.. I turned back and saw people with tridents walking across, they must have ben the guards… They had emerald green eyes and scales running all over their body. They were as tall as me which is quite tall standing at 6”4. But were quite plump which made them wobble and difficult to move . y. Don’t get me wrong but though they were plump they sure were strong. One of the guards saw me and yelled out, “GENERAL! THE CREATURE HAS WOKEN UP!”

The next moment, there were 6 guards at my cell. They dragged me out and grabbed me tight. I didn’t say a word or do anything fearing that they might do something. They pushed me upstairs to something that looked like a court room,,. Whatever may be the room, it was reeking of foul-smell . Apart from that it was beautifully build.  

I  could hear the waves of the ocean flowing above which made me realize that we were under the water.

A big man wearing a crown was sitting on a golden throne at the far end . He was the immortal warrior who became king 3 centuries ago. (how did you come to know of it?? Probably somewhere you read or youoverheard)The kind had hundreds of people bowing down to him. He said with an angry tone, “Oh Creature! You have committed a crime by entering here without permission. I can not afford you to go tell everyone about us. I said, “My mouth will be shut tight about this! I won’t tell a single soul is you let me go now.” The king replied, “ But I will let you fight and if win over my people , I’ll free you.

I had no choice so  accepted the challenge….

Now I was  blindfolded, but realized that there was only one guard with me. I could have easily knocked him down but I did not want to infuriate them and waited for the right time.  Hence,I followed their command and went to the arena. Once at the arena they guard removed my blindfold. Glancing around I was ghast as it was very large. It looked like it was a 400 year old colosseum. It was very well built. It looked like  a mixture of Roman and Turkish architecture People were going in and out.But once settled, I guessed there might be 70thousand of them.. I was taken inside to the main area to fight. The king was watching me from his cabin. I did not want to hurt my opponent but I had no other option. He looked very strong but he couldn’t walk properly. In contrast to them, I was more agile and could easily defend myself thanks to boxing fights that I used to do when I was 17. As a soft melody was being played by the musicians, the fight had started.

We fought for 30 minutes and were exhausted. I came up with a plan… I strategically brought the fight near the gate and let him punch me hard. I acted that I was knocked out… As the judge was announcing his victory, the gates had opened!

At that very moment I got up as if I had been revived and ran past the guards. They could not keep up with me because I was much faster than them. I made my way back to the mythical cave and jumped into the water. I swam very fast! I swam as far as I could. After a while I fainted at a beach due to the unavailability of oxygen.

Fortunately, I was found by a group of Swedish fishermen. After a while I woke up in their boat. They asked me in their Swedish accent, “Where are you from?” I replied, “ I am from Norway” They took my to the nearest port which was the Bergen port in Norway.. It was just a 20-minute walk from home. Upon my arrival, my friends and family were overjoyed as I had not been home for 2 days. My friend Scott and I went to the local coffee shot to have a chat. It was a pleasant night. They crickets were talking to each other and wolves were howling. As we entered into the shop, hearing the chorus singing, we took a seat and ordered an expresso and latte. I was telling Scott, “You would not believe me! I was swallowed by a tsunami and landed into a mythical cave! I found a huge underwater city.” Saying that, I started on with the whole story. Since I was always honest, he believed me. Sott said, “Wow! That’s crazy, you are so lucky you had such an amazing adventure!” After a while we both headed home. As I was tucking myself in bed, hearing the owls hooting, played a soft song and started thinking about all the adventure… Not so long after, I had fell asleep.

---The end---

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Muskan.

Transcript

Perfect World

There was a boy named Rohan. He lived in a huge, beautiful mansion in the outskirts of Delhi. He was a very arrogant and unkind boy along with being a coward.

He behaved very rudely with all the servants and shouted at them if so much even on the littlest of things. . The servants would also get shouted at if when Rohan woke up, they were doing something else and couldn`t make his bed just then.. Rohan was also very unkind. If another friend or one of the servants got hurt, he would just ignore them and walk on. Whol;e day he asked the chefs to make a variety of his favourite dishes and subsequently, he became plump.

One day, he was in his usual field outside his house playing by himself. He hated this field, as it was littered all over with garbage and a putrid smell seemed to come from it every moment of the day. But then there was no other field around.

Suddenly, Rohan glimpsed something that gave him a huge shock. A huge portal appeared in the middle of the field! Through the portal, Rohan could see a huge field with beautiful daises and glowing sunflowers on the edges. The edge was also lined with small pretty huts. A little further, Rohan could also glimpse majestic mansions and brick villas. He was a little frightened at first. But soon his curiosity overshadowed his fear. He ran at the portal as fast as his obese body allowed him to.

He appeared through the portal, huffing and puffing and crossed the beautiful place and ashe caught his breath, he gazed around and was baffled. This was the field he had been playing in! He began to think that the portal had been his own imagination. But then, why was the field so clean?

“I definitely went through the portal” he thought.

Suddenly, he froze. There was a boy, looking just like Rohan, playing football with a bunch of kids. Just then, the other boy too saw Rohan, and walked over to him. Rohan learnt that the other boy`s name was Sohan.

As the boys were talking, their eyes fell on three men, running, their faces covered, sacks on their shoulders.

“Thieves!” shouted Sohan. “Rohan, you keep the men from escaping, while I call the police.” For a moment Rohan was temped to decline, as fear injected his mind. However, a little voice inside him said, “Rohan, think about the innocent people who have been robbed!”

Feeling new hope, Rohan nodded. Sohan ran to the telephone booth on the next street and Rohan blocked the thieves.

“Move aside, silly boy!” hissed one of the men, who was evidently the leader of the pack.

When Rohan did not move, one of the thieves hurtled forward. Rohan`s old karate training became fresh in his mind as he extended his foot and aimed a mighty kick to the man, making him recoil in pain. The leader steps forward, but falls back at an accurately aimed kick on his stomach. Rohan kicks the last thief`s nose.

Just then, the police arrived, and rounded up all the men. Rhan bid farewell to Sohan and went through the portal into his own world.

Rohan worked every day to have kindness and helped every person he could. Soon, he was a very humble, kind and brave boy. He had lots of friends and was doing well in school.

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Muskan.

Transcript

The secret of the peacock heirloom.

Lush, the peacock habitat is a vibrant ecosystem loaded with life and colour, just as its name suggests. A tranquil forest with dense vegetation and a variety of tall, green trees. Amidst the symphony of bird calls and the riot of colours from the blooming flowers adorning the habitat, reside nature’s living canvases, peacocks.

In the city of Starheaven, it is believed that peacocks are gods after the last magical peacock, Lord Peacock, died. Ever since the preservation of this heritage of the dynasty has been the responsibility of every citizen in Starheaven.

One sunny morning, amidst the gentle chirp of birds, and the whistling of the gentle breeze, a tall, witty lady,Olivia, was summoned at an urgent excavation which was being conducted at Lush. This was being done to discover the ancient statue of Lord Peacock which was rumoured to have a magical ring that could grant wishes. The slim, smartly dressed archaeologist’s hazel eyes beamed with excitement to finally have her dream of being a part of the team reaching to the statue, come true. 

Hold your horses, dear listeners, as Olivia’s hopes tarnished when she encountered Max, her biggest rival, eager to get his hands on the ring and create chaos in the world.

During the process of the excavation, Olivia and Max stood tall, exchanging disgusted looks to each other setting a distinct quiet at the site. The thought of getting to the statue before Max kept ringing in Olivia's agile mind. “I need to succeed in this challenge come what may!”, was the only statement she was murmuring to herself.

After about half an hour, Olivia's assistant exclaimed with joy,” We have found something!”. Olivia’s high bun bounced up and down as if it were is spring when she rushed and bent down for a visual. The site of the finding let the young lady to smile as if she was already victorious. To her joy, it was an inscription that stated the way to the Lord's statue.

In the meantime, Max, with a flushed face, was cooking up a plan to get to the statue before Olivlia. When Olivia’s team returned to their office, using new-age technology, they managed to decode the script and discover a clue that stated to pass a labyrinth situated deep underground of the site. “Enterif you dare.”, the last statement of the inscription caused a strain of chill running through Olivia.

As the peacocks called it a day and hid under the bushy trees of Lush, Olivia and her team silently dug through the ground until they saw the labyrinth, unknown that Max was following them. Olivia bravely jumped down with a lantern towards the ancient corridors which twisted and turned uncountable times,unknowlingly leading the way for Max. Deep below the dense vegetation of the forest, the ancient walls were shrouded in damp moss, and the scent of earth filled the air.

Although the creepy sounds of crickets distracted her, Olivia maintained her lead dodging pitfalls and several collapsing walls. 

Soon, the Ancient statues came alive, blocking their way as they raced through the maze. Finally in the dim-lit chamber,the statue beamed in an outwardly aura with the mesmerising ring drawing Olivia and Max towards it. Without wasting time they both darted forward. Just when they did so, a large snake pounced on Olivia causing Max to steal the ring. “Ha ha ha!”, Max cackled as he escaped. When Olivia glanced at the snake, she was horrified to have noticed that the snake had scales in vibrant colours, which meant that it was poisonous! This instantly gave Olivia sweaty palms. But Max didn't know that, nothing could let Olivia’s spirits down, “No!”, Olivia screamed in shock, “I cannot give up!”, she said to herself. She threw the snake away, and as it was slithering further away from her, she climbed the boulders beside her moving upwards and out of the labyrinth.“Team, stop Max!” she yelled in terror. But they failed to stop Max. She then stepped forward and put her athletic training to test. Olivia performed her signature high jump over Max. His face was astonished, she snatched the ring from his hand and landed safely.

Before he could react, Olivia's team caught hold of him and immediately took him to the police station. The next day Olivia made her dream come true, using the powers of the magical ring she wore, a ginormous golden temple arose from the ground. The breathtaking piece of art was a preservation for the elusive statue and its ring, and a wonderful tribute to the eternal heritage of the peacock dynasty.

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Saanvita

Transcript

Title: The Magical Horn

There once was a place full of magical creatures, there were enchanted forests, charming oceans, vibrant coloured birds and there were the mythical unicorns !!!

This was their fantasy land called. Mesmer, . The forest was mesmerizing. Below each colourful tree, there were beautiful houses. The flowers were equally if not more beautiful. There were pink Lily flowers, white daisies, golden sunflowers,  purple vines and dark green creepers. The unicorns used these flowers and vines to make garlands and crowns for each other. All of them were happy ey make magical things like toys, paper etc.

Once when Bella, a unicorn, got her unicorn keeper Wendy. She was super excited as to have a unicorn keep meant to get magical powers. Indeed, Wendy gave powers to Bella and explained, “ Bella! You must listen to me and never misuse these powers.”

Bella nodded and always obeyed to her keeper, Wendy.

One day while playing fetch, the ball fell near a big purple door that was decorated beautifully. Wendy and Bella went to get the ball. Bella asked, “ where does this door lead to??”

 , Wendy replied,” It’s a door between the evil queen and the unicorns. You must never enter it.”

That day Bella kept thinking about the purple door. Bella was thinking about the purple door while both of them walked back home. Bella somehow couldn’t get the purple door out of her mind and eventually she sneaked towards the door and walked straight into the door.. Bella was surprised to see the room for it had sparkling jewels studded everywhere and the pleasant fragrance gave the room a very calming effect. The evil queen wanted to get magical powers from the unicorn. Looking at Bella, the the evil queen thought if she acted nice then Bella will give her powers.

The evil queen changed herself into a beautiful queen and welcomed Bella. Bella was impressed by the beauty of the queen and the room. The queen gifted Bella several gifts like rainbow sprinkles, sparkly bracelets, colorful hatchets, a Unicorn heart chocolate etc.

The evil queen asked, “What are your special powers, my dear Bella?”

By now Bella felt she was safe and shared everything with the evil queen.

“These are great powers, why don’t you share some with me…Sharing is caring, right?”

Back in Mesmer, Wendy who noticed Bella was missing started to search for her. Luckily When Bella was about to give her powers Wendy pushed open the purple door and d grabbed Bella and stopped her in the nick of time..

The evil queen got angry and came to her evil form. Then the evil queen tried to grab Bella but Wendy carried Bella and ran outside the purple door. She then locked the door forever. So that no innocent unicorn gets caught by the evil queen. Bella promised to never run away from Wendy and always be safe

The End

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Aryahi

Transcript

Same people different Worlds

The floor boards creaked as Tim entered the eldritch hallway with broken and cracked brick-covered walls now engulfed by moss. Owls hooted, leaves rustled and lightning struck the ground. There was also an unpleasant, damp, putrid smell mixed with the heavy mist that surrounded him. The closer Tim got the odour was almost unbearable with the mist(how is there mist inside??) thickening with every step he took. Soon, he reached a large old fashioned wooden door. After pushing the seemingly immutable door, with quite a lot of effort he found a gateway, a portal.

It was levitating, radiating enchanted emerald light drawing Tim towards it. His penetrating almond eyes directly glanced into the portal. His curiosity had won, he stepped in. Woosh! He disappeared, he was in another world. 

A cool but harsh breeze hit his face and shivers ran down his spine. He was surrounded by stone alters with unknown symbols and vines creeping around them. He asked himself, “Where am I?”. He looked around frantically, the portal behind him had disappeared. His eyes widened in horror as he started running around desperately, looking for help but to no avail. He was stuck…the sheer shock made him collapse. All he could do was lay down and reflect on his life, he questioned his choices, and all the trouble he had caused to his loved ones and he really wanted to correct them all.

Regaining consciousness, he looking around and saw himself in a cave dimly lit by a burned-out campfire, the cave-wallscovered with moss and vegetationin the cracks everywhere and creepers crawling in and out of the cracks on the walls. them. ‘Where am I?’ he thought .

“You awake? “Questioned a familiar voice. Tim frantically got up and glared directly at the man’s face. His jaw dropped. He saw the curly brown hair, almond eyes and oval face that belonged to him. The realization struck harder than lightning. The man in front of him was himself. He stood there in disbelief which quickly turned into fear. He was clearly no match for him. Despite this, he maintained a calm demeaner and assertively questioned, “I thank you for saving me, however do you plan on fighting me?”

“‘You can call me Timmothy and no I won’t be fighting you, you can trust me.” responded the clone.

Tim,now assured, politely questioned “You know any way out of here?”. Timmothy’s expression changed into that of someone afraid when he said, “ Yes…” he responded, “however it’s quite risky,” 

Tim just nodded. He was ready for any challenges as long as he reached home.

“There is a key guarded by an ancient tribe,” Timmothy continued, “without their approval we cannot escape”. Tim’s eyes darkened.

“And if we were to use force?” questioned Tim in an arrogant voice.

Timmothy retorted,“We can’t, there's too many of them”, Tim just sighed in response.

“Let’s sleep for now, we will talk to them tomorrow” suggested Timmothy. Tim just nodded and lay down on the bare floor of the cave, tossing and turning, thinking about the tribal people and how he would fight them all.

Now at dawn(morning time) Tim, with a sparkle in his eyes was off to meet the tribe’s officials, to convince them to lend the key to the duo.  he knew it wouldn’t be easy but he had a plan. Soon he found himself in a lush green forest surrounded by a variety of birds singing and underneath a giant tree the most important key officials rested, the ones who were going to pass the judgment regarding handing over the key. A few moments later in front of him, stood the leader. He was a tall, well-built man with a dark skin tone, his body and face were both scared but all Tim cared about was the fact that he was the only one with the access to the key and that Tim had to convince him to give the key.

Tim was immediately met with a hostile glare from the leader and the aura surrounding the place became dense the birds became quiet with this. Tim knew convincing the king would be impossible..

“I have got it!”, shouted a voice. Everyone turned towards the voice and found Timmothy running towards the exit after trapping all of the tribe’s forces(you have to add what this tribe’s force was earlier). Tim just chuckled and making use of the opportunity dashed towards exit and was off to the portal. Timmothy had done it, he had gotten the key .

Timmothy placed the key on the alter(you have to describe the alter when they enter the portal) , causing it to glow violently in the air and both their eyes once again laid on the enchanted portal it now radiating a light shade of blue it, it perfectly fit into the dome shape of the alter. With a look of appreciation and admiration the clones glanced at each other one last time with a final goodbye both entered the portal, going back to their families. 

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Vaanika

Transcript

A Heist

Splash! A hot summer afternoon was the perfect time to go swimming, or at least four siblings thought so. Daisy and Lily were both 11 years old. Daisy tended to forget things, while luckily Lily’s memory was strong.

“Daisy, just so you don’t forget, let me remind you, we need to pack caps, swimsuits, goggles, scuba-diving sets and oxygen masks for emergencies,” Lily reminded Daisy for the third time that morning.

Jivaran was Daisy and Lily’s younger brother. Incontrast to his looks, especially his  fierce eyes, he was innocent and kind at heart. He had a fiery temper, and only Daisy’s peaceful words could calm him down. Jasmine was a year younger than Jivaran. This nine-year old girl had innocent inquisitive eyes. She was very fast runner and was also a prodigy in science and mathematics. The four kids jumped down into the water – sometimes splashing water on other and sometimes swimming.

“Good thing I know how to swim, this lake is very deep”, Jivaran commented.

‘We all know how to swim’, Lily said. “Come on, let us go to the other side of the lake”. Excitedly, the three kids followed Lily towards the other side of the lake. Jasmine suddenly shouted, “Wait, the water is becoming hot and black. Jump out right now. Don’t ask why”. They came out of the lake frantically. Jasmine bit her lips and her hands fumbled. They ran into the hut and dried themselves quickly. (Jasmine picked up two chemicals and an empty bottle from the shelf.) – I had told you to add this while packing..how are there specific chemicals in the hut??)  She poured a few drops of both chemicals into the empty bottle. Running outside towards the lake, she poured the contents of the bottle into the water.

“A water poisoner must have been spilled into the water that turned it hot and black. I mixed the right chemicals from our hut to make this solution. I read about this antidote in a chemistry book. It reverses the poisoning process, however, needs to be done within the first 10 minutes of being added,”, Jasmine explained. “Hurry, let us wear our oxygen masks and dive in to save anybody who is still in the lake”.

“Last year, grandfather gifted us these electronic devices that we can use to communicate through any medium, including water. Let’s us take them with us too. They are insulated and safe to use”, Jivaran suggested.

 They all dived in and started to hear voices.

“Johnson, why did you spill the chemical? Now there are very little chances of you being able to train at the ‘Kron Krutz Academy’ next month,” a gruff voice said.

“K.K.A! We have to stop them,” Daisy exclaimed.

“I packed chains, maybe we can use them now to lock them up,” Jasmine advised.

The siblings carefully sneaked behind the men and locked them up.

“Who are you?” Jivaran asked.

“Name’s Herbet Krutz. This is my student, Triv Jhonson. What do you want?” Herbet Krutz said.

He broke the chains and pulled a lever. Suddenly, the children were stuck in a tiny jail. Herbet and Triv laughed wickedly at them. Jasmine was lost in her thoughts.

“The “Kron Krutz Colony has to be put out of business. They know how to make new kinds of bombs to annihilate their enemies if peace was denied. K.K.C has the dangerous documents. We must act fast,” Jivaran explained.

“Aha! The jail is not covered from the top. We can swim up, hurry,” Jasmine exclaimed.

They swam out, taking all of the documents that K.K.C took. They called the police the moment they were out. The police observed the documents and said, “Good work, children. But where are the thieves?”

“All under the lake,” Daisy giggled.

The police arrested each and every member of the K.K.C. The net day, the case came out in the newspaper of how Four children saved the world from K.K.C’s bad intentions. The four siblings were very happ

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Aryahi

Transcript

Adventures in a box

Once upon a time Khyati, Diya, Anaya, and Aarna. These 4 friends were sitting peacefully in the park and enjoying the gentle breeze with the melodious chirping of the birds. Suddenly a man dropped a big box in front of them.

It was a regular brown cardboard box and before the friends could ask, the man vanished. Everybody opened the box together and Anaya saw a note saying “FINISH THIS GAME IN ONE HOUR and GOOD LUCK YOU NEED IT” Everyone gasped. They all stuck their head in the box, which didn’t contain anything. Wpoosh! They all got sucked in. The first place they landed was a thick forest. They all were scared and shocked. Then a hologram appeared in the air. They all read out loud, “If you want to live in a place even hotter, go to a place where you can find more water” Aarna screamed, “ The pond a place where you can find more water!”

 They all sprinted to the pond and saw a big chest.. unfortunately, they saw a lion guarding a treasure chest. There were also balloons tied around the chest and a note saying, “Figure out the code or this lion will eat you.”

So they popped the balloons and there were alphabet letters inside each balloon. They unscrambled the letters to make a word and typed the code on the lock of the chest Khyati said “Yes it worked!

Now, inside the chest was another clue, “If you want to go to a place that is free go to a place with more trees.” They all screamed monkey habitat. They ran there and they saw a portal. The portal was blue and oval shaped so they remembered that(remembered??). They jumped in and landed in a small village. But now the problem was they didn’t see any clue and they didn’t know anything about the village. they started roaming around and asking for directions(to where??). But sooner than later they were lost.

Frustrated and exhausted they kept roaming around. But when they reached the pond the clue appeared again(where?). It said “Since this is a place that is very hot go to an area where things don’t rot”. They all screamed the farm! They looked at each other in a confused state, “ which farm?” they exclaimed together.

 They tried asking everyone but it was hopeless. Until they ran into the farm itself. They went inside and the farmer angrily told them to leave. The farmer said, “Hey, why are you on my farm? Don’t you have anything else to do?” But before that, they jumped into the portal.(are the farm and the portal side by side??) They reached home (you should not reach home before completing the bom]nus level)there was a man saying, “Congratulations you have completed the first four levels but now you have to complete the bonus level.” Diya shouted, “Oh come on we completed all these levels now you are giving us a bonus level?” Everyone was having mixed emotions about this. Their forehead furrowed, their legs went jelly, and their mouth parched. Then Anaya said, “Anything for going home guys.”

Then she told the conductor, “We will play”. So they saw a portal and jumped in. They suddenly appeared in Dubai! They were all shocked, happy, and thrilled. Khyati said, “We finally visited Dubai!” They all hugged each other and jumped around until Diya said, “Guys focus I know we finally visited Dubai but we have to solve the clues to get home.” Everyone agreed. Then the host made the next clue appear with his magic it said, “Since this is a city where the season now is fall go to the building that is very tall”. They all screamed together “Burj Khalifa”. Now their main problem was everyone here speaks Arabic and they can’t understand the language. So they kept walking for hours and hours, their legs started hurting and they were struggling to walk. So late at night they entered the hotel and slept on the couches at the reception. Then when they woke up in the morning they asked the receptionist to help book a cab for them and tell the driver that they had to go to the Burj Khalifa. But once they reached the Burj Khalifa they were forbidden to use the lift so they took the stairs all the way to the top. Then the game conductor handed over parachutes to them and asked them to jump down. They all were very frightened but they just closed their eyes and jumped down. While falling down they entered a box that sucked them in and they reached home. “Home sweet home” they all shouted unanimously. They were so happy that they reached home and they all finally relaxed. Then they made a promise to each other that they would never again pick up any unclaimed object!

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome Rohan

Transcript

The lost sheet

                                                                         Hi, I am Soham, I am a teenage boy. I am an introvert and I am not enthusiastic about school. and I only have one close friend, Adi in the whole class.

(there’s no purpose of this in the story) . It was Monday morning just a normal day the first period was Maths it is not my favorite subject and next was worse, social, it was all about French Revolution and I zoned out after two classes. Luckily it was break so I met Adi and went to the cafeteria As we were relishing our breakfast out of nowhere John Busters, our school’s big bully, came and started irritating me , “Hi skinny long nose what is up?” , He’s should have been in ninth grade but ended up in 7^th. I just ignored him for I detested any conflict. Soon the bell rang and we were all back to the boring class. 

The next class was Science. I could see that John was writing something on an A4 sheet with some drawings on it. Later while taking my book from the shelf I saw that the paper on which Jonos wrote was kept on the teacher’s desk .

I was aghast..

It said(Aadi (Or should it be soham??)you know the science teacher Mr Fullerman, His name should be Mr Fuller Bum and Mrs Wellington should be Mrs Wellingbun And last but not least Mr Patrick is Mr fatrick).

Just as the teacher was walking in I grabbed it and put it in my bag. The next was the Library class.I ran across the corridor in speed of light and luckily saw my friend, adi , sitting alone . As I reread what was written on the paper and was signed Soham, shivers ran down my spine and my jaws dropped. But I hadn’t written it . I knew it was John’s plan to trap me. Hearing us chat , the librarian asked us what happened so I didn’t know what to say so I put it in the book which is in front of me. After the library class the school ended. = I walked home. Once I unpacked my bag, I couldn’t find the dreaded sheet. Then I remembered that I left the sheet in the book. I didn’t know what to do and I was extremely nervous. . Later while playing football I couldn’t shoot, I couldn’t run so are Adi (who??) asked me what happened, I told him that I lost the paper he was worried too but we came up with a plant since the paper was lost the plan was that at 8:00 PM we would sneak out of our houses and go to the school jump into the school through the window and search the book take the paper and come back. The plan was simple. It was 8 PM I sneaked out of my house and my friend and I went towards the school.

After about 10 minutes of walking we were standing behind our school. The problem was that the library was on the first floor. So, we slowly open the restroom door and jumped in, It was pitch dark but luckily I got a flashlight and slowly opened the door and came into the long corridor of her school. I have never been a friend with dark but I had to overcome it and get the paper. As quiet as a mouse, I climbed the stairs and went to the library and opened the door and went in and I suddenly hit a table and chair a crash in sound a code throughout the school. The security was alerted they were looking everywhere so I lifted the table and arranged the chairs and hit behind one shelf. The security came inside the library he was looking around and after about two minutes he left for another 5 minutes and slowly started looking for the book.

I found the book finally. I eagerly opened it but ohh no!! The sheet was missing. I didn’t know what to do I was scared . With no other plan in our mindswe returned home. A. I couldn’t sleep and I was restless. I was worried the next day The next day with drowsy with messed up hair, I went to school and during the break our teacher Mr Fullerman called me.Now my hands trembled and legs went jelly. I was scared. He showed me the paper, “ What is this??”

 I couldn’t speak a word for if I told the truth John will not spare me or else if I falsely comit to the crime , I would be in trouble. . As I was pondering , Out of nowhere John came running and said , “ Sir leave Soham I have written this I… it was a prank. I am sorry!” Sir understood and said, “ it was okay,” and asked us not to repeat it,

 I could not believe what just happebed. I was speechless. One good thing came out of all this was that from then onwards john and I were best friends. We played together, cracked jokes but never played pranks which will hurt others.

I hope you all will like this story!!

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome to Harshith.

Transcript

The Healing Magical Tree

Once there were two brothers who loved each other and were always taking care of each other.. They stayed in a house near a forest and alwys enjoyed going to the open patch in the midle of the forest to play.

One day they both are playing together, one of the brother was near fruit tree and he was hungry. He jumped up grabbed a few of them that looked liked oranges land gobbled two of them. Within a minute he realized that they were poisonous as  .,the boy who ate the fruit was getting multi-coloured glowing pimples on his body and he was shivering. The other brother came and saw,he was shocked .

Just then a muni who was also a doctor asked him the problem. The boy said pointing to the tree laden with fruit,''my brother got some kind of pimples  after eating that fruit.

 the muni saw the fruit that the boy had eaten,It was leftover near the tree, the muni said,” oh, young boy these are poisoness and there’s just one cure.”

.The boy pleaded the muni to tell''where this medicine would be''.The muni said that it would be on the himalayasand described the magical tree to him.

The brother  had to face many obstacles while bringing the fruit like, he was injured ,the mountain was a bit high ,he do not have any water for drinking.so his throat was parched. When he was climbing the tree he saw a cave, where a lion was living at that time the lion saw the boy and started growling.Then the lion moved towards the boy, nervously tried to climb the tree .But the lion caught the boy's shoe and the lion threw him down he was bruised at many places. after falling down he was scared and he was shivering then he thought about his brother. There was a gun shot in the distant and the lion left the boy and went back. The boy gathered his courage and Finally he reached the place where the muni had told about the magical tree. after looking around for some time he saw up towards the the peak  then he saw the magical tree.  .He started climbing up again, but the boy did not went near the cave and he climbed up safely and reached to the tree.He struggled a lot as by now he was very tired.Then he saw an another tree in which there were many apples hanging on it then he ate it and relaxed for some time.After resting he went back to his brother. said ''my brother eat this fruit you will be absolutely fine.His brother took the fruit and ate it, he shouted and told ''Mm,.... very delicious ''. then all his pimplea vanished . he said to his brother, “Thank you so much.”

The boy's brother was fully recovered.The boy was very happy and told his brother that you are my best brother and thanked him .

The End

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let’s give a warm welcome to Akshit.

Transcript

Once upon a time in the magical world of eonia there lived a young boy named ahaan. Ahaan was a very outgoing child and loved all types of activities. 

In Eonia you could find potions for everything! But there was one potion where if you drank it once you need to go through the dangerous forest to find the solution to it. Ahaan with his curious mind took this potion and drank it. Ahaan had suddenly become smaller than a cockroach! He started to panic because he couldnt do anything but go through that forest. A few hours passed and Ahaan had barely moved because his footsteps are so small! Ahaan thought that he could hang on to a car which goes near the forest! He had done this and then a few minutes later he was in the dangerous forest. He was always very scared of such big animals amd obstacles. The first obstacle which ahaan had to cross was the jump over the alligators but there were a few things to help him because he was so small. Ahaan had did the first one frightened but in ease and calm. Ahaan found out that the solution to make it across these obstacles was to keep his mind calm and composed. the 2nd obstacle was to solve a few math equations. Ahaan was good at math so he passed this one with ease as well. then was the last obstacle which was to walk on the bridge and if u miss one step you will fall into the lava! Ahaan closed his eyes walked carefully and kept calm and then he had crossed it! Ahaan couldnt believe it. 

He had drunk the solution potion and was back to his normal size and was happier than ever! He had told this tale to everyone in his village and he is an inspirtatioon to all.

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-amazing-adventure Let’s give a warm welcome to Virinchi

Transcript

THE AMAZING ADVENTURE

The ship was in the abled hands of captain Edward and his crew, it was a cargo ship travelling from Australia to Indonesia to transport metal andwheat. It was a clear day with waves so gentle that the ship was sailing smoothly.

As night approached, the captain asked the crew to check if everything was okay, which they did. All was good.

Unfortunately, captain Edward forgot to steer the ship In the middle of the night they headed straight to Antarctica and most importantly they also headed towards a tsunami! Edward just woke up and saw an icy land he thought they were heading to Indonesia, but he knew Indonesia doesn't have ice suddenly he remembered that he forgot to steer the ship. His legs went jelly and his forehead furrowed at the thought of what could happen. H ran to the operating area and tried to steer the ship but it was too late and worse the tsunami struck and the crew felt shivers down their spine and they got frightened.

The ship looked like it was surfing on the tsunami going up and down. !

Suddenly all went blank and th next thing they knew that they landed on an island which had no food, no water, and no resources except wood! Edward made an SOS sign on the snow and the crew luckily found an axe to cut trees and make a raft, so that they could make a raft and sail out.

By now they all were extremely hungry and had little energy. they needed food. Edward said “our lives are at stake! If we do not react fast, we would all die!” All the crew members listened to the captain and quickly built a raft and one of the crew members was really good at ice fishing and he caught a few fish.

In that time Edward was trying to make a fire so he can cook the meat after all nobody likes raw meat. When Edward finally lit fire . they all cooked some fish and ate . without losing on time they set sail on the raft and after two days they reached land but not Australia , instead they landed in Madagascar. There they contacted their loved ones who helped them reach home safely.

And That’s because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.

Let’s start with our very first guest and she happens to be the youngest participant on Story Wroting and podcasting workshop..

Let’s give a warm welcome to Mohira.

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

There lived 2 friends but not just 2 friends they were inseparable. Maya and Lilly. But one day it had to be broken. Maya had to protect her mom no matter what, Lilly saved the day by arriving just in time. Except Maya had to move away because she is really strong even though she is just a kid. Maya said ‘’I am going to miss you but whenever you call me I will be hear’’ Lilly then said ‘’I will miss you too’’.On the way to a different contry Maya could not stop thinking about Lilly and all the memories they had. A few years passed Maya was now 20 but they did not stop looking for Maya. Maya then heard someone scream and she could not belive her eyes IT WAS LILLY Maya rushed and gave her a big hug and Lilly smilled with happy tears in her eyes and hugged her sayind ‘’I thought I would never find you’’ as they walked to lillys car the car did not start lukyliy Maya was a mechanic she fixed the car and got back toghther

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-rat-and-the-elephant

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

A Rat was walking through the city. He was a very proud Rat who believed that he was the most frightening animal alive.

‘Oh, yes!’ said the Rat to himself. As he walked towards a busy street, “Everyone’s scared of me. Scary Rat coming through. Out of my way!”

Children, are you scared of a rat? What would you do if you saw one?

That’s funny

Let’s listen ahead.

The Rat turned a corner and saw a crowd of people standing by the side of the road. ‘Brilliant,’ thought the rat. ‘I do like a crowd.’ He jumped out into the middle of the road right in front of the crowd and waited for the first scream... but there wasn’t one. Everybody was staring up the road. Nobody even noticed the Rat. ‘Look everybody,’ said the Rat. ‘Over here. Rat. See.’

Nothing happened. The people were all too busy looking up the road. ‘This is ridiculous,’ said the Rat. ‘Are you all blind? Can’t you see me?’ Then the Rat saw what the people were looking at.

Children, any guesses what the crowd was looking at?

Let’s listen ahead.

An elephant was coming down the road. Sitting on the elephant’s back and stroking a large white cat rode the King.

“Wow,” said a man. “Just look at the size of that elephant!”

“Never mind the elephant,” said the Rat. “What about me? Look at me. I’m a scary rat.”

“Yes look at its wonderful long trunk,’ said a woman.

“That’s just its nose,” said the Rat. “I’ve got a nose.”

“And its huge ears,” said a little girl.

“I’ve got ears,” said the Rat, jumping up and down. But nobody was listening. They were too busy admiring the enormous elephant.

“That is the most wonderful creature in the whole world,” they all said.

“No...no!” said the Rat. “There’s nothing wonderful about elephants. How many legs have they got? Four like me. How many eyes have they got? Two like me. What colour are they? Grey like me. See, I’m exactly the same as an elephant except an elephant’s really slow and boring and I’m truly the most fierce and terrifying creature in the world.”

But nobody noticed the Rat... ...apart from the King’s Cat.

“Look at me...look at me. I’m exactly like an elephant except better. Elephants are rubbish. I am the most fierce and...’

The Rat didn’t finish what he was saying because... ...in an instant, the white cat had run down the elephant’s trunk and was staring the Rat in the face.

“Exactly like an elephant, eh?” said the Cat looking down at the Rat.

“Well maybe not exactly,” said the Rat looking nervously at the cat’s sharp claws.

“Obviously my nose isn’t quite as long...my ears are a bit smaller...and I haven’t got a king riding on my back…”

Suddenly, the Cat’s paw flashed out and pinned the Rat to the ground. The Rat couldn’t move.

“You think I could do this to an elephant?” said the Cat.

 “Um...not sure,” said the Rat.

 The Cat scooped up the Rat and held him up to her mouth. “Think I could do this to an elephant?” said the Cat.

“No, maybe not,” said the Rat shaking in fear.

“Think I could eat an elephant in two seconds flat?” asked the Cat.

“Nope,” whispered the Rat.

“Look what I’ve found,” said the Cat to the people putting the terrified Rat back down on the ground. The Rat was shaking and looked so small and scared that people weren’t at all frightened of him.

“What is it?” said a man. “Sort of mouse I think,” said his wife.

“Funny little mouse thing probably.”

As he slunk away the Rat heard the Cat say, “A rat and an elephant may be the same colour but that doesn’t make them the same size. You remember that...Mr Rat.’ And the Rat did remember that. Forever.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-bundle-of-sticks

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once upon a time, a very old man lived on a beautiful and comfortable farm in the country. From his window, he could see pasture land, barns filled with animals, fields of grain, orchards and forests beyond. The farm was special to the old man as it had been in his family for many generations. He had lived there his whole life and raised his family. Now his wife was dead, and he, too, was in the last days of his life.

The old man lay on his bed worrying about his grown children. The children could not seem to get along. The old man heard them quarrelling day and night. Even though the children were good at what they each did, such as farming, working with the animals, carpentry, cooking or preserving the food they grew, each child thought their job was the most important and that the other one didn’t work hard enough. They were all grown up, but they held grudges against each other, and they were jealous of each other’s fortune.

Children, what is one thing that you like about a sibling or a friend?

That’s great. Let’s listen ahead..

The old man tried talking to his children about living in peace, but they seemed to grow increasingly bitter day after day. He felt sure that they would not be able to keep the family farm after he had died because the sons could not seem to work together or appreciate each other’s hard work.

Then one day, as his strength waned, the old man had an idea. He called his children to his bedside.

“I have one last favour to ask of you,” he said, “I want each one of you to go to the jungle and find two sticks. Bring them here to me tomorrow, and I will explain further.”

The children did as their father asked and came to his room the next day with two sticks each.

“Thank you, my children,” the old man said.

“Please see if you can break one of your sticks in half,” asked the old man.

All the children easily broke their sticks in half.

Then the old man asked the children to pass him their second sticks.

Children, what do you think the father would do with all the sticks?

Let’s find out.

Then the old man collected the sticks in a bundle, passed it back to his children, and said, “Pass this bundle of sticks amongst you and try to break the bundle as it was the single stick?”

The children passed the bundle around, but not even one of them could break the bundle of sticks.

“You, my children, are like these sticks,” the old man said.

“If you go your separate ways and quarrelling, you will each be alone like the individual sticks and will face the difficulties of life alone. But if you be together, work together, appreciate one another’s strengths, cherish what you have in common, and above all, care for each other, you will be powerful like a bundle of sticks, and nothing in life can make you weak or break you. My children, try to find strength and joy in each other’s company, and you will live well and succeed in life,” the old man explained.

The children took their father’s lesson to heart, focusing on what they shared in common, appreciating one another’s strengths, and working together. The old man died peacefully, and the farm remained in the family for generations to come.

In unity is strength

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-little-thief-in-the-pantry

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

The Little Thief in the Pantry

"MOTHER dear,” said a little mouse named Greywhiskers, one day, “I think the people in our house must be very kind; don’t you? They leave such nice things for us in the kitchen pantry.”

Children, what things do you think were left in the pantry that the little mouse liked?

Great! let’s listen ahead.

There was a twinkle in the mother’s eye and she replied, “Well, my child, no doubt they are kind, but I don’t think they are quite as fond of us as you seem to think. Now remember, Greywhiskers, I have absolutely forbidden you to put your nose above the ground unless I am with you, for kind as the people are, I shouldn’t be at all surprised if would try to catch you.”

Greywhiskers twitched his tail with scorn; he was quite sure he knew how to take care of himself, and he didn’t mean to walk meekly after his mother’s tail all his life. So, as soon as she had curled herself up for an afternoon nap he stole away, and scampered across the pantry shelves.

Ah! here was something particularly good today.

A large iced cake stood far back upon the shelf, and Greywhiskers licked his lips as he sniffed it. Across the top of the cake there were words written in pink sugar; but as Greywhiskers could not read, he did not know that he was nibbling at little Miss Daisy’s birthday cake. But he did feel a little guilty when he heard his mother calling.

Off he ran, and was back in the hole again by the time his mother had finished rubbing her eyes after her nap.

She took Greywhiskers up to the pantry then, and when she saw the hole in the cake she seemed a little annoyed.

“Some mouse has evidently been here before us,” she said, but of course she never guessed that it was her own little son.

Now, after the previous day’s adventure Greywhisker’s became more confident and the next day the naughty little mouse again popped up to the pantry when his mother was asleep; but at first he could find nothing at all to eat, though there was a most delicious smell of toasted cheese.

Presently he found a dear little wooden house, and there hung the cheese, just inside it.

Children, do you know what this little wooden house with chees hung was?

Let’s find out.

In ran Greywhiskers, but, oh! “click” went the little wooden house, and mousie was caught fast in a trap.

When the morning came, the cook, who had set the trap, lifted it from the shelf, and then called a pretty little girl to come and see the thief who had eaten her cake.

“What are you going to do with him?” asked Daisy.

“Why, drown him, my dear, to be sure.”

The tears came into the little girl’s pretty blue eyes.

“You didn’t know it was stealing, did you, mousie dear?” she said.

“No,” squeaked Greywhiskers sadly; “indeed I didn’t.”

Cook’s back was turned for a moment, and in that moment tender-hearted little Daisy lifted the lid of the trap, and out popped mousie.

Oh! how quickly he ran home to his mother, and how she comforted and petted him until he began to forget his fright; and then she made him promise never to disobey her again, and you may be sure he never did.

To find out if he succeeds, listen to the story

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com

Transcript:

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

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

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

The boy felt very sad and wanted to help.

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

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

The boy walked on until he found a mouse.

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

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

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

But the cat too refused.

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

Exactly -a dog!

So, the boy met a dog.

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

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

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

“I am too tired,” said the hammer.

So the boy ran to a fire.

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

“Too much work,” sizzled the fire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The elephant shook his trunk.

So the boy sat down and cried.

Children, why did the boy cry?

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

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

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

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

The elephant was scared and he pounded the earth.

The earth was scared and it covered the water.

The water was scared and fell on the fire.

The fire was scared and ran to burn the hammer.

The hammer was scared and threatened the dog.

The dog was scared and chased the cat.

The cat was scared and ran to nip the mouse.

The mouse was scared and ran to bit the bowstring.

The hunter was scared and he shot an arrow.

The arrow scared the crow.

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

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

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

Try to recall all the events in the story.

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

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-crow-and-the-pitcher

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once upon a time, on a scorching summer day, a thirsty crow was flying over the countryside in search of water. The sun beat down mercilessly, and the crow's throat felt parched.

Children, what are the different kinds of drinks that you enjoy while quenching your thirst?

Great.

After a long flight looking for water, the thirsty crow spotted a pitcher under a shady tree. The crow had a smile on his face. Hopeful, the crow hurriedly flew down to satisfy his thirst.

As the crow reached the pitcher, it saw that there was indeed water inside, but alas, the water level was so low that the crow couldn't reach it with its beak. He was disappointed but he didn’t give up. He was determined to find a way to drink the water from the pitcher. So, the crow peered inside, trying to figure out a way to quench its thirst.

Children, can you please suggest a way for the crow to quench his thirst?

Let’s listen ahead.

After a moment of thinking, the clever crow had an idea. It began to pick up small pebbles from the ground nearby and dropped them into the pitcher one by one.

Children, do you know what happened when the crow dropped stones in the pitcher?

Indeed, with each pebble dropped in, the water level rose ever so slightly. The crow continued this method, dropping pebble after pebble into the pitcher.

Slowly but surely, the water level began to rise, inch by inch, until at last, it was high enough for the crow to dip its beak and take refreshing sips of water. The crow drank water to his heart’s content. Then with his thirst quenched, it flew away, feeling satisfied and delighted.

From that day on, whenever the crow encountered a challenge, it remembered the lesson it had learned from the pitcher: that with patience, perseverance, and a little bit of creativity, even the most difficult obstacles could be overcome.

And that is what we learn from this story: whenever we face problems, we must not give up immediately, but think through it, and we are bound to get the solution.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-needle-tree

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

The Needle Tree

Once, two brothers lived at the forest’s edge. The older brother was always unkind to his younger brother. He used to even take all the food and snatched all the good clothes from the younger one.

Children, what was the unkind behaviour of the older brother?

Indeed, the older brother used to take food and good clothes from the younger sibling.

The older brother would go into the forest in search of firewood to sell in the market. But he was unkind and as he walked through the forest, he chopped off the branches of every tree he passed.

One day he came upon a magical tree.

The tree stopped him before he chopped its branches and said, ‘Oh, kind sir, please spare my branches. If you spare me, I will provide you with golden apples.”

The older brother agreed. The tree gave him two golden apples. The older brother was disappointed with just two golden apples.

Overcome by greed, the brother threatened the tree, “I’ll cut you if you don’t provide me with more apples.”

The tree was offended and instead of giving him more apples, the tree showered him with hundreds of tiny needles. The brother fell to the ground, crying in pain as the sun began to set.

Soon, the kind-hearted younger brother became worried and went in search of his older brother. He searched every nook and corner of the forest until he found him at the trunk of the apple tree, lying in pain with hundreds of needles on his body.

He rushed to him and started to painstakingly remove each needle with love. Once the needles were out, the older brother apologized for mistreating his younger brother. The magical tree saw the change in the older brother’s heart and gifted them with all the golden apples the brothers could need.

The Singing Turtle is an adapted folktale from Japan where a turtle helps a hard-working man to earn money by singing.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Once upon a time, there lived two brothers. These two brothers lived with their mother a little further away from the city. Now, one of them was a hard worker.   He worked hard and did not waste his time being lazy.

Whereas, the other brother was a lazy bone and did not work at all. He preferred to sleep in his bed all day long.

Their mother had been sick and the family had always been poor. The hard-working brother's earnings were always spent by the lazy brother. Every day the hard-working brother went to the town with his lunch and came back in late the evening. During his lunch break, the hard-working brother would go to the river and have his lunch by the river.

One day, the hard-working brother told his brother that he's going to the city, “I’ll be back late in the night. There are some sticks I have gathered. I will sell them and make some money,” saying that, he left.

But as luck would have it he could not sell even a single stick by lunchtime.

The poor brother was upset. He knew his brother and mother were relying on him.

Children, what should the hard-working brother do now?

So, as usual, during the lunch hour, he went to the river. But instead of having his lunch, he started weeping. When he was weeping, the hard-working brother heard a voice.

“Why are you crying?” asked the voice.

The hard-working brother looked down wondering where the voice was coming from.

Then the voice asked him to look down. When the hard-working brother did so, he saw the voice was that of a turtle.

He was even more surprised when the turtle said, “I would like to help you. I am a singing turtle and if you take me to the market, I can help you fetch good money.”

The hard-working brother was confused and wondered, “But why would you help me?”

“I have been eating the crumbs you left behind after your lunch. I am indebted to you,” said the turtle politely.

The hard-working brother thanked the singing turtle for extending help and took him to the market. He was able to earn a handsome amount as people were excited to hear a turtle sing.

 Children, can you imagine what songs he sang?

That’s good.

The hard-working brother took his earnings and the turtle to his house. He narrated the entire story to his family. The next day when he was washing up the turtle, the lazy brother snatched the turtle and said, “I can earn more than you can.”

With that, the lazy brother took the turtle to the market. The lazy brother ordered and ordered the turtles to sing but that only made the turtle go back into his shell. The townspeople blamed the man for lying to them and said that it was an ordinary turtle anyway and not a singing turtle.

Angrily, the lazy brother left him in the market and stomped his way home.

Children, is that a good thing to do?

 The turtle slowly made his way back to the hut. Once home, the turtle told everything to the hard-working brother and the mother.

Upon hearing the story that mother told both the brothers, “Bad habits chase away the good things in life. You should be nice and polite to everyone.”

The Lazy brother apologized and promised to be polite and also work hard.

The hard-working brother and the turtle were delighted by this change of heart of the lazy brother.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

It was night-time and all the alphabets had finished playing and together they put away all the toys: the duck, deer, dinosaur, doll, etc. They never left their

toys scattered. They always placed them back neatly in the drawers or in the toy basket.

After putting away the toys, they quickly washed up, had their delicious dinner, and went to their room. Soon they were busy reading and in no time, they were fast asleep.

One day, after all the other alphabets had gone to sleep Alphabet d decided to return to the playroom to play some more.

He quietly got out of the bed, tiptoed out of the bedroom, and walked towards the playroom. As he approached the playroom, he heard some noises. He stopped and wondered what those noises were.

D was very inquisitive and instead of rushing into the playroom, he decided to peep through the window to find out what was happening

“Oh My God! What are all the toys doing outside their baskets and drawers?” he wondered.

He carefully looked and realized that all the toys were playing around in the room. Or were they getting ready for something?

Alphabet D wanted to join them but thought that might scare the toys.

So, he decided to just watch them through the window.

He had never seen anything like this before.

Alphabet D saw the doll dressed up in her shimmering shining dress.

“Is there going to a party?” Alphabet D wondered.

In the other corner Alphabet D’s favourite deer was draping itself in a golden skin.

The very next moment, the toy tub caught Alphabet D’s attention. He saw the duck fluttering its wings to dry itself and quacking; quack -quack -quack-quack

Once she was done drying, she waddled towards the middle of the room.

The doll was ready by now. And so was the deer. They both walked elegantly towards the middle of the room. All the others also assembled in the middle for what looked like a dance party.

Suddenly, Alphabet D heard the beating of the drum. It was the dog. He appeared playing a beat on the drum. And everybody started rejoicing and dancing.                  

The doves came in and started circling right above all the others, fluttering their wings to the beat.

Indeed, it was a dance party

All you little children listening out there, I am sure you all love parties, especially birthday parties.

So, what’s your favourite part of any birthday party?

Is it the fun-filled games, or the delicious food, or the scrumptious cake, or the refreshing drinks, or the rhythmic dancing? Or is it everything put together.

Well, even the toys in our story were having a great time in the party.

So, till now in the story, Alphabet D, instead of sleeping, wants to play more and goes to the playroom, only to realize that all the toys were having a party.

As the toys were dancing, the dinosaur came with refreshing drinks and served them to all the animals.

But then the mean red coloured dragon, who always troubled the other toys, appeared from behind the cupboard. All the animals started running here and there as they were scared of the dragon. 

He was a big bully and scared all the toys by his loud shrieks and by blowing fire.

The toys shouted together, “Someone please help us!” and were running helter-skelter.

Hearing the commotion, the lion who was relaxing in the den rushed out.

One look at the dragon and the lion understood the problem that it was the dragon scaring all the other toys.

He roared, "You red dragon, that is no way to spoil the party. Instead why don’t you join them and have fun too!”

“But no one ever invites me to the party,” said one very angry dragon.

The doll gathering courage said, “Dragon dear, you are most welcome to join our party, but please don’t scare us.”

The dragon for the first time felt bad and apologized. All the toys accepted his apologies and soon he too was enjoying the party.

I love to sing,

You love to sing,

We love to sing together!

I love to dance,

You love to dance,

We love to dance together!

Alphabet D was glad to see the toys having a good time. He had a smile on his face, but by now his eyes were heavy and he slowly trudged back to his room and went to sleep.

Hello Children! I am alphabet D. Hope you liked the story.

You know I make the sound /d/

Let’s see what all words in the story started with /d/

/d/ drawers

/d/ dinner and was it /d/ delicious?

/d/ doll. What was she wearing? Shimmering shining dress. And that is

/d/ dress

/d/ deer

/d/duck

/d/ dog, who was playing a

/d/ drum

/d/ doves

/d/ dance, and who came and disturbed the party?

/d/ dragon, and the lion came out of his

/d/ den

Join me in colouring and tons of fun activities by asking your parent or guardian to visit www.rituvaish.com. Once there, click on the D story! If you'd like us to display your artwork on our website, draw a picture of something that starts with alphabet D, colour it, and request a grown-up to send it to rituvaish@gmail.com. That's r-i-t-u-v-a-i-s-h at gmail.com.

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-scrapefoot-the-fox-and-the-three-bears

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once upon a time in a land not so far away, lay the most beautiful forest with mighty old trees, mosses in all shades of green, clear babbling streams, and light open spaces filled with delicate sweet-smelling flowers.

In the middle of this wonderful forest stood the castle of the Three Bears. They were the masters of the forest.

And in the same forest, there was a Fox who lived all alone, his name was Scrapefoot.

Children, can you guess why he was called, Scrapefoot?

The old fox was known for the fact that he would rather beg and bow to anyone than do an honest day of work. He was lazy. It was his typical bow whereby her foot would scrape heavily backward over the floor that earned him the name -Scrapefoot.

He was very proud of himself. He would spend hours grooming himself daily and making sure that his tail was fluffy and lovely.

Scrapefoot was very much afraid of the Bears, but amongst all the things that he wanted very much, one was that he wanted to visit the great grey castle. And one day as he was roaming through the wood he found himself near the Bears' castle, and he wondered, “ Oh, how much I want to see this big, great, grey castle of the bears from the inside!”

He wondered whether he could get into the castle. He looked to the right, he looked to the left, he looked far ahead and way behind, and he could not see anyone.

Then he skidded here and he skidded there, till at last, he arrived at the door of the big grey castle. He tried to see if he could open it. Yes! the door was not locked.

“Would it be my lucky day? Looks like I will get to go inside this great grey castle at last, ” Scrapefoot smiled to himself.

He raised his paws and pushed the door and opened it just a little more. Next, he put his nose in and looked. Luckily he could not see anyone. So, then he opened it a little way farther and put one paw in, and then another paw, and another and another, and then he was all inside the Bears' castle.

He stood at the door, awestruck.

Children, put on your thinking caps and tell me why do you think Scrapefoot was awestruck?

After a moment, he realized that he was in a great hall with beautiful chandeliers, satin curtains and walls adorned with attractive paintings.

Next, his eyes fell on the three thrones; one big, one middling, and one little one.

He thought, “Why don’t I sit on one of the thrones and feel like the master of the forest?”

So, he sat down on the big throne. But he found it so hard and uncomfortable that it made his bones ache, and he jumped down at once and got into the middling throne, and he turned round and round in it, but he couldn't make himself comfortable. So then, he went to the little chair and sat down in it, and felt very nice, “This is so soft, warm, and comfortable!” The Scrapefoot was quite happy, but all at once, it broke to pieces under him.

“Never mind! Let me see the other parts of the castle,” Leaving the throne behind, Scrapefoot walked around the castle. Soon he found the dining room. In it stood a huge heavy but beautifully carved table with three plates on it.

The first plate was filled with big smoked salmon.

Children salmon a medium-sized silver-coloured fish that lives in the seas or rivers.

The Scrapefoot thought, “The bears surely know which fish is good. So I must taste it.”

He took the plate but the strong and weird smell of the salmon made him quickly push the plate as far away as he could.

On the second plate, lay a lovely cake, dripping with honey, “Ahh, the bears are famous to know which is the best honey. So let me try this.”

A bit cautious after his first experience Scrapefoot very, very carefully took the plate. But as soon as she smelled the richness and sweetness of the honey, he pushed the plate even further away than the first one.

Looks like Scrapefoot didn’t have a sweet tooth.

Children, which is your favourite dessert?

On the third plate, stood a little saucer filled with milk.

Scrapefoot carefully smelled the milk but this did not smell too strong, too weird, too rich, or too sweet. He took a little lick and liked it so much that he went on drinking it till it was all gone.

“That was delicious! I wish there was some more,” exclaimed Scrapefoot.

Then Scrapefoot thought, “I really want to see what is upstairs in this castle.” He tried to listen to any sounds, but he could not hear anyone.

So upstairs he went, and he found a great room with three beds in it; one was a big bed, and one was a middling bed, and one was a little white bed, and Scrapefoot climbed up into the big bed, but it was so hard and lumpy and uncomfortable that he jumped down again at once, and tried the middling bed. That was rather better, but he could not get so comfortable in it as he wanted.

So after turning about a little while he got up and went to the little bed; and that was so soft and so warm and so nice that he fell fast asleep children, at once.

Children, what do you think is going to happen in the story now?

Let’s listen ahead.

And after a time the Bears came home, and when they got into the hall. The Big Bear went to his chair and said, “Who’s been sitting in my throne?” and the middling Bear said, “Who’s been sitting in my throne?” and the little Bear said, 'Who's been sitting in my throne and has broken it all to pieces?'

Next, they were feeling a little hungry. So, they went to the dining room, and the big Bear said, “Who’s touched my plate of salmon?” ' and the middling Bear said, “ Who pushed my plate so far away?” The little Bear said, 'Who's been drinking my milk and has drunk it all up?' 

Then they went upstairs and into the bedroom, and the big Bear said, “Who’s been sleeping in my bed?” and the middling Bear said, “ Who’s been sleeping in my bed?” and the little Bear said, “Who's been sleeping in my bed? -- and see here he is!”

So, then the Bears stood around the little bed came and wondered what they should do with Scrapefoot, the fox.

The s big Bear said, 'Let's hang him!' and then the middling Bear said, 'Let's drown him!' and then the little Bear said, 'Let's throw him out of the window.' And then the Bears took him to the window, and the big Bear took two legs on one side and the middling Bear took two legs on the other side, and they swung him backward and forwards, backward and forwards, and out of the window, he went.

Poor Scrapefoot was so frightened that he thought every bone in his body must be broken. But he got up and first shook one leg -- no, that was not broken; and then another, and that was not broken, and another and another, and then he wagged his tail and found there were no bones broken. So,     then he galloped off home as fast as he could go, and never went near the Bears' great, grey castle!

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-jumpy-learns-a-lesson

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

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

His mom teased, “No, what is today?”

Children, can you guess why is Jumpy so excited?

Let’s find out.

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

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

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

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

“Happy Birthday, my son!”

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

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

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

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

That’s lovely

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-originals-the-woodpeckers-granary.

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

You must have heard that it’s wrong to take other people’s things without their permission. Well, in today’s story, someone learns a lesson about not picking up things that don’t belong to them.

So gather around.

Before I plunge into the story, let me tell you dear children that acorn woodpeckers are a particular type of woodpeckers that eat, as the name implies, mainly acorns.   They live in a family that cooperates and helps each other.

A big flock of acorn woodpeckers was soaring in the sky.

This flock had a fledgling named, Nutty.

Nutty loved his flock for it had his papa, mummy, uncles, aunts, and cousins too. They always stayed together and had a lot of fun playing as well as working together.

One day while flying they spotted an oak tree grove. As they were circling over the grove, all of them were enchanted by its tall oaks. So, they decided to get a closer look and landed in the oak grove.

They found that not only were the tall oak trees gorgeous, there were beautiful wildflowers growing and they could even hear the gurgling of a waterfall nearby. Every member of the flock was elated.

Looking at his flock’s happy faces, papa announced “Let's make this our new home. It is so pretty here.” The whole flock chirped in agreement.

The fledglings couldn’t believe their ears, “Hurray! A new home! That’s awesome.”

Looking keenly all around the oak trees Nutty was worried.

“There are no holes here,” he gave an anxious shriek.

Another fledgling added, “Where will we store our acorns?”

“Well! We will teach you how to make the holes and store the nuts. It’s hard work, but doing things together makes it enjoyable,” papa assured the little ones.

All the cousins exchanged a smile and gave high-five to each other with their wings and said, “That’ll be fun! We have never made our holes as in our previous home we already had them.”

Nutty exclaimed, “I’ll make the biggest one!”

Mummy who was observing the excitement amongst the young ones added, “ We don’t need to make big ones. You have to learn to make the holes just the right size to fit the acorn.”

One of the uncles explained, “And remember not to make them lower on the trunk as then the other animals might take our nuts.”

Soon, all the elders got busy with what woodpeckers love doing the most, drilling small holes in the trunk of the oak trees.

Papa made himself comfortable on the trunk of one of the oak trees and called all the fledglings, “Come here, let me teach you how to make the right size holes and the correct distance apart.”

Happily, all the fledglings gave noisy trills and under papa’s guidance got busy pecking the wood to make the cavities.

One of the uncles, flying around the grove, gave a loud call to the flock, “I suggest that since it’s fall, some of us should start harvesting the green acorns. If we delay, we might not have enough acorns in our new granary for the winter months. The others can keep drilling the wood.”

The flock unanimously agreed. They knew building a new granary isn’t an easy task.

Every day, some would fly out in search of acorns, bring back some to keep in the cavities. In the meantime, the others would frantically make holes in the oak trees.

In a few weeks, all their hard work paid off. Their granary was almost ready.

The fledglings were most excited as it was their first year to make holes and store the nuts. They were also very possessive about them.

One day, after soaring in the sky, the flock returned to the grove of the oak trees.

Nutty, enthusiastic about his acorn went straight to check on his very first acorn that he had stored.

Nutty couldn’t believe that the hole was empty. He screeched, “My acorn is not there.”

All you little children listening out there, can you guess what had happened to the acorn.

Well let’s listen ahead to find out. 

One day Nutty found that one of the acorns was missing and gave out a loud shriek that his acorn is not there.

“Mine is also missing,” shouted another one from behind the tree. Mummy calmed them down, “They might have fallen down to the ground. Go look for them”

Instantly, the two cousins flew down and looked all around the tree but could not find their acorns.

Unfortunately, the next day too some of the acorns were gone.

“For sure there is a thief!” announced one of the uncles.

Vexed with the situation the father said, “There has to be a way to find out who the trespassers are who are stealing from our granary. Let’s have a flock meeting right now.”

Everyone got together and started thinking about ways to find out who the thief was.

One of the aunts suggested, “Let us do aerial passes around the grove and catch the thief.”

Mummy recommended, “That’s a great idea. But let's distribute the work as we can neither afford to skip collecting the nuts nor can we skip guarding our granary.”

Uncle approved, “That’s right. Hence, some keep gathering the nuts, while the others keep a watch on our granary..”

“That's a great plan,” echoed the flock.

The next day, the woodpeckers were nervous but everyone went about carrying on with their respective duties.

Till noon, the guarding woodpeckers found nothing unusual, apart from the rustling of the leaves and the melodious music of the wind passing through the grove.

Suddenly, the guards saw some movement amongst the dry heap of leaves and they became alert.

They saw a tiny squirrel who looked here and there for any predators and then quickly climbed and reached the granary, She was about to get the acorn out when the guard woodpeckers shouted, “Hey! You thief squirrel, you should be ashamed of yourself for stealing our food. Go away at once. If you are seen anywhere around our granary, you'll have to face the consequences.”

The squirrel was taken aback, the words of the guarding woodpecker pinched her badly and she scurried away. That night she couldn't sleep as the words, “You thief squirrel” kept on resonating in her ears.

She thought, “I am not a thief!”

But then she realised that if we pick up something, that belongs to someone else without taking permission, that’s being a thief. She was devastated and vowed to rectify her mistake.

The next morning, she went looking for acorns and came back with them to the oak grove.

The guarding woodpeckers yelled out, “ We told you that you should not come close to our granary.”

The squirrel pleaded showing the acorns that she had brought, “I am so sorry. See, I have come to replace the nuts back in the hole. I promise never to steal again. Please don’t call me a thief.”

The woodpeckers were surprised by squirrel’s change of heart.

Nutty said pleasantly, “Thanks! That’s sweet of you. to replace our nuts.”

The others replied,“ We forgive you and won’t call you a thief.”

From that day, the squirrel worked hard and never stole anything.

And As for the woodpeckers, the flock was delighted that they could find the thief.

Since then, the acorn woodpeckers have always believed in: Team work makes dreams work.

Today's story: The Nine Stick is a witty story where Akbar loses his favourite ring and requests Birbal to help out find the thief. Was Birbal successful? to find out, listen to the story.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-nine-sticks

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Akbar was one of the greatest rulers in India.

As the highest ruler in the land, the emperor, Akbar resided in a spacious palace with throngs of obedient servants and so many riches and treasures, it would take all one thousand of his elephants to carry them!

The emperor’s most precious riches and treasures were his jewels. Glittering gold crowns... sparkling silver anklets... radiant ruby earrings... The glistening gems were so dear to the emperor that he kept them locked away in a big locker hidden deep beneath the palace.

Only ten people had a key to that locker: the emperor himself, plus nine pf his trusted attendants who had a very special job.

Every time the emperor wished to wear a piece of jewelry, be it - the emerald pendant — the one shaped like a peacock! or a shimmering bracelet, he would ask one of the trusted servants to bring it from the locker.

To get to the locker, the attendant had to push through a secret hole in the wall. Then they had to run down a hidden set of stairs and unlock a heavy steel door. Once they entered the vault, they would seek out whichever jewel the emperor desired, bring it back to the great ruler’s chamber, and then help him put it on as he admired himself in the mirror.

One day, the emperor, Akbar, decided he’d wear a thick gold ring set with a dazzling diamond the size of an apricot. The ring had been passed down in his family from generation to generation, and the emperor considered it to be his greatest treasure.

So, he asked one of his nine attendants to fetch the ring from the locker. But when the attendant came back, the great ruler was flabbergasted to hear that the ring wasn’t there!

The emperor exclaimed, “What?!? My greatest treasure is missing? It can’t be! Send for another attendant! Let them try!”

So a second attendant went to the locker to look for the ring… and, like the first attendant, he too claimed it was nowhere to be found.

Emperor said not believing the attendant, “ Come now! That ring didn’t just get up and walk away! The door to that vault is as thick as the trunk of a banyan tree!”

But then the third attendant too reported the ring was gone. And so did the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and the ninth.

All returned empty-handed.

The emperor was now very angry and decided to go himself and look for the diamond ring himself.

So, the emperor grabbed his key, marched down to the locker and spent hours sifting through his vast collection of jewels… until, at last, he collapsed in a heap.

Emperor Akbar called out to Birbal, “ You need to help…my greatest treasure is gone!”

Birbal was the emperor’s favourite advisor. The wise and witty man was famous for his razor-sharp intellect and was the first person the emperor called whenever he had a problem he couldn’t solve, a question he couldn’t answer, or a puzzle he couldn’t crack.

Children, do you know any riddle? Please ask either your friend or your family members to solve it.

As the emperor told Birbal what had happened.  The shrewd advisor, Birbal,  listened carefully, scratching his chin and nodding his head. By the time the emperor finished his story, Birbal’s brilliant mind was already hard at work.

Birbal said, “Kindly remind me, Your Imperial Highness… Who in this palace holds a key to the vault of jewels?”

“Well, I do, of course… plus my nine jewellery attendants. And all nine of them gave their word that the ring isn’t there!” said Akbar.

Birbal said, “Looks like your ring has been stolen. And it seems like one of your nine jewellery attendants is the culprit! But leave everything to me, sir, and you will see your greatest treasure very soon. All I need is a little bit of wood, a little bit of time... and maybe… just maybe… a little bit... of magic!”

Children, What do you think Birbal is talking about?

So that night, the emperor’s favourite advisor… wise, witty Birbal... summoned the 9 attendants to his office.

Birbal said, “Welcome, everyone. As you know, we have a mystery on our hands. The emperor’s diamond ring is missing from the vault… and one of you has stolen it! Now ladies and gentlemen... other than the emperor himself, you nine are the only ones in this entire palace who possess a key to the locker  So if you’re the thief who made off with His Imperial Excellency’s diamond ring, confess now and you will be forgiven.”

Birbal waited a moment, but no one would confess.

Birbal added, “So since none of you will come clean, we’ll just have to resort… to magic!”

Birbal strolled over to his desk and pulled open a drawer. He reached inside and then lifted out nine sticks of wood. All nine sticks were identical: same color, same thickness, same length. The wise advisor handed one stick to each attendant.

Laying the nine sticks on the table Birbal said, “Ladies and gentlemen, you may think these nine identical sticks look like ordinary pieces of wood… but no!

These sticks have special powers… powers that will tell us who stole the emperor’s ring!”

The attendants looked confused. Birbal smiled and added, “Let me tell you how these sticks will find out the thief. If you give one of these sticks to an honest, trustworthy person, nothing will happen; the stick will stay exactly as it is. But if you give the stick to someone who is dishonest and deceitful… someone who has stolen, say... the stick will grow exactly two inches longer! Overnight!”

The attendants looked at the sticks in awe.

Birbal then asked each one of the attendants to go back to their room taking their sticks and placing them under their beds. The they should lock the door and make sure no one else entered the room. Then, the first thing next morning they should bring back the sticks and the sticks would tell who stole the emperor’s ring.

Bright and early the next morning, the nine attendants grabbed their sticks, unlocked their doors, and returned to Birbal’s office.

Birbal entered with the emperor Akbar and said, “ Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! Now, we need to measure those sticks of yours! Why don’t you do the honors, Your Imperial Excellency?”

Birbal handed the emperor a measuring tape. The great ruler walked from attendant to attendant, measuring each of their sticks with care.

Once the emperor was finished, he turned to Birbal with a quizzical look.

Akbar said quizzically, “ Well, this is most peculiar! According to my measurements, none of the nine sticks have grown longer! But one of the nine sticks... has gotten shorter!”

The attendants gasped. Birbal’s eyes gleamed.

With a twinkle in his eyes Birbal asked,

Birbal with a surprise look said, “One of the sticks has ‘gotten shorter,’ you say? How much shorter, Your Imperial Highness?”

The emperor held up two fingers and gestured toward one of the attendants whose stick was shorter by two inches.

The attendant immediately began to shudder and sweat. Birbal walked over to the nervous woman and took the stick from her quivering hand. He peered at the stick closely.

Birbal exclaimed, “This attendant’s stick is two whole inches shorter than all the rest! Ladies and gentlemen, we have found the thief who stole the emperor’s.”

He asked the royal guards to take the attendant to her room and bring back the emperor’s diamond ring.

Akbar was confused.

“You told that in the hands of someone dishonest and deceitful, the magic stick was supposed to grow two inches overnight. But that attendant’s stick didn’t grow two inches... It shrank!”

The wise advisor smile and explained that the sticks weren’t magical. He just hoped that he would make the thief believe that they were and at night the culprit cut the stick by exactly two inches.

In short, the guilty attendant cut two inches off of her stick because that way, if the stick grew two inches overnight, it would still look like all the other sticks come morning!

Akbar patted Birbal’s back and said, “You are my real gem.”

Thanks to Birbal’s wit and wisdom, by the end of the day the emperor was wearing his thick gold ring set with a dazzling diamond the size of an apricot.

But the great ruler no longer considered the bright, brilliant jewel his “greatest treasure.”

Because now he realized that his greatest treasure was bright… and brilliant… but it wasn’t any ornament.

It was Birbal! A wise and witty friend who was always there for him, no matter what.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-panchatantra-the-blue-jackal

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once there was an adventurous jackal in a forest who frequently strayed into the neighbouring village looking for food. The village was filled with dogs that scared the jackal. Although he was scared of the dogs, the jackal loved food and travelled to the city again and again.

One day, as he was going to enter a house, he heard barking. He was shocked to find a gang of dogs running towards the house. They looked violent and caused the jackal to panic. In a hurry, he ran to the next house he saw open. It happened to be the house of a washerman. Scared, the jackal tumbled into a tub of indigo, the blue dye used for bleaching clothes. The dogs couldn’t see the jackal and they ran another way.

Children, what colour was the jackal now?

Let’s listen ahead.

The jackal came back to the forest with his body dyed in blue. He appeared very different from any other animal. With his cunning mind at work, he was pleased as no one would be able to recognize him and he could easily fool anyone in the jungle.

Just like he had thought, everyone in the forest was surprised to see such an unusual animal.

When the lions, tigers, panthers, wolves and other animals in the forest saw him, they were frightened and ran in all directions. They thought to themselves, "We do not know his power and strength. It is better we keep a distance from him. Haven't the elders warned us not to trust strangers?”

Finally, the lions and the tigers gathered courage and asked who he was and who had sent him.

“I have been sent by God himself to look after you. I will now be the king of the jungle,” the jackal said.

The lion protested, “Don’t you know, I have always been the king of the forest.”

“From now, that must change and all of you must serve me” The Jackal said happily.

Some animals like the tiger protested and asked what would happen if they didn’t obey him. He replied, “God would destroy the entire forest if you all didn’t obey me.”

Scared for their lives and their forest, the animals asked the blue Jackal what he would like them to do.

“Bring me lots of food,” said the blue jackal promptly.

The animals quickly scurried and returned with lots of food for the Jackal.

He had so much food that he gave his leftovers to the other animals and said, “ You must serve me fresh food every day. Hope that is clear.”

He even threw out the pack of jackals from the forest because he knew that they could identify him someday.

The blue Jackal was very happy with himself for fooling the entire forest and was happy to be away from the city dogs.

But one day the banned pack of jackals was walking around the forest, howling loudly. The blue jackal began howling too out of habit.

Because of this mistake, the lions and other animals immediately recognized that their king was after all a jackal and not a God-send creature. They at once pounced on the blue jackal and in turn, banished him from the forest forever.

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/archive-birbals-khichadi

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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.

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

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children, where do you think Raman hid his money?

Let’s listen ahead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/the-little-new-year

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

One cold morning John awoke from his dreams and sat up in bed and listened. He thought he heard a knock at his window; but though the moon was shining brightly, Mat, a kind hearted boy, had been busy at work. John could not see through the thickly painted panes, so he crept sleepily out of bed, and opened the window, and whispered: “Who is there?”

“I am,” replied a tinkling voice. “I am the little New Year, ho! ho! And I’ve promised to bring a blessing to everyone. But I am such a little fellow I need somebody to help me distribute them. Won’t you please come out and help?”

Children, what is Mat distributing?

Yes, blessings in different forms.

Let’s listen ahead

“Oh, it’s so cold!” said John; “I’d rather go back to my warm bed; “ and he shivered as Mat, who was passing, tickled him under the chin with one of the frosty paint brushes.

“Never mind the cold,” urged the New Year; “please help me.”

So John hurried into his clothes, and was soon out in the yard. There he found a rosy-cheeked boy a little smaller than himself, pulling a large cart which seemed to be loaded with good things. On one side of this cart was painted the word “Love,” and on the other “Kindness.” As soon as the New Year saw John he said, “Now please take hold and help me pull;” and down the driveway and up the hill they travelled until they came to an old shop.

“Here is where I make my first call,” said the New Year. John looked wonderingly at him. “Why, nobody lives here but a man named Mr Brown, and he hasn’t any children!” “He needs my help,” said the New Year; “for grown people like to be thought of just as much as children do. You shovel out a path to his door, while I unload some of my blessings; and the little hands went busily at work, piling up warm clothing, wood, and a New Year’s dinner, the New Year singing as he worked:—

   “Oh, I am the little New Year; ho! ho!

   Here I come tripping it over the snow,

   Shaking my bells with a merry din;

   So open your door and let me in.”

On hearing some noise outside, Mr Brown came to the door, and when he saw all the nice gifts, tears ran down his cheeks for gladness; and as he carried them into the house, he whispered: “The dear god, thank you so much.”

“Where are we going now?” asked John, as they ran down the hill.

Children, where do you think the New Year will go next?

Nice.

Let’s listen ahead

“To take some flowers to a poor sick girl,” answered the New Year.

Soon they came to a small white house, where the New Year stopped. “Why, Bestie, the little girl who sews lives, here,” said John. “I didn’t know she was sick.” “See,” said the New Year, “this window is open a little; let us throw this bunch of pinks into the room. They will please her when she wakes and will make her happy for several days.”

Then they hurried to other places, leaving some blessings behind them.

“What a wonderful cart you have,” said John; “though you have taken so much out, it never seems to get empty.”

“You are right, John, there is never any end to love and kindness. As long as I find people to love and be kind to, my cart is full of blessings for them; and it will never grow empty until I can no longer find people to help. If you will go with me every day and help me scatter my blessings, you will see how happy you will be all the long year.”

“A happy New Year!” called someone, and John found himself in bed, and his sister standing in the doorway smiling at him. “Have you had a pleasant dream, dear?” she asked.

“Why, where is the little New Year?” said John; “he was just here with me.”

“Come into Mamma’s room and see what he has brought you,” answered his sister. There in a snowy white cradle, he found a tiny baby brother, the gift of the New Year. How happy John was then! But he did not forget his dream.

From that day John tried very hard to be helpful. He made all his friends glad because the happy New Year had come.

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/archive-no-ordinary-ornament

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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.

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/santas-christmas

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

It was a beautiful December day, with a clear blue sky and snow-covered tree tops. Christmas was in the air but up in Santa's lodge, all was quiet. The usual hustle and bustle for preparing Christmas presents had gone for Santa had fallen ill.

“Oh dear, what will children say when they don’t receive presents this year,” Santa wondered sadly, as he lay on his bed.

Suddenly, he heard a noise from outside.

Children , who do you think was outside?

Nice. Let’s listen ahead.

He looked out of his window and saw his four reindeer standing patiently as always. But they seemed quite out of breath as if they had just finished a long trip. And as Santa took a closer look, he could not believe what he saw. For behind the reindeer was the long train of sledges carrying children little children dressed in all sorts of colours.

One by one, they hopped out onto the snow and headed towards Santa’s lodge. Soon came a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Santa called out as he was extremely curious.

In came a little girl hugging something soft in her arms. “I hear you were sick Mr Santa,” she began. “So, I am giving you my teddy bear to keep you company.”

“Thank you little Emma,” said Santa as he knew every child by name.

Then entered a young boy with a red package in his arms.

“We knew that you were ill Papa Santa,” he said. “So my family knitted this quilt for you to keep you warm in the winter days.”

“What a wonderful thought Paul,” beamed Santa patting him on the head.

One by one, the children came in through Santa’s door, each with a special gift to wish Santa a speedy recovery.

Children, name a few gift that you think Santa got from the children?

Yes, there were cookies, pieces, socks, mittens, books, jigsaw puzzles, and even a small Christmas tree!

“Children delivered to my doorstep!” exclaimed Santa. “Come let us all share these wonderful gifts.” and he gathered the children around him in a big circle.

“Santa, which present did you like the most?” Emma soon piped up.

“My dear little ones, it is the love and kindness that each one of you has shown me today. That is the best present of all!” Santa said smiling.

He looked fondly at all the eager faces around him. “This, my little ones is the true meaning of Christmas,” Santa said.

With that, Santa gave each of the children are big warm holiday hug.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once a farmer lived on a big farm on the outskirts of the city with his wife and two children, Cocco and Camy. And there was alphabet C that stayed with them too. Camy, the younger of the two children carried Alphabet C everywhere.

The farmer often went to the city to get seeds, manure, and other things needed on the farm.

One day, when the farmer returned from one such trip to the city, he exclaimed, “There is a circus running in the city!”

Cocco and Camy were very excited. Mummy was milking the cow and when she returned, both the kids shouted in delight, “Mummy! May we please go to the circus? Please, please!”

“Sure! That will be fun,” answered mummy hugging the children.

Alphabet C, who was listening to all the excitement also wanted to go to the circus. He pleaded, “Please take me along to the circus!”

Mummy explained, “You are welcome Alphabet C, but you should stay close to us as a city is a huge place, and we do not want you to get lost.”

“Pinky promise! I will stay with Cocco and Camy all the time,” said one very excited alphabet C.

Let me ask a question to all you lovely children listening to the story out there: When you go to a new place, should you go far away from your parent or a grown-up? 

No, never! Is that a pinky promise?

Coming back to the story- Remember Camy and Cocco along with alphabet C were excited about going to the circus in the city.

Camy, who was only 5 years old asked sheepishly, “But what exactly is a circus?”

Mummy took Camy in her lap and explained, “Well, Circus has acrobats, clowns, and other performances, in a large tent. The rest you can find out when we go there!”

Children and Alphabet C waited impatiently waited for Sunday.

On Saturday, mummy asked everybody, “What snacks would you all like me to pack for the circus?”

Coco exclaimed, “Let’s take a chocolate cake!”

Camy added, “ I want my favourite carrots!”

“I think we should take some sandwiches and juice too as we might return late from the circus,” father said.

“And how did you children forget candy??”

“Yes! Yes! Please take that too,” the children said together.

The next day, Cocco and Camy wore nice clothes, combed their hair neatly, and were ready. In the excitement Camy forgot Alphabet C, who came rolling behind, “Please don’t leave me! Please don’t leave me!”

Camy Picked him and said, “I am really sorry. I didn’t mean to leave you behind!”

Mummy was ready with the snacks too.

They all sat in the car and were off to the city.

We are driving down the bumpy road,

the bumpy road

the bumpy road

We are driving down the bumpy road,

To the circus, it’ll lead!

They all were singing songs and rhymes when suddenly they heard a Boom!

All of them jumped in their seats because of that loud sound.

Father got down from the car and looking around the car he said, “Don’t worry, it’s just a flat tyre, I have a spare tyre and will fix it in 10 min.”

The children looked at their father with pride.

“My daddy is the best,” said Camy.

The farmer opened the trunk of the car to replace the tyre, but he realized he didn't have a spare tyre.

“I am so sorry; I forget to place the spare tyre!” father said very sadly.

The children had tears rolling down their cheeks, “Now we’ll have to wait another year to watch the circus,” said Cocco, sobbing.

“Crying doesn’t help dear Cocco, let’s think of some other ways to reach the circus,” said Alphabet C.

“That’s right,” said mumma.

“Shhh everybody be quiet, I hear something,” said alphabet C.

Just then they heard the chime of the bells and the clippety-clop, clippety-clop! Being on the farm they knew that it was the sound of a horse or listening carefully was it the sound of two horses galloping.

All of them looked in the direction of the sound and sure enough, there were two horses pulling a beautiful carriage.

The farmer waved to the coachman who immediately stopped.

Father explained that they were going to the city and had a flat tyre. Unfortunately, he forgot to keep the spare tyre.

The coachman said politely, “I can take you to the town. Please sit in the carriage.”

The farmer and his family couldn’t leave an offer like and thanking the coachman climbed onto the carriage.

Off they all went clippety-clop, clippety-clop!

The coachman asked on the way, “Where do you want to go in the city?”

“We are going to the circus!” Shrieked the children in excitement.

“Wow! What a coincidence, I work at the circus and would drop you right at the gate!”

“That’s awesome!” The two kids shouted clapping their hands.

As they approached the city children spotted colourful tents, “Is that where the circus is?”

“Indeed,” said the coachman.

Once they reached, they thanked the coachman.

Alphabet C whispered in Camy’s ear, “Please give carrots to the horses. I think they would love them.”

“That’s a great idea!” Camy said and took out some carrots from the basket and gave them to the horses, “Thank you very much for bringing us to the circus dear horses!”

With a big smile on their faces, they bought the tickets and some people dressed as caterpillars showed them their seats.

Soon the circus started with a clown wearing colourful outfit riding his cycle that had just one wheel.

“That’s called a unicycle!’ father told the children.

He had a cane in his hand and did funny tricks that made the whole audience roar out in laughter.

Then, there were the acrobats. The children were awestruck by their balancing acts.

Soon there was a short break. By now the children were hungry and they ate the cake and farmer bought them caramelized popped corn.

There were many other performances and the farmer's family had a great time at the circus. So did alphabet C.

When the circus finished, the farmer took a car mechanic who took them in his car and repaired the tyre.

They thanked the car mechanic.

“All is well that ends well!” exclaimed Alphabet C as they drove back to the farm.

Hello Children! I am alphabet C. Hope you liked the story.

You know I make two sounds: /k/ and /s/

I mostly make the sound /k/ as in /c/ car.   

But I also make the sound /s/ as in circus.

Let’s see what all words in the story started with the sound /c/.

Remember was mummy was milking? /c/ cow

And there were many other words

/c/ cake

/c/ carrot

/c/ candy

/c/ car

/c/ carriage

/c/ coachman

/c/ caterpillar

/c/ clown

And what kind of popcorn did the father get? /c/caramelized.

And do you remember the names of the children? Cocco and Camy

But sometimes I make the sound /s/ too

/s/ city

/s/ circus

Is that confusing?

Not at all if I tell you a rule:

When ‘c‘ comes directly before the letters ‘e‘, ‘i‘ or ‘y‘ we use the /s/ sound.

In other cases, we use a /k/ sound.

Simple!! Isn’t it?

To find out if he succeeds, listen to the story

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com

Transcript:

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

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

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

The boy felt very sad and wanted to help.

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

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

The boy walked on until he found a mouse.

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

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

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

But the cat too refused.

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

Exactly -a dog!

So, the boy met a dog.

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

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

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

“I am too tired,” said the hammer.

So the boy ran to a fire.

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

“Too much work,” sizzled the fire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The elephant shook his trunk.

So the boy sat down and cried.

Children, why did the boy cry?

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

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

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

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

The elephant was scared and he pounded the earth.

The earth was scared and it covered the water.

The water was scared and fell on the fire.

The fire was scared and ran to burn the hammer.

The hammer was scared and threatened the dog.

The dog was scared and chased the cat.

The cat was scared and ran to nip the mouse.

The mouse was scared and ran to bit the bowstring.

The hunter was scared and he shot an arrow.

The arrow scared the crow.

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

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

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

Try to recall all the events in the story.

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone left for their homes as it was getting dark.

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

“What are you doing alligator?” asked Alphabet A

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

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

Waving bye to the alligator, Alphabet A went ahead. 

He now met some ants.

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

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

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

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

Jumping along, Alphabet A reached school.

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

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

A says /a/.

A says /a/.

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

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

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

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

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

He went ahead and met the ants again.

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

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

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

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

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

“What did you do whole day alligator?”

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

Suddenly, he realized he heard the sound he makes.

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

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

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

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

Let’s listen to the story and find out.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

Getting back to the story

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

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

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

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

Kalu nodded.

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

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

The koel was waiting impatiently.

“Good morning Koel!” greeted Kalu.

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

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

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

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

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

Another day Kalu saw a mouse gnawing at a sack. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He burst into a smile.

Children, why did the crow burst into a smile?

Let’s listen ahead.

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

They all gathered in the backyard and had a feast.

They all thanked Kalu for being generous.

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

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com

Transcript:

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

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

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

Children, do you play any tricks on your friends?

Remember, our pranks should not harm anyone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s listen ahead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, indeed, the secret weapons are their stingers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

Children, which colour are your favourite shoes?

Everyone was in awe of her skill and speed.

Eventually, though, things began to change.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children, who could be at the door?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The shoemaker heaved a sigh and told the whole story.

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

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

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

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

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

Children, why did the shoemaker stop the beggar?

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

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

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

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

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

Children, any guesses on who was at the door?

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

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

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

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

Slowly, she rose to her feet.

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

The shoemaker blinked her eyes. She was totally confused.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The father enjoyed comfortable and endless naps.

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

The mother then cried inconsolably.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Children, any guesses on what was the shiny thing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-twin-stories-from-romania

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

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

"Seven," he said, boastingly.

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

The fox raised his tail and walked away proudly.

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

Children who do you think was behind the fox?

You may be right , Let’s see!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It happened just as the owl had said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And the hedgehog followed him.

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

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

Ummm,. Let’s listen ahead

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

Ohhh no!

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

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

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

Let’s see.

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

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

The two started quarrelling.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-how-the-kangaroo-got-her-pouch.

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

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

Children, who do you think is crying?

They saw an old wombat staggering toward them.

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

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

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

He said, startled. “Who said that?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well, getting on with the story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children, who was there under the gum tree?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Little Golu was excited.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Children, what is your favourite musical instrument?

Great

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

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

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

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

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

With a smile Golu went back to opening the gifts.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/jumpy-learns-a-lesson

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

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

His mom teased, “No, what is today?”

Children, can you guess why is Jumpy so excited?

Let’s find out.

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

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

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

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

“Happy Birthday, my son!”

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

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

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

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

That’s lovely

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources are available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-the-turtle-who-could-not-stop-talking

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

Children, what do you think they talked about?

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

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

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

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

Let’s see

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children, what was the instruction of the geese?

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

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children, what is your favourite soup?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes! Make a delicious soup.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children, where do you think Raman hid his money?

Let’s listen ahead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

Children, which are your favourite sweets??

That’s nice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lo and behold!

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s listen ahead.

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

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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!

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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!

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 rituvaish@gmail.com.

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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!

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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.

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 rituvaish@gmail.com.

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.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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.

Today’s story is an Aesop Fable - The Town Mouse and The country mouse, It’s a story of a country mouse who visits a big city to experience all of its luxuries and realizes the price at which it comes.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-the-town-mouse-and-the-country-mouse

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

A town and a country mouse were cousins. The country mouse was simple and lived inside a cosy log by the side of a beautiful sunflower field.

Children, what do you think the country mouse ate?

Ya, Probably!

Life was. simple in the countryside and the mouse got by on a few sunflower seeds and wheat stalks most of the days. Some days would be a treat as he would get bread crumbs and cheese left over after the farmer’s meal. There was a fresh bubbling stream next to the log, which had all the clean water he needed whenever he was thirsty.

Children, what do you think a town mouse eats and drinks?

Probably!

The town mouse would occasionally visit his country cousin for a breath of fresh air and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the mechanized world. The town mouse was used to lavish varieties of food in the city, and the simple country experience was a nice change for him to relax and unwind. Although the country was a peaceful place to live, the town mouse wouldn’t give up the pleasures of his town to settle for a laid-back life with little to do. He often remarked that he couldn’t grasp why any mouse would want to live in the countryside with so little and barely getting by.

Since the country mouse had never visited the big town, the town mouse on one of his trips to the country suggested that he come to stay with him and experience the town all for himself and not just listen to his adventures and stories. The country mouse happily accepted his cousin’s offer. He was eager to experience real life in the town.

They set off at once for the town.

Children, can you think of one thing that the country mouse would find different in the city?

Upon arrival, the country mouse was astonished at the size of his cousin’s house; a four-storied building with cast-iron railings, white stucco pillars, and massive doors leading to endlessly long hallways. The brightly polished furniture and oak floors sparkled with the reflection of the ceiling’s crystal chandeliers. After a tour of his upscale mansion, it was finally time for the country mouse to try out the delicious spread of food his cousin always gloated about. The cheese, cream, cakes, truffles, tender meat, and champagne were something the country mouse had only imagined.

The dining room was massive. The country mouse gasped at the sight of the assortment of food left behind on the table. The humans were just done with their dinner and there was so much to eat for the mice; cookies, jellies, meat cuts, fresh bread, and ice cream. They jumped in and buried themselves in the rich food. The country mouse stuffed his mouth with the delicious cakes, drank the sweet champagne, and staggered around dizzy. He was having the time of his life with a full belly and having forgotten what it’s like to have little most days or starve sometimes. The world couldn’t be a happier place!

Suddenly there’s a commotion at the other end of the dining hall.

Children, what was the commotion about?

The country mouse sees his cousin dash across the table like his life depended on it and dragged him away. He turns around and to his horror sees the biggest furriest cat he has ever laid eyes on in his life in pursuit. The overfed cat is also clumsy and fails to catch them at every corner and turn. At the same time, a maid steps in with a long broom and beats the floor determined to squash them with it barely missing the mice. Finally, they reach their hole in the skirting board at the end of the hall barely missing and getting clawed by the most vicious beast that is every mouse’s nightmare, the cat.

“HAHA! That was close! But wasn’t it worth it??” Exclaims the town mouse in glee. The country mouse is dizzy, but this time out of fear as he almost got squashed and clawed to death. This isn’t something a simple country mouse can live with every day he thinks to himself and leaves the town having bid farewell to his cousin.

The moral of the story is that it is better to live a peaceful life that has little and is secure than to live in a luxury that can end any moment in disaster.

The Red Moon is s short story that would remind you not just on 5th June, but always to take care of our blue planet.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-red-moon

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

There was once a little grey planet that was very sad. The people living there hadn't looked after it, despite them having all the inventions and spaceships you could ever need. They had contaminated the whole countryside so much with rubbish and pollution that there were no plants or animals left.

One day, a little boy was walking on the planet, when he passed a cave and noticed a small red flower inside. The flower was very sick - almost dying - so the boy carefully dug up the flower, with roots, soil and everything. Then, he started looking for a place where he could look after it.

Children, where do you think he will plant the red flower plant?

Let’s listen ahead.

He searched all over the planet but everywhere was so contaminated that there was no place the flower could possibly live in. Then he looked up at the sky and noticed the moon. It seemed to the boy that maybe the plant could survive there.

So the little boy put on his astronaut suit and climbed into a spaceship. He put the little red flower in the back, and off they went to the moon.

Far away from all that pollution - and with the boy visiting it every day to tend it - the flower started to grow. 

Children, how do you look after the plants?

That’s great.

The flower was so well cared for, that it soon germinated, giving birth to others, and these other flowers spread onto other flowers. Before long, the whole moon was completely covered with flowers.

That's why, whenever the little boy's flowers open up, for a few minutes the moon takes on a soft red sheen, like a warning light. Maybe it's telling us that if you don't look after your planet, a day will come when flowers will only be able to grow on the moon.

So children, promise to take care of our planet Earth and remember the 4R’s -reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering. These help to remind us of the importance of reducing waste production which in turn would save the planet Earth.

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-archive

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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.

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

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children, where do you think Raman hid his money?

Let’s listen ahead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-foolish-stag

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

There lived a stag in a forest, and one day he was very thirsty. After searching for water, he found a lake nearby and bent down to the lake to drink. As he bent over the surface, he saw his reflection in the water. Looking at his own reflection he greatly admired his graceful antlers. He became very proud of his antlers.

“No other animal has such beautiful antlers,” he thought to himself while still looking at his reflection.

He went on, “Ahha! What a great pair of branching horns are these! How gracefully do those antlers hang over my forehead, and add beauty to my face.”

Suddenly, he saw his legs in reflection and he became very much ashamed of his thin legs.

“How can it be,” he sighed, “that I should be cursed with such legs when I have such a magnificent crown.” This made him sad.

At that moment he scented a lion and in an instant was bounding away through the forest. While he was running in the open grasslands, he was really fast as his legs were strong. But once he entered the woods, his wide-spreading antlers caught in the branches of the trees. The more he tried to free himself, the more difficult it became. As the stag was struggling to get free, the lion came nearer and nearer.

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

Let’s listen ahead.

The stag realized his mistake and thought that how he praised his horns and but they proved to be useless ornaments on his head. Now he understood the real value of his legs, which almost took him to safety. Soon the lion caught him, and he was the food of the lion now.

So children from this story we learn that we should be thankful for what we have.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/panchatantra-the-blue-jackal

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once there was an adventurous jackal in a forest who frequently strayed into the neighbouring village looking for food. The village was filled with dogs that scared the jackal. Although he was scared of the dogs, the jackal loved food and travelled to the city again and again.

One day, as he was going to enter a house, he heard barking. He was shocked to find a gang of dogs running towards the house. They looked violent and caused the jackal to panic. In a hurry, he ran to the next house he saw open. It happened to be the house of a washerman. Scared, the jackal tumbled into a tub of indigo, the blue dye used for bleaching clothes. The dogs couldn’t see the jackal and they ran another way.

Children, what colour was the jackal now?

Let’s listen ahead.

The jackal came back to the forest with his body dyed in blue. He appeared very different from any other animal. With his cunning mind at work, he was pleased as no one would be able to recognize him and he could easily fool anyone in the jungle.

Just like he had thought, everyone in the forest was surprised to see such an unusual animal.

When the lions, tigers, panthers, wolves and other animals in the forest saw him, they were frightened and ran in all directions. They thought to themselves, "We do not know his power and strength. It is better we keep a distance from him. Haven't the elders warned us not to trust strangers?”

Finally, the lions and the tigers gathered courage and asked who he was and who had sent him.

“I have been sent by God himself to look after you. I will now be the king of the jungle,” the jackal said.

The lion protested, “Don’t you know, I have always been the king of the forest.”

“From now, that must change and all of you must serve me” The Jackal said happily.

Some animals like the tiger protested and asked what would happen if they didn’t obey him. He replied, “God would destroy the entire forest if you all didn’t obey me.”

Scared for their lives and their forest, the animals asked the blue Jackal what he would like them to do.

“Bring me lots of food,” said the blue jackal promptly.

The animals quickly scurried and returned with lots of food for the Jackal.

He had so much food that he gave his leftovers to the other animals and said, “ You must serve me fresh food every day. Hope that is clear.”

He even threw out the pack of jackals from the forest because he knew that they could identify him someday.

The blue Jackal was very happy with himself for fooling the entire forest and was happy to be away from the city dogs.

But one day the banned pack of jackals was walking around the forest, howling loudly. The blue jackal began howling too out of habit.

Because of this mistake, the lions and other animals immediately recognized that their king was after all a jackal and not a God-send creature. They at once pounced on the blue jackal and in turn, banished him from the forest forever.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/originals-the-lazy-dragon.

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

"Get up Slothy. Don't you want to join your siblings in learning how to breathe out fire?" said the mother dragon lovingly.

"Umm. Please mummy, let me just sleep in a little more. I know how to breathe out fire," muttered Slothy, the baby dragon. He turned the other way and snoozed again.

There were many things Slothy enjoyed doing.

First, Slothy loved to sleep.

Next, he loved to watch television.

There was yet another thing that he loved to do. He loved to play games on the mobile phone.

But what he did not enjoy was learning, from blowing out fire to building stamina to fly fast and far.

Slothy's parents encouraged and motivated him, but all in vain. Father used to try enticing him by doing dragon training at fun places. One day he called out, “Slothy, today we are all going to the top of the mountain. We’ll all blow out fire there. Come, join us.”

“Thanks, Dad, but I am feeling tired, would rather sleep and watch a show to relax myself.”

Mother added, “ You are a dragon and, a fire-blowing dragon, you must practice it too!”

“I know all about being a dragon. Don’t worry mumma!” Slothy muttered watching his favourite Television show.

In short, we can say he was a couch potato.

One day, Slothy's mother coaxed him to get some fruits from the forest.

“I need some fruits as your uncle is coming over for dinner.”

Reluctantly, Slothy agreed and sluggishly walked over to the adjoining forest. The trees were dense and formed a beautiful canopy. The flowers were pretty spreading a lovely fragrance all around. The birds were chirping a sweet song and the earthy smell was refreshing. But none of these interested Slothy. He just wanted to get back to his TV shows.

Plodding through the forest, he arrived at a forest clearing. It was a campsite and some children were enjoying. Slothy stopped to look at them as they were singing songs around the campfire.

The ants go marching one by one, Hurrah-Hurrah!

The ants go marching one by one, Hurrah-Hurrah!

The ants go marching one by one,

The little one stopped to suck his thumb!!

And They all giggled

As the children stopped singing, one of the kids saw Slothy and exclaimed, "Wow, a dragon!"

"Hey, are you a real dragon?" asked the others.

Slothy proudly claimed, "Of course. I am a fire-breathing dragon."

“Wow! That’s amazing,” one child yelled out a thrilling cry.

"We'll believe you when you blow out fire for us," dared one of the children, not believing Slothy.

"Here you go," said Slothy and puffed. But, what was that? He couldn't blow fire. He puffed yet again, but he still could not blow out fire.

The children jeered, "No, you are not a real dragon.”

"But see, I can fly." Slothy flapped his wings and lifted himself just a little above the ground. Plonk, he fell right down.

"Little dragon, don't fool us. Learn to blow fire and fly and then come back to us," they said teasingly.

All you lovely children listening out there, can you guess why Slothy couldn’t blow out fire?

Yes, Indeed that’s because he didn’t practice.

To learn something new we all need to practice, right?

Well, in our story so far, Slothy was a lazy baby dragon and didn’t want to learn anything. He only lazed around and watched TV or played video games.

He felt embarrassed when the children at the camp asked him to blow fire, but he could not!. 

He was sad. Tears rolling down his cheeks. He returned home and locked himself in his room.

That day he felt very humiliated. He decided that he would change and learn to be a real dragon. A real fire-blowing, flying dragon. He would not be lazy and would stop watching television and playing games on the mobile phone.

He went to his father and said, “Dad, I would join my siblings in learning to blow fire, learning to fly fast and far, and whatever else you teach me! I want to be a real dragon”

“Dear son, I am very happy to hear that,” father said feeling elated.

From that day, Slothy diligently learnt all that his father taught. He practised really hard. In the beginning, he couldn't blow fire, but his father reminded him -Practice makes one perfect. Sometimes Slothy made mistakes or failed at a task, but he did not give up and kept on trying. 

Slothy admitted to his mother, “All this is really exciting! I am becoming a real dragon!”

Proudly mother patted him on his shoulder.

One day mummy again sent Slothy to collect fruits from the forest. This time he was excited and immediately agreed. As he walked into the forest, he was fascinated by the trees that formed a beautiful canopy, was awestruck by the vibrant flowers, and was captivated by the birds chirping. He also found the earthy smell very refreshing

While collecting fruits for his family, Slothy reached the same campsite. This time there were two families there. They looked kind of upset.

Slothy went closer to see what the matter was. Looking at Slothy, a little girl yelled out "Look, a fire-blowing dragon. He could help us!"

“Please come and help us dragon, we forgot to get our match sticks and therefore cannot cook our meal on the campfire.”

Children, can you guess how Slothy would help the campers?

Listen ahead .

Slothy said that he could surely help them light the fire for he was the fire-blowing dragon. He mustered up his strength and puffed. There was a spark but not quite strong to start a fire.

Slothy remembered his father's teachings and took a moment to collect his thoughts before focusing again on the task., He puffed again and Lo and behold he blew a hot stream of fire on the logs and lit the campfire.

The little girl’s eyes sparkled. She and all the campers thanked Slothy. They were all delighted.

“Now we can roast our marshmallows!” the little girl jumped in joy.

Slothy, seeing them happy, was elated as well. Waving goodbye, he soared high in the sky.

Indeed, we have to practice if we want to learn something properly, Isn’t it?

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-greedy-fox-archive

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

It was deep mid-winter and Felix the Fox was very, very hungry.

But Felix was an extremely lazy fox and was always eyeing other people’s food and planning to steal food by hook or by crook.

His cunning mind was racing fast, "Where am I going to find something to eat?" As he was wandering in the forest as he passed a big oak tree his nose twitched. “Is that some delicious food that I smell?”

He slowly retraced his steps back to the oak tree, trying to trace the source of the smell.

He stopped right in front of the oak tree. He took a deep breath to absorb the aroma.

With his mouth watering, he thought, “It’s my lucky day. I can smell some delicious bread and meat inside this hollow in the trunk. Some shepherd must have left there.”

He couldn’t resist anymore and made himself as small as he could and wriggled inside.

Once he successfully crept inside, he relished the bread and the meat. He ate and he ate and he ate. And then he ate some more. He had never eaten so much food in his life.

"Marvellous," he said, licking his lips when he'd finished the very last crumb.

Children, what do you think happened to him?

Ready to listen ahead?

He was now so fat he couldn't get out again!

He squeezed... and he squeezed ... and he squeezed... but it was no good.

Of course, he hadn’t realized that he had eaten too much.

He thought that the tree had gotten smaller. He panicked.

He poked his head out of the hole and yelled, “Help! Get me out of this horrible hole.”

A weasel who was passing by stopped and asked, “ What happened?”

The fox yelled out, “This tree is shrinking, it’s crushing me to death. Help!”

The weasel lived nearby and used to pass this oak tree every morning as he went about doing his morning chores and every evening when he returned home, knew the oak tree well. He calmly explained, “I don’t think so. It looks about the same size when I passed it in the morning. Probably you have grown bigger.”

Felix with only his eyes poking out screamed, “Stop talking nonsense. And get me out.” “ I am dying I tell you!”

Weasel knew the greedy fox had been eating too much and nonchalantly said, “Well it serves you right for eating too much. You’ll just have to stay there until you get thinner, and then you can clamber out. Perhaps next time you won’t eat so much.”

Saying that the weasel waved bye-bye and walked away.

At noon the shepherd, who had safely placed his food in the tree hollow returned.

“Help,” shouted Felix, the greedy fox, “I can explain what happened.”

But seeing a fox there, the shepherd got scared and ran away.

So, poor Felix had to stay in his miserable hole for 2 days and 2 long nights. But he never ever ate too much food again.

Today's story is - The King and the Parrots

This story tells that our environment affects our speech, our behaviour and our personality.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-king-and-the-parrots

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once upon a time, a tribal king who was hunting in the forest caught two parrots in his net. He was very pleased with this and thought that he would teach the parrots to talk and his children would be happy to play with the talking parrots.

Children, if you had a talking parrot, what would teach him to speak?

Great!

As the tribal king was returning home with his catch, one of the parrots somehow escaped from the net and flew away to the other end of the forest. At the other end of the forest was a sage’s hut. The parrot that escaped started living here with the sage. The other parrot was carried to the tribal king’s home and he began living there with the tribal king and his family.

Many months later, one day, a king from a nearby kingdom was passing through the forest on his horse. While riding, he came near the tribal king’s house. As he came nearer to the house, the tribal king’s parrot who was kept in a cage outside the house, started shouting loudly, “Who is there? Catch this man who is coming here and beat him black and blue.”

Children, why do you think the parrot was saying such things?

Let’s listen ahead.

The king was displeased on hearing the parrot talk in such a filthy way and decided to ride in the other direction. Soon, he reached the other end of the forest where the sage’s hut was situated. When the king came closer to the hut, the sage’s parrot, who was also kept in a cage outside the hut, said politely, “You are welcome, dear sir. Please come in and have a seat. Would you like a glass of water and some sweets?” After having welcomed the guest with proper manners, the parrot called out to his master, “Guruji, you have a visitor. Please take him inside and offer him some food.”

The king was amazed to see the intelligence and manners of this parrot. He realized the contrast between the tribal king’s parrot who was extremely rude and the sage’s parrot who was polite and courteous. He understood that a good environment and training always give better results and that a man is known by the company he keeps.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-four-friends-archive

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once in India, in a beautiful jungle, there lived a crow, a mouse, and a turtle who were the best of friends. The three met every day by the pond to talk and sing. They were always ready to help each other. Isn’t that what friends are for?

Children, I am sure you also help your friends. Can you please share an incident where you helped a friend?

One day while they sat together, a gold-spotted deer ran up, her eyes huge with fear. In a frightened voice, she cried, “Help me, please! The hunters are coming to kill me.”

At once, Turtle pointed to some tall grass. Deer bent her head and slipped into the green grass. Within seconds she was hidden. The three friends then moved around to cover her tracks.

 Children, why did they cover the deer’s tracks?

 Yes, so that the hunters would not be able to trace them.

 And that’s what happened. When the hunters came, they glanced over and when they couldn’t find the deer, they rode away.

“It is safe now,” called Mouse after the hunters had left.. Deer came out, thanked the three, and stayed to talk and play with them. She enjoyed herself and decided to live near her new friends.

 Children, how many friends they are now?

That’s right, now they are 4 friends.

Many days passed happily. Everything was peaceful, and the forest was a happy place for them. Then one morning, Crow, Mouse, and Turtle met as usual. But their friend Deer did not come. They waited for hours and hours. When still she didn't come they grew worried

“We must go and search,” said Crow and flew off at once. Suddenly, the high-flying crow saw Deer below in a nearby clearing. Her leg was caught in a hunter’s trap and she could not move. Crow quickly called his friends and they came to help.

“Don't worry, dear friend,” said the Turtle kindly. “We won't leave you. We'll all think of a way to help you.” Turtle talked and talked comforting Deer, while Mouse quickly nibbled through the rope and freed her.

Into the woods jumped Deer as Crow flew off and Mouse scampered away. But while the slow-moving Turtle crawled to safety the hunter returned.

“Oh, My deer has escaped,” he shouted furiously. “But at least I have a Turtle.” He picked up poor Turtle, tied a rope around his leg, and started towards home. Crow looked down as he flew and saw his poor friend being carried away.

He quickly found Deer and Mouse and worriedly said, “Now we must save Turtle.”

And the friends quickly hatched a plan.

Deer, with Mouse on her back, ran swiftly ahead of the hunter. Then she laid down in the path, as still as could be, while Mouse hid. Crow perched right on Deer’s face and looked like he was pecking at the dead body.

 Children, can you guess the friends’ plan?

Listen ahead.

The hunter came up. He smiled when he saw the deer, thinking, “Ah, the deer didn't go too far. I'll just scare off that hungry crow and take my dinner home. It will be better than old turtle's meat.”

He tossed Turtle, took out his knife, and walked eagerly towards Deer. Meanwhile, Mouse ran right up and chewed off Turtle’s rope. Turtle slipped into a nearby pond and Mouse scurried under a stone.

When the hunter was about 3 feet away, Deer suddenly jumped up and ran away to safety. At the same time, Crow flew off, leaving the hunter alone. He waved his hands and stomped his feet in a rage.

“Well, at least I have the turtle,” he said after a while. He turned back but Turtle was gone. He looked all around but never found him.

The hunter was now alone in the silent forest. And very-very mad. But there wasn't anything he could do. So at last he walked home, with a frown on his face and nothing in his hands.

When his footsteps had faded and the woods were safe again, the four best friends met together at the pond. They had a grand time talking about their adventures while they celebrated both freedom and friendship.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/tenali-the-detective-archive

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Tenali Raman was once walking along a forest path when he was stopped by a merchant. “I’m looking for my camel which has strayed away. Did you see it passing by?” asked the sad and worried merchant.

Children, how do you feel when you lose something? I feel the same, and so we must take care of things.

So, a merchant had lost his camel and was asked Tenali is he had seen it.

“Had the camel hurt its leg?” asked Raman.

“Oh yes! That means you have seen my camel!” said the merchant. 

“Only its footprints. See, you can see footprints of an animal with three legs,” said Raman, pointing out the footprints on the ground. “It was dragging the other leg because it was hurt in that leg.”

“Was it blind in one eye?” Raman asked the merchant.

“Yes, yes,” said the merchant eagerly.

“Was it loaded it with wheat on one side and sugar on the other side?” asked Raman.

“Yes, you are right,” said the merchant. 

“So you have seen my camel!” exclaimed the merchant. 

Raman looked upset. “Did I say I saw your camel? Of course not!” 

“Then how did you give the exact description of my camel,” said the merchant. 

“I saw no camel,” said Raman. 

Children, how do you think Raman knew the exact description of the camel?

Let’s listen ahead.

“Do you see those plants lined up on both sides of this path? You can clearly see, some animal has eaten leaves of plants on the left, but the plants on the other side remain untouched. So , I figured out that the animal could see with only one eye.”

“Look down. You can see ants lined up on this side which means, the animal was loaded with sugar bag on this side. The bag had a hole, which allowed the sugar to fall off. That’s how I know that the camel was carrying bags of sugar.”

Tenali smiled and further added, “You can see grains of wheat fallen on the other side. The bag on this side also must have holes in it.”

“I can see everything you showed me,” protested the merchant, ”but I still don’t see my camel.” 

Children, any idea how Tenali would help the merchant find the camel?

Let’s see!

“You follow this trail and soon you will catch up with your animal. After all it is hurt in one leg and you seem to be hale and hearty,” said Raman.

The merchant took his advice and followed the trail left by the camel.

Soon he caught up with the poor animal, limping along. 

“Rani!” the merchant shouted in happiness, as he ran to his camel.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-grandfather-stone-archive.

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once upon a time, there was no “once upon a time.” That was because the people had no stories to tell. They didn’t even know what a “story” was! And that made the winters long and boring for people who were cooped up inside with little to do.

Children, imagine you are stuck inside homes, how would you keep yourself entertained?

In one village, a boy lived with his grandmother. As the spring arrived, , he took his spear to catch fish in the river. By the time the sunset each evening, the boy’s basket was always overflowing with plump, glistening bass and trout!

One year, on the first day of spring, when the blankets of snow melted away and colourful flowers sprang from the earth, the boy ran to the river. He waded into the water, his spear poised above his shoulder.

The little boy called out to the fish in the river, “I see you, little fish. Right there, little fish!”

But every time he plunged his spear into the crystal-clear river, the slippery fish would zig-zag away and disappear downstream.

The boy was disappointed.

By the time the sun went down, the boy’s basket had only two fish in it.

Sadly he thought to himself, “ Oh, no! I’ve never caught so few fish before! Grandmother depends on me for dinner. This is going to be one meagre meal.”

Not wanting to face his grandmother, the boy decided to meander home a different way. He entered the dark forest and took a left turn where he usually took a right.

Children, what do you think will happen now?

Listen ahead.

Soon, he approached a shadowy clearing. As he stepped inside, he heard a deep, rumbling voice call out, “ Young man, would you like to hear a story?”

The boy was aghast, “Who’s there? Who said that? And what is a story?

He heard the deep voice again, “A “story” tells about the things that happened before this time. It tells how things came to be, and why things came to be. So, I ask you again: would you like to hear a story?”

Children, if the voice asked you, “Which story would you like to listen to? “ What would you say?

Now, you remember the boy was in no hurry to go back home. Besides, he was also curious.

He requested in a deep voice, “Yes, please! I would love to hear a “story”! But first, who are you? And where are you? I don’t see anyone here!”

Just then, a gleaming, white ray of the moon passed through the trees and lit up the stone in the middle of the clearing. Suddenly, the boy realized where the voice was coming from the stone!

The stone introduced himself, “ I am Grandfather Stone. I have been here since time began, so I have many stories to tell. But first, storytellers should always receive something for their stories, a gift, in exchange for their gift. Have you something to give me?”

All that the boy had with him were the two fish he’d caught that day. He reached into his basket, pulled out the larger fish, and placed it on top of the stone and asked, “Will this do?”

Grandfather stone said, “ It will do. Thank you. Now, come sit. And I will tell you a story.”

The boy settled down on the ground and leaned back against the cool, smooth stone. He closed his eyes as the stone began the story.

The Grandfather Stone told a story about how long ago, when animals could talk, the proudest and most boastful creature was the bear. The burly beast was always bragging about his most prized possession: a long, glossy, furry tail.

One winter, a clever fox decided he’d teach the cocky bear a lesson. Fox told Bear that if he stuck his tail through the ice on the river, the next day he would catch a bounty of fish!

FISH! Hearing the word fish, the bear’s mouth started watering. He decided to stick his tail in the ice!

Children, can you guess what will happen next?

Well, come morning, guess whose tail was frozen beneath the ice?! Bear tried to yank it out, but it stayed behind in the ice, and ever since then, bears have had short tails.

By the time the story ended, the boy was grinning from ear to ear.

“Wow! This was the most extraordinary thing I have ever heard, thank you I wish you could tell me one more story, but I only have one fish left. And that’s dinner for grandmother and me. It’s also getting late and I have to run back home! “

“No problem, you can come back tomorrow,” said the grandfather stone.

The little boy rushed back home. When he reached home the Grandmother looked at the little boy and then the basket and said sadly,

“I have been worried sick,

For you didn’t see the time tick.

What! One fish?”

“Umm, grandmother…,” stammered the boy, when grandmother interrupted,

“Shh.. it’s my wish

For you to get more fish

Tomorrow.”

“Surely, surely,” and he went to bed imagining the story that the Grandfather stone told.

The next day it was the same. The little boy took his spear, tried and tried, but he managed to get only two fish yet again!

He went straight to the clearing and placing a fish requested for another story from the Grandfather Stone.

Again, the boy relaxed on the ground, his eyes closed, his head resting against the stone’s cool, smooth surface. Grandfather stone gladly told him yet another story.

After the story ended, the little boy expressed, “ Oh, Grandfather Stone! These stories are the best! I wish you could tell me more, but I only have one fish left.”

The grandfather stone comforted, “Not to worry, young man. Come back tomorrow, and I will tell you another story.

That brought a smile on the little boy’s face and happily, he went back home.

 When he reached home the Grandmother looked at the little boy and then the basket and with a tear rolling down her cheek she said,

“I have been worried sick

For you didn’t see the time tick.

What ! One fish?”

“Umm, grandmother…mother,” stammered the boy, well,

I got two fish but one I exchanged for a gift!”

Grandmother’s eye brightened, “ Gift ?” Looking into the basket she said, “ Where is it?

“Well! It’s a gift that you hear, “ the little boy said wiping the tear off grandmother’s wrinkly face and explained everything.

 “I want to meet your grandfather stone too and listen to what you call stories.”

Children, do you think the little boy would take the grandmother?

Let’s find out.

The boy asked Grandmother to take a basket, and fill it with slices of fresh cornbread.

With the basket of cornbread slung over one arm, the boy led Grandmother to the clearing in the forest. In the middle, stood Grandfather Stone, his smooth, cool surface dappled by moonlight through the trees.

They both heard the deep voice, “ Young man. You’re back already! And you’ve brought a companion! Welcome!

Grandmother was so astonished that, uh, um, that was all that she could say.

Grandmother watched as the boy emptied the basket of cornbread onto the stone.

With sparkling, curious eyes the boy said, “We would like to hear many stories.”

The grandfather stone said, “Thank you! Now, I will tell you some stories.”

The boy helped Grandmother onto the ground. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and gave a loving squeeze as Grandfather Stone began.

The stone told stories about foolish people and clever animals, stories about clever people and foolish animals, stories about how chipmunks got their stripes, how porcupines got their quilts and how we got the four seasons.

Hours went by. Morning came and the moon gave way to the rays of the sun, and the boy and Grandmother were wide awake, wrapped up in Grandfather Stone’s stories

At last, the stone paused.

The grandfather said, “From here on out, stories won’t be kept inside smooth, cold stones like me. They’ll be carried by warm-blooded people like you! Pass these stories on to your children... and your grandchildren, then have them pass these stories on to their children and grandchildren. Keep these stories going for as long as the world keeps going. Now, my friend, it’s your turn.”

Then the stone fell silent and never spoke again.

The boy and his grandmother listened to the stone’s final words. They returned to the village, and recounted the stories as they had heard… sharing them with everyone, young and old... again and again and again.

To show their thanks, the villagers offered gifts of food and clothing. But the way the boy and Grandmother saw it, being able to pass Grandfather Stone’s magnificent, splendid stories on to others was gift enough.

And when spring turned to summer, summer turned to fall, and fall turned to winter, and the temperatures and the snow began to drop, no one worried about suffering through a long, drawn-out season. They had their stories to entertain them and keep them warm.

And today… the whole world does, too.

Every year on the 20th of March we celebrate world storytelling day.

So, I request our listeners to share their favourite stories amongst all the episodes on our podcast. You may share it on: https://www.facebook.com/ritusnest/

Today's story,The Banana Split is a story from Panama, the central American country that bridges North and South America.

Children, what is the quickest thing you can think of? the Lion, the cheetah, the train…

Yes, all those are all quick things, to be sure. But none of them is as quick as your mind!

Today’s story is about someone saving the situation by using the fastest thing….that is MIND!

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

In a tropical forest full of towering trees, dangling vines, and twisting rivers, there lived a Monkey.

Monkey had his home at the top of the only banana plant in the forest. At the very top of the thick green stem, yellow clusters of sweet, delicious bananas dangled high above the ground.

And all the animals in the forest longed to eat them! 

Like the Cuckoo said, “ I really want to eat a banana as a snack right now.”

The porcupine who was standing under the banana tree looked up and pleaded, “ Me too, cuckoo, my tummy is rumbling for a banana, actually a few bananas.”

The toucan staring at the bunch of bananas screeched, “ I wish the monkey would share some with us.”

From one of the branches jumped the monkey and swinging while eating a banana teased, “ No way! This is my tree and I won’t share even a single banana with anyone of you.”

But the animals really wanted to eat the bananas so they made a bargain and offered something in return. 

Children, can you guess what would each offer in exchange for a banana?

Think about what each of them is famous for.

Very Good.

Let’s listen ahead.

The cuckoo offered, “ I will sing you the most melodious song that would help you to sleep like a baby.”

The porcupine plucked one of his quills and said, “ here, this quill will make a perfect backscratcher.”

Toucan interrupted, “ I’ll share my most vibrant feathers and they’ll look amazing with your brown and white fur.”

But all in vain for the monkey,’ I will not fall for all these bargains. I am telling you that I won’t share any bananas with you.”

The cuckoo knew that there was a wise Turtle who could probably help them and they all decided to go to him. 

The Turtle lived deep in the heart of the forest, so it was evening by the time the Cuckoo, Toucan, and Porcupine reached her nest. The clever creature was sound asleep, with her head, legs, and tail tucked deep within her brown and yellow shell.

The cuckoo said, “ Pssst! Turtle! Wake up, wake up, we need your help.”

The Turtle poked out her head and opened one eye and looked at the cuckoo and gave a sleepy smile, “ Always there to help my dear friends.”\

Then, looking at the porcupine and the toucan, he said, “ please tell me how can I be of help.”

They explained the situation and how the monkey wasn’t sharing bananas with anyone.

Turtle closed her eyes. At first, the other animals thought she had fallen back asleep. But then she blinked her eyes open and broke into a grin. “ I know just how to make that monkey set straight.”

She reassured the friends that they needn’t worry anymore and that she has a perfect plan to teach a lesson to the monkey.

The next day, the Turtle walked towards the river and as expected found the monkey gulping water after eating his breakfast of bananas.

The Turtle said, “ hello monkey! “

“Turtle! You scared the living daylights out of me! What are you doing sneaking up on a guy while he’s washing down his breakfast? And what a breakfast it was! I must have eaten six bunches of bananas, at least! Each one is riper and sweeter than the last! Oh, you should have tasted them! Not that you ever will, of course. Since they’re mine, all mine!” said the monkey.

Turtle waited for the monkey to complete and said, “ Gosh! Those bananas. I’ll make you a bet, Monkey. I’ll bet you half of all the bananas on the plant that if you and I race to the top of it… I'll beat you!”

The monkey laughed out loud, “ You…?!? Beat me?!? To the top of the banana plant?!? But you’re a slow-crawling Turtle! And I’m a speedy, nimble monkey! You wouldn’t stand a chance racing against me!”

“We’ll see,” smiled the Turtle.

“I accept the bet,” said the monkey.

Cuckoo, Porcupine, and Toucan volunteered to be the race’s referees. Standing at the mossy, grassy base of the banana plant, they helped kick off the race.

Cuckoo said, “ On your marks.”

The porcupine added, “ get set.”

And the toucan yelled., “ Go!”

Children, whom do you think will win?

Yes! The monkey for he is so much faster than the Turtle.

Finally, when the Turtle reached the top, he politely offered his congratulations.

The other animals watching were disappointed and waved goodbye to all the bananas.

Then they all looked up in surprise when they heard the Turtle, “You are indeed fast! I wonder if I could interest you in another bet? This time, I’ll bet you half the bananas on the banana plant that I can reach the ground faster than you can!”

Monkey called down, “Cuckoo? Porcupine? Toucan? We’re having another race! This time, to the bottom! That silly Turtle still thinks she can beat me! Can you get us started?”

The animals knew that their friend Turtle would lose, but all the same went ahead.

Cuckoo said, “ On your marks.”

The porcupine added, “ get set.”

And the toucan yelled., “ Go!”

In a blink of an eye, the monkey began scrambling and swinging down the banana tree.

Well, the Turtle took a deep breath.

Children, what do you think the Turtle would do?

Let’s listen ahead.

The Turtle, however… did not move.

 Instead, she closed her eyes… then tucked her head, feet, and tail safely inside her thick, hard, brown and yellow shell.

And then… she dropped like a rock!

“Here we gooooooooo!!!!!’ she called out.

Down, down, down she fell. Until she landed… safe and sound on the grassy, mossy ground below.

She exclaimed. “ Made it!”

Monkey, meanwhile, was completely unaware of Turtle’s rapid descent. He’d been He was shocked when he reached the base of the banana plant and saw his opponent standing there, with a triumphant smile on her wrinkly face!

One very confused monkey asked, “But wait! How did you get down here before I did?”

To which the Turtle proudly said, “There’s more than one way to be quick! You have your fast feet… I have my quick mind. And now I have half the bananas in this banana plant, too!”

What else could Monkey do but split the bananas with Turtle, for he had lost the bet?

And that night, Turtle, Cuckoo, Porcupine, and Toucan enjoyed a sweet, succulent banana feast.

As for Monkey, he never again hogged all the bananas to himself. Instead, he shared them. Because he knew that despite his swift, nimble hands, feet and tail, when it came to true quickness, Turtle was truly the winner.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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

Children, it’s a story about doing good to others. Here a dove does something for the ant, but does the ant reciprocate? Listen to the story to find out.

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

Transcript

On a hot day in summer, an ant was searching for some water. She crawled around for a long time, but in vain. She couldn’t find water.

Children, please give ideas to the ant as to where she can find water

Great! Let’s listen ahead.

By now her throat was parched. Luckily she heard the gurgling of water and rushed in that direction. Yes indeed, she reached a river. To drink the water, she climbed up on a small rock and drank to her heart's content. She took a sigh of relief and wanted to drink some more. This time, unfortunately, she slipped and fell into the river.

She shouted, “ Help! Help! I am drowning!”

There was a dove sitting on a branch of a tree on the bank of the river.  who saw an ant falling into the river. The dove was kind-hearted and always extended a helping hand to anyone in need. He quickly plucked a leaf and dropped it into the river near the struggling ant. The ant moved towards the leaf and climbed up onto it. Soon, the leaf drifted to dry ground, and the ant jumped out. She looked up at the tree and thanked the dove.

After a few days, the dove was sitting on a tree. The ant was playing under the same tree. The ant saw a hunter aiming his arrow at the dove and guessed what he was about to do. She knew that his friend, the dove was in danger.

Children, what do you think the ant would do now?

Yes! She quickly rushed towards the hunter and bit him on his leg. The hunter cried in pain and his arrow missed the dove. Alarmed by the scream, the dove understood what had happened and flew away. The ant saved the dove. The dove thanked the aunt for saving her life and became friends forever.

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-kettle-who-gave-birth-archive

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Nasiruddin admired his neighbour Ali’s kettle very much.

Children, can you imagine what it looked like?

Indeed, it was big and beautiful, painted and glazed in many vibrant colours with exquisite designs.

Every time he went over to the neighbour, he was offered tea and he couldn’t stop admiring the kettle so much so that he wanted the kettle for himself.

Being a witty and an intelligent man, Nasiruddin decided to play a trick, by which he could get the kettle.

Children, do you play any tricks with your friends? These should only be friendly and not harm anyone.

One day Nasiruddin went to Ali and said, “My dear neighbour, I need to borrow your kettle as mine has developed a leak, and I have some relatives visiting me shortly.”

Ali willingly gave the kettle without suspecting anything.

Many days passed and when Nasiruddin didn’t return. So, Ali went to Nasiruddin's house and said politely, “I have been waiting for so many days. Why did you not bring my kettle back?”

Nasiruddin replied, “Oh my friend! I have great news for you.”

Children, can you guess the great news?

Listen ahead.

Nasiruddin added, “Your kettle gave birth to a little kettle. I was just waiting for the little kettle to gain strength before I brought the mother and the child to you.”

So saying, Nasiruddin returned the kettle with a smaller one.

Ali was amazed as well as overjoyed. He took his kettle and the other little one wondering at the miracle.

After a few days, Nasiruddin again went to Ali’s house and again asked if he could borrow the kettle. And Ali without hesitation gave the kettle.

Ali waited for a few days for Nasiruddin to return, but when the latter did not, Ali Went to Nasiruddin's house and asked for it.

Children, what excuse do you think Nasiruddin will give this time.

Let’s see.

“Oh, my friend! How I wish I had better news,” clasping his hands and in a sad tone Nasiruddin said, “That kettle was old and sick, and she died. I looked for you but couldn’t find you so buried her lest she would rot.”

Ali was furious and stormed out of Nasiruddin's house only to reach the court of justice and put the matter before the judge.

The judge called Nasiruddin and asked,” Why did you take this man’s kettle for your own?”

Nasiruddin said confidently, “The kettle was old and sick and she died. I looked for Ali, but couldn’t find him that day, so buried the old kettle.”

Children, think for a moment that you were the judge, what verdict you would give?

Let’s see what happens in the story next.\

“What is this? How can a kettle die? “retorted the judge.

“Oh yes! If a kettle can give birth to a baby kettle, it can also die. Whatever is born eventually dies.”

The judge was baffled and he asked for the complete story. Nasiruddin narrated all the incidents. The judge laughed and understood that Nasiruddin was very shrewd and decided that Nasiruddin be given the kettle.

Proudly Nasiruddin went back home becoming the legal owner of the kettle he so loved and desired.

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

Let’s listen to the story and find out.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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

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

Getting back to the story

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

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

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

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

Kalu nodded.

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

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

The koel was waiting impatiently.

“Good morning koel!” greeted Kalu.

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

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

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

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

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

Another day Kalu saw a mouse gnawing at a sack. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He burst into a smile.

Children, why did the crow burst into a smile?

Let’s listen ahead.

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

They all gathered in the backyard and had a feast.

They all thanked Kalu for being generous.

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

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

Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-stolen-smell-archive

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Long ago in the city of Peru, there lived a baker. He was so stingy that he won't even give a stale crumb to the birds. His neighbour, on the other hand, was a kind man who was always glad to share the little he had. He cared more about making friends than he did about making money.

Children, what is your favourite thing to buy at a bakery?

That’s nice.

The greedy baker was jealous of his cheerful neighbour. He grumbled, “How can he have so so little and yet be so happy?”

Every morning, the smell of cinnamon buns and sweet rolls drifted out of the bakery. The wind carried the wonderful aroma towards the neighbour’s house. As the poor neighbour sat on his porch eating stale bread, the sweet smell filled the air. He took a deep breath and sighed with happiness.

As the baker watched, he thought, “The smell from my baked goods makes his stale bread taste delicious. That's not fair. He should have to pay for such pleasure.”

Children, the smell comes free, right? What other things come free?

Yes! Air we breathe, the rain, the sunlight, etc.

After seeing this happen, again and again, the baker went to his neighbour’s house and handed him a bill.

“You want me to pay you? For what? I don't have enough money to buy anything in your store,” said the kind neighbour.

“That's right you paid nothing and yet every day you steal the smell of my baked goods,” yelled the baker.

“You mean you want me to pay 10 coins as a smelling fee?” Laughed the neighbour.

“Yes! From now on, I will not be cheated and if you don't pay, I will take you to the court,” replied the baker.

When the word of the baker's demand spread around the city, everyone laughed at the idea of a stolen smell.

At last, the baker was so angry that he took the case to a respected judge.

Children, what do you think a judge does?

Yes! A judge solves people’s fights. He listens to both sides and tells people how they should resolve their problems.

Everyone was sure that the judge would dismiss the case. After all, how could anyone steal a smell? But to their surprise, the judge said, “It's my duty to listen to what the baker has to say. I order both the baker and his neighbour to come to court tomorrow.”

The judge sent word to the neighbour that he should bring five gold coins with him. When the kind man heard this, he worried that he would have to hand over the little money he had to the greedy baker. The baker was delighted with the news. He grinned as he thought of his pocket full of his neighbours gold coin.

The next day, the baker and the neighbour arrived at the crowded court. Many townspeople were puzzled by the judge’s action and came to see what the judge would do. They couldn't believe that he might make the kind man pay for the smell.

When the judge walked in, the courtroom fell silent. First, he listened to the baker's complaint. Then he returned to the neighbour and asked, “Is it true that you have enjoyed the smell of this man's baked goods every day for many years?”

“Yes, your honor! I must confess that it's true,” admitted the neighbour.

The judge thought for a while. Finally, he declared, “A smell has been stolen. Since stealing is a crime, the neighbour must be punished!

The kind man protested, “But your honour…”

“Order in the court,” bellowed the judge. He then turned to the neighbour and demanded, “Take the five gold pieces from your pocket!” After the neighbour did so the judge ordered, “Now, drop the coins from one hand to the other!”

The neighbour passed the coins back and forth between his hands. The judge turned to the baker and asked, “Did you hear the jingle of the gold coins?”

“Yes, it is a wonderful sound. It is the payment I believe I deserve,” cried the baker. The baker began to move towards his neighbour to grab the money.

“Wait!” cried the judge. “You have already a fair payment. Your neighbour was guilty of stealing the smell of your baked goods. You have been paid by hearing the sound of his money. The case is dismissed,’ said the judge.

Laughter filled the courtroom as the people marveled at the judge’s cleverness. The baker hung his head. He even saw how foolish and greedy he had been. From then on the judge was known as the wisest of all, treating people fairly and honestly

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today’s story-The Pied Piper is an adapted story from the famous story-Pied Piper of Hamelin  It teaches us to keep a promise once made.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-pied-piper-archive

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once upon a time there was a little town called Hamelin, located among the mountains and surrounded by beautiful fields.

Children, what is the name of the city you live in?

What is your favourite thing about this city?

Well, in the beautiful town, one day, a lot of rats arrived.  The rats ran around everywhere and troubled each and every citizen of the town. Finally, the terrified citizens went to plead with the mayor to free them from this problem.

Children, how do you think the rats terrified the citizens of Hamelin?

That’s right!  They ate all the food, troubled sleeping babies, and made a lot of noise. The people had grown tired of the rats but were unable to do anything. Even the cats were not able to kill the rats.

The Mayor was in his office trying to think of a plan, when a young man with a golden flute appeared, and offered to rid him and the town of rats in exchange for one million euros.  He was called the Pied Piper.

“If you solve this problem I will pay you.” said the Mayor.

“Certainly, and if I fail, I will not charge anything and you may even punish me if I am unable to get rid of the rats,” said the Pied Piper.

That night, a sound of a flute was heard throughout the streets of Hamelin. All the people peeped out of their homes.  And they couldn’t believe what they saw.

All the rats came out of every nook and corner of the homes and followed the Pied Piper as he marched down to the river and straight into the water. Behind him the swarm of rats followed him and every one of them was drowned and swept away by the current.

The citizens were delighted and cheered for the Pied Piper. Now, the town was free of the little devils and the people were relieved and thrilled.

After all the rats were dead, the Pied Piper returned and asked the Mayor for his money. The Mayor said, “ This was such an easy task. And I would give you only twenty Euros for such an easy job.”

Now that the rats were dead, the Mayor thought that there was nothing to worry about.

But the Pied Piper wanted to teach him a lesson. This time he played a different tune on his flute. Hearing his music, the children came out of their houses. They started following the piper, dancing and shouting. 

The elders watched in disbelief as the Pied Piper led the children far, far away. The Mayor understood his mistake and quickly sent his men to look for the Pied Piper and bring the children back. He further told the guards to carry the rest of the amount promised and give it to the pied piper who had rightly deserved it. The mayor had learned his lesson and he never broke his promise.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Since time immemorial, the ant has had many enemies and that was not just the birds. The Anteater fed and lived off them; the Centipede always tormented them.

Among the ants, there were a few who thought it would be wise to hold a council and arrive at an arrangement, whereby they could retreat to some place of safety when attacked by birds and animals.

The day of the council arrived, and all the ants gathered. There were many ideas and opinions about how to stay safe. – One was to make a small hole in the ground and make that their home. Another was to build a large and strong home, made of mud on the ground, just large enough for ants to enter. Yet another was to live in the trees, where the Anteater could never reach them, forgetting that there the ants would fall prey to birds; others who had wings just wanted to fly off when faced with trouble.

Children, Or Which option do you think the ants picked? And why do you think so?

They failed to arrive at a single decision since no one was ready to make adjustments.

Finally, when they could come to no mutual decision, each party resolved to work in its own way, and fortify their own dwellings.

Some of the groups together chose a king. Then they divided the labor and set about to work. All went as smoothly as it possibly could. Each had his appointed task and did his task well. But during all this hard work, none of the groups thought about what the final aim was and not one of them thought of protecting themselves against the different enemies.

Children, what do you think will happen next?

The Red-ants built their house out of mud on the ground and went to live in it. They thought they were safe. But the Anteater had no trouble leveling it to the ground in a minute, costing them many days of precious labor. The Rice-ants went to live under the ground, and they didn’t fare any better. Whenever they came out, the Anteater ate them up.

The Wagtail-ants fled to the trees. But the Centipede or the birds simply gobbled them up. The Gray-ants who planned to save themselves by flight were no match for the agile and quick Lizard or the Hunting-spider or the birds that pursued them in flight.

When the King of Insects found out that the ants had failed in their mission, he sent them the message of unity, that they all must work together”.

But do you know who his messenger was? It was the Beetle And believe it or not, he is yet to arrive at the ants. So, even today the ants do not have any harmony, for the king’s message didn’t reach them yet to reach them yet and hence fall prey to enemies.

So, children, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.

Hence, Teamwork is very important.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-three-dolls

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

The great king Krishna Deva Raya had a lot of wise ministers in his court. The wisest of them was Tenali Rama. One day, a merchant came to the king’s court from a foreign kingdom. He saluted the king and then said, “Your Majesty, I have heard from many people that you have very wise ministers in your court. But with your permission, I would like to test the wisdom of your ministers.”

Children, could you think of how he would test the wisdom? Yaa! By giving a difficult Math problem, or solving a puzzle..)

“This is a good chance for me to prove that I have the wisest of wise ministers to all the neighbouring kingdoms,” thought the king and he gave the merchant his permission. The merchant gave the king three dolls that looked identical. He said, “Though these dolls look similar, they are different in some way. If your ministers can find out the difference, I will bow to their wisdom. But if they can’t, I will assume that there are no wise ministers in your court. I will be back in thirty days for the answer.”

The king asked all of his ministers except Tenali Rama to assemble. He gave them the three dolls and told them to find the difference in them in three days’ time. But unfortunately, none could find the difference at the end of three days.

How do you think the king felt at this time? Worried, sad that nobody in his court is smart etc.

The king got worried, “ This would be very humiliating. Other kingdoms will make fun of us that we don’t have wise people in our kingdom.” So he called Tenali Raman. Tenali Raman reported immediately, “My honour! Your order is my command. Please tell me what to do.” The king said to him, “Tenali, I did not summon you before because I thought that this problem will be too simple. But since no one has been able to find the solution, it is up to you now and saves us from humiliation. Find the difference between these dolls.” Tenali took the three dolls and went away.

Children, can you guess what was the difference between the three dolls?

Difficult right?

The problem proved difficult for Tenali too, but at last, after a lot of effort, he figured out the difference.

Happily, he went to the court with the three dolls on the day that the merchant had to return. Then, he announced in front of the whole court that he had found the difference between the dolls.

The king was worried and hoped for Tenali’s answer to be correct.

Tenali said, “These three dolls are different because one of them is good, one medium and one bad.” The king was pleased till the merchant asked, “ Tenali, please tell which doll is which.”

Tenali Raman showed them a tiny hole that was present in the ears of each of the dolls. Then, he took a very thin wire and put it in the hole of the first doll’s ear. The wire came out from the doll’s mouth. He did the same with the second doll and the wire came out from the doll’s other ear. In the third doll, the wire went to the heart and did not come out.

Tenali Rama explained, “In the first doll, the wire went in through the ear and came out through the mouth. So, this doll is bad as it represents people who cannot keep a secret. In the second doll, the wire came out of the other ear. So, it is a medium and represents harmless people who do not understand what is said to them. The third doll, in which the wire went to the heart and did not come out, represents good people who will preserve the secret that you tell them.”

The king, the merchant and all the ministers were very impressed with Tenali’s wise answer.

As usual Tenali Raman saved the day.

Well, children, eagerness to explore and learn is the only way to expand our experiences and views!

Then Tenali added another explanation, “But there can be another explanation too. The first doll represents people who gain knowledge and spread it among others, so it is good. The second doll represents people who do not understand what they are taught, so it is a medium. The third doll represents people who have knowledge but keep it all to themselves. They do not teach anyone anything and so they are bad people.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

'The Town Musicians' is an adapted folktale from Germany. We all have heard humans play music. But this story is about a group of animals forming an orchestra. Their statue was constructed and is still standing tall in Bremen town.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-town-musicians

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript:

Once upon a time, there was a donkey, who lived on a farm with his master. The donkey had become old and one day he got fed up on working on the farm and decided to leave his master. He thought he would become a musician.

He set off for the nearby town of Bremen.

On his way, the donkey met a dog, who had also left his home and master. “Will you come with me to Bremen?” asked the donkey. "Let's become musicians in the town orchestra. You can play the drums and I will play the guitar.” The dog agreed and they continued on their way together.

With dreams of playing in the town orchestra, they walked towards Bremen. A little bit further they met a cat and invited him to go with them to Breman and invited him to go with them to Breman. They also requested him to join the town orchestra as a lead vocalist.

The cat meowed in agreement and the three animals hurried on to Bremen.

As they were passing by a castle, the three saw a cockerel, crowing as loudly as he could, so they asked him why he was singing so loudly. “They are going to cook me and eat me tomorrow," he said, “so I am saying goodbye to life.”

But the donkey said, “Don’t be silly! Come with us! You can play the saxophone and you could be in the Bremen orchestra. That is where we are all going.”

The cockerel, who really didn’t want to be cooked, jumped on the donkey’s back and the four continued on their way.

Children, do you think this animal team would make good music? Why? Why not?

Let’s listen ahead.

The sun had started to go down and the four friends were looking for shelter for the night. They came across a house which was being burgled. The donkey looked through the window and saw a table, which had been generously laid with food and drinks. Since the four friends were very hungry, they decided to drive the men away, not knowing that they were burglars away so that they could eat the food.

The dog climbed on the donkey’s back, the cat stood on the dog’s head and the rooster perched on the cat’s back. They started their concert on three: “Hee-haw!” brayed the donkey, “Woof-woof!” barked the dog, “Meoooowww!” said the cat, and “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” crowed the cockerel. At all the noise the burglars started shouting in fear, “Help! Ghosts are coming to get us!” The men ran out of the door as fast as they could. They left the house that very second, thinking that the house was haunted by millions of terrifying ghosts.

The four friends made sure that the burglars had run a long way away and then went into the house. They sat down for dinner, ate, drank, and were merry.

Full from the delicious meal, they looked for a place to sleep and turned off the lights. The dog curled up behind the door, the cat snuggled in by the fireplace, the rooster perched on the back of a chair, and the donkey settled in one of the kitchen nooks. They soon fell fast asleep.

Meanwhile, the burglars gathered and the ringleader decided to send one of them to check whether the ghosts were still in the house as it was dark. The man who was sent approached the house quietly, shaking with fear. He reached the door and stood to listen. Since there was no noise, he went into the kitchen. He wanted to light a fire. So, thinking the cat's glowing eyes were burning coals, he held a candle next to them, hoping it would catch the light.

The cat jumped on his face and started scratching him. In a panic, he stepped back, stepping on the dog, who bit the man’s leg fiercely. The man couldn’t see anything and began to run around in the dark in a blind panic. He was kicked by the donkey. Then the cockerel crowed and started flying around.

The burglar ran to the ringleader and said “It's not just ghosts! Now there are witches in the house! Some of them scratch, others bite, others kick… It would be better for us if we moved somewhere else.” When the rest of the burglars heard him, they left the place as quickly as they could.

For the rest of their days, the saxophone-playing rooster, Cat, the lead singing cat, the drum playing, dog, and the guitar-playing donkey, lived in the cottage and played for the animals that lived around the daisy-filled clearing.

Children, do you play any musical instruments?

Soon they became the best city musicians Bremen ever had. After the animals had died, the citizens erected a statue in memory of them. - It still stands next to the town hall. 

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today's story, 'The Mouse Deer And The Snail' is about a forest animal, Mouse-deer who is known for his cleverness He is able to trick wild animals even bigger than him. This made him arrogant and he started thinking too much about himself. He felt that no other animal could match his cleverness. Let's see what happens in the story today.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-mouse-deer-and-the-snail

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript:

On a sunny day, The Mouse Deer was walking in the forest. He decided to climb a hill so as to get a view of the whole forest from there.

Huffing and puffing he reached the top of the hill. Feeling proud to have climbed the hill, he shouted "O inhabitants of the forest, I am the mouse-deer, the smartest animal on the earth. No other animal in the forest is as clever as I am.”

Children, according to you, who amongst all the animals is the smartest of all?

A number of animals in the forest such as monkeys, beetles, birds & other animals, felt annoyed by the screams of the mouse-deer and his arrogance, but they did not say anything.

After being satisfied screaming on the hill, the mouse-deer then walked down the hill until finally, he arrived at a river. While walking along the bank of the river, he saw a snail.

"Hi Mouse Deer, where are you going? Looks like you are having a lot of fun screaming on the hill.?”

"Hi snail, Yes, I just wanted to tell all the forest dwellers that I am the smartest animal here." answered the mouse deer proudly.

"Hmm, but you are wrong little. I fact, I am the smartest animal in this forest." replied the snail.

"What? Seriously? You are a snail. You have a tiny body! How can you be smarter than me? " Mouse Deer replied emotionally.

“You underestimate me mouse-deer. Just because my body is small doesn’t , mean that I am not smarter than you. What if I dare you to run a race with me. Trust me, you will not win the race against me," challenged the snail.

"Ha ha ha ... snails, you are a tiny little creature and you want to challenge me to a race? That’s the funniest thing I have heard in a long time. But since it’s your wish, how about tomorrow morning we race? " said the mouse-deer.

"Alright, mouse-deer. Tomorrow morning I will wait here for the race. I will surely beat you mouse-deer!” said the snail again.

Children, who will win the race? Why do you say so?

After the mouse-deer left, the snail immediately gathered his friends. He asked his friends for help to beat the arrogant mouse-deer in the race the next day. He had a great plan up his sleeve. The snail asked his friends to wait all along the track. He also advised his friends to answer, “Hi Mouse Deer! I'm here in front of you. Why did you stop the mouse deer? Are you tired of running?” when mouse-deer called him.

The next day, it was very sunny. The Mouse Deer immediately got up from his sleep and then walked to the snail's place for the race. He was sure to beat the little snail easily and was beaming from ear to ear. Meanwhile, all of the snail's friends were ready and waiting along the track.

"Hey snail, are you ready to race with me?" asked the mouse deer to the snail when he arrived at the race site.

"Of course mouse deer. I'm ready to race with you. Let's just get started with this race. " replied the snail.

The two of them then took a position at the start line. After the count of three, the race started. Both of them tried to run fast according to the best of their capabilities. The mouse -deer, of course, ran very fast, leaving the snail behind.

After running for a long time, the mouse-deer stopped for a moment. He looked back and said, "Hey snail! Where are you? Just a few minutes of running you are far behind me.” said the mouse-deer arrogantly. He thought the snail had already lost the race.

“Hi mouse-deer! I'm here in front of you. Why did you stop the mouse deer? Are you tired of running? " replied one of the snail’s friends who had been waiting along the track.

The mouse-deer was shocked. “How could the snail be in front of him?” he pondered. He did not know that the snail in front of him was actually a friend of the snail. He then returned to running fast to beat the snail. He was sure this time the snail would not be able to catch up with him. After making sure he was far from the earlier place, he stopped for a moment again and said, "Hey little snail! Where are you now? Surely you are still far behind me. "

"I'm in front of you mouse-deer. What's the matter that you keep calling me? Are you tired already? Just say when you want to give up.” said the snail friend who got the task of waiting near that location.

“I won't give up. I stopped just to make sure that you are still able to match my speed." replied the mouse - mouse -deer was very surprised, at how the snail was always in front of him in spite of being a slow animal.

This kept repeating itself. Every time the mouse-deer asked the position of the snail, the snail in front answered.

The mouse-deer was extremely tired of he was always trying to run faster. But he was happy because the finish line was in sight. The mouse-deer was now very sure that he would win the running race.

But, the mouse deer lost the running competition

Only a few steps from the finish line, suddenly a snail called him. “Hi Mouse Deer! Why did you take so long to arrive? I've been here. I told you, right? That I will win the race with you? ” said the snail smilingly.

Hearing the sound of the snail, the mouse-deer felt like he was struck by lightning. He couldn’t believe he could be defeated by a snail. He then sat down on a rock feeling very tired. "I can't believe you won the race snail," said the mouse deer softly.

"That's why you should not be an arrogant mouse-deer. You are a smart animal, but I am smarter than you," said the snail.

"I've been too arrogant because I felt I could outsmart wild beasts like tigers and crocodiles. But it turns out that you are smarter than me. Thank you snail for teaching me a lesson. " said the mouse deer.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today's story, 'The Mouse Deer And The Crocodile' is from the archives. It is a story about the mouse deer tricking the crocodile to have his favourite berries.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-mouse-deer-and-the-crocodile

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript:

One day, the Mouse Deer went down to the river. He wanted to take a drink. But he knew Crocodile might be waiting underwater to eat him.

Mouse Deer had an idea. He said out loud, “I wonder if the water’s warm. I’ll put it in my leg and find out.”

But Mouse Deer didn’t put in his leg. Instead, he picked up a stick with his mouth and put in one end.

Children, think fast and guess why the Mouse Deer put a stick in the water?

Let’s see

Chomp! Crocodile grabbed the stick and pulled it underwater.

Mouse Deer laughed. “Silly Crocodile! Don’t you know a stick from a leg?”

And he ran off to drink water somewhere else

The angry crocodile yelled, “ I’ll catch you and eat you another day!”

The mouse deer sang his song:

 I am quick and smart as I can be.

Try and try, but you can’t catch me.

Another day, Mouse Deer wanted to cross the river. He wanted to eat tasty fruits and roots and shoots on the other side. But he didn’t want Crocodile to eat him first!

So, the Mouse Deer had an idea. He called out, “Crocodile!”

Crocodile rose from the water. “Hello, greetings Mouse Deer. Have you come to be my breakfast?”

“Not today, Crocodile. I have orders from the King. He wants me to count all the crocodiles in this part of the river as he is throwing a big party and wants to know the exact number of all the animal guests.”

“The King, a party!” bellowed the Crocodile. “Tell us what to do.”

“You must line up from this side of the river to the other side.”

Elated, the Crocodile got all his friends and family. They lined up across the river.

Children, how do you think the mouse deer will count all the crocodiles?

Well, the Mouse Deer jumped onto Crocodile’s back. “One.”

He jumped onto the next crocodile. “Two.”

And the next. “Three.”

Mouse Deer kept jumping till he jumped off on the other side of the river.

“How many are there?” called out the Crocodile.

“Just enough!” said Mouse Deer. “And all are silly!”

Once again The Mouse Deer Tricked another animal bigger than him!

Then he went off singing his song

I am quick and smart as I can be.

Try and try, but you can’t catch me.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today's story, 'No Ordinary Ornament' explains the significance of some of the Christmas ornaments in a fun setting of a story.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

It was late November, little Rhea watched as the movers carried luggage into 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. Rhea waved and they came to meet her and introduced themselves as Tim, Kelly, and Ryan.

Children, how do you enjoy with your neighbours?

That’s great!

Well! What followed were 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 around the corner and Kelly invited Rhea to her house to put up their Christmas tree on the first day of the holidays. Rhea had seen many Christmas trees in the malls and schools but never helped someone put one up. So she was thrilled.

On the first day of the holidays, Rhea went to be with her friends. She could hear Christmas carols from outside their apartment. That sure gave a feel of Christmas.

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 the 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 my father wraps so well every year so they don't break.”

“Sure! But why do we put these beautiful bells on the Christmas tree?” 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 have been rung to announce the arrival of the Christmas season for centuries. They symbolize the announcement of the birth of Christ when angels in heaven praised God and declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

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 ubiquitous Christmas candy cane is a symbol of the simple roots of Christianity, one so old that we have all but forgotten its origin. The candy takes the shape of a shepherd's crook, representing the humble shepherds who were the first to worship the newborn Christ.

And the wreath is for...” before she could finish Tim jumped in, “Sprucing the front door!”

Children, can you name some of the items you use to decorate a Christmas Tree?

Great! Now listen ahead.

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

All the children were indeed intrigued by the significance that each ornament had.

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

“These too are no ordinary ornaments. The rabbit symbolizes peace with nature and the fruit basket is hung so we always have plenty to eat and to remind us to be generous and share with others.”

“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. Don’t you like their tweeting? It soars our spirits, doesn’t it?”

The tree was already looking beautiful.

Ryan opened another box and took a frog. He kept thinking of how a frog can be related to Christmas. Giving up, he asked, “Hey mom, this frog must be from Kelly's toys!”

“Ha, ha! This frog is from the Christmas boxes, not from Kelly’s toys. You know, frogs traditionally are symbols of good luck. And they only move forward, not backward or side to side. Does that tell you something?”

The 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 rummaged through the box and 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. It tells us that guests should be welcomed in our homes,” 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 you know

the star that we perch on the top symbolizes the star of Bethlehem. It is this star 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 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.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Welcome to the Elephant Tales series. Today’s story- 'The Big Escape' is a story about how a little elephant runs away from the circus without knowing what’s in store for her. To know about her adventure, listen to the story.

Transcript

Golu was getting excited. It was the day of the circus! Golu loved the circus – all the animals and the people. It was so much fun!

At eight o’clock Golu and his parents arrived at the huge red and white striped tent called the ‘The Big Circus’.

The ringmaster shouted with his huge booming voice, ‘Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!’ Then the lights went up to the top of the tent and Golu saw a man and a woman dressed in sparkly clothes balancing on a huge swing. They flew through the air. ‘Ooooo!’ shouted the people every time they flew. It was very, very exciting.

Children, name a few animals that would probably be seen at a circus.

Great.

After that, a door opened and the lions bounced into the ring – there were six of them all looking huge, fierce and dangerous. The man in the middle was the lion tamer. Golu watched as he made the lions jump through a fire ring.

‘Ooooo!’ shouted the people in horror and amazement.

After the lions came to the clowns. They were wearing brightly coloured clothes – blue and yellow and red with spots of green. They had red noses and painted faces and funny red hair. They fell over, told lots of jokes and did lots of very silly things. ‘Ha, ha, ha!’ laughed the people – and Golu laughed too.

Children, please share a joke.

Thanks, that was funny.

Finally, the elephants arrived in the ring - there were three enormous grey elephants and one smaller one. The small one balanced on one leg and did lots of tricks.

Then it stopped and looked up at Golu.

‘Hello,’ said Golu to the elephant.

‘I’m Golu.’

‘I’m Minny,’ replied the elephant to Golu’s surprise.

Then suddenly the small elephant turned around and ran towards the door of the tent. It ran out of the tent into the street and off into the town. All the people rushed out of the circus tent screaming, ‘Aagh! The elephant – it’s escaped!’ ‘Help!’ cried the ringmaster. ‘Minny the elephant has escaped!’

But, Minny was a very happy elephant. It was the first time she had been out of the circus! It felt good to be free!

Children, what do you think Minny would do now that she’s free?

Let’s listen ahead.

She ran along the main street towards the centre of the city. She saw the fountain in the centre of the road. She climbed into the big fountain and sat down in the water. People tried to walk by but Minny sprayed water at them using her huge trunk!

‘Oh, this is much more fun than the circus!’ cried Minny.

After a while, Minny decided to explore. She went along the street and into the big supermarket. All the people who saw Minny ran out of the supermarket screaming!

Minny had a wonderful time – she helped herself to the bananas and scoffed a large chocolate cake, ten packets of biscuits and a large number of buns. When she had finished eating Minny decided to explore again so she went out into the street.

In the distance, Minny saw a big house, but there was something strange about it – there was a red light all around it. Minny got nearer to the house and then she heard the people in the house shouting and screaming. A fire had broken into the house.

‘Help!’ they shouted. ‘Save us!’ Minny rushed into the garden opposite the house. There was a big pond with lots of water. She put her trunk in the water and took in as much water as she could. Then she rushed over to the house and sprayed the house with water. She did this many times and the flames and fire died away.

From the top window, Minny could see a small boy. He opened the window and Minny took him out of the house using her trunk.

‘Minny!’ he cried. ‘It’s me!’

‘Hello, Golu,’ said the elephant. ‘You saved me!’ cried Golu. ‘You are the bravest elephant in the world!’

Golu’s mother and father were away and as they returned, they saw a lot of commotion near their house.

They couldn’t believe what they saw, black soot all around.

Golu was safe and their house was safe – and all because of an elephant.

The next day all the people in the town made a crowd outside the town hall. They gave Minny the elephant a special medal. Golu rode around the city on Minny’s back, waving and smiling at all the people. They went slowly back to the circus to rejoin the other elephants. Minny was extremely happy with her adventure.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today's story, 'The Turnaround' is a story that teaches children about different kinds of penguins and learning that anger doesn’t help.

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

On a beautiful snow-covered Antarctic island with steep cliffs, there lived a rookery of chinstrap penguins. The black strap on the chin was like a strap of a helmet. That made them look aggressive. The whole island echoed with their harsh screeches that could even break the stones; true to another name by which they are called - stone-cracker penguins.

Children, after listening to the story look at the map and find out the Antarctic islands.

Stones are what the chinstrap penguins build their nest with and in this one such nest, there were two eggs that hatched at the same time.

The chicks soon grew up, one of them was very and calm and quiet, and parents named him ‘Zola’. That stands for calmness in Swahili  language, the language of African people. While the other was short-tempered and the parents’ named her ‘Hasira’, Swahili for anger.

 What do you think this story is about?

Well, life on the island went on normally. Penguins were busy swimming, preening their feathers, feeding the chicks, and climbing the steep white cliffs.

Unfortunately, Hasira, would get angry with even a little provocation. She would fight with other penguins, screech at the top of her voice and shoo them away with her flippers when they approached her to play.

 She often overheard the other penguins whisper

“She is so mean.”

“She is very unkind.”

“She is so unfriendly.”

But it did not bother Hasira.

Mother tried explaining that she should try to be more friendly, “ You can’t make friends when you keep getting angry. Aggression helps, but only when you are face a predators. Always remember: Kindness with friends , but aggression with the predators.”

But Hasira, would not pay any heed to her advice.

One day, Zola asked Hasira to play with him. Surprisingly, Hasira agreed, but in the middle as she started to lose the game.  

Children, how do you behave when you are playing with others?

In anger, she started hitting Zola and tossing him over. Zola started crying as he was hurt.

Father penguin heard Zola’s cry and came to sort out the fight between the siblings. After listening to both siblings, the father told Hasira to leave Zola alone. On hearing that Hasira grew even angrier.

“He asked me to play, not me!” she screeched. Furiously, she ran towards the ocean, jumped in the icy water and swam deep in it, only to come out to get her breath.

Being furious, Hasira kept swimming and went far away from her island and didn’t look back.

Finally, she approached an island and waddled her way to the shore.

Where do you think Hasira has landed?

She saw hundreds of penguins, bigger than her parents, and the rest of the family members, whose squeaks weren’t as harsh as her own family’s screeches. They were all spread along the shore. She was confused.

They all stopped squeaking and stared at her.

For the first time, Hasira got scared and was about to run away back into the sea, when she heard, “We are Emperor penguins. Welcome to our island dear Chin-Strap penguin.”  

Children, do you think emperor penguins are friendly? 

Another few moved forward with a friendly smile, “Come join us, it is very cold. We all huddle together on such icy cold days to stay warm.”

“I am fine. Go away! I don't want anybody!” screeched the angry chick so loudly that all the emperor penguins closed their ears.

All the emperor penguins called their chicks and huddled together.

What do you think will happen to Hasira?

Well, by now Hasira was very cold and she collapsed on the shore due to the chilli winds.

When she opened her eyes, she saw hundreds of penguins all around her looking at her lovingly. They all broke into an ecstatic display of happiness with their head swinging and flippers outstretched that their guest was alive.

Emperor penguins helped her recoup and played games with her. No one was ever angry here!

Under the tender care angry penguin, Hasira , recovered and was ready to swim back home. Most importantly, she learnt to be calm and not fight with anyone.

Have you ever taken care of an animal that is hurt? How did you do that?

“Thanks a lot for taking care of me. I am sorry I was ill-tempered when I landed here. You all showed me that being kind and calm makes us also feel happy in return.” bowed Hasira.

“You are welcome Hasira. Visit us soon,” the emperor penguins waved with their wings.

With a sense of happiness that she had never felt before and a smile she started her journey back home.

After swimming for a while, a rookery of little blue penguins landed in front of Hasira. Normally, she would have pushed and kicked them aside, but after spending time with the Emperor penguins, she had a change of heart. So, she gently played with those tiny penguins. She even took them for a ride on her back, and had fun.

Suddenly, she sensed a predator.

What do you suggest she should do?

“Is that a leopard seal?” she thought to herself.

She recalled her mother’s words, “ Kindness with friends, but aggression with the predators.”

She quickly huddled the little blue penguins behind a rock, then screeched loudly with her flippers outstretched to display anger.

Thinking it to be a sea animal bigger than him, the leopard seal turned back and vanished.

The little penguins exclaimed, “ Thank you for saving us!

“You are a hero, “ said another brushing Hasira with its tiny wings.

“You are such a nice and friendly penguin,”  squeaked another from behind.

“You are so kind. I would like to be like you,” swam a tiny one who was the angry one in their rookery.

Hasira was flabbergasted by such lovely compliments and felt good. She bade them good bye and swam back home.

Children. Who is your good friend? And what does one quality that you like about this friend?

The whole rookery was delighted to see her alive. They all did their happy dance to welcome her back.

She  waddled up to her parents, “Please forgive me I will try and not be angry.” Turning to her brother, “ Zola, I promise not to trouble you, I am sorry !”

Looking at her chick’s eyes mummy penguin knew that Hasira had changed. She patted her with her wings and climbing the steep slopes said, “Let’s go home!”

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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!

We had requested our listeners to send their original stories to us at clever.fm/storyprism. We are overwhelmed by the stories written by children, for children. And we are very delighted to share one of those stories with you!

Today’s story isn’t a story from Panchatantra, Tenali Raman, Birbal. It's not a story from around the world or even one of my original stories. So what is it?

It’s a story by Darshika Sanwaria about a girl going shoe shopping. To find out if the girl succeeds in shopping for shoes or not, listen to the story in Darshika’s, the author of this story, own voice. A story for the children by the children.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/shoe-shopping

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Shoe Shopping

Racks and rows of shoes were aligned all along the walls. The strip lights attached illuminated each shoe making them glimmer and easy for clients to see their beauty. People stood at different sections of footwear choosing, trying out, and deciding what to buy. Faint music played while the new shoe scent filled the atmosphere. After a lot of time, Reena finally selected a pair of sneakers. She stood at the counter, admiring her brand-new sneakers. It was her turn next to pay up. She reached into the back pocket of her trousers for her wallet,

Oh no, it wasn’t there!

Frantically, she checked all the other pockets, but it was not to be found. Her heart was racing, and she couldn’t think straight.

Looking at her condition, the cashier asked her what was wrong, and Reena told him that she couldn’t find her wallet.

She shouted, “There’s a thief in here who has stolen my wallet!”

He gently inquired if I had accidentally forgotten my wallet. I stepped aside, so as not to delay the other customers.

Reena rewound what she did while preparing to go to the mall.

She remembered keeping the wallet in the back pocket, switching off the lights, and grabbing her car keys. So, she was confident about keeping the wallet.

Immediately, Reena requested the staff to check the store in case the wallet had fallen from her pocket. Everyone was extremely helpful. But it was nowhere to be found and Reena was almost having a breakdown.

She asked the manager to keep everyone inside and check their pockets in hope of finding the person who had stolen it. The manager, taken aback said, “Sorry madam, we can’t do that, only the police is authorized!”

She tried persuading but her efforts were in vain. By now, everyone in the shop was staring at Reena and probably judging her to be a crazy woman.

Reena felt ashamed but couldn’t help the situation. Apart from the money, the wallet had credit cards, a driver’s license, and Id cards. Just then Reena got an idea. She addressed the manager, “Could you please show me the CCTV footage?’

“Most certainly, we can do that!” replied the manager.

The manager took her to the surveillance room. It was a dark room with five monitor screens showing the shop from different angles. She crossed her fingers hoping that this didn’t lead to a dead end. The manager re-wound all the screens to when Reena entered the shop. Spotting herself, she saw the wallet jutting out of my back pocket as she made her way through the store. The screen then displayed the part where Rena was sitting on the sofa and trying out the new shoes. A man came and sat behind her trying on his own shoes. As she attentively looked at herself, she realized what had happened. It wasn’t the man but her carelessness that had caused the wallet to disappear. While she stood up, the wallet had fallen into the shoebox that had her new sneakers. Being the least expected place, no one had bothered to check for it. Embarrassed, she made her way back into the store while she received death stares from everyone. As she opened the shoe box to take out the wallet, murmurs broke out across the room none too pleasant. Publicly apologizing, she went to the cash counter, not daring to have eye contact with anyone.

Reena straight away made it to the exit. This incident would certainly echo in her mind for years to come. It sure taught her a lesson about not blaming anyone.

Today’s story isn’t a story from Panchatantra, Tenali Raman, Birbal. It's not a story from around the world or even one of my original stories. So what is it?

We had requested our listeners to send their original stories to us. And we are so delighted to share those stories with you! For our episode today, and in the next few episodes, there’ll be stories written by children, for children.

This 100th episode also has responses from some young listeners to the question asked on clever.fm/storyprism. The question is: what comes to your mind when you hear the number 100?

 I am delighted with the creative answers of the listeners and encouraged to continue asking critical-thinking questions in our episodes. Guardians do help out the children to log into clever.fm/storyprism to type or record their answers.

 Thank you again!

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today's story: A Man In Disguise is a very clever story written by Snehal Samal from New Delhi, India.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/a-man-in-disguise

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

As the scorching rays of the sun poured through the window, Lily woke up by the loud noise of the television. Yawning, stretching, and rubbing her eyes she went into the living room only to be surprised by the breaking news - a criminal escapes the prison and is on the run.

However, Lily didn’t pay much heed to it as she was quite excited to visit her friend’s house.

At the friend’s place they played, chatted, and enjoyed themselves thoroughly. A few hours had passed, and darkness had descended over the city. Lily unwillingly decided to return home before it was too late.. She sauntered down the dark and dingy street. The street was isolated, and a creepy silence made the place quite eerie Her mind drifted to the breaking news earlier. She thought that the news of the escaped prisoner compelled the people to stay inside their houses. The streetlights flickered and the dark sky engulfed the city. She was a little scared now. . As she trudged, she noticed a car parked near the sidewalk. She could see a shadowy figure, that of a man coming out of the car. Lily couldn’t see his face due to the darkness but could make out that the man was wearing a hat, a long coat, and a long mustache. Suddenly, a chill ran down her spine. She remembered the news of the escaped prisoner. Doubting the man, she scampered across the street, her heart racing. To her immense horror, the man was following her. Lily was now sweating buckets and she could feel her heart thumping in her chest. She bolted towards her house, panicking and praying at the same time. She reached her house after some time and kept banging on the door until her father opened it and said, “What happened, Lily? Why do you look so frightened and worried?”

Breathing heavily, Lily replied, “I saw a man. He was following me. I am afraid, he might be the escaped prisoner.”

However, Lily’s father wasn’t listening. Instead, he was glaring at someone standing behind his daughter. Lily was bewildered and turned to get a glace of who was behind. She realized that it was the same man wearing a hat and a long coat who had been following her. Before Lily could speak anything, her father bellowed, “You scoundrel! I will report you to the police. How dare you escape the prison?”

On hearing this, the man chuckled. Lily was flabbergasted as the man removed his mustache, took out his hat, and smiled widely. Lily’s father’s jaw dropped, and he gasped in surprise. He exclaimed, “Dean, my friend! What a pleasant surprise!”

Dean too exclaimed, “Arthur, my dearest friend. I have been waiting to meet you for a very long time. I can’t express happiness They hugged each other and upon seeing Lily’s stunning face, Dean said, “I am Dean Taylor, your father’s childhood friend.”

Arthur, Lily’s father added, “Yes, Lily. I know he resembled the escaped prisoner because he had disguised himself in that way. He has a habit of disguising himself, frightening the people, and then giving them a surprise.”

“Or I would say a heart-rending shock,” added Lily.

Dean turned to Lily, and said, “I am sorry to have frightened you.”

Lily forced a smile on her face and said, “No need to be sorry, sir. But I must confess that it was a harrowing experience and that your acting skills are quite appreciable.”

Dean laughed heartily and patted Lily on her back. Dean and Arthur went inside the house still chatting and giggling. Through the corner of her eye, Lily saw a shadowy figure with bushy hair just like the one shown in the news of the escape from prison. Lily dashed inside her room clutching her heart. Probably, the escaped prisoner was somewhere near their house!

I am grateful to all you listeners. Your emails and participation at clever.fm/storyprism have especially been very heartening to me. This milestone calls for a celebration. My dear children, I want to ask you two questions. First of all, which story on the podcast is your favourite. And second, what comes to your mind when you hear the number 100? I’ll share your answers on our 100^th episode.

You may type or record your answers at clever.fm/storyprism.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today's story, Tenali Raman and Goddess Durga is an interesting story about Ramans’ wit and humour.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/tenali-raman-and-goddess-durga

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Tenali Ramakrishna was known for his sharp wit and hailed from a town called Tenali. Lazy as he was, he used to nap under every possible tree that met his eyes. One day, a sage who was passing through the farm where Tenali Raman (as he was popularly known) was lazing around, called him and asked him to do any job that he pleased to earn a living. Raman told the sage that he was not educated and therefore did not get any job.

He told him, “Rama, I will teach you an ancient mantra. Recite this for 1,008 times in the goddess Kali temple on the outskirts of the village. The Ma would appear and grant you wishes.”

“This,” the sage told Raman, “Will help you gain the required knowledge. Once you obtain the knowledge, do not waste your time. Instead, hunt for a job and you will get it.”

Tenali was excited, and the next day he went to the temple and repeated the mantra 1008 times. Lo and behold! Goddess Kali appeared with her thousand heads in front of Rama. Tenali Raman took a look at Goddess Kali and he burst out laughing, “Ha! Ha! Ha!” Durga ma curiously asked, “Hey young lad! Why are you laughing like this?"

Tenali Raman could not still hold his laughter and chuckled, “Ma! When I have a cold, it is so difficult to manage one nose and one head. How do you manage with thousand noses and thousand heads when you have a cold?”

Children, how do you feel when you have a cold?

Let’s listen ahead

Smilingly Durga Ma said, “You are a very sweet and innocent boy. Come dear! I will give you a boon.”

“A boon….Yes Ma. Please..P-l-e-a-s-e tell me…I can’t wait!”

Durga Ma got two bowls and said, “This bowl in my right hand has milk and in the other is curd. Please choose one.”

Raman was in no haste. He enquired, “Ummmm… Goddess I can’t choose without understanding what the milk and curd stand for. Please help me comprehend the significance of the two.”

Children, can you guess what the milk and the curd stood for?

Interesting

 Durga ma revealed, “The bowl containing milk represents knowledge, and the bowl containing curd represents wealth.”

Once again, Tenali Raman thought carefully before replying. “But Ma, I do not know the taste of either the milk or the curd.”

So, Goddess Durga extended both bowls to Tenali Raman, who instantly grabbed both bowls and drank the curd and the milk.

Though Goddess Kali was annoyed at being outwitted, she demanded, “You little naughty child why did you drink out of both the bowls?” Raman replied politely, “Knowledge without wealth is useless and wealth without knowledge is dangerous.”

The goddess was pleased with Tenali Raman’s answer and blessed him, “You will have both wealth and knowledge. She further proclaimed. “You are very wise and witty. You are going to be a Vikatkavi.” a wise man who also has the talent to make others laugh and do funny things.

He became the jester poet at King Krishna Deva Raya’s court.

Now, it’s your turn. Visit clever dot fm slash story prism (clever.fm/storyprism) and answer the two questions for the 100^th episode. You may type out your thoughts or even record them. The link to the website is in the show notes. See you there! 

You may type or record your answers at clever.fm/storyprism.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

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

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/live-and-let-live

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Live, and let live!

Bears, lions, tigers, birds, and all the other animals lived in the forest adjoining the small town of Rampur in north India. The animals lived happily.

Children, what do you think the animals did the whole day?

Nice.

Well, a family of bears lived the closest to the town. They loved playing amongst the rocks there.

But The town soon saw industries being built and there was an influx of many people from the adjoining cities. With that, there was an increase in the requirement for the number of houses. Consequently, more space was required and the townspeople, cleared a big part of the forest. This took away the animals' homes and they fled, pushing the animals deep inside the forest. The animals were not happy, but they had no choice.

Soon, a flyover was also built to help the movement of traffic. This was the same place where the bear family lived and played amongst the rocks. They had to leave. Luckily, the city made a nice garden under the flyover, saving the rocks that were originally there.

The bear family was sad, but to relive their memories, they would come there at night and hide behind the bushes and play amongst the rocks.

Children which is your favourite park and why do you like it?

Nice!

Let’s listen ahead.

They also saw and heard different vehicles zoom by on the flyover and even on the road beside them. They got a glace of some families with kids travelling, some returning from work, some trucks carrying goods and many other varieties of vehicles.

On one such visit to the city, as the bear family sat under the flyover, they felt the tremors.

Mumma bear growled, “There’ll be a big earthquake any moment. This flyover might break.”

“Oh, if that happens, what will happen to the people travelling?” asked a worried baby bear.

“This may hurt many people, we must help them,” added father bear.

“Why should we? These people destroyed our home?” said another baby bear.

“We are a good bear family with good values, my dear son. We must help everyone in need.”

He added, “Now go call all the big and strong animals of the forest. Take the help of the birds and small, but fast, animals to pass the message that all should reach the flyover fast!” The flyover started swaying.

“Yes father, we’ll come back in a jiffy,” the cubs said running as fast they could.

By now the Mumma and papa bear saw a crack developing. The tremors were also stronger than before.

Luckily in the nick of time, the elephants, lions and other big animals reached the flyover and together they supported the flyover so that it would not break.

The people who were rushing by on the road saw this most unusual sight and were surprised.

The animals without worrying about their own safety held the flyover together till all the people safely got off.

Soon, the earthquake stopped, and all the people cheered for the animals. They realized their mistake and decided to not clear the forest any further and left the animals to live in peace.

You may type or record your answers at clever.fm/storyprism.

 The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today's story, 'The Red Peacock' is a famous Tenali Raman story that teaches that unnecessary show-off is not good

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-red-peacock

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

One day, King Krishna Deva Raya's greedy minister, Chatur Pandit arrived at the king's court with a red peacock.

Children, try to name all the colours in a peacock.

That’s great.

Krishna Deva Raya exclaimed, "I have never seen such a creature!"

The courtiers all agreed with the King.

Then Chatur Pandit offered the red peacock to the King. He said to the King, "Your Majesty, please accept this gift. My servants searched the jungles of Madhya Pradesh(a state in India) to find this exotic bird."

Tenali Raman, who was in the courtroom found something unnatural about the Red peacock.

Children, how do you think the peacock was all red?

Let’s listen ahead.

He thought to himself, "How can a bird so brightly coloured, survive in the jungle? Surely it will be an easy prey for other animals. So, there is something certainly wrong here." He realized that Chatur pandit was trying to trick the king to get some gifts. The King, unfortunately, didn’t realize this as he was always collecting exotic things to show off to all the kings of the neighbouring states. He looked at Chatur Pandit and said, "Thank you Chatur Pandit. How can we reward you?"

"Your Majesty, 100 gold coins will be enough, as I spent that to get the bird," said Chatur Pandit quickly.

Tenali Raman spoke up, "Your Majesty, I think we should observe this peacock for a while before we give Chatur Pandit his reward. I will go to Madhya Pradesh to get more birds like these."

"Alright Tenali Raman", said the King. "You have two weeks to bring back more birds like this one."

Chatur Pandit frowned at Tenali.

Tenali Raman went home. But, he did not go to Madhya Pradesh. Instead, he called his spies, and said, "Find the person who painted the peacock red."

The spies searched for the painter and finally found him. They brought him to Tenali Raman.

Tenali Raman said to the painter, "Don't worry, I won't punish you. Just paint another 10 peacocks the same colour."

"Yes sir," replied the painter.

He painted 10 more peacocks in red colour and gave them to Tenali.

At the end of two weeks, Tenali Raman took the red, painted peacocks to the King.

Krishna Deva Raya was pleased with Tenali. He asked the treasurer to give Tenali 1000 gold coins.

"Your Majesty, that is not what they cost," said Tenali Raman.

The confused King asked, "So what is the price then Tenali."

"A bucket of water, a bag of red paint, and a gold coin for this artist," replied Tenali Raman.

The king understood the whole story and was angry with Chatur Pandit for trying to cheat him. He said angrily, "Chatur Pandit, I sentence you to...."

Tenali Raman spoke, "Your Majesty, your desire for fame led you to believe a red peacock could exist. Being a minister at your court, it’s my duty to let you know that for a long time, there has been needless spending on such curiosities." He added, "It is better that your subjects be prosperous, rather than a display of wealth. I request you to let Chatur Pandit go and reward the artist for showing this."

"You are right, Tenali," said the King.

Chatur Pandit fearing the King's anger, begged for forgiveness, "Your Majesty, please forgive me!"

"I will do so, but you are banished from the court for a month. And you must return the gifts you got earlier," said the King.

The monsoon had arrived and the peacocks danced. The rains washed away their red colour.

Krishna Deva Raya amused with himself, laughed and said to Tenali, "Look at these red peacocks Tenali…all the red colour is getting washed away. ! Tenali Raman.

Tenali smiled.

The people of the kingdom danced in the rain. And said to each other, "We are lucky to have a king who is not afraid to admit his mistake."

A sorry Chatur Pandit walked home alone in the rain.

Hope you liked the story.

Now, it’s your turn. Visit clever dot fm slash story prism (clever.fm/storyprism) and answer the two questions for the 100^th episode. You may type out your thoughts or even record them. The link to the website is in the show notes. See you there!  

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

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.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today’s story-The Pied Piper is an adapted story from the famous story-Pied Piper of Hamelin  It teaches us to keep a promise once made.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-pied-piper

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once upon a time there was a little town called Hamelin, located among the mountains and surrounded by beautiful fields.

Children, what is the name of the city you live in?

What is your favourite thing about this city?

Well, in the beautiful town, one day, a lot of rats arrived.  The rats ran around everywhere and troubled each and every citizen of the town. Finally, the terrified citizens went to plead with the mayor to free them from this problem.

Children, how do you think the rats terrified the citizens of Hamelin?

That’s right!  They ate all the food, troubled sleeping babies, and made a lot of noise. The people had grown tired of the rats but were unable to do anything. Even the cats were not able to kill the rats.

The Mayor was in his office trying to think of a plan, when a young man with a golden flute appeared, and offered to rid him and the town of rats in exchange for one million euros.  He was called the Pied Piper.

“If you solve this problem I will pay you.” said the Mayor.

“Certainly, and if I fail, I will not charge anything and you may even punish me if I am unable to get rid of the rats,” said the Pied Piper.

That night, a sound of a flute was heard throughout the streets of Hamelin. All the people peeped out of their homes.  And they couldn’t believe what they saw.

All the rats came out of every nook and corner of the homes and followed the Pied Piper as he marched down to the river and straight into the water. Behind him the swarm of rats followed him and every one of them was drowned and swept away by the current.

The citizens were delighted and cheered for the Pied Piper. Now, the town was free of the little devils and the people were relieved and thrilled.

After all the rats were dead, the Pied Piper returned and asked the Mayor for his money. The Mayor said, “ This was such an easy task. And I would give you only twenty Euros for such an easy job.”

Now that the rats were dead, the Mayor thought that there was nothing to worry about.

But the Pied Piper wanted to teach him a lesson. This time he played a different tune on his flute. Hearing his music, the children came out of their houses. They started following the piper, dancing and shouting. 

The elders watched in disbelief as the Pied Piper led the children far, far away. The Mayor understood his mistake and quickly sent his men to look for the Pied Piper and bring the children back. He further told the guards to carry the rest of the amount promised and give it to the pied piper who had rightly deserved it. The mayor had learned his lesson and he never broke his promise.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today's story, 'Tenali, The Detective' is a story where Tenali acts like a detective. A detective needs to be observant and solve problems. Let’s listen to the story to find out how Raman acts like a detective and if he succeeds or not!

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/tenali-the-detective

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Tenali Raman was once walking along a forest path when he was stopped by a merchant. “I’m looking for my camel which has strayed away. Did you see it passing by?” asked the sad and worried merchant.

Children, how do you feel when you lose something? I feel the same, and so we must take care of things.

So, a merchant had lost his camel and was asked Tenali is he had seen it.

“Had the camel hurt its leg?” asked Raman.

“Oh yes! That means you have seen my camel!” said the merchant. 

“Only its footprints. See, you can see footprints of an animal with three legs,” said Raman, pointing out the footprints on the ground. “It was dragging the other leg because it was hurt in that leg.”

“Was it blind in one eye?” Raman asked the merchant.

“Yes, yes,” said the merchant eagerly.

“Was it loaded it with wheat on one side and sugar on the other side?” asked Raman.

“Yes, you are right,” said the merchant. 

“So you have seen my camel!” exclaimed the merchant. 

Raman looked upset. “Did I say I saw your camel? Of course not!” 

“Then how did you give the exact description of my camel,” said the merchant. 

“I saw no camel,” said Raman. 

Children, how do you think Raman knew the exact description of the camel?

Let’s listen ahead.

“Do you see those plants lined up on both sides of this path? You can clearly see, some animal has eaten leaves of plants on the left, but the plants on the other side remain untouched. So , I figured out that the animal could see with only one eye.”

“Look down. You can see ants lined up on this side which means, the animal was loaded with sugar bag on this side. The bag had a hole, which allowed the sugar to fall off. That’s how I know that the camel was carrying bags of sugar.”

Tenali smiled and further added, “You can see grains of wheat fallen on the other side. The bag on this side also must have holes in it.”

“I can see everything you showed me,” protested the merchant, ”but I still don’t see my camel.” 

Children, any idea how Tenali would help the merchant find the camel?

Let’s see!

“You follow this trail and soon you will catch up with your animal. After all it is hurt in one leg and you seem to be hale and hearty,” said Raman.

The merchant took his advice and followed the trail left by the camel.

Soon he caught up with the poor animal, limping along. 

“Rani!” the merchant shouted in happiness, as he ran to his camel.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

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. 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: 'How Akbar Met Birbal' is a story about how Akbar found his clever and witty courtier -Birbal.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/how-akbar-met-birbal

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Akbar used to love going out on hunting expeditions.

Children, what weapons were used for hunting at that time? 

Once, when Akbar was out on one such expedition, he and some of his courtiers lost their way.

Children, what should they do now? 

At last, they came to a junction of three roads. Akbar was very happy as he thought that now he could reach his capital, Agra through one of these roads. But, he was not sure as to which of the three roads led to Agra. None of the courtier was able to tell which road went to the Emperor’s capital..

Children, which country do you live in? What is the capital of your country?

Unfortunately, they did not find anybody who would help them.. By now, King Akbar and the courtiers were tired and hungry. Just then, they saw a young man coming towards them on one of the three roads. Akbar called out, “Wait up young man! Could you tell us which road goes to Agra?”

The man smiled and said, “Sir, none of these roads go to Agra.”

Everybody was shocked at the young man’s audacity (boldness) . Akbar kept his anger in check and asked the young man again, “What do you mean?”

The man said once more, “People travel, not roads. Do they?”

The Emperor’s anger vanished on hearing this clever reply. He laughed and said, “Yes, you are right. Tell me, what is your name?”

The man said, “My name is Mahesh Das, sir! Now tell me about yourself. Who are you and what is your name?”

Akbar said, “You are talking to Emperor Akbar, the King of Hindustan! I need fearless and witty people like you in my court.” He took off his ring, gifted it to the young man and said, “If you want to be a part of my royal court, come to meet me with this ring and I will recognise you immediately. Now, show us the way to reach Agra. All of us are exhausted and need to reach Agra before sun sets.”

Mahesh Das was the man who became the famous and witty minister in Akbar’s court. He came to be known as  Birbal.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today's story, 'The Mouse Ghost' is a fun story where a mouse fed up with his small size tries something to scare the bigger animals. Does he succeed? Let’s listen to the story.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-mouse-ghost

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

First of all, you all know a mouse is a very tiny animal.

Children, can you name two other animals who are tiny?

There was once a tiny little mouse who was extremely terrified of being trampled and squished by all the other animals in the forest that he always hid in the bushes.

“Why I am so tiny? Looks like all these big animals enjoy scaring me and threatening me! I wish I could give them a taste of their own medicine.” He used to think.

One day as the mouse was wandering around during the night, a strong wind began to blow. Suddenly, a white cloth came flying with the wind and landed over the mouse. As he began to shuffle around, an idea came to his mind.  

Children, can you guess what idea did he get?

Let’s listen ahead.

So, as the mouse was trying to wriggle out of that piece of white cloth, he got the idea that with that white cloth over him he could pretend to be a vicious GHOST!

And that is what he did.

During the night he would keep on the white cloth over his body and loom around the forest till some animals spotted him. They were instantly petrified. Soon word began to spread and all the animals found out that there was a ghost who lived on the dark path in the forest. 

The mouse was pretty happy. Now he did not have to fear being trampled by the animals and could live in peace since none of them was brave enough to cross the path where a ghost had been spotted, and if they did, the mouse would chase them away. 

One day, as the seasons changed, a lot of animals had to migrate and had to go down the path where the ghost lived. 

Children, migration means moving from one place to another.

Animals migrate to protect themselves from extreme weather conditions or to look for food.

“Oh boy, oh boy, I hope the ghost isn’t around today” whispered one of them. 

But as soon as they began to walk down that path, the mouse appeared and began to chase them out. But suddenly a gush of wind blew and the white cloth flew off the teeny tiny mouse and he was exposed. 

“Look that’s not a ghost, it’s a meek little mouse pretending to be a ghost!” someone called.

All the animals were so angry that they chased him out of the forest and he was never allowed to come back.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Anansi “the Spider” stories are based on the oral tradition of West Africa. They feature a clever spider who outwits bigger animals to get out of trouble or just to have fun.

Today's story, 'Anansi And The Talking Watermelon' is one such fun story.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/anansi-and-the-talking-watermelon

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Early one morning, Anansi, the spider awoke to the sound of the possum hoeing his watermelon patch. Anansi peered down from the Peachtree where he lived to watch the possum's slow progress. Anansi salivated at the thought of a meal of watermelon, his favourite juicy, red fruit.

Children, what is your favourite fruit?

That’s nice.

When the possum set his hoe aside at midday to take a nap, Anansi snuck down his tree for a snack. While the possum snored, Anansi wobbled down his fine, silk web to the ripest watermelon in the garden. He picked up a small, sharp stone to chip away the melon’s thick skin, the rind. He made a hole that he could just squeeze into. Then, he gorged himself as the juices slid down his eight spider legs.

Just when Anansi had his fill, he heard the possum stir.

“Possum will punish me if I'm discovered,” Anansi said to himself.

He waddled to the hole in the rind and tried to pull himself out one leg at a time. He was so slippery he couldn't keep his footing. He braced himself against the edge of the hole, but he was so full of fruit that he no longer fit! “Oh no! I am stuck!” he cried, “Now I have to wait until I shrink back to the normal size.” And Anansi laid his head upon a watermelon seed in an attempt to sleep. He tossed and turned restlessly. “This is so boring, What should I do while I wait?” As he pondered his next plot, he heard the possum at the far end of the row of watermelons.

“I know! I will trick possum into thinking that his melon talks!”

Children, what do you think Anansi would do?

Let’s listen ahead.

Possum came scratching with his hoe, and as he neared the melon where Anansi was, he heard a sound quiet as a mouse.

“Who is that?” he asked.

“It is the watermelon !” Anansi now yelled.

“How absurd, watermelons can't talk!” Possum said as he cradled the melon to his ear.

“Possum, you have never been a good listener. Watermelons have been talking since before you were born!”

Possum could not believe his ears and cried, “Eureka! I must show the King Bear the discovery I have made.”

Off he went carrying the watermelon with Anansi bouncing to and fro inside.

He met a raccoon rolling in the dust beside the road.

“What's the hurry possum?” the raccoon asked.

“I'm bringing King Bear a talking watermelon!” the possum answered, proud of himself.

“Now I have heard everything!” Raccoon laughed.

“You haven't heard me talk!” Anansi replied from inside the melon to the raccoon's smart remark.

“Hug? What? Who said that?” asked the raccoon.

“I did!” said Anansi enjoying his trick. “You are a silly raccoon for not realising that apart from animals many other things also have speech. Watermelons are more intelligent than you.”

“Do you believe me now?” Asked the possum.

“Yes I do,” the raccoon said. “This smart watermelon is something that the king would want to see.

Along the path to the King Bear’s grand den, possum and raccoon came upon gopher, rat and squirrel. They each in turn laughed and pointed fingers until they heard the Melon’s strange little voice themselves. Before long they all wanted to hear what the king would say about the oddity, so off they went.

When they arrived, the King a very grizzly-looking bear had just woken from his afternoon slumber and was a bit grumpy. “What is it?” He growled as the animals bowed before him.

Possum placed the watermelon on the tree stump before King Bear.

“What am I to do with this?” the king asked, continuing before anyone had a chance to answer. “ I do not need any watermelons; I have acres of my own.”

“This one talks!” they chimed in unison. King Bear refused to believe. He demanded that the melon pays respect to him if the animal spoke the truth. The watermelon just sat there. mum for the first time all day.

Children, why do you think Anansi is quiet?

“What kind of a joke is this?” The king grumbled.

 The melon remained silent.

“I would be a fool to waste more time waiting to see your tricks,” he snarled at the frightened animals.

“You would be a fool not to wait,” Anansi said from inside the melon.

“Only a fool thinks watermelon can't talk!!”

“Fool! Fool!” King Bear Roared.

“ How dare you call the king bad names?”

And with that, King Bear picked up the melon in his paws and chucked that as hard and as far as he could.

The melon flew through the air and landed with a crack and a thud splitting it wide open.

Anansi was free.

He ran to the peach tree where his morning started.

“What a great day!” Anansi rejoiced.

All this fun made me hungry again!”

He started nibbling at a large, ripe peach above the possum’s patch.

The Possum returned later that day with a sad look on his face. He started digging furiously.

“Melons!” he cried. Next year I will grow something else in this patch; you watermelons are nothing but trouble!”

“Perhaps you should grow more peaches!” Anansi said with a mouth full of delicious peach. The king is sure to listen to peach!”

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today's story: A Glass Of Milk is a story that shows how one good turn begets another.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/a-glass-of-milk

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

A poor boy was very keen to go to school, but he didn’t have money. So he decided to sell newspapers and other items like milk, bread, and eggs from door to door. This was the way he earned money to pay for his school.

He had a tough life and some days he would even go to bed hungry.

One day, as he was walking from house to house, he felt very hungry and weak on his usual route. So he decided to ask for food when he came to the next door.

The little boy knocked but was rudely asked to leave. He tried at the next house and unfortunately got the same answer. He asked for food from many homes but was denied every time. Finally,  he reached the door of a girl. By now all he wanted was a glass of water, and his throat was parched. He hesitantly, but hopefully knocked at the door. The little girl opened the door.

“I am very thirsty, may I please have just a glass of water?” The little boy pleaded.   

The little girl was kind and seeing his poor state, she went back inside the house and came back with a glass of milk.

With an astonished look, the boy drank the milk, relishing every sip.

Children, what kind of milk do you enjoy the most?

Great. Let’s listen ahead.

“Thank you. Now I feel so much better. How much do I owe you for this glass of milk?”

The girl replied, “I do not want any money for this.”

Children, wasn’t it nice on the girl’s part to give milk to the little boy?

What did you share with someone recently?

The boy thanked the girl from the bottom of his heart and left the place.

Years passed by. The young girl grew up. Unfortunately, in her youth, she fell ill and was diagnosed with the rarest nervous disorder. Many experienced doctors were baffled at her condition, and she was admitted to the city hospital with the most advanced facilities.

Dr Kevin, a renowned neuro specialist was called in by the hospital to examine her. Even with his extraordinary expertise, Dr Kevin found the girl’s illness very hard to cure. However, with perseverance and hard work that lasted months, he was finally able to get the disease under control. With careful medication and monitoring, the girl was completely cured in the end.

Everyone praised the doctor, but the girl was quite worried.

Children, why do you think the little girl was worried?

That’s right, she was worried about the cost of this long treatment. Her family had just a little money kept away in the bank, which was by no means enough to pay for such a long treatment in that reputed hospital.

The girl was given the hospital bill finally. With trembling hands, she opened it. She was stunned to see that the bill had been crossed out and cancelled, and a note underneath was signed by Dr Kevin.

“Bill paid years ago with a glass of milk!”

Children, who do you think Dr Kevin was?

That’s right, he was the same boy whom the little girl had given milk.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Today's story: 'Five Rats and A Funny Top Hat' is a simple story about rats trying to escape a cap. Listen to see if they actually succeed

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/five-rats-and-a-funny-top-hat

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Samson, the big black fat cat, lay across a mat pretending to be fast asleep. Samson pretended to be asleep, but he really had one eye open all the time.

Samson’s one eye was looking right at the hole in the wall where a family of rats lived. One, two, three, four and five little rats lived in that hole. Samson was always wanting to catch those rats. So the poor little rats were extremely frightened.

The five rats wanted to get away from the big, black cat and live somewhere else peacefully.

One day, the rats peeped out from behind the hole in the wall. They saw Samson yawn and stretched and turned over to sleep a bit longer.

This is perfect timing,” said one of the rats, placing his front paw just outside the hole. All the other rats quivered with excitement. 

Children, why were the rats excited?

Yes, as now was their chance to escape. The first rat tiptoed out to cross the room. He started to run towards the door.

Suddenly the door opened! In walked a tall man wearing a top hat. The man threw the top hat onto a chair but it missed the chair and fell on the floor. 

He didn’t bother to pick it.

Children, was it good that the man didn’t pick his hat? We must keep things in place. What things do keep in place when you return from school.?

Samson jumped up and hissed. The petrified rat ran back to his hole with the other rats. The chance to escape had gone.

Luckily Samson went back to sleep. The rats looked at the cat and then noticed the top hat lying on the floor, which gave them an idea.

Children, what do you think was the idea that the rats got?

Interesting. Let’s listen ahead.

The rats smiled and nodded to each other as they made a plan. They would hide under the hat and see if they could sneak past the big, black cat. Carefully, one by one, they wriggled under the hat and waited.

The rats heard Samson snoring. The eldest rat signalled the rest to walk towards the door under the shelter of the hat. Slowly the hat slid across the floor. The cat did not wake up.

Carefully, without making any sound the rats reached the door. It was open just enough for them to slip out and go down the road.  The hat, with the rats, went out of the door. The rats jiggled and did their rat hi-fives to celebrate their escape, all still hiding under the hat. They moved down the steps.

While the rats were doing their dance, Samson woke up. His greedy eyes saw the hat moving across the steps and out of the door. He jumped up and started to walk towards the door.        

The youngest rat yelled, “ The cat is awake! Run!”

The rats ran as fast as they could.

But the cat was getting closer and the rats could see no escape. Behind them was the cat and the road in front led to a duck pond in front of them.

Children, Oh, what should they do?

Whoosh, a sudden gust of wind blew down the road. It tipped the hat over and the rats fell inside. The wind now blew stronger than before and the rats hung on tightly to the hat

Children, What would happen now?

The hat blew down the road. And splash fell into the pond along withal the 5 rats. The rats peeped over the edge of that hat. They saw that they were floating on the pond. Now the hat was a boat! They were happy.

Samson looked at the rats floating on the pond. He was very angry because he could not swim. Samson hissed and went home. The little rats laughed at the cat as they escaped in the hat.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

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. 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: 'The Well Dispute' is one such witty story where Birbal helps a farmer get justice.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-well-dispute

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Akbar was a kind and just king. When the king is good, people are naturally happy. Everyone was friendly and nice to each other, usually!!

In Akbar’s kingdom, there were two neighbours who shared their gardens.

Children, what do you understand by sharing?  Also, what do you like to share with your friends?

Great! Listen ahead.

In that garden, there was a well that was owned by Iqbal Khan. His neighbour, a farmer, wanted to buy the well for irrigation purposes, so he went to Iqbal and asked, “Will you please sell your well to me? I want to use it to water my farm?”

Children, can you think of different ways to water a farm?

That’s great!

Iqbal happily agreed to sell the well. Therefore, they signed an agreement between them, and the farmer paid a fair price to Iqbal, after which the farmer owned the well.

Iqbal was a cunning man. Even after selling the well to the farmer, he continued to fetch water from the well. Angered by this, the farmer went to get justice from King Akbar.

King Akbar asked Iqbal, “Iqbal, you sold the well to the farmer, now why do you still fetch water from that well? You don’t own it anymore.”

Iqbal replied, “Your Majesty, I had sold only the well to the farmer but not the water inside it. So, I can still fetch water from the well.”

King Akbar had the wittiest and most intelligent minister in his court

Children, do you know who?

Yes! It was Birbal.

Akbar addressed Birbal, “Birbal, you heard the story, and now I want you to solve this problem,”

Birbal, who had been listening to Iqbal and the farmer came forward and said, “Iqbal, you say that you have sold only the well to the farmer. And you claim that the water is yours., is that right?”

“Yes, most certainly!” answered Iqbal.

“Then how come you can keep your water inside another person's well without paying rent?" said the witty courtier, Birbal.

Then addressing King Akbar h said, “Your majesty, Iqbal must start paying rent to the farmer from the date he sold the well.”

Iqbal understood that it wasn’t nice on his part to be cunning. He apologized and the farmer got justice. Birbal was fairly rewarded.

Children, how do you think Akbar rewarded Birbal?

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Welcome to the Elephant Tales series. Today’s story-'The Right Sized Friend' is a story which explains the proverb- that a friend in need is a friend indeed.

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources are available at www.rituvaish.com/the-right-sized-friend

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Once there was a kind-hearted elephant. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any friends and so was always lonely.

One day he decided to search for a friend. He wandered deep into a forest in search of friends.

Children, I am sure you have lots of friends. What do you play with them?

That’s great!

First, he saw a monkey swinging from tree to tree. He looked like a friendly monkey. So, the elephant called out to him, “Hello monkey, will you be my friend?”

The monkey replied looking at the big elephant and said, “You are too big. Also, you can’t swing from tree to tree like me. So, I can’t be your friend.”

The next day elephant met with a rabbit. The rabbit was hopping around. He seemed like a fun friend to have. So elephant politely asked, “Hello rabbit, will you be my friend?”

The rabbit stopped hopping and looked at the enormous size of the elephant and said, “ You are too big, you can’t enter my burrow to play with me. So I can’t be your friend.”

The elephant was disheartened but he didn’t give up and plodded ahead in search of a friend

He passed a pond and saw a frog. The frog was sometimes leaping in the water and sometimes on the land.

The elephant thought, “I think this frog would be a great friend. I can play with him in water and land too.”

The elephant excitedly asked, “Hello frog, will you be my friend?”

The frog said, “Sorry, you can’t be my friend.”

The elephant asked, “But why?”

Children, can you guess what reason the frog gave for not being a friend to the elephant?

Nice! Let’s listen ahead.

The frog said, “We can’t be friends because you are too big and you can't leap like me.” Saying so, he leapt and disappeared into the pond.

The elephant was very upset but was keen to have a friend. 

So, the next day he started searching for a friend yet again.

As he went deep into the forest, he saw a fox who was running around. 

“Hey fox, will you be my friend ?” he called out to the fox.

The fox stopped running and called back, “Sorry sir, you are too big. I can’t be your friend.”

Now, the elephant decided to give up the hunt for a friend and went back home.

Children, if the elephant had not given up the hunt for a friend, which animal do you think he would have met? Also, would that animal have agreed to be the elephant’s friend, why? Why not?

Great answer!

The next day, as the elephant wandered around in the forest, he saw that all the animals were very scared and were running helter-skelter.  

He spotted the same fox and asked, “ What happened, why are all the animals running?”

The scared fox replied, “There is a lion, and he is trying to kill all of us. So we are all running to hide from him.

Children, remember the elephant was very kind-hearted. He was very keen to help all the animals. So he boldly went to the lion and said, “Please Mr. Lion, don't eat up all these poor animals.”

Children, what do you think the lion’s answer was? 

Let’s see.

The lion replied, “You mind your own business. I am the jungle king and will do what I want. You go away.”

The elephant wanted to help the animals and when the lion didn’t listen to his request. He had no choice. He kicked the lion so hard that he fell far and was in great pain. This frightened the lion and he ran for his life.

The elephant went back to the forest and announced the good news to all animals, “The lion will not bother you anymore. Do not be scared.”

All the animals thanked him and realised they had been unkind to the elephant. They unanimously said to the elephant, “We are sorry for not being your friend! In fact, you are just the right size to be our friend.”

From that day the elephant was never lonely.

Now, it’s your turn. Visit clever dot fm slash story prism (clever.fm/storyprism) to discuss the story with me and the other listeners. You may type out your thoughts or even record them. The link to the website is in the show notes. See you there.

The link to the website is: https://clever.fm/storyprism

Welcome to the Fox Tales series. Today’s story-'Fox Without A Tail' is a story from Panchatantra about a fox trying to fool his fellow friend foxes.

Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources are available at www.rituvaish.com/the-fox-without-a-tail

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

A Fox that had been caught in a trap. She was in a lot of pain and tried to free herself.

Children, can you suggest how the Fox could free herself?

Great!

She began to forcefully pull her tail. After a lot of painful tugging, she finally freed herself from the trap. But she had to leave her beautiful bushy tail behind.

Now she was left with only a small portion of the tail as most of the tail was stuck in the trap. This made her very sad.

For a long time, she kept away from the other foxes, for she knew well enough that they would all make fun of her and crack jokes and laugh behind her back. But it was hard for her to live alone, and at last, she thought of a plan that would perhaps help her out of her trouble.

Children, do you remember any other story where foxes have made cunning plans? Ya! The sour grapes. The Fox and the crow.

So, the Fox without a tail thought of a plan. She called a meeting of all the foxes, saying that she had something of great importance to tell the tribe.

When they were all gathered together, the Fox without a tail got up and made a long speech about those Foxes who had been harmed because of their tails.

She reminded all the others about their many fox friends that had been harmed. She sadly said, “ Remember, one of our fox friends had been caught by hounds when his tail had become entangled in the hedge. That one had not been able to run fast enough because of the weight of his bushy tail.” “Besides, it is well known,” she continued, “that men hunt foxes simply for their tails, which they cut off as prizes of the hunt. With such proof of the danger, I suggest that it’s useless to have a tail!”

She further proposed, “I advise every fox to cut off their tails, for the safety of their own life.”.

When she had finished talking, an old fox arose, and said, smilingly, “Master Fox, kindly turn around for a moment, and you shall have your answer."

When the poor Fox Without a Tail turned around, there arose such a storm of jeers and hooting. They all now knew that the fox without a tail didn’t have her tail and so wanted others to cut if off too. She saw how useless it was to try any longer to persuade the Foxes to part with their tails. With her head hung, she walked away deep into the forest.

This story teaches us that we cannot always fool people. The fox was trying to fool his friends but that did not happen.

Now, it’s your turn. Visit clever.fm/storyprism to discuss the story with me and the other listeners. You may type out your thoughts or even record them. See you there.

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

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

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

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 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

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/tenali-and-the-three-thieves

One hot summer evening, as the sun was setting Tenali Raman and his wife were walking around in their garden. As they were going inside their house, they heard the rustling of leaves coming from their beautiful garden. There was not even the slightest breeze blowing at that time, so Tenali Raman became very alert. He glanced around but couldn’t see any animal scurrying around. Not finding any clue to the rustling, he presumed that the rustle of the leaves might be the footsteps of thieves. He understood that they must be planning to rob his house at night.

Children, if you heard rustling leaves outside of your house, and you knew it could not be thieves, what else would you suspect it to be?

That’s great, it could be a mouse, a chameleon, a bird, …etc.

The quick thinker that Tenali Raman was, he thought of a plan and said loudly to his wife, “My dear, I have heard that some notorious thieves are on the loose in our neighborhood. So, let’s hide all the jewellery and money that we have in the well after dinner.” His wife was confused, but she knew Tenali well and went along with what he told her.

A little later, Tenali Raman and his wife came out of the huge house carrying a big trunk and dropped it into the well. Then they went back inside the house and pretended to go off to sleep.

The thieves waited till midnight and then started drawing water from the well. They hoped happily to empty pull out the trunk, and when they opened it, they were extremely shocked and disappointed.

Children, why do you think the thieves were disappointed?

Great.

They were disappointed to see only some big stones in it. They understood that it was Tenali Raman’s clever plan to outsmart them. Just then, Tenali Raman came out of his house and said, “Thank you friends, for watering my plants. I must pay you for your labour.”

Hearing this, the thieves fell at Tenali’s feet for forgiveness. Tenali let them go when they promised not to steal or rob anyone anymore.

Moral – Keeping cool and using your wit in dire situations can help you get out of them.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-three-dolls

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

The great king Krishna Deva Raya had a lot of wise ministers in his court. The wisest of them was Tenali Rama. One day, a merchant came to the king’s court from a foreign kingdom. He saluted the king and then said, “Your Majesty, I have heard from many people that you have very wise ministers in your court. But with your permission, I would like to test the wisdom of your ministers.”

Children, could you think of how he would test the wisdom? Yaa! By giving a difficult Math problem, or solving a puzzle..)

“This is a good chance for me to prove that I have the wisest of wise ministers to all the neighbouring kingdoms,” thought the king and he gave the merchant his permission. The merchant gave the king three dolls that looked identical. He said, “Though these dolls look similar, they are different in some way. If your ministers can find out the difference, I will bow to their wisdom. But if they can’t, I will assume that there are no wise ministers in your court. I will be back in thirty days for the answer.”

The king asked all of his ministers except Tenali Rama to assemble. He gave them the three dolls and told them to find the difference in them in three days’ time. But unfortunately, none could find the difference at the end of three days.

How do you think the king felt at this time? Worried, sad that nobody in his court is smart etc.

The king got worried, “ This would be very humiliating. Other kingdoms will make fun of us that we don’t have wise people in our kingdom.” So he called Tenali Raman. Tenali Raman reported immediately, “My honour! Your order is my command. Please tell me what to do.” The king said to him, “Tenali, I did not summon you before because I thought that this problem will be too simple. But since no one has been able to find the solution, it is up to you now and save us from humiliation. Find the difference between these dolls.” Tenali took the three dolls and went away.

Children, can you guess what was the difference between the three dolls?

Difficult right?

The problem proved difficult for Tenali too, but at last, after a lot of effort, he figured out the difference.

Happily, he went to the court with the three dolls on the day that the merchant had to return. Then, he announced in front of the whole court that he had found the difference between the dolls.

The king was worried and hoped for Tenali’s answer to be correct.

Tenali said, “These three dolls are different because one of them is good, one medium and one bad.” The king was pleased till the merchant asked, “ Tenali, please tell which doll is which.”

Tenali Raman showed them a tiny hole that was present in the ears of each of the dolls. Then, he took a very thin wire and put it in the hole of the first doll’s ear. The wire came out from the doll’s mouth. He did the same with the second doll and the wire came out from the doll’s other ear. In the third doll, the wire went to the heart and did not come out.

Tenali Rama explained, “In the first doll, the wire went in through the ear and came out through the mouth. So, this doll is bad as it represents people who cannot keep a secret. In the second doll, the wire came out of the other ear. So, it is medium and represents harmless people who do not understand what is said to them. The third doll, in which the wire went to the heart and did not come out, represents good people who will preserve the secret that you tell them.”

The king, the merchant and all the ministers were very impressed with Tenali’s wise answer.

As usual Tenali Raman saved the day.

Well, children, eagerness to explore and learn is the only way to expand our experiences and views!

Then Tenali added another explanation, “But there can be another explanation too. The first doll represents people who gain knowledge and spread it among others, so it is good. The second doll represents people who do not understand what they are taught, so it is medium. The third doll represents people who have knowledge but keep it all to themselves. They do not teach anyone anything and so they are bad people.

Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/waking-up-mom

Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.

Transcript

Two little bears stretched and opened their eyes after the long winter sleep. They both peeped out of their cave. “ Wow! The winter is over!” exclaimed Fuzzy, one of the bear cubs.

Children, Bears sleep all through the winters. This long winter sleep is called - Hibernation.

Can you name another animal that hibernates?

Right- bats, squirrels, frogs etc.

Taking a deep breath Cuddly, the other bear cub, said, “I can smell the fresh spring air. It is indeed time to get up and play after this long sleep. I don’t want to miss a moment of spring.”

“Neither do I. Let’s run under the trees,” said Fuzzy.

“And I want to roll in the grass,” said Cuddly.

Glancing at each other in excitement, the two baby bears said, “We’d better ask mom first.”

Children, when you want to go outdoors, taking permission is good and safe! Hope you all do that too!

Fuzzy and Cuddly went back into the cave where they had slept with their mom. The mother bear was still fast asleep.

The two little bears tiptoed over to their mom and shook her gently.

“Wake up mom. The snow has melted and it is time to play,” said Fuzzy politely so as to not startle their mother.

What was that? The mother bear did not even move. She simply grunted and rolled over to carry on sleeping.

“What can we do?” asked Cuddly. “We need our mother to wake up and take us into the forest so that we can enjoy the spring.”

The two little bears sat outside the cave and tried to think of a way to wake up their mom.

Children, can you suggest some ways to wake up mother bear?

That’s great

“I know, let’s get some tickly spiders and see if they will wake up our mother,” said Fuzzy.

The two bears went to find some tickly spiders. Fuzzy was feeling a bit scared of the spiders but Cuddly collected them on a big leaf. He took them to where his mom was lying.

The spiders walked off the leaf and across the mother bear’s back. Mother bear giggled in her sleep but she still did not wake up.

“The tickly spiders did not work. What should we do now? Said cuddly sadly.

“I think we should ask our noisy cuckoo friend,” said Fuzzy with a sparkle in his eyes.

The bears went out to the trees near the cave. Sitting in the tree was their friend, cuckoo.

“Cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo,” sang the bird.

The two bears requested the cuckoo, “ Would you please help us wake up our mom? “

The cuckoo was a very helpful bird. She agreed immediately and followed the bears to the cave.

Children, what help do you offer your family at home?

Lovely.

When they all entered the cave, “Cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo,” sang the bird but mom just rolled over and carried on sleeping.

“Sorry friends, I am not able to help you,” the cuckoo said as she flew out of the cave,

Children, why is the bears’ mom not waking up?

Probably, she still thinks it’s winter, or she’s dreaming, or is it that she's unwell?

The two little bears were sad and did not know what to do. They had tried calling out to mom, tickling her, and asking the cuckoo to make a loud noise. But nothing they did could wake up their mom.

“I know,” jumped Cuddly delightfully, “What about we bring her something she likes to eat?”

“Honey!” said the bears, giving a high-five to each other.

Off they ran to a beehive. They requested politely to the bees, “ May we please have a little honey? We want to wake up our mom by the smell of her favourite food, and that is honey. When she wakes up, she can take us to the forest to play. The winter is over and we don’t want to miss out on the spring season!”

“You are very sweet bears and well-mannered too. We’ll gladly give you some!” smiled the bees offering some honey to the two bears. “Thanks a lot, bees! We appreciate your help!” exclaimed Fuzzy and Cuddly.

Children, what are the magic words that you know?

Please, thank you, excuse me!

Carrying the honey, both the bears rushed towards the cave. They placed the honey close to their mom’s snout.