Willow That Caught the Storm (Ива, которая поймала бурю)
In a small Russian village by the river, there grew an old willow tree. Her branches bent low, almost touching the ground, and she whispered secrets to the children who played beneath her.
One summer evening, the sky darkened, and a fierce storm rolled in. The wind howled, lightning flashed, and the villagers ran inside their homes, frightened.
The willow, seeing the storm’s fury, called out, “Come closer, and I will protect you!”
A family of sparrows fluttered into her branches, followed by a rabbit and her young, then a pair of fox cubs. The willow bent her branches even lower, creating a shelter.
The storm raged, but the willow held firm, her roots gripping the earth. The animals huddled together, safe under her canopy.
When the storm passed, the willow stood tall again, though some of her leaves were torn away. The sparrows chirped, “Thank you, Willow. Without you, we wouldn’t have survived.”
The willow swayed gently and replied, “Sometimes, we must bend so others won’t break.”
Moral:
True strength is in protecting others, even if it costs you something.
Notes:
– Fierce – very strong or violent (яростный).
– Howled – made a loud, long sound, like the wind or wolves (завыл).
– Huddled – stayed close together for warmth or safety (сбились в кучу).
– Canopy – a covering, like the top of a tree (крона).
The Frog Who Wanted to Fly (Лягушка, которая хотела летать)
Near a calm Russian pond, there lived a frog named Tosha. He was happy hopping from lily pad to lily pad, but deep down, he dreamed of flying like the swallows above.
One day, Tosha told his friend the heron about his dream. The heron laughed, “Frogs don’t fly, Tosha. That’s just how it is.”
But Tosha didn’t give up. He began jumping higher and higher, practicing every day. The other frogs teased him. “You’re wasting your time!” they croaked.
One morning, as the heron flew over the pond, Tosha called out, “Take me with you!” Amused, the heron grabbed Tosha gently in her beak and soared into the sky.
Tosha looked down at the pond far below and gasped, “It’s so beautiful up here!”
When the heron brought him back, Tosha told the other frogs, “I may not have wings, but I’ve seen the sky. And now I know – dreams are worth chasing, even if others don’t believe in them.”
Moral:
Dare to dream, even if it seems impossible.
Notes:
– Hopping – jumping on one leg or with small jumps (прыгать).
– Lily pad – a flat, round leaf that floats on water (кувшинка).
– Teased – made fun of someone in a playful or mean way (дразнили).
– Soared – flew high in the sky (взмыл в небо).
The Candle That Refused to Go Out (Свеча, которая отказалась гаснуть)
In a snowy village near the Ural Mountains, an old woman named Babushka lit a candle every evening. She told her grandchildren, “This candle keeps the dark spirits away. Never let it go out.”
One stormy night, the wind blew fiercely, shaking the walls of their wooden house. The candle flickered but stayed lit.
Suddenly, a shadow crept into the room. It whispered, “Blow out the candle, and I will give you gold.”
The youngest grandchild, Sasha, reached for the candle, but Babushka stopped him. “Do not listen to shadows. Light is worth more than gold.”
The shadow grew angry and howled, but the family huddled close, protecting the flame. By morning, the storm and the shadow were gone.
Babushka smiled and said, “Remember, even the smallest light can defeat the deepest darkness.”
Moral:
Light, both real and in your heart, is stronger than fear.
Notes:
– Flickered – shone unsteadily, like a small flame (мерцала).
– Shadow – a dark shape made when light is blocked (тень).
– Creept – moved slowly and quietly (подкралась).
– Defeat – win against something or someone (победить).
The Lantern That Showed the Way (Фонарь, который указывал путь)
In a small fishing village on the northern coast of Norway, there was an ancient lantern that hung at the edge of the pier. It had guided sailors home for generations, glowing even in the thickest fog.
One winter night, a fierce storm rose, tossing the sea into chaos. A small fishing boat was lost in the darkness, its crew struggling to find their way back.
The lantern, seeing the danger, whispered to the wind, “Help me shine brighter. They need to see me!”
The wind laughed. “A lantern cannot change its light. You’re too small to fight a storm.”
But the lantern refused to dim. It burned hotter, using every drop of oil it had left. Its light cut through the storm like a blade. The sailors saw the glow and steered toward it, reaching the safety of the harbor.
By morning, the lantern was empty, its glass cracked from the heat. But the villagers repaired it, saying, “This lantern gave all it had to save our people. We’ll keep it burning for many more winters.”
Moral:
Even the smallest light can guide others to safety.
Notes:
– Pier – a platform built over the water for boats (причал).
– Fierce – very strong or violent (яростный).
– Steered – turned or guided a boat or vehicle (управляли).
– Dim – not bright (тусклый).
The Bridge That Refused to Fall (Мост, который отказался рухнуть)
High in the Himalayas, there was an ancient wooden bridge that connected two mountain villages. Over the years, it had carried traders, pilgrims, and travelers through wind, snow, and rain.
One summer, heavy rains brought floods that roared through the valley. The villagers worried,