Сказки и истории ( на англ. и русск. яз)

[Stark]

The Little Lantern of Love

    In a quiet village nestled between rolling hills, there lived a young girl named Elara. Every evening, she would light a small paper lantern and place it on her windowsill. The villagers wondered why she did this, but Elara never explained.
   Across the valley, in another village, a young man named Finn gazed at the distant glow of her lantern. He didn’t know who lit it, but the soft light became his nightly beacon—a reminder that somewhere, someone was thinking of the beauty in simple things.
    One stormy night, the wind grew fierce, and Elara’s lantern was blown out before she could light it. Heartbroken, she went to bed, unaware that Finn sat by his window, staring into the dark, feeling an unexpected emptiness.
    The next evening, Elara relit her lantern with extra care. To her surprise, she saw two lights across the valley—hers, and another, mirroring it. Finn had made his own lantern, answering her silent signal.
    Over time, they found each other—not through words, but through the quiet language of light. And though their lanterns were small, the love they kindled lit up their whole world.

Moral: Even the smallest gesture can guide someone home.

[Mila]

Лепрехаун-маленький обманщик
     Как-то очень давно один ирландский поселянин шёл через двор в конюшню, чтобы задать своей лошади корм; подходит и слышит, что кто-то в конюшне песенку поёт, да словно молоточком постукивает: стук, стук, стук, стук, — ну, точно как башмачники, когда башмаки тачают.
     Он послушал — пенье и постукивание не прекращаются.
«Эээ, — подумал он, — да это же, наверно, лепрехаун — кому же другому быть? Подкрадусь-ка я к нему потихоньку, схвачу его да отниму у него сумку, что он на поясе носит, — так тогда и заживём!».
     Сказано — сделано: тихонько вошёл поселянин в конюшню, подкрался к тому стойлу, откуда слышна была песня лепрехауна, заглянул в него и видит, что у самых ног его лошади сидит крошечный человечек в красном колпачке, с молотком в одной руке, с маленьким башмачком в другой, и преспокойно мурлычет себе под нос песенку. Поселянин осторожно нагнулся и ухватил лепрехауна обеими руками.
— Ну, теперь уж не уйдёшь! — закричал он. — Не скупись, отдавай кошелёк-то! Ну!
— Погоди, отдам, — отвечал очень спокойно лепрехаун, — дай мне только отвязать его от пояса!
Поселянин и поверил ему, расставил руки, а тот засмеялся да и пропал… Только оставил он после себя башмачок, который поселянин с горя сунул в карман и сбыл потом за сущую безделицу.

[Енотик мл.]

The Little Star’s Wish

     Once upon a time, there was a little star who lived high in the night sky. Every evening, she twinkled alongside her brothers and sisters, but she felt sad.
“I wish I could do something truly special,” she whispered.
One night, a little girl on Earth looked up and said, “I’m scared of the dark.” The little star’s heart jumped. She shone as brightly as she could, sending a soft silver light down to the girl’s window.
The girl smiled. “Thank you, little star!”
From that night on, the little star knew: even the smallest light can chase away fear. And so, she twinkled with joy, knowing she’d found her special purpose.

The end.

[Енотик мл.]

Jack bummer

There was a guy in the world. His name was Jack, and he lived with the old woman's mother in a vacant lot. The old woman spinning yarn on people, but that do not get rich, but Jack was a lazy, which is not enough. Did something he did not do, rovneshenko nothing, just basked in the sun - it is in the summer heat and winter holed up in the corner of the hearth.
'Cause all called him Jack bummer. The mother could not bring just a little Jack to help her, and once, on Monday, said to him
- he will not earn a livelihood, you'll drive from home - live like you know!
These words are getting through to Jack. The next morning, on Tuesday, he went and hired himself for a penny a day to the farmer that lived next door. Worked day received a penny and went home, but when crossed the creek, lost coin. After all, he never in his life of money in the hands not holding.
- Oh, you fool! - His mother said. - Yes, you would put a coin in your pocket!
- Another time, I'll do that, 'replied Jack. On Wednesday, Jack went out again and hired himself to a shepherd. Worked day and for this the shepherd gave him a jug of milk. Jack put his pitcher in a deep pocket of his jacket, but had not gone half way, as all the milk spilled.
- Oh, my God! - Mother gasped. - What would you carry a jug on her head.
- On another occasion, I will do so, - said Jack. So on Thursday, Jack hired himself again to the farmer - for a slice of cream cheese per day. In the evening, Jack put cheese on his head and went home. But up to the house, he again did not denounce: soft cheese all raspolzsya and stuck to his hair.
- Well, you fool! 'said mat.- I had to gingerly carry it in your hands.
- On another occasion, I will do so, - said Jack.
On Friday, Jack hired himself to a baker, and he gave him for the work of a large cat. Jack took the cat and gingerly carried it in his hand, but all the cat scratched her hands, so I had to let him go. And Jack went back home with nothing.
- What kind of a dolt! 'said the mother. -Hope Cat was a rope around the neck tie so on a leash to take him!
- Another time, I will do so, - said Jack. And on Saturday, Jack hired himself to a butcher, and he generously gave him - a whole leg of lamb rolled back. Jack tied leg of lamb with a rope and dragged it behind him through the mud. Can you imagine what the dish would be obtained from a lamb!
At this time, the mother of a Dzhekova out. After all, for Sunday lunch with her, except cabbage, there was nothing.
- Oh, you blockhead! - She said to Jack - I had to carry her on his shoulder!
- Another time, I will do so, - said Jack. On Monday, Jack lazy again came out of the house and hired himself to a cattle merchant. He gave him for his work ass. Trudnenko shoulder was a donkey on his shoulders, but Jack ponatuzhilsya and slung.
So he walked with his award to the house - trudged along, barely moved the legs. Soon he had to walk past the house of a rich man. The rich man this was the only daughter, a very pretty, but deaf and dumb, besides nesmejana - never in my life laughed. But doctors told her father that she was until not talk until her someone laugh. And at the same time, when Jack the donkey on his shoulders passed, she looked out the window. Sees drags fellow with the donkey on his shoulders, and roared with laughter. And how laughed - just spoke and began to hear.
rich man before was glad that his joy gave her daughter for Jack. Here Jack lazy and rich. Settled with his wife in a big house and took to his mother. And the old woman lived with them until the end of his days, knowing neither needs nor sorrow.

Джек-лентяй

Жил-был на свете парень. Звали его Джек, и жил он со старухой матерью на пустыре. Старуха пряла пряжу на людей, но от этого ведь не разбогатеешь, а Джек был лентяй, каких мало. Ничего-то он не делал, ровнешенько ничего, только грелся на солнышке - это в летнюю жару, а зимой отсиживался в углу у очага.
Потому все и прозвали его Джек-лентяй. Мать никак не могла заставить Джека хоть немножко помогать ей, и как-то раз, в понедельник, сказала ему:
- Не будешь сам зарабатывать себе на пропитание, выгоню тебя из дому - живи как знаешь!
Эти слова проняли Джека. Наутро, во вторник, пошел он и нанялся за пенни в день к фермеру, что жил по соседству. Проработал день, получил пенни и пошел домой, но когда переходил через ручей, потерял монету. Ведь он ни разу в жизни денег в руках не держал.
- Ах ты дурачина! - сказала ему мать. - Да ты бы монету в карман положил!
- В другой раз я так и сделаю,-ответил Джек. В среду Джек опять ушел и нанялся к пастуху. Проработал день, и за это пастух дал ему кувшин молока. Засунул Джек кувшин в глубокий карман своей куртки, но не прошел и половины дороги, как молоко все расплескалось.
- О господи! - ахнула мать. - Что бы тебе кувшин на голове нести.
- В другой раз я так и сделаю, - ответил Джек. И вот в четверг Джек опять нанялся к фермеру - за кусок сливочного сыра в день. Вечером Джек положил сыр себе на голову и отправился домой. Но до дому он опять ничего не донес: мягкий сыр весь расползся и прилип к его волосам.
- Ну и дурень!-сказала мать.- Надо было осторожненько нести его в руках.
- В другой раз я так и сделаю, - ответил Джек.
В пятницу Джек нанялся к булочнику, и тот дал ему за работу большого кота. Джек взял кота и осторожненько понес его в руках, но кот все руки ему исцарапал, так что пришлось его выпустить. И Джек опять вернулся домой ни с чем.
- Что ты за олух!-сказала мать. -Надо было коту веревку вокруг шеи завязать да на поводке его вести!
- В другой раз я так и сделаю, - ответил Джек. И вот в субботу Джек нанялся к мяснику, и тот щедро наградил его - целую баранью ногу отвалил. Обвязал Джек баранью ногу веревкой и поволок ее за собой по грязи. Можете себе представить, какое кушанье получилось бы из такой баранины!
На этот раз Джекова мать из себя вышла. Ведь на воскресный обед у нее, кроме капусты, ничего не было.
- Ах ты дубина! - сказала она Джеку, - Надо было ее на плече нести!
- В другой раз я так и сделаю, - ответил Джек. В понедельник Джек-лентяй опять вышел из дома и нанялся к торговцу скотом. Тот дал ему за работу осла. Трудненько было взвалить осла на плечи, но Джек понатужился и взвалил.
И вот побрел он со своей наградой к дому, - плелся, еле ноги передвигал. Вскоре пришлось ему идти мимо дома одного богача. У богача этого была единственная дочка, прехорошенькая, но глухая и немая, да к тому же несмеяна - ни разу в жизни не рассмеялась. А лекари сказали ее отцу, что она до тех пор не заговорит, пока ее кто-нибудь не рассмешит. И вот в то самое время, когда Джек с ослом на плечах проходил мимо, девушка выглянула в окошко. Видит, тащится детина с ослом на плечах, и покатилась со смеху. А как рассмеялась - сразу заговорила и стала слышать.
Богач до того обрадовался, что на радостях выдал дочку за Джека. Вот Джек-лентяй и разбогател. Поселился с женой в большом доме и взял к себе мать. И жила с ними старуха до конца дней своих, не зная ни нужды, ни горя.

[Mari]

Reed hat

Well, listen up! There was once a rich man, and he had three daughters. Here he conceived as something to learn fast if they love him. And he asked his eldest daughter:
- How you love me, dear?
- Ah, - she says - I love you like life!
- It's good - he says. Here he asks the middle:
- What do you love me, dear?
- Ah, - she says - more than anything else!
- Very well, - he says. Finally asks younger:
- What do you love me, my dear?
- I love you as fresh meat loves salt, - she says.
So angry is the father!
- So you do not love me, - says. - And if so - get out of my house
and he immediately kicked her out and slammed the door behind her. So that's that. She went into the wide world and all came and went, until he came to the swamp. There narwhal cane and she wove himself out of it a cape with a hood. Wrapped herself in it from head to toe to hide her elegant dress, and went on. Long or short it - it came, finally, to a wealthy home.
- Do not you need a maid? - Asks.
- No, I do not need - are responsible.
- I have nowhere else to go, - she says. - The salaries I do not ask, and I will do what is ordered.
- Well, - meet her - if you want to wash the pots and pans to clean, stay!
And she stayed, soap and pots and pans cleaned, and did all the dirty work. And since she never opened his own name, she was nicknamed "the Reed cap."
Here once the neighborhood gave a great ball, and the servants were allowed to go see the noblemen. A Reed Hat said that forces from all cried and not going anywhere, and remained at home.
But as soon as everyone left, she threw her cane cape, washed and went to the ball; and believe me, it smartly on the ball there was no one.
And he ought to be that her son owners also came to this ball. He fell in love at first sight in the reed cap and danced all night with only her. But Reed Hat did not wait until the end ball, and slowly ran home. When other maids returned, she was already in her thatched cape and pretended to be asleep.
maid next morning and said to her:
- Oh, Cane Hat, whom we saw yesterday at the ball!
- Who? - She asks.
- there was one lady - belle! And how dressed-exhausted! Our young master with her ​​right eye did not take.
- I wish I had a look at it! - Says Reed Hat.
- For what it was? Tonight will again be a ball, it probably will come.
When evening came. Reed hat again said that forces from all cried and will not go anywhere. But before the servants to leave, as she dropped her cane cape, washed and hurried to the ball.
A young master was waiting for her. The whole evening he danced only with her ​​eyes and with her ​​did not take. But again she did not wait until the ball is over, and quietly slipped away home. And when the other maids returned, she was already in her thatched cape and pretended to be asleep.
On the following day the servant and said to her:
- Ah, Cane Hat, I wish you to look at that lady! Once again she was at the ball, dressed up-flat. And our young master with her ​​right eye did not take.
- Yes, - said Reed Hat - I would not mind to see her.
- So listen: this evening ball again. Come with us! It certainly will come.
But when it came, and this evening, Reed hat again said that forces from all cried and will not go anywhere. As soon as everyone left, dropped his cane cape, washed and hurried to the ball.
young master she was very happy. Again he danced only with her ​​eyes and with her ​​did not take. This time, he asked her name and where she came from, but she did not answer. Then he gave her a ring and said that he would die of boredom if it does not see more.
Reed hat again did not wait until the end ball, and slowly ran home. And when the other maids returned, she was already in her thatched cape and pretended to be asleep.
The next day, her maid and said:
- You see, Cane Hat, you did not go with us yesterday, and now I can not see your beauty - balls are no longer will!
- Sorry! I so wanted to see her! - Said Reed hat.
A young master tried his best to find out what had happened to the beauty, but where it had happened, someone inquired, learned nothing. And so longed for her, that was sick, took to his bed and even have stopped.
- Brewed by the young master gruel! Maybe it will taste. And then as he had not died of boredom by beauty - ordered the cook.
Cook began to cook the porridge, and then came into the kitchen Reed Hat.
- What do you varish? - She asked.
- Porridge young master, - said the cook. - Maybe it will taste. And then as he had not died of boredom by beauty.
- Let me'll make! - Asked Reed hat. Cook agreed, though not immediately, and Reed Hat began cooking gruel. When cooked, threw his ring into it.
's carried the cook porridge patient. He ate porridge and saw at the bottom of a cup of your ring.
- Call cook! - He ordered. Cook was.
- Who cooked porridge? - He asked.
- I - she lied out of fear. And he looked into her eyes and said:
- No, not you! Tell the truth, who cooked it. Thee for it will be nothing.
- If so, - she says - porridge cooked Cane Hat.
- came to me cane hat is! - He tells. Reed was the hat.
- It's you I cooked porridge? - Asks the young man.
- I, - she says.
- And who did you get that ring? - He asks.
- The one who gave me his! - Responsible Reed Hat
- But who are you?
- Now you see!
And she threw off her cape and cane appeared before him in all its glory.
Well, young master, of course, soon recovered, and they became the bride and groom. Wedding decided to celebrate the glory and guests convened from all around. The Reed Father Caps also invited. And it's still hiding who she is.
And before the wedding she went to the cook and said:
- You will prepare meats, into any salt not put.
- tasteless will, - said the cook.
- Nothing, - said Reed hat.
- Okay, I will not add salt - agreed to cook. Came the day of the wedding, his cap and cane were married with a young master. After the wedding, all the guests sat down to eat But when they tried the meat, it turned out to be so tasteless that it was impossible to eat. A father the Reed Hats tasted one savory meat, then another, and suddenly burst into tears.
- What is it? - Asked his young master.
- Ah! - Replied the guest. - I had a daughter. One day I asked her how she loved me and she replied:
"As fresh meat loves salt." Well, I decided that she did not love, and drove her out of the house. And now I see that she loved me all the stronger. But must have her no longer alive.
- No, Father, she's here! - Exclaimed Reed Hat, rushed to her father and hugged him.
Since they all lived happily.

Тростниковая шапка

Ну, слушайте! Жил когда-то один богач, и было у него три дочери. Вот задумал он как-то узнать, крепко ли они его любят. И спрашивает он старшую дочь:
- Как ты меня любишь, дорогая?
- Ах,- отвечает она,- я люблю тебя, как жизнь!
- Это хорошо, - говорит он. Вот спрашивает он среднюю:
- А ты как меня любишь, дорогая?
- Ах, - отвечает она, - больше всего на свете!
- Очень хорошо, - говорит он. Наконец спрашивает младшую:
- А как же ты меня любишь, моя дорогая?
- Я люблю тебя, как свежее мясо любит соль,- отвечает она.
Ну и рассердился же отец!
- Значит, ты меня вовсе не любишь, - говорит. - А раз так, - вон из моего дома!
И он тут же выгнал ее вон и захлопнул за нею дверь. Так-то вот. Пошла она куда глаза глядят и все шла и шла, пока не подошла к болоту. Там нарвала она тростника и сплела себе из него накидку с капюшоном. Закуталась в нее с головы до ног, чтобы скрыть свое нарядное платье, и отправилась дальше. Долго ли, коротко ли - дошла она, наконец, до одного богатого дома.
- Не нужна вам служанка? - спрашивает.
- Нет, не нужна, - отвечают.
- Мне больше некуда идти, - говорит она. - Жалованья я не прошу, а делать буду что прикажут.
- Что ж, - отвечают ей, - если хочешь мыть горшки и чистить кастрюли, оставайся!
И она осталась, и мыла горшки, и чистила кастрюли, и делала всю грязную работу. А так как она никому не открыла своего имени, ее прозвали "Тростниковой Шапкой".
Вот как-то раз по соседству давали большой бал, и слугам разрешили пойти посмотреть на знатных господ. А Тростниковая Шапка сказала, что из сил выбилась и никуда не пойдет, и осталась дома.
Но как только все ушли, она сбросила свою тростниковую накидку, умылась и отправилась на бал; и уж поверьте мне, нарядней ее на балу никого не было.
И надо же было так случиться, что сын ее хозяев тоже приехал на этот бал. Он с первого взгляда влюбился в Тростниковую Шапку и весь вечер танцевал только с ней. Но Тростниковая Шапка не дождалась, пока кончится бал, и потихоньку убежала домой. Когда остальные служанки вернулись, она уже лежала в своей тростниковой накидке и притворялась спящей.
Наутро служанки и говорят ей:
- Ой, Тростниковая Шапка, кого мы вчера видели на балу!
- Кого? - спрашивает она.
- Была там одна леди - раскрасавица! А уж как разодета-разряжена! Наш молодой хозяин прямо глаз с нее не сводил.
- Вот бы мне взглянуть на нее! - говорит Тростниковая Шапка.
- За чем же дело стало? Нынче вечером опять будет бал, она наверное приедет.
Когда же настал вечер. Тростниковая Шапка опять сказала, что из сил выбилась и никуда не пойдет. Но не успели слуги уйти, как она сбросила свою тростниковую накидку, умылась и поспешила на бал.
А молодой хозяин уже дожидался ее. Весь вечер он танцевал только с ней и глаз с нее не сводил. Но она опять не дождалась, пока бал кончится, и потихоньку ускользнула домой. И когда остальные служанки вернулись, она уже лежала в своей тростниковой накидке и притворялась спящей.
На другой день служанки и говорят ей:
- Ах, Тростниковая Шапка, вот бы тебе посмотреть на ту леди! Она опять была на балу, разодетая-разряженная. А наш молодой хозяин прямо глаз с нее не сводил.
- Да,- говорит Тростниковая Шапка,- я бы не прочь на нее поглядеть.
- Так слушай: нынче вечером опять бал. Идем с нами! Она обязательно приедет.
Но когда настал и этот вечер, Тростниковая Шапка опять сказала, что из сил выбилась и никуда не пойдет. А как только все ушли, сбросила свою тростниковую накидку, умылась и поспешила на бал.
Молодой хозяин ей очень обрадовался. Он опять танцевал только с ней и глаз с нее не сводил. На этот раз он спросил, как ее зовут и откуда она родом, но она не ответила. Тогда он подарил ей кольцо и сказал, что умрет с тоски, если больше ее не увидит.
Тростниковая Шапка опять не дождалась, пока кончится бал, и потихоньку убежала домой. И когда остальные служанки вернулись, она уже лежала в своей тростниковой накидке и притворялась спящей.
На другой день служанки ей и говорят:
- Вот видишь, Тростниковая Шапка, не пошла ты с нами вчера, а теперь уж не видать тебе красавицы - балов больше не будет!
- Жаль! Мне так хотелось ее увидеть! - ответила Тростниковая Шапка.
А молодой хозяин всячески старался узнать, куда девалась красавица, но где он ни бывал, кого ни спрашивал, ничего не узнал. И так затосковал по ней, что занемог, слег в постель и даже есть перестал.
- Свари молодому хозяину жидкую кашу! Может, отведает. А то как бы не умер с тоски по красавице, - приказали поварихе.
Повариха принялась варить кашу, и тут в кухню вошла Тростниковая Шапка.
- Что ты варишь? - спросила она.
- Кашу молодому хозяину, - ответила повариха. - Может, отведает. А то как бы не умер с тоски по красавице.
- Дай-ка я сварю! - попросила Тростниковая Шапка. Повариха согласилась, хоть и не сразу, и Тростниковая Шапка принялась варить жидкую кашу. А когда сварила, бросила в нее свое кольцо.
Вот отнесла повариха кашу больному. Тот съел кашу и увидел на дне чашки свое кольцо.
- Позовите повариху! - приказал он. Повариха явилась.
- Кто варил кашу? - спросил он.
- Я, - соврала она с перепугу. А он посмотрел ей в глаза и говорит:
- Нет, не ты! Скажи правду, кто ее варил. Тебе за это ничего не будет.
- Коли так, - говорит она, - кашу варила Тростниковая Шапка.
- Пришли ко мне Тростниковую Шапку! - велит он. Явилась Тростниковая Шапка.
- Это ты варила мне кашу? - спрашивает юноша.
- Я, - отвечает она.
- А у кого ты взяла это кольцо? - спрашивает он.
- У того, кто мне дал его! - отвечает Тростниковая Шапка,
- Но кто же ты такая?
- Сейчас увидишь!
И она сбросила с себя тростниковую накидку и предстала пред ним во всей своей красе.
Ну, молодой хозяин, конечно, скоро поправился, и они стали женихом и невестой. Свадьбу решили справить на славу и гостей созвали со всей округи. Отца Тростниковой Шапки тоже пригласили. А она по-прежнему скрывала, кто она такая.
И вот перед самой свадьбой она пошла к поварихе и сказала:
- Будешь готовить мясные блюда, ни в одно соли не клади.
- Невкусно получится, - заметила повариха.
- Ничего, - сказала Тростниковая Шапка.
- Ладно, не буду солить, - согласилась повариха. Настал день свадьбы, и Тростниковую Шапку обвенчали с молодым хозяином. После венчания все гости сели за стол Но когда они попробовали мясо, оно оказалось таким безвкусным, что его невозможно было есть. А отец Тростниковой Шапки отведал одно кушание, потом другое и вдруг как зальется слезами.
- Что с вами? - спросил его молодой хозяин.
- Ах! - ответил ему гость. - Была у меня дочь. Однажды я спросил ее, как она меня любит, и она ответила:
"Как свежее мясо любит соль". Ну, я решил, что она меня вовсе не любит, и выгнал ее из дома. А теперь вижу, что она любила меня крепче всех. Но, должно быть, ее уже нет в живых.
- Нет, отец, она здесь! - воскликнула Тростниковая Шапка, бросилась к отцу и обняла его.
С тех пор все они зажили счастливо.

[Mari]

Репка (The turnip)

Grandpa planted a turnip. The turnip grew bigger and bigger. Grandpa came to pick the turnip, pulled and pulled but couldn't pull it up! Grandpa called Grandma. Grandma pulled Grandpa, Grandpa pulled the turnip. They pulled and pulled but couldn't pull it up! Granddaughter came. Granddaughter pulled Grandma, Grandma pulled Grandpa, and Grandpa pulled the turnip. They pulled and pulled but couldn't pull it up!

Посадил дед репку. Выросла репка большая-пребольшая. Пошел дед рвать репку: тянет - потянет, вытянуть не может! Позвал дед бабку. Бабка за дедку, Дедка за репку - тянут - потянут, вытянуть не могут! Пришла внучка. Внучка за бабку, Бабка за дедку, Дедка за репку - тянут - потянут, вытянуть не могут!

The doggy came. Doggy pulled Granddaughter, Granddaughter pulled Grandma, Grandma pulled Grandpa, and Grandpa pulled the turnip. They pulled and pulled but couldn't pull it up!

Пришла собачка. Собачка за внучку, Внучка за бабку, Бабка за дедку, Дедка за репку - тянут - потянут, вытянуть не могут!

A kitty came. Kitty pulled doggy, Doggy pulled Granddaughter, Granddaughter pulled Grandma, Grandma pulled Grandpa, and Grandpa pulled the turnip. They pulled and pulled but couldn't pull it up!

Пришла кошка. Кошка за собачку, Собачка за внучку, Внучка за бабку, Бабка за дедку, Дедка за репку - тянут - потянут, вытянуть не могут!

A mouse came. The mouse pulled kitty, Kitty pulled doggy, Doggy pulled Granddaughter, Granddaughter pulled Grandma, Grandma pulled Grandpa, and Grandpa pulled the turnip. They pulled and pulled and pulled the turnip up!

Пришла мышка. Мышка за кошку, Кошка за собачку, Собачка за внучку, Внучка за бабку, Бабка за дедку, Дедка за репку - тянут - потянут - вытянули репку!

[Indy]

The Elves and The Shoemaker

(by The Brothers Grimm)

     A shoemaker, by no fault of his own, had become so poor that at last he had nothing left but leather for one pair of shoes. So in the evening, he cut out the shoes which he wished to begin to make the next morning, and as he had a good conscience, he lay down quietly in his bed, prayed to God, and fell asleep. In the morning, after he had said his prayers, and was just going to sit down to work, the two shoes stood quite finished on his table. He was surprised a lot, and knew not what to say to it. He took the shoes in his hands to observe them closer, and they were so neatly made that there was not one bad stitch in them, just as if they were intended as a masterpiece. Soon after, a buyer came in, and as the shoes pleased him so well, he paid more for them than was customary, and, with the money, the shoemaker was able to purchase leather for two pairs of shoes. He cut them out at night, and next morning was about to set to work with fresh courage; but he had no need to do so, for, when he got up, they were already made, and buyers also were not waiting, who gave him money enough to buy leather for four pairs of shoes. The following morning, too, he found the four pairs made; and so it went on constantly, what he cut out in the evening was finished by the morning, so that he soon had his honest independence again, and at last became a wealthy man. Now it happened that one evening not long before Christmas, when the man had been cutting out, he said to his wife, before going to bed, "What think you if we were to stay up to-night to see who it is that lends us this helping hand?" The woman liked the idea, and lighted a candle, and then they hid themselves in a corner of the room, behind some clothes which were hanging up there, and watched. When it was midnight, two pretty little naked men came, sat down by the shoemaker's table, took all the work which was cut out before them and began to stitch, and sew, and hammer so skilfully and so quickly with their little fingers that the shoemaker could not turn away his eyes for astonishment. They did not stop until all was done, and stood finished on the table, and they ran quickly away.

     Next morning the woman said, "The little men have made us rich, and we really must show that we are grateful for it. They run about so, and have nothing on, and must be cold. I'll tell you what I'll do: I will make them little shirts, and coats, and vests, and trousers, and knit both of them a pair of stockings, and do you, too, make them two little pairs of shoes." The man said, "I shall be very glad to do it;" and one night, when everything was ready, they laid their presents all together on the table instead of the cut-out work, and then hid themselves to see how the little men would behave. At midnight they came bounding in, and wanted to get to work at once, but as they did not find any leather cut out, but only the pretty little articles of clothing, they were at first astonished, and then they showed intense delight. They dressed themselves with the greatest rapidity, putting the pretty clothes on, and singing,

    "Now we are boys so fine to see,
     Why should we longer cobblers be?"

     Then they danced and skipped and leapt over chairs and benches. At last they danced out of doors. From that time forth they came no more, but as long as the shoemaker lived all went well with him, and all his business prospered.

[Indy]

Bad blood

David and Emma looked at each other across the table. The young couple were happy: the food was delicious, the light from the candles was soft and the music was perfect.
David looked at Emma's beautiful smile. All the pain of his last break-up disappeared. All his doubts and fears about love had gone. His hand reached out and touched hers.

 

'I want to ask you something.' David searched her eyes. Could she guess what was coming?
Her smile made him feel brave. She held his hand. 'Don't worry. Whatever it is, I'll probably say yes!'
He felt so excited. He was about to ask the most important question of his life.
From the corner of the restaurant, a strange man watched them. He sat very still at his table. He held a menu but he wasn't reading it. Instead, his cold eyes looked only at the young couple.
Back at their table, David suddenly felt nervous.
'Excuse me,' he said to Emma. He pushed his chair back and went to the toilet. As he looked in the mirror, he told himself: 'Come on, David, come on! You can do this, mate! She's crazy about you!'
Feeling ready, he went out of the bathroom. He almost walked into the extremely tall man who was waiting by the door. The man's eyes were a cold, bright blue. His face was pale with a sharp, pointed nose and thin, pale lips.
'Oh, sorry!' said David.
'Which one?' the man hissed. He spoke with a strong and strange accent. David had never heard that accent before.
For a moment, David was confused. Then he realised what the other man meant.
'Oh … this one!' said David, helpfully. 'This is the men's toilet!'
David went back into the restaurant. He reached for the ring in a box in his pocket. It was time to ask her!
...
The taxi ride home was wonderful. The happy couple discussed their future life together. They shared their sweet feelings about each other.
'The night I asked you to marry me!' said David.
'The night I said yes!' replied Emma.
'Just think, our whole lives together!'
'Sharing, caring, …' he began.
'... loving, giving!' Emma finished his sentence.
They smiled at each other in loving excitement.
'You are so wonderful!' said David.
'And you're absolutely beautiful!' said Emma. 'I've never met anyone so lovely and kind! I'm so happy I could sing!'
They entered their block of flats, holding hands. A tall man watched them from the shadows.
'Which one?' he asked himself.
He watched the building. He was waiting for a light to come on to show him which flat was theirs. One minute passed … two … there it was! The light went on in a third-floor window. He saw Emma for a moment as she closed the curtains.
How many times had he stood on a corner like this? How many victims had he watched? Many corners! Many victims! His pale lips formed a thin smile. He moved out of the shadows to the door and pressed the buttons for every flat. The vampire was always pleased when people lived in flats. Sooner or later someone always let you in. Silly humans! They thought you were someone's pizza delivery. It was a kind of invitation, and that was all he needed to enter a home.
He climbed the stairs to the third floor and walked down the hall. He didn't make a sound. He could hear the young couple laughing and talking. He put his ear against the door. He could hear what they were saying and he was happy. Young love made the sweetest blood. It was so full of life and energy.
'I feel as if I'm in a film,' she was saying. 
'More like a dream,' he replied.
'Yes, a dream. How lucky we are!'
Guess who I'll be dreaming about tonight?' he said.
'Who? Who?'
'Her hair smells of roses! She's like an angel!'
Their dream was about to become a nightmare, the listening vampire thought. Suddenly, he opened the door and stood there, showing his sharp teeth. The couple screamed and then held each other in terrified silence. The vampire could smell and taste their fear. This was how he liked it. Fear also made the blood sweeter.
'There's my wallet! On the table, there! Take it!' said David. 'Take anything you want!'
'I will take anything I want!' the vampire replied.
'Fine! Fine! We won't stop you, I promise!' David cried.
'You won't stop me. I promise!' replied the vampire.
The light shone on the sharp teeth. A terrible thought came to David and Emma at the same time.
'Look at his teeth! Is he ... ?'
'A vampire!!'
'Which one?' the vampire hissed. 'It can be … only one!'
The couple's eyes were big and afraid. Their mouths open in horror. They held each other's hands and their stomachs filled with fear.
'Already tonight,' continued the vampire, 'I have drunk from three. One more ... then … I can … sleep … and feel young again.'
The vampire moved towards them. Instinct made David step in front of Emma to protect her. Emma gratefully held onto his back.
The vampire wasn't in a hurry. He had plenty of time. Who should he attack? he asked himself. Which one?
'Thank you,' Emma said quietly in David's ear, 'for what you're doing for me.'
'Of course, my love. I'm here to protect you.' He felt proud as he said the words. He could fight this vampire. All he needed was a piece of wood or something to push through the heart. He looked around for something ...
'You're so brave to offer yourself,' continued Emma.
'Sorry?' asked David. 'What are you talking about?'
'Oh!' said Emma. 'I just thought that with your love for me and everything …'
David and the vampire looked at each other.
'Now, listen, Emma. There is no doubt about my love for you!'
'Really?' she replied. She didn't believe him.
'But you can't expect me to just give him my life!'
'I wasn't saying you should!' she said. 'It's just one of our options, that's all!'
'Well, think of another one!' he shouted. 'Why don't you offer yourself to him to save me!'
The atmosphere in the room had certainly turned ugly. The vampire was not pleased that the fear and love were now silly, selfish arguments.
Emma was very angry. 'I hope you're joking!'
'Let's see how strong your love is!'
'What a horrible man!'
'What about the woman I was planning to marry?! Offering me to a vampire like a bone to a dog!'
'You said my hair smells of roses!' she cried.
'All right, all right! Relax!' David was a little embarrassed to be having this argument in front of a stranger.
'I'm an angel, you said!' she carried on shouting.
'MUST … DRINK!' shouted the vampire angrily as he came even closer. He wanted to make a quick kill. Then he could get away from these terrible people as soon as possible.
His eyes opened wider and his teeth were bared. 'WHICH ... ONE?'
'HER!' David pointed at his future wife.
'HIM! HIM!' screamed Emma in anger. 'Please, HIM!'
The vampire approached David.
'She's younger! Sweeter!' said David.
The vampire turned to Emma.
'He's bigger! There's more of him!' She pointed at David.
Suddenly the vampire felt tired. He had been killing for many centuries. Listening to them was depressing. How could he feel good by drinking the blood of either of these disgusting creatures?
He looked down at their terrified faces and shouted, 'BAD BLOOD!'
And with that, he disappeared into the night air and left Emma and David alone together. Together, as they had promised, for the rest of their lives.

[asdfg]

The Wolf and the Fox

      A Fox is sitting on the road and eating fish. A Wolf is running along the road; he sees the Fox. He is very hungry and asks the Fox to give him some fish. But the Fox says, «Go to the river, catch a fish for yourself and eat it».
«How can I catch a fish»? asks the Wolf. «It is winter. There is ice on the river».
«Make a hole in the ice and put your tail into the water», says the Fox. «The fish will bite
your tail. Then pull your tail out of the hole, and in this way you will have fish». So he goes to the river. He makes a hole in the ice, sits down near it and puts his tail into the water.
     The Fox goes away and laughs at the foolish Wolf. The night passes, and the Wolf is still sitting on the ice.
In the morning many children come to the river. They see the Wolf and make a great noise. The Wolf is very cold and afraid of the children. He wants to pull his tail out of the hole, but he cannot! He pulls and pulls. No result! At last he makes a very strong pull....

[asdfg]

The Fox and the Goat

      One very hot summer, when all the brooks are dry, a Fox looks for water to drink. He even goes into a farmyard, but the dog sees him and begins to bark, and the Fox runs away. At last he finds an old well in the field. When he comes to it, he sees that he cannot get to the water. He tries again and again and at last falls into the well. The water is not very deep and the Fox is glad to drink it.
     Then he wants to get out but he cannot. The next morning a Goat comes up to the well. She sees the Fox there, and asks him, «Is the water good»?
     «Oh, yes», says the Fox, «come down, my friend. It is so good that I am drinking it all the time». So the Goat jumps into the well. But the Fox jumps on the Goat's back, and a moment later is on the green grass.
     «Thank you, my friend», he says to the Goat. The silly Goat soon understands that it is foolish to believe a cunning Fox.

[DAЛ$]

[DAS]

   

  Then do it!

We will!

[Ann]

As for me, I don't mind. I'm all for it!

   

  Then do it!

[DAS]

I wish we could return Home reading into our education. I've almost forgotten that we used to have it in our former school life.

As for me, I don't mind. I'm all for it!

[Ann]

У обезьянки - a monkey
Была подружка - a frog - лягушка,
А у нее была сестричка,
A fox - лисичка.
Был дружок, а cock - петушок
A rabbit - крольчонок,
A bear - медвежонок,
A duckling - утенок,
A pig - поросенок,
A black cat - черный кот,
И козленок - a goat.
Они жили в лесу - in the wood
И были очень хороши - very good.
А около озера - near the lake
Жила большая змея - a big snake.
И вот однажды - one day
Она решила съесть друзей.

to be continued...

     You promised the continuation. I didn't find any.
     By the way the branch is very interesting. I wish we could return Home reading into our education. I've almost forgotten that we used to have it in our former school life.