Fairy Tales for Fun and Wisdom

Illustrations Fooocus

© Kirill Shatilov, 2025

ISBN 978-5-0065-4406-2

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

Предисловие автора

Когда я был совсем маленьким, лет пяти, бабушка решила научить меня французскому языку, который знала и любила, потому что никогда не ходила в школу, а учила его дома, от гувернанток, и начала читать мне французские сказки. Как сейчас помню замечательные, добрые и весёлые истории про козлёнка Рудуду и медвежонка Рикики. На дворе было начало 1970-х годов, и продавались эти истории в виде маленьких журнальчиков в единственном тогда в Москве магазине иностранной книги.

Шли годы. Детская память – отличная вещь. Особенно когда она не забита лишними датами, правилами и формулами. Поэтому многие тогдашние французские слова и выражения – вместе с произношением – врезались в неё намертво. Больше я французский никогда и нигде специально не учил, однако впоследствии всегда чувствовал себя во Франции уверенно и даже вступал с французами, которые далеко не все хорошо знают английский язык, в смелые беседы. Я даже не замечал, как Рикики и Рудуду то и дело протягивают мне руку помощи.

Именно поэтому сегодня мне захотелось направить тем же путём моих маленьких и наверняка любознательных читателей, подарив им книжку английских сказок и ярких картинок, в которой бы развлеченье и открытие мира английского языка совмещалось с дружескими поученьями.

Читайте, запоминайте, мудрейте и будьте здоровы!

The Nightingale and the Hidden Spring (Соловей и скрытый источник)

In the mountains of Greece, a nightingale sang every evening by a dry well. The villagers wondered why it sang, as the well hadn’t held water in years.

One day, a young girl named Eleni asked the bird, “Why do you sing here?”

The nightingale replied, “This well once gave life to your village. If you listen closely, it still whispers of water.”

Eleni gathered the villagers, and together they dug deeper into the well. At last, a fresh spring bubbled forth, bringing water back to the village.

The nightingale’s song became a symbol of hope, reminding the villagers that even forgotten things can hold life.

Moral:

Patience and persistence can uncover hidden treasures.

Notes:

– Nightingale – a bird known for its beautiful song (соловей).

– Whispers – soft speaking sounds (шёпоты).

– Persistence – continuing to try despite difficulty (настойчивость).

– Uncover – to reveal something hidden (обнаружить).

The Wise Turtle and the Hasty Rabbit (Мудрая черепаха и торопливый кролик)

Once, in a green forest, a rabbit and a turtle argued about who was the fastest animal. The rabbit laughed loudly, “Turtle, you are so slow! You can’t even dream of beating me in a race.”

The turtle smiled and said, “Let’s see if wisdom can beat speed. I challenge you to a race!”

The next morning, all the animals gathered to watch. The rabbit ran quickly and was soon far ahead. He thought, “The turtle is so slow; I can take a nap and still win!”

While the rabbit slept under a tree, the turtle kept moving, step by step, slowly but steadily. When the rabbit woke up, he saw the turtle near the finish line! He ran as fast as he could, but it was too late. The turtle won the race.

The rabbit hung his head in shame and said, “I learned my lesson. I won’t underestimate others again.”

Moral:

Slow and steady wins the race.

Notes:

– Argued – to talk angrily with someone when you disagree (ссориться, спорить).

– Challenge – to invite someone to compete or fight (бросать вызов).

– Steadily – moving in a regular and continuous way (неуклонно, устойчиво).

– Underestimate – to think someone is less capable than they really are (недооценивать).

The Lion and the Clever Mouse (Лев и хитрая мышка)

One sunny day, a lion was sleeping under a big tree. Suddenly, a little mouse ran across his paw. The lion woke up angrily and caught the mouse with his strong claws.

The mouse squeaked, “Please don’t eat me, Mr. Lion! One day, I will help you in return.”

The lion laughed. “How can a tiny mouse like you help the king of the jungle?” But he let the mouse go.

A week later, the lion was caught in a hunter’s net. He roared for help, but no one came. The mouse heard the lion’s roar and ran to him. “Don’t worry, Mr. Lion, I’ll save you!”

The mouse used her sharp teeth to chew the ropes of the net. Soon, the lion was free. He smiled and said, “Thank you, little mouse. I will never judge someone by their size again.”

Moral:

Even the smallest friend can make a big difference.

Notes:

– Claws – the sharp nails of an animal (когти).

– Squeaked – made a high, quick sound (пронзительно пискнул).

– Hunter’s net – a trap made of ropes used to catch animals (охотничья сеть).

– Chew – to bite something repeatedly (грызть, жевать).

The Ant and the Lazy Grasshopper (Муравей и ленивый кузнечик)

In a sunny meadow, ants worked hard to collect food for winter. A grasshopper played his violin and laughed. “Why are you working so hard? There’s plenty of time before winter!”

An ant replied, “We are preparing for the cold days ahead. You should, too.”

The grasshopper laughed louder, “Winter is far away. I want to sing and dance now!”

When winter came, the grasshopper had no food. He knocked on the ants’ door, shivering. “Please, can you share some food?”

The ants shared their food but said, “Next time, remember: hard work today saves you tomorrow.”

Moral:

Plan ahead and work hard.

Notes:

– Meadow – a grassy field with flowers (луг).

– Violin – a musical instrument (скрипка).

– Shivering – shaking because of cold (дрожать от холода).

– Knocked – hit a door to ask to come in (постучал).

The Talking Shadow (Говорящая тень)

Once, in a quiet village by the sea, a boy named Mali loved chasing his shadow. He’d run, jump, and wave, watching it copy his every move.

One day, as the sun set and the world turned golden, Mali noticed his shadow acting strangely. Instead of following him, it began pointing toward the forest.

Mali stopped. “What do you want, shadow?” he asked.

To his surprise, the shadow spoke. “There’s danger in the forest. Someone needs your help.”

Mali was frightened but curious. He followed the direction of the shadow’s pointing arm. In the forest, he found an old woman trapped under a fallen branch.

“Please, help me,” she whispered weakly.

Mali used all his strength to lift the branch, freeing the woman. She smiled and said, “Your courage and your shadow saved me. Never ignore what your heart – or your shadow – tells you.”

As Mali walked back, he looked at his shadow and smiled. It was back to following him silently.

Moral:

Listen to the quiet signs; they often lead to the right path.

Notes:

– Copy – to do the same as someone else (копировать, повторять).

– Golden – having the color of gold, like the light at sunset (золотистый).

– Curious – wanting to know or learn something (любопытный).

– Frightened – feeling scared or afraid (испуганный).

The Bird Who Forgot to Sing (Птица, которая забыла спеть)

High in the mountains of Kisiwa, there lived a bird named Nyota. She was known for her beautiful songs that made flowers bloom faster and rivers flow smoother.

One year, during the dry season, Nyota stopped singing. The flowers drooped, and the rivers slowed to a trickle. “Why aren’t you singing?” asked the wind.

“I don’t feel like it,” Nyota replied. “What’s the point? The world is too dry and sad.”

The wind sighed and carried her words far and wide. Soon, a group of children climbed the mountain with buckets of water. They watered the flowers and sang songs as they worked.

Nyota watched, her heart stirring. Their songs were clumsy but filled with hope. She opened her beak and joined them, her voice blending with theirs.

The flowers perked up, the rivers flowed again, and the children cheered.

Nyota realized, “Even when the world feels dry, one song can bring life back.”

Moral:

When you share your gift, you inspire others to act.

Notes:

– Drooped – hung down weakly (поникли, свисали).

– Trickle – a small, slow flow of water (струйка).

– Clumsy – not graceful or skilled (неловкий).

– Perked up – became lively or active again (ожили).

The Tree Who Chose to Move (Дерево, которое решило двигаться)

In the middle of the great plains, there stood a lonely baobab tree. It was strong, with roots that reached deep into the earth. But the baobab was sad.

“I want to see the ocean,” it whispered to the wind one day.

The wind laughed. “Trees don’t move!”

But the baobab refused to give up. Each day, it stretched its roots a little farther, pulling itself inch by inch across the plains.

The animals laughed. “You’ll never make it,” they said.

Years passed, and the baobab didn’t stop. Finally, its roots touched sand, and it saw the ocean. Waves crashed and sparkled under the sun. The baobab stood tall and proud, its leaves rustling in joy.

The wind returned and said, “I doubted you, but you’ve taught me: even what seems impossible is possible with patience.”

Moral:

With patience and determination, you can achieve the impossible.

Notes:

– Lonely – feeling sad because you are alone (одинокий).

– Whispered – spoke very quietly (прошептал).

– Inch by inch – little by little, slowly (шаг за шагом).

– Doubted – didn’t believe something could happen (сомневался).

The Birch That Hid the Stars (Берёза, которая спрятала звёзды)

Deep in a Russian forest, there stood a tall birch tree named Alyona. She was proud of her silvery bark and graceful branches. At night, the stars danced above her, reflecting in the quiet lake nearby.

One evening, Alyona noticed something strange. A shadow crept over the lake, and the stars disappeared one by one. Alarmed, she whispered to the wind, “Where are the stars going?”

The wind answered, “A greedy crow is stealing them and hiding them in his nest.”

Alyona couldn’t stand to see the sky empty. She stretched her branches higher and higher until they touched the clouds. She gathered the stars one by one and held them tightly in her leaves.

The crow squawked angrily, “Give them back! They are mine!”

Alyona replied, “The stars don’t belong to you or me. They belong to everyone.” She gently threw the stars back into the sky, where they began to shine again.

That night, the forest animals gathered under Alyona’s branches and thanked her. She stood taller than ever, her leaves glowing faintly, as if kissed by starlight.

Moral:

What belongs to everyone must be protected by each of us.

Notes:

– Silvery – shiny and gray, like silver (серебристый).

– Graceful – elegant and beautiful (изящный).

– Alarmed – worried or frightened (тревожный).

– Greedy – wanting too much of something (жадный).

The Snowflake That Refused to Melt (Снежинка, которая отказалась таять)

One winter in Siberia, a snowflake named Polina fell from the sky. She was tiny but perfect, with sharp, sparkling edges.

As she landed on a boy’s mitten, she overheard him say, “I wish winter could last forever.”

Polina decided she would grant his wish. “I won’t melt,” she thought. “I’ll stay frozen forever!”

The boy carried Polina into his warm house. She felt the heat but refused to change. She clung to the mitten, determined to remain a snowflake.

Day by day, Polina grew tired. She missed the sky and the cold wind. She whispered, “Maybe it’s okay to let go.”

The next morning, as sunlight streamed through the window, Polina melted. Her water seeped into a potted plant on the windowsill.

Spring came, and a flower bloomed in that very pot. The boy smiled and said, “Even winter leaves gifts behind.”

Moral:

Letting go can lead to something beautiful.

Notes:

– Sparkling – shining brightly (искрящийся).

– Mitten – a warm glove with one part for the thumb (варежка).

– Grant – to give or fulfill a wish (исполнять).

– Seeped – flowed slowly through small holes (просочилась).

The Fox and the Frozen Lake (Лиса и замёрзшее озеро)

One frosty morning in a quiet Russian village, a fox named Zorya tiptoed across a frozen lake, her paws clicking softly on the ice. She was searching for fish under the ice to feed her cubs.

Suddenly, she heard a loud crack! The ice beneath her feet began to split. Zorya froze, unsure what to do.

A raven flying above cawed, “Run, fox, run! The ice will swallow you!”

But Zorya didn’t move. She whispered to the lake, “I trust you. You wouldn’t let me drown.”

The lake, flattered by her words, steadied its surface. Zorya carefully backed away to solid ground.

That evening, the fox gathered her cubs by the lakeshore and taught them an important lesson: “Panic breaks the ice, but calm keeps you afloat.”

Moral:

Stay calm in the face of danger, and you’ll find your way to safety.

Notes:

– Tiptoed – walked quietly on the tips of the toes (шагала на цыпочках).

– Split – broke apart (раскололся).

– Flattered – pleased by praise (польщённый).

– Afloat – staying on the surface, not sinking (на плаву).

The Bell That Rang in the Fog (Колокол, который звонил в тумане)

In a small Russian village surrounded by misty hills, there stood an old bell tower. The bell, named Darya, hadn’t rung in years because no one climbed the creaky stairs anymore.

One autumn evening, a thick fog rolled in, covering the entire village. Travelers on the nearby road lost their way, stumbling blindly through the haze.

“Where is the village?” a man cried. “We need help!”

Darya heard the voices through the still air and thought, If only someone could ring me, I could guide them.

Summoning all her strength, Darya shook herself. At first, only a faint chime escaped, but she didn’t stop. She rang louder and louder until her clear tone pierced the fog.

The travelers followed the sound and arrived safely at the village. The villagers, hearing Darya’s call, rushed to greet them with warm blankets and hot tea.

From that day on, the villagers took care of Darya, climbing the stairs to polish her and make sure she would never fall silent again.

Moral:

Even forgotten voices can save lives.

Notes:

– Misty – filled with fog (туманный).

– Haze – a thin mist or fog (дымка, мгла).

– Chime – a clear ringing sound (перезвон).

– Pierced – broke through something (пронзил).

The Hedgehog Who Lost His Needles (Ёжик, который потерял иголки)

In a quiet birch grove near a river, there lived a hedgehog named Pyotr. His sharp needles made him feel safe from any danger. But one day, after an unusually strong storm, Pyotr woke up to find his needles scattered all over the ground.

Panicked, he rolled into a ball, but without his needles, he felt exposed and helpless. “What will I do now?” he thought.

His friends, a squirrel and a sparrow, came to help. “Let’s find something to replace your needles!” they said. The squirrel brought pine needles, and the sparrow found feathers. Pyotr stuck them to his back, but they kept falling off.

Finally, an old owl perched nearby said, “You don’t need to hide, Pyotr. Try trusting others for once.”

Pyotr hesitated but decided to walk through the forest without his needles. To his surprise, no one attacked him. His friends stayed by his side, protecting him.

As spring arrived, Pyotr’s needles grew back, but he had learned an important lesson: strength isn’t just about what you carry on your back.

Moral:

True strength lies in trust and friendship.

Notes:

– Needles – sharp spikes on a hedgehog’s back (иголки).

– Exposed – without protection (уязвимый).

– Replace – to put something new in place of something else (заменить).

– Hesitated – paused before making a decision (колебался).

The Moonlight Fox and the Frozen River (Лиса-луна и замёрзшая река)

On the outskirts of a snowy Russian village, people whispered about a magical fox with a silvery coat that shimmered like moonlight. She was called Luna.

One harsh winter, the river froze solid, cutting the villagers off from the other side where food and firewood lay stored. Desperate, they called out, “Who will cross the ice for us?”

Luna appeared that night, her coat glowing under the moon. “I will guide you,” she said, her voice soft as snow.

The villagers followed her carefully as she traced a safe path across the ice. They moved slowly, but Luna’s tail brushed the surface, revealing cracks they couldn’t see.

By dawn, everyone was safely across, and the villagers cheered, thanking Luna. She bowed her head and disappeared into the forest, leaving behind only her glowing pawprints in the snow.

Moral:

True leaders guide others safely, even through the darkest nights.

Notes:

– Shimmered – sparkled or shone faintly (мерцала).

– Outskirts – the outer edge of a village or town (окраина).

– Trace – to mark or follow a path (прокладывать).

– Pawprints – marks left by an animal’s paws (следы лап).

The 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.