This is a modern-English version of 365 bedtime stories, originally written by Bonner, Mary Graham. It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling, and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If you click on a paragraph, you will see the original text that we modified, and you can toggle between the two versions.

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365 Bedtime Stories

365 Bedtime Tales


THE BEDTIME STORY

THE BEDTIME STORY


365
Bedtime Stories

365
Bedtime Stories

By
Mary Graham Bonner

By
Mary Graham Bonner

With twenty illustrations in color by
Florence Choate and Elizabeth Curtis

With twenty color illustrations by
Florence Choate and Elizabeth Curtis

New York
Frederick A. Stokes Company
MCMXXIII

New York
Frederick A. Stokes Company
1923

Copyright, 1923, by
Frederick A. Stokes Company

Copyright, 1923, by
Frederick A. Stokes Co.

All rights reserved

All rights reserved

Printed in the United States of America

Printed in the United States of America


This book is
dedicated
with all my love
and all my admiration
and all my affection
to

EUGENE EDWARD EARLY

This book is
dedicated
with all my love
and all my admiration
and all my affection
to

EUGENE EDWARD EARLY


CONTENTS

PAGE
January 1: A New Year's Party 1
2: The Rhyme Years 2
3: Mischievous Breeze 3
4: The Selfish Oyster Crabs 4
5: Brownie's Toothache 4
6: The Pink Cockatoo 4
7: The Pet Monkey 5
8: The Bravery Medal 6
9: The pocket knife 6
10: The Brave Little Sister 7
11: Baby Bears 7
12: The Snow Cabin 8
13: Peter Goblin's Adventure 9
14: The Words 10
15: The pill bottle 10
16: A loaf of bread 11
17: The Tame Canary 12
18: Little Carry's Birthday Party 13
19: Maggie's Meals 14
20: Winter Trees 14
21: Bad Prunes 15
22: Molly’s Piano Performance 16
23: Goblins' Secrets 17
24: In the Fishbowl 17
25: Mac, the Doggo 18
26: The Three Horses 19
27: In the Kitchen 20
28: The Tiny Needle 21
29: Real Dogs 21
30: The Elderly Man 22
31: The Picky Cat 23
February 1: Mice Are Found 24
2: In the Ocean 25
3: The Circus Dream 26
4: Little Mildred's Muff 28
5: The Coal Bin 28
6: In Dreamworld 29
7: How Inkfishes Defend Themselves 30
8: The Veggies 31
9: The Life-Saving St. Bernards 31
10: The Birthday Goblin 32
11: A Fictional and Real President 33
12: Abraham Lincoln 33
13: Isa's Valentine's Party 34
14: Why We Celebrate Valentine’s Day 34
15: The Desk and the Ink Well 35
16: Dr. Sun 36
17: Mr. Moon is hiding 37
18: A Negligent Boss 37
19: The Cat Show 39
20: The LGBTQ+ Pets 40
21: Harry's Essay 40
22: Father of the Nation 41
23: The Postage Stamp Explorer 42
24: How Rowdy Shared His Place 43
25: The Exhausted Eagles 44
26: The Squirrels’ Peanut Quest 45
27: The Etiquette Game 45
28: Mischievous Julius 46
29: The Whistling Kid 47
March 1: Lucy’s Tonsils 48
2: Lucy’s Guests 49
3: The Homesick Pup 51
4: Lady Ethel 52
5: The Soup 52
6: Elephant Paths 53
7: The Marbles 53
8: Benefits of Tomatoes 54
9: The Old Woman and the Pot of Daffodils 55
10: The TikTok Twins 55
11: The Fig 57
12: Happy Compton 58
13: Refrigerator and Heater 58
14: The Dogs 59
15: Biddle's Trick 61
16: The Mischievous Colds 61
17: Why the Shamrock is Worn on St. Patrick’s Day 63
18: St. Paddy 63
19: The Clocks 64
20: A Party and PollyModernized 65
21: Salt, Pepper, and Sugar 65
22: A Bird Sunroom 66
23: The Cars 67
24: The trailing arbutus 68
25: The Phone Dog 69
26: The Kettle's Problem 69
27: Mr. Measles' Puzzle 70
28: Winter is over 72
29: Another Biddle Tale 72
30: The Squirrels' Spring Tasks 73
31: The Keyring 74
April 1: Marketing 74
2: The Buds' Secrets 75
3: The Clock and the Watch 76
4: Billie's Spring 76
5: Brenda's Easter Get-Together 78
6: An Unexpected Visitor 79
7: The Weary Honeysuckle 80
8: The Flower Festival 81
9: The Big Parade 82
10: The Alphabet 82
11: The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 84
12: The Woodpecker Crew 85
13: The Tease 86
14: The Onion's Address 87
15: A Book Lover 88
16: The Wild Black Cherry Tree 89
17: Spring Flowers 89
18: The Button Bag 90
19: The Patient Chimp 92
20: The Toad 92
21: The Pine Needles 93
22: The Cat's Blunder 93
23: The Butterfly Who Loved the Sun 94
24: The Horse Chestnut 95
25: The Caring Partners 95
26: The Dandelion 96
27: Butterfly Growth 96
28: The Tack & the Nail 97
29: Moon's Confusion 98
30: Marion's Plant Collection 99
May 1: The Tree Swallows 99
2: The Pig Who Went for a Walk 100
3: The Fairy and the Kangaroo 101
4: The Maple Tree Speaks 102
5: The Daisies' Title 102
6: The Two Rabbits 102
7: Evelyn Makes a Decision 104
8: Bossy White's Escape 105
9: The Spring Snowstorm 106
10: A Reward for Mr. Walrus 108
11: Kay and the Trunk 109
12: The Sun Speaks to Harry 109
13: Old Mr. Owl is Writing a Book 110
14: The Little Turkeys 111
15: Billy’s Trip on the Bus 112
16: Mother Maple Tree 113
17: The Sportfish 114
18: Mom Sheep 115
19: The Monkeys' Win 116
20: The Mosquitos 117
21: The Potato Beetles 118
22: Meadow Mouse and Mole 120
23: Wishes 120
24: The Tree’s Complaint 122
25: Saving a Tail 122
26: Life in the Firepit 123
27: Jewelweed's Visitor 124
28: Peter's Birthday Bash 125
29: The Spring Flower Chat 127
30: Memorial Day 127
31: What the Flag Told Fred 128
June 1: The Robin Parents 128
2: The Robins Come to the Rescue 129
3: The Persian Lilacs 130
4: How a Wish Saved the Raccoons 131
5: The New Mole House 132
6: The Green Kayak 133
7: The Bunny and the Fox 134
8: The Stay-at-Home Bee 136
9: Ladybug's Talk 136
10: The Waves' Dreams 138
11: The Waves' Journey 138
12: The Waves’ Journey 140
13: A Struggling Weed 140
14: The Joy of Biking 141
15: The Best Apple Tree Ever 142
16: An Elephant's Journey 143
17: The Story the Oak Tree Told 144
18: The Weeds and the Flowers 145
19: The Offended Flowers 146
20: The Colorful Bags 147
21: A Spider’s Curiosity 148
22: The Sundial 149
23: Shoes and Socks 150
24: Mosquitoes and Snails 150
25: The Rose-breasted Grosbeak 151
26: The Goldfish 153
27: The Pigeons' Spa 153
28: The Man in the Moon's Party 154
29: Billy and the Dragon 155
30: Cozy Balsam Blooms 156
July 1: A Brother's Game Plan 156
2: The Ultimate Dream 157
3: The Hash and the Watermelon 158
4: Independence Day 159
5: The Sun and the Thunder 159
6: The Real Story of a Dog 159
7: The Rabbit Called Pigeon 160
8: The Big Tent 161
9: Ms. Hippopotamus 162
10: The Baby Carrier 163
11: A Feast for the Rats 165
12: Knowing how to swim 165
13: Flower Dreams 165
14: The Mischievous Breezes 166
15: The Coral Families 166
16: Garden Tools 168
17: The Jolly Dust Bros 169
18: The Bad Poison Ivy 170
19: The Sun Fairies 171
20: The Meadow Fritillary Tribe 171
21: George and the Goblin 173
22: Jack-in-the-pulpit 174
23: The Tide 175
24: Edith's Garden 177
25: Earth Visits the Moon 177
26: The Elephant's Toothache 179
27: The Loaded Potato Skins 179
28: The Traveling Flowers 180
29: The Guests 181
30: The Little Bumblebee's Mistake 182
31: Fresh Raspberries 183
August 1: The Brave Mockingbird 183
2: The Milkweed Plants 184
3: Phone Peas 184
4: Harebell Umbrellas 185
5: A Kids' Circus 186
6: The Bank Swallow 187
7: The Cuckoo Clock 188
8: Zuzeppa, the Monkey 190
9: Mr. Bullfrog 191
10: Allie Baa's Letter 191
11: Chickadee 193
12: The Tiny Caterpillars 193
13: The Catbird 194
14: The Fairy Queen's Tale 195
15: A Hospital Carnival 196
16: The Blaze 197
17: Animal Friends 198
18: The Orange Soda 199
19: The Climbing Perch 199
20: The Onion's Roast 201
21: Harriet's Monkey 201
22: Summer Corn 202
23: A Bee Tale 203
24: Allie Baa's Portrait 204
25: Saving the Elm Tree 205
26: A Magic Lantern Presentation 205
27: The Infant Ear 206
28: How Arthur Rescued a Little Girl 207
29: The Huckleberry Pickers 207
30: Mr. Sun's Birthday 208
31: The Missing Dog 209
September 1: The Whippoorwills 210
2: The Monkey 211
3: Paper Dolls 213
4: Larry's Labor Day 214
5: At the Barn 215
6: Animal Conversations 215
7: Doctor Birds 216
8: 9 Years Old 217
9: Evelyn's Journey 218
10: The Brave Rooster 218
11: The Fairy Queen Tale 218
12: The White Oak Tree 219
13: Missed Opportunities 220
14: Welcome, the Doggo 220
15: The Kids' Museum 221
16: Prince, the horse 222
17: The Deer 223
18: A black cat 225
19: The Oysters 225
20: The Lift 225
21: The Mist 226
22: The Land of Nod 226
23: The Homesick Chicken 227
24: Mrs. Duck's Dinner 228
25: Doll Kids 229
26: The Leaves 229
27: The Morning Fairies 229
28: The Dream 229
29: The Monkey's Collar 230
30: Mr. Fox's Marketing Strategy 231
October 1: Gypsy, the Cat 232
2: The Imaginary Elephant 233
3: Canary Cloudy Wings 234
4: The Overused Pencil 234
5: The Onions 236
6: Trixie's Burglar 237
7: An Autumn Gathering 238
8: A Small Dog 238
9: Alta's Guinea Pigs 239
10: A Loyal Dog 240
11: A Bird's Secret 240
12: Indigenous Peoples' Day 241
13: The Camels 241
14: A Mischievous Cat 242
15: The Chipmunks 243
16: The Fairies' Journey 243
17: Lion Cubs 244
18: Max's Getaway 246
19: The Fire Alarm 246
20: The Rain 247
21: Grandpa Pine Tree 247
22: Jack Frost's Night 248
23: Beans and Peas 249
24: Tiger West's Cuisine 249
25: Fall Leaves 250
26: Blackie’s Escape 251
27: A Chat with the Sun 253
28: The Squash Game 254
29: Jack-o'-lantern 254
30: Dad's Halloween 255
31: Halloween 256
November 1: The Brownies Assistance 257
2: The Butterfly and Bumblebee 258
3: The Heater 259
4: The Elephant's Bath 259
5: Waving and Daydreaming 261
6: The Smart Fire Horses 261
7: The Two Roses 262
8: The Mothballs 262
9: Happy winter 263
10: The Horse's Grievance 264
11: Veterans Day 264
12: Window Castles 266
13: The Fall Paint Club 266
14: Momma Brown Bat 267
15: The Magic Notebook 268
16: Peter’s Journey with the Man in the Moon 269
17: Dinah 270
18: Winter Hibernators 271
19: Toody Ruggles' Good Fortune 271
20: The Limpets 272
21: The Rescue 273
22: The Old Man in the Woods 274
23: The Queen's Brooch 274
24: Eagle’s Thanksgiving 275
25: Thanksgiving 276
26: Thanksgiving 277
27: Great News 278
28: The Newsboy's Dog 278
29: The Gunmetal Watch 279
30: Farmyard Thoughts 279
December 1: The Toy Store 280
2: A Tale of the Fireplace 281
3: The Pig Who Didn’t Know How to Eat Properly 281
4: Jimmie's Plane 282
5: The Holiday Dog 282
6: The Best Toys 284
7: Christmas with the Squirrels 285
8: How to Write to Santa 285
9: A Letter to Santa Claus and His Response 285
10: Betty's Dream 286
11: The Snowman 287
12: Sharpy and Chappy 287
13: Holiday Cards 288
14: Candy Toys 290
15: Santa's Presents 290
16: The Gray Rabbit 291
17: Santa and Teddy 291
18: Sunny Blue Sky 292
19: Christmas Joy 294
20: Santa in the North Pole 294
21: Santa's Workshop 295
22: A snowy Christmas 295
23: The Tree and the Stockings 295
24: The Two Little Mice's Christmas Eve Party 296
25: Christmas Morning 297
26: Santa's Telescope 298
27: Holiday Letters 299
28: Chimney-free homes 299
29: The Barnyard Christmas 300
30: Goals 300
31: Little Listeners 301

ILLUSTRATIONS

The Bedtime Story Hour Frontispiece
FACING
PAGE
“In the afternoons Elizabeth lets him out of his cage” 12
“‘Hurry, Dream Fairies, tie up the dreams for me to take around’” 30
“‘We’ve been on this chair so long,’ said the fourth eagle” 44
“A lovely gray felt bunny and a brown felt monkey always were with Lucy” 50
“‘This is the season for us to tap the sirup from the maple trees, and you are spending your time swinging in a hammock’” 74
“The butterfly thought, ‘Well, this may be my first party, but it won’t be my last’” 94
“Mr. Owl awakened the fairies and told them to listen to his book” 112
“The mother humming-bird hurried back” 130
“‘The Fairy Queen brings all the little fairies to admire us’” 142
“The Fairy Queen was dressed in glittering gold” 154
“‘You are paying me a fine compliment’” 162
“As the bumble-bees got nearer, they, too, saw they had made a mistake” 182
“For a moment Mr. Sun was hidden by a purple cloud” 208
“After a long time the lovely dawn fairies came out from their sleeping places” 230
“So off they sailed, feeling just like birds with the delightful flying motion of the ships” 244
“There would be fortune-telling, too, and Janet’s mother had promised to be the fortune-telling witch who would sit by her caldron” 256
“Peter felt a little afraid at first that he’d fall” 270
“If he couldn’t reach a thing he’d climb on the table” 282
“They ate until they could eat no more” 296

[1]

[1]

365
Bedtime Stories

JANUARY 1: A New Year’s Party

“Just because it was the first day of the year,” commenced daddy, “and because parties were about the nicest things in the world to the mind of a little girl named Ella, her mother decided to give her one.

“Just because it was the first day of the year,” Dad began, “and because parties were one of the best things in the world to a little girl named Ella, her mom decided to throw her one.

“‘It certainly does seem like the first of the year, or the first of something,’ said Ella. ‘It’s a new day, a new year and we have new toys and new games. We are even going to have supper out of new dishes.’

“‘It really does feel like the start of the year, or the start of something,’ said Ella. ‘It’s a new day, a new year, and we have new toys and new games. We’re even going to have dinner on new dishes.’”

“For among the presents Santa Claus had brought to Ella was a fine set of dishes. They were pink and white and there were six cups and saucers, six little plates, a teapot, sugar bowl and cream jug. It was really a very complete set.

“For among the gifts Santa Claus had brought to Ella was a nice set of dishes. They were pink and white and included six cups and saucers, six small plates, a teapot, a sugar bowl, and a cream jug. It was truly a very complete set.

“They had thin bread and butter, hot chocolate with whipped cream and a cake which Ella’s mother called a New Year’s cake. It was pink and white on the top with pink sugared trimmings on the white frosting.

“They had thin bread and butter, hot chocolate with whipped cream, and a cake that Ella’s mother called a New Year’s cake. It had pink and white on the top with pink sugary decorations on the white frosting.

“In the center of the cake was one pink candle, for Ella’s mother said it would be quite impossible to have a candle for the number of years there had been, and too, it would be nice to have a new way and just consider the year a day old.

“In the middle of the cake was a pink candle, because Ella's mom said it would be totally impossible to have a candle for each year they had celebrated, and besides, it would be nice to think of it in a new way and just consider the year to be one day old."

“After the cake had been almost entirely eaten they played house. Each little girl took a corner of the room as her house and fixed it up with some of Ella’s things. They all had their own dolls and many of their other toys so they really felt quite at home.

“After the cake was almost completely gone, they played house. Each girl claimed a corner of the room as her own house and decorated it with some of Ella’s stuff. They all had their dolls and many of their other toys, so they really felt right at home.”

“Then they began calling on each other, dressing up in shawls and old hats which Ella’s mother let them use. After a while they heard a flutter, flutter against the window pane, and then another little flapping sound.

“Then they started calling to each other, putting on shawls and old hats that Ella’s mom allowed them to use. After a bit, they heard a fluttering against the window pane, followed by another little flapping sound.

“‘It’s a little bird,’ said Ella, as she looked out of the window. ‘It’s right on the sill, and I am dreadfully afraid it has hurt its wings. Poor little dear.’

“‘It’s a little bird,’ said Ella, as she looked out of the window. ‘It’s right on the sill, and I’m really worried it has hurt its wings. Poor little thing.’”

“They opened the window and Ella took the little bird in her hands. Oh, how cold the little bird’s feathers were!

“They opened the window, and Ella held the little bird in her hands. Oh, how cold the little bird's feathers felt!

“‘We’ll take care of you,’ said Ella. They gave the little bird some bread-crumbs and some water. Then he had a delicious piece of lettuce from the seeds which Ella had started in a box in her room.

“‘We’ll take care of you,’ said Ella. They fed the little bird some breadcrumbs and gave it some water. Then he enjoyed a tasty piece of lettuce from the seeds that Ella had planted in a box in her room.

“Pretty soon the bird began to grow much better and hopped and[2] chirped about the room, and then they let him out for he had simply been very hungry.

“Before long, the bird started to improve a lot and hopped around the room, chirping, and then they let him out because he was just really hungry.”

“‘We’ll put some suet in that tree over there,’ said Ella.

“‘Let’s put some suet in that tree over there,’ said Ella.

“‘Let’s put some bread-crumbs,’ said her friends, and then one of them added,

“‘Let’s leave some breadcrumbs,’ said her friends, and then one of them added,

“‘And let’s give some of the New Year cake crumbs too.’

“‘And let’s also give some of the New Year cake crumbs.’”

“So the little bird was given a regular New Year’s feast, and Ella and her friends were among other children who decided to look after the feathered people through the cold months of the winter and to give them bread-crumbs and suet which they love so well.”

“So the little bird was given a typical New Year’s feast, and Ella and her friends were among the other kids who chose to care for the feathered creatures during the cold winter months by offering them bread crumbs and suet, which they love so much.”


JANUARY 2: The Rhyming Years

“Well,” said the Old Year, “I am going to make up a poem about myself. I feel quite poetical.”

“Well,” said the Old Year, “I’m going to write a poem about myself. I’m feeling really poetic.”

“And,” said the New Year, “I will, too.” For the New Year didn’t want to have the Old Year think that he was unable to do anything like that, even though he was young. But he felt very much pleased when the Old Year said: “Though I have lived twelve whole months, I have not become a poet.”

“And,” said the New Year, “I will, too.” The New Year didn’t want the Old Year to think he couldn’t do anything like that, even though he was young. But he felt really pleased when the Old Year said: “Even though I've lived a full twelve months, I haven’t become a poet.”

“I think age should be given the right to speak first,” said the New Year.

“I think age should be allowed to speak first,” said the New Year.

The Old Year shook his white hair and smiled so that the wrinkles in his face all ran in together.

The Old Year shook his white hair and smiled, causing all the wrinkles in his face to blend together.

This is what he said:

This is what he said:

“Yes, it is true I was feeling old,
Yes, it is true I was also cold,
Yes, it is true I heard them cheer,
Welcoming in the glad New Year.”

Then New Year recited this verse:

Then New Year recited this verse:

“Of course, you see I was out for fun,
My life has only just begun,
They said ‘He is young and full of vim,
No one can help but welcome him.’

“You mustn’t think I am conceited,” he added. “I say a lot to make my rhyme come out right.”

"You shouldn't think I'm full of myself," he added. "I say a lot to make my rhyme work out."

“Of course,” said the Old Year, “for I do too. Well. I will give my second verse. Don’t believe it all, though!” Then the Old Year[3] took an old harp he had and he began to play and sing, and this was what he sang:

“Of course,” said the Old Year, “I feel the same way. Alright, I’ll share my second verse. But don’t take it all seriously!” Then the Old Year[3] picked up an old harp and started to play and sing, and this is what he sang:

“And Poor Old Year—he almost wept
As he packed up his things and left.
But as he turned to say good-by,
Something in him made him cry:
‘Though my work is mostly done,
I, have, too, had lots of fun,
And ’ere I go upon my way,
This I certainly would say:
‘Happy New Year, big and small,
Happy New Year, short and tall,
Happy New Year, every one!
May you all have lots of fun!’”

JANUARY 3: Naughty Wind

“The Clothes-Pins on the line,” said daddy, “were having a very jolly time.

“The clothes pins on the line,” said Dad, “were having a really good time.

“‘I’ll blow those clothes away,’ said the North Wind.

“I’ll blow those clothes away,” said the North Wind.

“‘Oh, no you won’t,’ said the Clothes-Pins in chorus.

“‘Oh, no you won’t,’ said the Clothes-Pins together.”

“‘You are only little wooden things,’ said the Wind. ‘I am strong and powerful and can do just exactly as I like.’

“‘You’re just little wooden things,’ said the Wind. ‘I’m strong and powerful and can do whatever I want.’”

“Now the Fairies saw that the Clothes-Pins were doing their work so well that they thought they would like to help them, so they all perched on the line and began to sing:

“Now the Fairies saw that the Clothes-Pins were doing their job so well that they thought they would like to help them, so they all perched on the line and started to sing:

‘Heigh-ho, heigh-ho,
Let the North Wind blow,
The Clothes-Pins and we,
Will certainly see,
That the clothes will stay here.
The day’s nice and clear,
The sun’s good and strong,
And the wind is quite wrong.
To try such a trick,
But the Clothes-Pins will stick.’

“The Clothes-Pins did stick to the line and the Fairies helped them, singing all the time. The Wind kept on blowing and tried his hardest[4] to get the better of the Fairies, but he had no luck at all and the Clothes-Pins won!”

“The clothes pins stayed on the line while the fairies helped them, singing the whole time. The wind kept blowing and tried its hardest[4] to outdo the fairies, but he had no luck at all and the clothes pins won!”


JANUARY 4: The Selfish Oyster Crabs

“You know, I think oyster-crabs are perhaps the most selfish of all the sea animals,” began daddy. “The oyster-crabs really belong to the crab family. They are called oyster-crabs, however, because above all things they love the juice of an oyster and absolutely live on it. And what I am going to tell you about now is the way they get it.

“You know, I think oyster crabs are probably the most selfish of all the sea animals,” dad began. “Oyster crabs actually belong to the crab family. They’re called oyster crabs because, more than anything else, they love the juice of an oyster and basically survive on it. What I'm going to tell you now is how they get it.

“First of all, the oyster-crab hovers around the oysters and then picks out a nice, fat, juicy looking oyster, saying to himself: ‘You look as if you could feed me well without any effort. I think I will crawl into your shell.’ So then he crawls right inside the oyster’s shell and proceeds to enjoy himself. He prefers just to ‘sponge’ on others, as the expression goes!”

“First of all, the oyster-crab circles around the oysters and then selects a nice, plump, juicy-looking oyster, thinking to himself: ‘You seem like you could feed me well without any trouble. I think I’ll crawl into your shell.’ So, he crawls right inside the oyster’s shell and starts to enjoy himself. He prefers to just ‘sponge’ off others, as the saying goes!”


JANUARY 5: Brownie’s Toothache

Going to the dentist’s always frightened Evelyn. “Dear me,” said daddy, “I think I will have to tell you about the brownie’s trip to the dentist, for I think his case was very similar to yours.

Going to the dentist always scared Evelyn. “Oh dear,” said dad, “I think I need to tell you about the brownie’s visit to the dentist, because his situation was very much like yours.

“This little brownie had had a toothache which had bothered him for some time, but he dreaded to go to the dentist’s, just the way you do.

“This little brownie had a toothache that had been bothering him for a while, but he was scared to go to the dentist, just like you are.”

“One day, though, it got awfully painful and he felt he could stand it no longer. He went right off to see the brownie dentist. He was a very clever dentist and very kind and gentle. He got a pair of pullers, and after a moment or two Dr. Brownie said:

“One day, though, it became incredibly painful and he felt he couldn't take it anymore. He went straight to see the brownie dentist. He was a really skilled dentist, nice and gentle. He got a pair of forceps, and after a moment or two, Dr. Brownie said:

“‘Well, here’s the old toothache.’

"‘Well, here’s the old tooth pain.’"

“‘What, my tooth already out?’ said the little brownie. ‘And to think of all I’ve suffered before I came to you.’”

“‘Wait, my tooth is already out?’ said the little brownie. ‘And to think about everything I went through before I found you.’”


JANUARY 6: The Pink Cockatoo

“On the morning of the birthday of a little girl named Natalie,” said daddy, “a pink cockatoo was ready to greet her when she awoke. Well, you can imagine how happy Natalie was. And she kept saying over and over again:

“On the morning of a little girl named Natalie’s birthday,” said Dad, “a pink cockatoo was all set to greet her when she woke up. Well, you can guess how happy Natalie was. And she kept saying over and over again:

[5]

[5]

“‘Oh, how lovely you are.’ The cockatoo would raise up his pink crest on the top of his head at that—just as some people raise up their foreheads—only his crest went way, way higher. He did that whenever he felt like it, and he always felt like it when he was being talked to.

“‘Oh, how beautiful you are.’ The cockatoo would lift his pink crest on the top of his head at that—just like some people raise their eyebrows—only his crest went way, way higher. He did that whenever he wanted, and he always wanted to when someone was talking to him.

“And after a very short time the cockatoo was just as tame as could be and he seemed to grow more beautiful every day.

“And after a very short time, the cockatoo was as tame as could be, and he seemed to grow more beautiful every day.”

“Before long he began to talk just as a parrot will and follow Natalie around the house. He had his food out of special little pink dishes Natalie had given him to match his pink feathers, and every morning he took his bath in a pink soup bowl which he thought was very fine indeed.

“Before long, he started to talk like a parrot and follow Natalie around the house. He ate from special little pink dishes that Natalie had given him to match his pink feathers, and every morning he took his bath in a pink soup bowl, which he thought was really nice.”

“Maybe you will think he got spoiled by so much fussing and attention, but he just became tamer and tamer every day. He learned many tricks and would often perform them for Natalie’s friends.

“Maybe you’ll think he got spoiled from all the fuss and attention, but he just got tamer every day. He learned a bunch of tricks and would often show them off for Natalie’s friends.”

“And when it came time for Natalie’s next birthday she gave a party. On the invitation it said the party was being given by Natalie and the pink cockatoo. And in one corner was a little colored drawing Natalie had made of her cockatoo. When the cockatoo saw it he put his crest way up in the air, and said in a funny voice:

“And when Natalie’s next birthday rolled around, she threw a party. On the invitation, it said the party was hosted by Natalie and her pink cockatoo. In one corner was a little colorful drawing Natalie had made of her cockatoo. When the cockatoo saw it, he raised his crest high in the air and said in a funny voice:

“‘Goodie, Natalie,’ which was his pet name for his Mistress.

“‘Goodie, Natalie,’ which was his nickname for his Mistress.

“And this is a truly true story, you know.”

“And this is a really true story, you know.”


JANUARY 7: The Pet Monkey

“Once there was an old lady,” said daddy, “who lived all alone. One day, though, she went to town and bought a pet monkey. She named him Niles. He was only seven inches long and had a curly tail. He was a very dark gray color. He proved to be a most expensive pet, for he liked all the most delicious fruits and would only eat his bread and rice when plenty of rich cream was poured over it. What fascinated him above all was the old lady’s rings.

“Once there was an old lady,” said Dad, “who lived all by herself. One day, she decided to go to town and bought a pet monkey. She named him Niles. He was just seven inches long and had a curly tail. He was a deep gray color. He turned out to be a very expensive pet because he loved all the tastiest fruits and would only eat his bread and rice if it was covered in rich cream. What fascinated him the most were the old lady’s rings.”

“When the old lady saw how fond Niles was of jewels she took out her jewel box. Niles had the most glorious time playing with its contents. He decorated himself with all the beads and chains and bangles and looked at himself in the mirror. He shook all over, for he liked the noise as well as the glitter of the jewels.

“When the old lady saw how much Niles loved jewels, she took out her jewelry box. Niles had the best time playing with everything inside. He adorned himself with all the beads, chains, and bangles and admired himself in the mirror. He trembled with excitement because he enjoyed both the sound and the sparkle of the jewels.

“So the old lady was very, very happy with her pet monkey. Niles was delighted with his new home and his new mistress, for he had never had jewels to play with in the animal shop.”

“So the old lady was really, really happy with her pet monkey. Niles was thrilled with his new home and his new owner, as he had never had jewels to play with in the pet store.”


[6]

[6]

JANUARY 8: The Bravery Medal

“Two children,” said daddy, “were skating on a pond. It was a blustery, snowy afternoon, and they were the only ones on the ice.

“Two kids,” said dad, “were skating on a pond. It was a windy, snowy afternoon, and they were the only ones on the ice.

“A big dog was taking a good run on this cold winter’s day when he spied the children on the pond.

“A big dog was enjoying a nice run on this chilly winter day when he spotted the kids on the pond.

“He went down to the pond and ran across it a little way, but the ice had a bad way of creaking, and he was sure it was not so very firm. He decided that he had better stay around to see that nothing happened to the children.

“He went down to the pond and ran across it a little bit, but the ice was creaking a lot, and he was sure it wasn’t very safe. He decided it was better to stick around and make sure nothing happened to the kids.

“He had been there but a moment or two when a terrific crack in the ice sounded. It gave way, and the two children fell through. The sheet of ice broke rapidly, and the water was soon clear for some distance around them.

“He had only been there for a moment when a loud crack in the ice sounded. It gave way, and the two children fell through. The sheet of ice shattered quickly, and the water was soon clear for quite a distance around them."

“Quickly the dog went to the rescue of the children and swam to the shore with them. He saw some people drive by in a sleigh on the road above, and he barked so frantically that they stopped to see what the trouble was. Then, of course, they drove the two children to their home. The big dog went along too. The hero simply said ‘Bow-wow!’ when later they fastened a medal on his collar. He wanted to tell them that he thought they were being very good to him, and he thanked them, but at the same time he was so modest that he didn’t think he had been so brave. He felt any other dog would have done just the same, as he adored children.”

Quickly, the dog rushed to rescue the children and swam to the shore with them. He noticed some people passing by in a sled on the road above, and he barked so wildly that they stopped to see what was wrong. Naturally, they took the two children back to their home. The big dog went along, too. The hero simply said “Bow-wow!” when they later pinned a medal on his collar. He wanted to express his gratitude for their kindness, but at the same time, he was so humble that he didn’t think he had been so brave. He felt that any other dog would have done the same since he loved children.


JANUARY 9: The Jack-knife

“This evening,” said daddy, “I am going to tell you about the little boy who was given a jack-knife as a birthday present. He did so many things with his knife that I think it might give you some ideas and suggestions of things you might make with the help of the knife. He set up a little carpentry shop in his room with a workstand.

“This evening,” said Dad, “I’m going to tell you about the little boy who got a jackknife for his birthday. He did so many things with his knife that I think it might inspire you with some ideas and projects you could create using the knife. He set up a small carpentry shop in his room with a workbench.

“He made little bird-houses, little squirrel houses, chairs, stands, boats, an express cart, and, oh, countless other things! In fact, he just made all the things that boys like.

“He made small birdhouses, little squirrel houses, chairs, stands, boats, a delivery cart, and so many other things! In fact, he made all the stuff that boys like.”

“Before he had his jack-knife he was not at all interested in carpentry. But his knife helped so much. It was far more useful to him than his other tools.”

“Before he got his jackknife, he wasn’t really into carpentry at all. But his knife made a huge difference. It was way more useful to him than his other tools.”


[7]

[7]

JANUARY 10: The Brave Little Sister

“There was once a little boy who had a sister just about Evelyn’s age,” said daddy. “He was much disappointed that his sister didn’t care more for long walks and boys’ games and that animals seemed to frighten her.

“There was once a little boy who had a sister around Evelyn’s age,” said daddy. “He was really disappointed that his sister didn’t like going on long walks and playing boys’ games, and that animals seemed to scare her.

“He used to scold her about it instead of helping her to get over her fear. One day these two children were taking a walk. They went into the country along a quiet road. They passed a little house in which lived an old woman who had a great many cats. She was very queer and her cats seemed to be queer too. Anyway, it was said that they hated strangers.

“He used to yell at her about it instead of helping her get over her fear. One day, these two kids were taking a walk. They walked out into the countryside along a peaceful road. They passed a little house where an old woman lived who had a ton of cats. She was really strange, and her cats seemed pretty odd too. Anyway, people said they hated strangers.”

“The little boy didn’t believe this, and when his sister tried to hurry by he laughed at her.

“The little boy didn’t believe this, and when his sister tried to hurry by, he laughed at her.

“‘Oh, come and see this nice cat!’ he said. And he tried to pick the cat up.

“‘Oh, come and see this cute cat!’ he said. And he tried to pick up the cat.”

“The cat objected to strangers, as all the people had said, and he started to scratch the little boy. With a cry his sister rushed to him. She grabbed the back of the cat and got him off. Then she cried ‘Shoo!’ to the cat, which made him go right home, for he didn’t care about hurting the little boy. He only would not be played with.

“The cat didn’t like strangers, just like everyone said, and he began to scratch the little boy. With a shout, his sister ran over to him. She grabbed the back of the cat and pulled him away. Then she shouted ‘Shoo!’ at the cat, which made him run right home, since he didn’t care about hurting the little boy. He just didn’t want to be played with.”

“‘I shall never make fun of you again, sister,’ he said. ‘You saved me by taking off that cat, of which you were afraid. I have not been at all a nice brother to you, and I don’t deserve such a good sister, for it was love for me that made you forget about your fear. But you may be quite sure I will never make fun of you in the future, for really you are the brave one.’”

“‘I’m never going to make fun of you again, sister,’ he said. ‘You saved me by getting rid of that cat you were scared of. I haven’t been a good brother to you at all, and I don’t deserve such a great sister, because it was your love for me that made you forget your fear. But you can be sure I’ll never tease you again, because you’re the real brave one.’”


JANUARY 11: Baby Bears

“In the winter, at the start of the new year,” said daddy, “when Mother Bear was sleeping and dozing and dreaming in her home back in the hole of a big rock, the little bears arrived. She taught them about the berries they must eat and about the things which would make them feel well and strong. She also told them of the bad things they must not touch—the things which would make their little tummies feel very miserable indeed and which would make them quite, quite sick.

“In the winter, at the beginning of the new year,” said Dad, “when Mother Bear was sleeping and dreaming in her cozy den inside a big rock, the little bears showed up. She taught them about the berries they should eat and what would make them feel healthy and strong. She also warned them about the bad things they should avoid—things that would make their little tummies feel really upset and could make them very, very sick.

“And when, at last, they went out of the cave, and saw the real world, the trees and the forest paths, they wanted to start off at once for adventures, for the world looked so mysterious and wondrous.

“And when they finally left the cave and saw the real world, the trees and the forest paths, they couldn't wait to set off on adventures because the world looked so mysterious and amazing."

[8]

[8]

“‘Do you want to leave your old mother?’ the black bear asked.

“‘Do you want to leave your old mother?’ the black bear asked.

“‘We love you, mother, but we want to see the world,’ they said.

“‘We love you, Mom, but we want to see the world,’ they said.

“‘Bang,’ suddenly went a gun, and Mother Bear received a slight wound.

“‘Bang,’ a gun went off suddenly, and Mother Bear got a minor injury.

“The baby bears were around her in a flash, but mother bear was safe, for the man with the gun had hurriedly gone when he had seen how near the old bear was. And he had seen her teeth and had almost been able to feel them!

“The baby bears were around her in an instant, but mother bear was safe, because the man with the gun had quickly left when he realized how close the old bear was. And he had seen her teeth and had almost been able to feel them!”

“And the babies knew their teeth would never have done. They, too, had had a glimpse of their mother’s anger and their mother’s strength.

“And the babies knew their teeth would never be enough. They, too, had caught a glimpse of their mother’s anger and her strength."

“And as they licked the wound they said,

“And as they licked the wound they said,

“‘We won’t leave you, Mother Bear. We don’t know the world as yet.’

“‘We won’t leave you, Mother Bear. We don’t know the world yet.’”

“And Mother Black Bear groaned with the hurt from the slight wound in her shoulder, but still more she grunted with pleasure, for her babies had seen that they still needed their mother.”

“And Mother Black Bear groaned from the pain of the small wound in her shoulder, but even more, she grunted with pleasure, because her cubs had realized they still needed their mom.”


JANUARY 12: The Snow House

“At night after the children had gone to bed and it had grown colder and colder Old Man Snow came around to see what the children had been doing,” said daddy.

“At night after the kids had gone to bed and it got colder and colder, Old Man Snow came by to check on what the kids had been up to,” said daddy.

“‘Well, well, well,’ he said as he saw a snow house and a snow fort and a snow man, ‘this is fine. They appreciate me. They know what handsome things I can make. This is really gorgeous.’

“‘Well, well, well,’ he said when he saw a snow house, a snow fort, and a snowman, ‘this is great. They appreciate me. They know what beautiful things I can create. This is really stunning.’”

“‘Look, Prince Icicle, isn’t this fine?’

“‘Look, Prince Icicle, isn’t this great?’”

“Prince Icicle appeared with a number of the other princes and princesses who hung down from the roof of the snow house and the top of the snow fort and from the shoulders of the snow man. Prince Icicle himself took a very fine place over the doorway of the snow house.

“Prince Icicle showed up with several other princes and princesses who were hanging from the roof of the snow house, the top of the snow fort, and the shoulders of the snowman. Prince Icicle himself had a perfect spot above the doorway of the snow house.”

“‘Isn’t this handsome?’ asked Old Man Snow. ‘Our fine king will be delighted and his royal majesty will be honored.’

“‘Isn’t this beautiful?’ asked Old Man Snow. ‘Our great king will be thrilled, and his royal majesty will be pleased.’”

“As Old Man Snow said these words along came King Snow. He wore a most beautiful crown of snow and he showed the Icicle family the compliment of wearing icicles from his beard and his crown and his locks of snow and from his hanging snowy sleeves.

“As Old Man Snow said these words, King Snow arrived. He wore a stunning crown made of snow and showed the Icicle family the honor of having icicles hanging from his beard, his crown, his snowy hair, and his flowing snowy sleeves."

“‘They stopped me as I went by the brook,’ said King Snow, ‘and begged me to have some of their jeweled icicles. Don’t they sparkle beautifully? Yes, they asked me to have them, and the brook, which was beginning to freeze around the edges, begged me to listen to its story.’

“‘They stopped me as I walked by the stream,’ said King Snow, ‘and asked me to take some of their jeweled icicles. Don’t they shine beautifully? Yes, they wanted me to have them, and the stream, which was starting to freeze at the edges, urged me to hear its story.’”

[9]

[9]

“‘It had so much to tell of its travels, how it ran down a long and winding hill and how it couldn’t help trickling and laughing all the time with the jokes and merry tales it kept hearing.’

“‘It had so much to share about its journey, how it flowed down a long, winding hill and how it couldn’t stop bubbling and laughing all the time with the jokes and cheerful stories it kept hearing.’”

“So Old Man Snow, King Snow, Prince Icicle and the other princes and princesses talked all through the night and told wonderful stories as they sat in the children’s snow house.”

“So Old Man Snow, King Snow, Prince Icicle, and the other princes and princesses talked all night, sharing amazing stories as they sat in the kids’ snow house.”


JANUARY 13: Peter Goblin’s Trip

“To think,” and Peter Goblin looked as if he were going to cry, “to think,” he repeated, “that children shouldn’t like us. Why, children are the nicest creatures in all the world, and I love them, I do. That’s why I am so unhappy when they talk about me.”

“To think,” Peter Goblin said, looking like he was about to cry, “to think,” he repeated, “that kids shouldn’t like us. Kids are the most wonderful creatures in the world, and I love them, I really do. That’s why it makes me so unhappy when they talk about me.”

The Fairy Queen had been listening to this talk and she felt sorry that so many untrue stories had gone around the children’s world about Peter Goblin and the goblin brothers.

The Fairy Queen had been listening to this conversation, and she felt sad that so many false stories had spread throughout the children's world about Peter Goblin and the goblin brothers.

“I’ll tell you what I’d do, Peter,” she said.

“I’ll tell you what I’d do, Peter,” she said.

“Keep on trying to tell as many children as you can how much you like them. Tell them that in years gone by people were far more nervous than they are now. They were afraid of the dark and things like that.

“Keep trying to tell as many kids as you can how much you like them. Let them know that in the past, people were way more anxious than they are today. They were scared of the dark and things like that.”

“Tell them that you never jump out at them in the dark, and that you only come to them when they are asleep. Explain as much and as often as you can that you never carry them far away from home, but that you simply sit on their bedposts and talk to them. I’ll help you too, Peter.”

“Tell them that you never surprise them in the dark, and that you only come to them when they're asleep. Explain as much and as often as you can that you never take them far away from home, but that you just sit on their bedposts and talk to them. I’ll help you too, Peter.”

“Thank you,” said Peter Goblin, as he hopped and jumped away, for he felt far more cheerful now.

“Thanks,” said Peter Goblin, as he bounced away, feeling much happier now.

He went to call on his friends, the children. He had a very hard time with one little girl. “Good evening,” said Peter, as he perched himself on the edge of the right bedpost of her bed.

He went to visit his friends, the kids. He had a tough time with one little girl. “Good evening,” said Peter, as he sat on the edge of the right bedpost of her bed.

She drew the clothes over her head. “Oh, don’t do that,” screamed Peter. “It will make you have bad dreams and maybe you’ll smother.”

She pulled the clothes over her head. “Oh, don’t do that,” yelled Peter. “It will give you bad dreams and you might suffocate.”

“Oh, dear,” thought Peter, “she will dream I’m horrid indeed if she does that.” But after a moment she poked her head out again and looked at Peter.

“Oh no,” thought Peter, “she’ll think I’m really awful if she does that.” But after a moment, she poked her head out again and looked at Peter.

She couldn’t help laughing at him, for he looked so funny and yet so sad. But still she was frightened, until after she had looked again (for between looks she hid her face), when she saw two big tears rolling down Peter Goblin’s funny little face.

She couldn't help but laugh at him because he looked so silly and yet so sad. But she was still scared, until after she looked again (because in between looks she hid her face) and saw two big tears rolling down Peter Goblin's funny little face.

“What’s the matter, little sir?” she asked. She wanted to be polite[10] when he felt so badly and yet he seemed so small and tiny to be called just Sir.

“What’s wrong, little sir?” she asked. She wanted to be polite[10] since he felt so bad, yet he seemed too small and tiny to be called just Sir.

“I’m blue and sad,” said Peter, “‘cause children think I’m bad. They think I hide in the dark to catch them. And I love them, and want to tell them stories. Not a single goblin has ever hurt a child—no, no, no! Why, we would disown a bad goblin, we would.” And the little girl promised Peter she’d let all her friends know this.

“I’m feeling down,” said Peter, “because kids think I’m bad. They believe I lurk in the shadows to catch them. But I care about them and want to share stories. Not one goblin has ever harmed a child—no, no, no! We would completely reject a bad goblin, we would.” And the little girl promised Peter she’d tell all her friends this.


JANUARY 14: The Words

The words Beautiful, Gorgeous, Glorious and Wonderful were talking. “You see,” said Beautiful, “we’ve all been feeling rather sad that no one used us. We’re always trying to live up to our names. We’re always trying to be beautiful and gorgeous and glorious.

The words Beautiful, Gorgeous, Glorious and Wonderful were talking. “You see,” said Beautiful, “we’ve all been feeling pretty down that no one uses us. We’re always trying to live up to our names. We’re always trying to be beautiful and gorgeous and glorious.

“We don’t try to be mean or horrid or ugly. We haven’t been jealous of you, Wonderful.”

“We don’t intend to be mean or horrible or ugly. We haven’t felt jealous of you, Wonderful.”

“Ah,” said Wonderful, “I understand. You’ve never gone back on your names. You’ve always meant the same things. You’ve been fine to keep your names and to be beautiful and gorgeous and glorious.

“Ah,” said Wonderful, “I get it. You’ve never changed your names. You’ve always meant the same things. You’ve been great about keeping your names and being beautiful and stunning and amazing.”

“But you needn’t feel sad because you haven’t been given much attention and because you haven’t been used much lately. People have got into the habit of saying everything is wonderful.

“But you shouldn’t feel down because you haven't been noticed much or because you haven't been used much lately. People have gotten into the habit of saying everything is great."

“Really and truly I’ve been worked to death. I don’t like to be worked so hard. I really and truly don’t. I get tired, and yet I have to be ready when they want me. I’m just jumping from one to another and sometimes I’m half with one and half with another at the same time.

“Honestly, I’ve been worked to the bone. I don’t like being pushed this hard. I really don’t. I get exhausted, and still, I have to be available whenever they need me. I’m constantly switching from one task to another, and sometimes I’m partially focused on one while being partially focused on another at the same time.”

“But you keep on being Beautiful and Gorgeous and Glorious, for you are three lovely words and Wonderful couldn’t get along without you.”

“But you continue to be Beautiful and Gorgeous and Glorious, because you are three lovely words and Wonderful wouldn’t exist without you.”

“Ah, Wonderful,” said Beautiful, “you do cheer us up. Yes, you are Wonderful.”

“Ah, Wonderful,” said Beautiful, “you really lift our spirits. Yes, you are Wonderful.”

And they all laughed as they saw what a useful, fitting, wonderful word it really was!

And they all laughed when they realized how useful, fitting, and wonderful the word actually was!


JANUARY 15: The Medicine Bottle

“If you think my life is a pleasant one,” said the Medicine Bottle, “I’ll tell you from the start that it isn’t.

“If you think my life is a good one,” said the Medicine Bottle, “I’ll tell you right from the beginning that it’s not.”

“In the first place I was in the doctor’s office. I saw the people quake and shake when they were told they had to take some bitter[11] medicine. I don’t suppose they really shook as much as I thought they did, but I was standing quite still at the time and they seemed to make a great deal of fuss.

“In the beginning, I was in the doctor's office. I saw people tremble when they were told they had to take some bitter [11] medicine. I don’t think they actually shook as much as I imagined, but since I was standing completely still at the time, it seemed like they were making a huge fuss.”

“Then I heard some one say,

“Then I heard someone say,

“‘Doctors give us horrible stuff,
When we think we’re sick enough,
But after all they make us well,
And this fact, too, I think we should tell.’

“Then some one else said,

“Then someone else said,

“‘I wonder if the doctor has taken
From the medicine bottle which must be shaken.
It’s hard to swallow it and be held by the nose
While we get down the horrible dose.’

“Such are the things I’ve heard,” said the Medicine Bottle.

“Those are the things I’ve heard,” said the Medicine Bottle.

“Did all the people speak like that?” asked the little White Pills.

“Did everyone talk like that?” asked the little White Pills.

“They didn’t speak in rhyme like that,” said the Medicine Bottle, “but those were the things they said which I’ve changed into rhymes.

“They didn’t talk in rhyme like that,” said the Medicine Bottle, “but those were the things they said that I’ve turned into rhymes.

“A medicine bottle must have something to cheer it up at times.

“A medicine bottle needs something to lift its spirits sometimes."

“Yes, I’ll tell you my life is not a pleasant one. I’m never greeted with a smile. Fancy that, White Pills! I’m never greeted with a smile.

“Yes, I’ll tell you my life isn’t a pleasant one. I’m never greeted with a smile. Can you believe that, White Pills? I’m never greeted with a smile.

“Here I sit on the mantelpiece and three times a day I am taken down and shaken as though they’d like to kill me, I do believe, and then with groans or tears or complaints I’m swallowed. Or rather, some of the medicine from me is swallowed. It’s a terrible life that I lead!”

“Here I sit on the mantelpiece, and three times a day I’m taken down and shaken as if they want to kill me, I really believe, and then with groans or tears or complaints, I’m swallowed. Or rather, some of the medicine from me is swallowed. It’s a terrible life I lead!”


JANUARY 16: A Loaf of Bread

“One day in a baker’s shop,” said daddy, “appeared a very small-sized loaf of bread.

“One day in a bakery,” said Dad, “a very small loaf of bread appeared.

“A little girl named Lucy was shopping with her grandmother.

“A little girl named Lucy was shopping with her grandma.

“‘Oh, look,’ said Lucy, ‘look at the tiny loaf of bread.’

“‘Oh, look,’ said Lucy, ‘check out the tiny loaf of bread.’”

“Now the loaf of bread would have smiled, only loaves of bread can’t smile and if they should laugh they would crumble, so the loaf of bread kept a perfectly straight face.

“Now the loaf of bread would have smiled, only loaves of bread can’t smile and if they were to laugh they would crumble, so the loaf of bread kept a perfectly straight face.

“‘I thought I’d be noticed by a child,’ said the small loaf of bread.

“I thought a child would notice me,” said the small loaf of bread.

“‘You won’t last as long as we will,’ said a larger loaf of bread.

“‘You won’t last as long as we will,’ said a bigger loaf of bread.

[12]

[12]

“‘Oh, who cares about the size,’ said the small loaf.

“‘Oh, who cares about the size,’ said the little loaf.”

“‘Of course you don’t,’ said another larger loaf.

“‘Of course you don’t,’ said another bigger loaf.”

“‘Now, now,’ said the small loaf, ‘don’t be mean and unkind to your little friend and relative, the small loaf of bread. I’m the only small one here, though I heard the baker say if folks liked me the size I am and if mothers bought me for their children he’d make a lot like me.’

“‘Come on now,’ said the small loaf, ‘don't be mean and unkind to your little friend and relative, the small loaf of bread. I'm the only small one here, but I heard the baker say that if people liked me the way I am and if moms bought me for their kids, he'd make a lot more like me.’”

“‘We didn’t mean to be unkind or mean,’ said the larger loaves, ‘only we are a little envious. We’ve been the same size always. We have to follow our relatives who are baked ahead of us and are sold ahead of us. We always have to follow their example.

“‘We didn’t mean to be unkind or harsh,’ said the larger loaves, ‘we’re just a bit jealous. We’ve always been the same size. We have to follow our relatives who are baked and sold before us. We always have to follow their lead.

“‘But you have been made differently. You have been made a small size. You’re cunning and different. You are just like us in taste and shape and kind, but smaller in size and that makes you very interesting.’

“‘But you’re made differently. You’re smaller in size. You’re clever and unique. You’re just like us in taste, shape, and kind, but being smaller makes you really interesting.’”

“‘Hush,’ said the small loaf of bread, ‘I am being bought. Hush!’

“‘Quiet,’ said the small loaf of bread, ‘I’m being purchased. Quiet!’”

“And off went the little tiny loaf, in a paper bag, carried by Lucy. Just as soon as it got home, having been carried all the way, for Lucy knew it couldn’t walk or run home, a nice fat crust was cut off and Lucy ate it with joy.

“And off went the little tiny loaf, in a paper bag, carried by Lucy. Just as soon as it got home, having been carried all the way, because Lucy knew it couldn’t walk or run home, a nice thick crust was cut off and Lucy ate it with joy.

“‘My nice little baby loaf of bread,’ she said, ‘you are so cunning and so good to eat!’ And the loaf of bread was glad it had been made so tiny and cunning and yet so good.”

“‘My adorable little loaf of bread,’ she said, ‘you are so cute and so delicious!’ And the loaf of bread was happy it had been made so small and cute and yet so tasty.”


JANUARY 17: The Tame Canary Bird

Daddy had heard that afternoon the story of a very tame canary bird. The little girl who owned the bird, and who was a friend of Jack and Evelyn, had told daddy about her little pet. So when daddy got home in the evening he was ready at once to tell the story of the little bird.

Daddy had heard that afternoon about a very tame canary. The little girl who owned the bird and was a friend of Jack and Evelyn told Daddy about her pet. So when Daddy got home that evening, he was eager to share the story of the little bird.

“I am going to tell you about the little bird Elizabeth has. Her daddy gave him to her several weeks ago, and he is just as tame as tame can be,” said daddy. “She has named him Bubsie, and he knows his name too, for whenever she calls ‘Bubsie!’ he replies with a little ‘Peep, peep!’

“I’m going to tell you about the little bird Elizabeth has. Her dad gave him to her a few weeks ago, and he’s as tame as can be,” said dad. “She named him Bubsie, and he knows his name too because whenever she calls ‘Bubsie!’ he responds with a little ‘Peep, peep!’”

“Every morning, bright and early, he wakes up and begins to sing the most beautiful songs. He sings so steadily that Elizabeth says it is a surprise to her that he doesn’t burst his little throat.

"Every morning, bright and early, he wakes up and starts singing the most beautiful songs. He sings so steadily that Elizabeth says she’s surprised he doesn’t strain his little throat."

“After Elizabeth gets up she always gives him a little piece of apple before she begins her breakfast. She puts it on her finger between two wires of the cage, and he hops right over on his little bar and takes it from her finger.

“After Elizabeth gets up, she always gives him a small piece of apple before she starts her breakfast. She places it on her finger between two bars of the cage, and he hops right over onto his little perch and takes it from her finger.”

“IN THE AFTERNOONS ELIZABETH LETS HIM OUT OF HIS CAGE.”—Page 13

“IN THE AFTERNOONS ELIZABETH LETS HIM OUT OF HIS CAGE.”—Page 13

[13]

[13]

“The next thing is his bath, which he takes soon after breakfast. He loves that. He spatters the water about and has just the best time in the world. He acts as if it were the most wonderful game. After his bath he has a treat of delicious lettuce to eat, and then he sits in the sun and smoothes down his feathers.

“The next thing is his bath, which he takes soon after breakfast. He loves it. He splashes the water around and has the best time ever. He treats it like the most amazing game. After his bath, he enjoys a yummy treat of lettuce, and then he sits in the sun and smooths down his feathers.

“In his cage there is a swing, and he swings on it and hops from one perch to the other. In fact, he has a fine romp. He usually does this right after his bath, for then he feels so energetic.

“In his cage, there’s a swing, and he swings on it and hops from one perch to another. In fact, he has a great time. He usually does this right after his bath because then he feels so full of energy.”

“In the afternoon Elizabeth lets him out of his cage. Of course she sees first that there are no windows up or doors ajar before she opens the door of the cage. When the cage door is open Bubsie flies out and makes a tour of the room. How he does enjoy flying around and perching back of the different pictures and on the window-sill. The thing he likes more than anything else is to play with Elizabeth. He perches on her shoulder and walks around on her hand. And he loves to tease her too, for if there are any flowers in the room he will fly over to them, peck at them and begin munching at them. Then he won’t let Elizabeth catch him. He thinks this a huge joke, and he always flies to some high spot in the room and begins to sing which is his favorite trick of all.”

“In the afternoon, Elizabeth lets him out of his cage. Of course, she first makes sure that all the windows are closed and the doors are shut before she opens the cage door. Once the cage door is open, Bubsie flies out and explores the room. He really enjoys flying around and perching behind different pictures and on the window sill. More than anything else, he loves to play with Elizabeth. He perches on her shoulder and walks around on her hand. He also loves to tease her; if there are any flowers in the room, he’ll fly over to them, peck at them, and start munching on them. Then he won't let Elizabeth catch him. He thinks it’s a hilarious game, and he always flies to a high spot in the room and starts singing, which is his favorite trick of all.”


JANUARY 18: Little Carry’s Birthday

“Carry was nine years old,” daddy said. “A few minutes before eleven Carry’s little brother came to her, ringing a large bell. ‘Come to the celebration for the queen of the day!’ he shouted and all the family joined the procession.

“Carry was nine years old,” Dad said. “A few minutes before eleven, Carry’s little brother came to her, ringing a big bell. ‘Come to the celebration for the queen of the day!’ he shouted, and the whole family joined the procession.

“In the center of the room was a table. And such a marvelously covered table! But, first of all, they seated Carry in a big rocking-chair at the head of the table. They were all dressed up in funny costumes which they always wore for birthday celebrations. The table was full of presents, and in the center was a cake with nine lighted candles on it. ‘Many happy returns of the day!’ they all cried together.

“In the middle of the room was a table. And what a beautifully set table it was! But first, they placed Carry in a large rocking chair at the head of the table. They were all dressed in silly costumes that they always wore for birthday celebrations. The table was loaded with presents, and in the center was a cake with nine lit candles on it. ‘Happy birthday!’ they all shouted together.

“She opened her presents one by one. She had lovely pink knitted bed-room slippers from her mother, a beautiful doll from her daddy, a workbag from her granny, a paint box from her auntie and a big box of candy from her brother, which he’d bought with his very own saved-up money, and which to Carry was the best present of all!”

“She opened her gifts one by one. She received lovely pink knitted bedroom slippers from her mom, a beautiful doll from her dad, a workbag from her grandma, a paint set from her aunt, and a big box of candy from her brother, which he bought with his own saved-up money, and to Carry, that was the best gift of all!”


[14]

[14]

JANUARY 19: Maggie’s Meals

“There was once a little girl whose name was Maggie,” said daddy, “and how she did love meals! Now, one evening when Maggie had gone to bed along came a fine looking creature very handsomely dressed.

“There was once a little girl named Maggie,” said daddy, “and she loved meals so much! One evening, after Maggie had gone to bed, a beautifully dressed creature appeared.”

“‘Who are you?’ asked Maggie.

“‘Who are you?’ Maggie asked."

“‘I’m the Dream King and I’m going to take you to a party.’

“‘I’m the Dream King, and I’m going to take you to a party.’”

“So Maggie went with the Dream King and they visited such interesting and hospitable people.

“So Maggie went with the Dream King and they visited such interesting and welcoming people.

“They went to a huge city which seemed to be made of delicious things to eat and which, as soon as people ate from the city, the food grew or was cooked back again!

“They went to a huge city that seemed to be made of delicious food, and as soon as people ate from the city, the food would grow or cook itself back up again!

“It was all very marvelous. And to Maggie’s surprise she saw Duke Ice Cream take up a spoon and scoop a huge mouthful right off his very arm. And in another few minutes his arm was as before.

“It was all very amazing. To Maggie's surprise, she saw Duke Ice Cream grab a spoon and scoop a huge mouthful right off his own arm. After a few more minutes, his arm was back to normal.”

“The Duke told her he liked the cold weather and that he always lived in the coldest part of the city.

“The Duke told her he liked the cold weather and that he always lived in the coldest part of the city.”

“Lady Lettuce was followed everywhere by her pages, the Vinegar and Oil boys. And sometimes she had friends to call on her like the Tomato Twins and the Cucumber Cousins and the Potato Pals. Maggie also met Apple, the queen of all the Pies.

“Lady Lettuce was followed everywhere by her attendants, the Vinegar and Oil boys. Occasionally, she had friends visit her, like the Tomato Twins, the Cucumber Cousins, and the Potato Pals. Maggie also met Apple, the queen of all the Pies.”

“Maggie had the very best time in the world and when the Dream King told her he must be taking her back Maggie said:

“Maggie had the best time ever, and when the Dream King told her he had to take her back, Maggie said:

“‘And you’ve not told me I was wrong to enjoy my meals so much.’

“‘And you haven’t told me I was wrong to enjoy my meals so much.’”

“‘I gave you a surprise, in not scolding you, eh?’ asked the Dream King. ‘Well, you’re never greedy or selfish and if you like your food I think it is fine. Good-night!’”

“‘I surprised you by not scolding you, right?’ asked the Dream King. ‘Well, you’re never greedy or selfish, and if you enjoy your food, I think that’s great. Goodnight!’”


JANUARY 20: Winter Trees

“All the winter things,” said daddy, “such as the cold Winds, the Snow and the Ice told the Pine Trees and the Fir Trees and the Spruce Trees how much they liked them.

“All the winter things,” said dad, “like the cold winds, the snow, and the ice, told the pine trees, the fir trees, and the spruce trees how much they liked them.

“‘I will tell you a secret,’ said the Pine Tree.

“I'll share a secret with you,” said the Pine Tree.

“‘Yes,’ said the Snow, as it nestled closer to the branches of the big tree.

“‘Yes,’ said the Snow, as it snuggled closer to the branches of the big tree.

“‘Years and years and years ago, I talked to my family about dropping off in the Winter-time. We never got any further than talking about it, for just as I had said, “Well, and what do you think of the scheme?” some of the Snow Flakes came and rested on our branches.[15] “Oh,” they said, “you’re so much nicer than the branches without any leaves. There we have to fill up the corners, but with you we can nestle down.”

“‘Years and years ago, I mentioned to my family about hanging out during the winter. We never got beyond talking about it because just as I asked, “So, what do you think of the idea?” some snowflakes came and settled on our branches.[15] “Oh,” they said, “you’re way nicer than the branches without leaves. We have to fill the gaps there, but with you, we can settle in.”

“‘The North Wind told us,’ continued the Pine Tree, ‘that it was such a joy to have a good strong tree around that wouldn’t feel hurt if he played about and had a good time. And so we discovered how much the North Wind liked us.

“‘The North Wind told us,’ continued the Pine Tree, ‘that it was such a joy to have a strong tree around that wouldn’t get hurt if he played around and had fun. And so we realized how much the North Wind liked us.

“‘Then,’ said the Pine Tree, ‘we heard the Grown-Ups. They said what a comfort it was to have some green trees in the Winter and they said how horrible it would be if every tree were quite bare and ugly. And then came the Children. They walked through the woods one snowy day and they stopped to look up at us. “Ah, how tall those trees are. And how warm it is in these woods. Our favorite trees are the Winter Trees—the Spruce Trees, the Fir Trees, the Pine Trees.”

“‘Then,’ said the Pine Tree, ‘we heard the Adults. They said how nice it was to have some green trees in the Winter and how terrible it would be if every tree were completely bare and ugly. Then the Kids came. They walked through the woods on a snowy day and stopped to look up at us. “Ah, those trees are so tall. And it feels so cozy in these woods. Our favorite trees are the Winter Trees—the Spruce Trees, the Fir Trees, the Pine Trees.”

“‘Now do you understand how we have to be as fine looking in the Winter as in the Spring?’ And the Snow understood.”

“‘Now do you see why we need to look just as good in the Winter as we do in the Spring?’ And the Snow understood.”


JANUARY 21: Poor Prunes

“My life is a sad one,” said the stewed prune.

“My life is a sad one,” said the dried plum.

“How is that?” asked the orange, near by.

“How is that?” asked the nearby orange.

“Oh, dear, no one loves me. People usually eat me when they can’t get anything else.”

“Oh, no one loves me. People usually eat me when they can’t find anything else.”

“But I saw them eat you, and buy you, of course I mean members of your illustrious prune family, when a member of my family was around.”

“But I saw them eat you and buy you, of course I’m talking about members of your renowned prune family, when a member of my family was nearby.”

“Once in a while that happens,” said the prune, “but it is very, very seldom. One morning,” continued the prune, “some one at the breakfast table apologized and said, ‘I’m sorry, but we only have prunes this morning.’

“Every now and then that happens,” said the prune, “but it’s really rare. One morning,” the prune went on, “someone at the breakfast table apologized and said, ‘I’m sorry, but we only have prunes this morning.’”

“Wasn’t that sad? Enough to break the poor heart of a prune.”

“Wasn’t that sad? Enough to break the poor heart of a dried-up fruit.”

“You haven’t a heart, prune, dear; you only have a stone as your heart—heart of stone—that means hard-hearted, and so forth,” said the orange.

“You don’t have a heart, prune, dear; you only have a stone for a heart—heart of stone—that means you’re hard-hearted, and so on,” said the orange.

“Ah, but that’s wrong,” said the prune. “I felt dreadfully to think that such a thing should be said of us. ‘Sorry, but we only have prunes.’ You’d have thought she had said, ‘Sorry, but we only have bricks for breakfast,’ from the tone in which she said it.

“Ah, but that’s not right,” said the prune. “I was really upset to think that someone would say that about us. ‘Sorry, but we only have prunes.’ You’d have thought she said, ‘Sorry, but we only have bricks for breakfast,’ from the way she said it.”

“And then what was our joy and a thing the family has never forgotten[16] nor ever will forget when in reply the person at the table said she actually and really liked prunes.

“And then what was our joy and something the family has never forgotten[16] nor ever will forget when in response the person at the table said she actually and really liked prunes.

“That event will be put down as the greatest event that has happened in a long time.

“That event will be marked as the biggest thing that’s happened in a long time.

“And following that great event are a number of others, and we plan to erect a monument made of prune stones and made only of those stones left by people who’ve enjoyed the prunes!

“And after that great event, there will be several others, and we plan to build a monument made of prune stones, specifically the stones left behind by people who enjoyed the prunes!”

“Isn’t that a good idea?”

"Isn't that a great idea?"

“Yes, indeed,” said the orange.

"Definitely," said the orange.

Just then the orange was called for and the prune with its brothers and sisters stayed behind.

Just then, the orange was requested, and the prune along with its siblings stayed back.

“Poor prunes,” cried the prune who had been talking, “our great monument may not go up so fast as for a moment I had hopes that it would.

“Poor prunes,” cried the prune who had been talking, “our great monument may not go up as quickly as I hoped it would for a moment.

“Ah, well, we have the ever-ready prune juice to receive the sad tears of the prunes.” And then they sang this ditty:

“Ah, well, we have the always available prune juice to catch the sad tears of the prunes.” And then they sang this ditty:

“Poor prunes, poor prunes, how sad is your lot;
Some people like you, but, alas, most do not.
But you’re really, poor prunes, you’re really good food,
And those who say not, are, I fear, very rude.”

JANUARY 22: Molly’s Piano Recital

“Molly,” began daddy, “was very musical and ever since she had been a little girl, so little that she had to be lifted to the piano stool, she had been able to play anything she heard.

“Molly,” Dad started, “was really musical, and ever since she was a little girl—so small that she had to be lifted up to the piano stool—she could play anything she heard.”

“Her family were far from being well off, but they strove to give Molly a musical education.

“Her family wasn't well off, but they worked hard to provide Molly with a musical education.

“One day it was decided that Molly was so talented she could give a concert. So the evening for the concert was decided upon. Molly practiced and practiced the pieces she was to play.

“One day it was decided that Molly was so talented she could give a concert. So the evening for the concert was chosen. Molly practiced and practiced the pieces she was going to play.

“She was not at all nervous. She was very proud of her pretty new dress, for she had always before had the dresses of her older sisters cut down and made smaller for her. Unknown to her, Molly’s teacher had invited an old friend of his to the concert. This gentleman was very rich and fond of music. He liked to help along any one he felt deserved it. He was so delighted with Molly’s playing that he rushed up to the little girl, saying: ‘I shall send you and your mother abroad. There you’ll have the finest music teachers in the world. You will come back making us all very proud of you.’”

“She wasn’t nervous at all. She was really proud of her pretty new dress, since she had always had to wear her older sisters’ old dresses that were cut down and made smaller for her. What she didn’t know was that Molly’s teacher had invited an old friend to the concert. This man was very wealthy and loved music. He liked to help anyone he thought deserved it. He was so impressed with Molly’s playing that he rushed up to the little girl and said, ‘I’m going to send you and your mom abroad. You’ll have the best music teachers in the world. When you come back, you’ll make us all very proud of you.’”


[17]

[17]

JANUARY 23: Goblins’ Secrets

“One night, not long ago, Peter Goblin went a-calling,” said daddy. “From house to house he went, and in every house he went to the bedsides of the little boys and girls and invited them to go on the greatest coasting party of the year.

“One night not too long ago, Peter Goblin went visiting,” said daddy. “He went from house to house, and in every home, he approached the bedsides of the little boys and girls and invited them to join the biggest sledding party of the year.

“‘We’re going to coast,’ said Peter, ‘down the hill of Dreams.’

“‘We’re going to slide,’ said Peter, ‘down the hill of Dreams.’”

“They all put their sleds together and down the hill of Dreams they went until they reached the valley below.

“They all gathered their sleds and raced down the Hill of Dreams until they reached the valley below.

“‘Down this valley all the dreams come,’ said Peter Goblin. ‘Then our Goblin Dream Workers must tie them up into little packages, for every nice dream must be saved. It must be made to come true some day or some time—that is, if it’s all for the very best that it should come true. For the Goblins are wise little Creatures!’ And as the Children watched the Goblin Dream Workers they certainly decided they looked very bright indeed.

“‘Down this valley all the dreams come,’ said Peter Goblin. ‘Then our Goblin Dream Workers have to bundle them up into little packages because every good dream needs to be saved. It has to come true someday or at some point, that is, if it’s meant to come true for the best. Because the Goblins are wise little Creatures!’ And as the Children watched the Goblin Dream Workers, they definitely thought they looked very bright indeed.”

“‘They tie the dreams into the little packages and then the Goblin Visitors take them back to the land of Children and drop them in their bedrooms at night as they sleep.’

“‘They bundle the dreams into little packages, and then the Goblin Visitors take them back to the land of Children and drop them off in their bedrooms while they sleep.’”

“‘But,’ said the Boys and Girls, ‘we’ve never seen packages like these.’

“‘But,’ said the kids, ‘we’ve never seen packages like these.’”

“‘No,’ said Peter Goblin. ‘In one of these packages a good many dreams will come true, and so the contents of the package are dropped,—some parts in the corners, some around the ceiling. And one by one they come out into the room later on when they’re COMING TRUE!

“‘No,’ said Peter Goblin. ‘In one of these packages a lot of dreams will come true, so the contents of the package are spilled—some parts in the corners, some around the ceiling. And one by one, they pop out into the room later on when they’re COMING TRUE!

“‘So on our way back tonight,’ said Peter, ‘a lot of us will lead you to your little rooms and we’ll drop the contents of the packages of dreams which will sometime come true. But now we must be off for more coasting, hurrah, hurrah!’”

“‘So on our way back tonight,’ said Peter, ‘a bunch of us will show you to your little rooms and we’ll leave behind the contents of the dream packages that will someday come true. But now we need to get going for more fun on the coast, yay, yay!’”


JANUARY 24: In the Fish Bowl

“There was once a little girl named Susan,” said daddy, “who had in her room a great big glass bowl which held some helleries.”

“There was once a little girl named Susan,” said dad, “who had a huge glass bowl in her room that held some helleries.”

“What are helleries?” of course asked Evelyn.

“What are helleries?” Evelyn asked, of course.

“They are fresh-water fish that live in climates where the water is sure always to be very warm. Susan also kept some snails in the water with the helleries.

“They are freshwater fish that live in warm climates where the water is always sure to be very warm. Susan also kept some snails in the water with the helleries.”

“The helleries are about the size of minnows, but of a different shape, being more round than the minnows are.”

“The helleries are about the size of minnows, but they have a different shape, being rounder than the minnows.”

[18]

[18]

“One day Susan saw the big hellery daddy trying to chase the mother hellery around so that she could not get hold of any of the little ones. Susan grabbed the mother hellery and put her quickly into a glass of water that was standing near by. The next thing Susan did was to count the little helleries and, to her delight, she found that all the twenty were quite alive. But they had evidently been very much frightened, for they were all in a corner of the bowl, as near to the daddy hellery as possible, and the big daddy hellery was quiet and seemed to be much relieved that the danger was over. The snails, as you can imagine, were only too glad to rest once more. Susan gave them all some delicious fish food to comfort them.

“One day, Susan saw the big daddy hellery trying to chase the mother hellery around so she couldn't reach any of the little ones. Susan quickly grabbed the mother hellery and placed her into a glass of water nearby. The next thing Susan did was count the little helleries, and to her delight, she found that all twenty were alive. But they looked very scared, huddled in a corner of the bowl as close to the daddy hellery as they could get, while the big daddy hellery was calm and seemed relieved that the danger had passed. The snails, as you can imagine, were more than happy to rest again. Susan gave them some tasty fish food to comfort them.”

“And she kept the mother hellery in a separate bowl until the little ones were grown up, and then she was welcomed back.”

“And she kept the mother herring in a separate bowl until the little ones were grown up, and then she was welcomed back.”

“Why was she kept in a separate bowl?” asked Jack.

“Why was she kept in a separate bowl?” Jack asked.

“Because the mother hellery doesn’t care for her children until they are big, and she might harm them. But the daddy loves them, even when they are little bits of things!”

“Because the mother hen doesn’t care for her chicks until they’re grown, and she might hurt them. But the dad loves them, even when they’re just tiny little things!”


JANUARY 25: Mac, the Dog

“There was a dog named Mac,” said daddy, “a beautiful Airedale dog and he belonged to two young girls named Janet and Mildred. They were much excited for their daddy was to have a birthday.

“There was a dog named Mac,” said Dad, “a beautiful Airedale who belonged to two young girls named Janet and Mildred. They were very excited because their dad was having a birthday.

“At last came the birthday.

“Finally, the birthday arrived.

“Mac thought to himself that he wouldn’t be much pleased with the presents their daddy received, a pipe, tobacco, a necktie. Mac had been dressed up in a beautiful ribbon on a number of special occasions but he didn’t think much of neckties. There were some candies, though, and they were all right. Candies were really a sensible present.

Mac thought to himself that he wouldn’t be too happy with the gifts their dad got, a pipe, tobacco, a necktie. Mac had worn a beautiful ribbon on several special occasions, but he didn’t think much of neckties. There were some candies, though, and they were fine. Candies were actually a practical gift.

“Mac knew that there were going to be more festivities. He sat about and waited.

“Mac knew there would be more celebrations. He just sat around and waited.

“‘It’s time for the birthday cake,’ they called at last.

“‘It’s time for the birthday cake,’ they finally called out.

“Up got Mac. ‘It’s rude to be late,’ he said to himself, ‘and I’ll show them that an Airedale dog doesn’t forget his manners.’

“Mac got up. ‘It’s rude to be late,’ he told himself, ‘and I’ll show them that an Airedale dog doesn’t forget his manners.’”

“After it was all over and Mac was about to go to bed, he smiled to himself:

“After it was all over and Mac was about to go to bed, he smiled to himself:

“‘Well, it was foolish to have all those candles but the cake was good, mighty good!’”

“‘Well, it was silly to have all those candles, but the cake was great, really great!’”


[19]

[19]

JANUARY 26: The Three Horses

In a barn there were three horses and their names were Danny and Fanny and Prince. Somehow Bobbie, who was the farmer’s youngest son, always liked it when the horses had their ears up though he couldn’t have quite told you why. They seemed to be so very, very friendly then.

In a barn, there were three horses named Danny, Fanny, and Prince. For some reason, Bobbie, the farmer’s youngest son, always liked it when the horses had their ears up, even though he couldn’t quite explain why. They just seemed so very friendly at that moment.

Bobbie had been having a very fine day, and as he tumbled into bed he hardly had time to whisper to his old friend the Dream King. He used to say, just before he went off to sleep, “Please, Mr. Dream King, send me nice dreams.”

Bobbie had been having a great day, and as he jumped into bed, he barely had time to murmur to his old friend, the Dream King. He would say, just before falling asleep, “Please, Mr. Dream King, send me sweet dreams.”

If he did not feel so dreadfully, dreadfully sleepy he would make his little speech longer and would say, “Your gracious majesty, Mr. Dream King, will your royal highness do a poor, humble subject like myself the great and noble and wondrous honor of sending me most royal and noble dreams?”

If he weren't so incredibly, incredibly sleepy, he would make his little speech longer and say, “Your gracious majesty, Mr. Dream King, will your royal highness do a poor, humble subject like me the great and noble honor of sending me the most royal and wonderful dreams?”

This evening all he said was, “Nice dreams, please.”

This evening, all he said was, “Have nice dreams, please.”

Soon, oh, so soon, it seemed as though he saw Danny and Fanny and Prince walking into his room. And then they stood at the end of the bed, all in a row.

Soon, oh, so soon, it seemed like he saw Danny, Fanny, and Prince walking into his room. Then they stood at the end of the bed, all in a row.

“Hello, Bobbie,” they said.

“Hey, Bobbie,” they said.

“Hello, Danny and Fanny and Prince,” said Bobbie.

“Hey, Danny, Fanny, and Prince,” said Bobbie.

“We’ve come to tell you something,” said Fanny.

“We’re here to tell you something,” Fanny said.

“It’s something you’ve always wanted to know,” said Danny.

“It’s something you’ve always wanted to know,” Danny said.

“And because I’m the oldest horse, they’ve given me the honor of telling it to you,” added Prince.

“And since I'm the oldest horse, they've let me have the privilege of sharing it with you,” added Prince.

Then the three horses neighed, looked at each other, smiled their horse smiles and then looked at Bobbie.

Then the three horses whinnied, glanced at each other, shared their horse smiles, and then looked at Bobbie.

“You’ve always wanted to know why we put our ears straight up when you’ve come around,” said Prince.

“You’ve always been curious about why we perk up our ears when you’re around,” said Prince.

“Oh yes,” said Bobbie, “I’ve always wanted to know if there was any special reason for it.”

“Oh yes,” Bobbie said, “I’ve always wanted to know if there was a specific reason for it.”

“There is,” said Prince, “and I will tell it to you. When we put our ears up it’s to tell you we’re feeling pleasant and friendly. When horses put their ears way back it means they’re cross and that perhaps they’ll bite. But we have never put our ears back on our heads when you’ve been around, Bobbie, so it means we always, always like to have you with us.”

“There is,” said Prince, “and I’ll share it with you. When we point our ears forward, it means we’re feeling happy and friendly. When horses lay their ears flat back, it means they’re upset and might even bite. But we’ve never laid our ears back when you’ve been around, Bobbie, so that means we always, always enjoy having you with us.”

And the next morning when Bobbie got up he went out to his three friends and kissed them and said, “I know a secret of yours.”

And the next morning when Bobbie woke up, he went out to his three friends, kissed them, and said, “I know a secret about you.”


[20]

[20]

JANUARY 27: In the Kitchen

“One evening,” commenced daddy, “when the house was quiet and still, and every one was sleeping soundly, the tins and pans began to talk in the kitchen.

“One evening,” began Dad, “when the house was quiet and still, and everyone was sleeping soundly, the tins and pans started talking in the kitchen.

“‘I think I am to be congratulated more than any of you,’ said the egg beater. ‘You see my name means that I beat eggs. But not only do I beat eggs. I beat cream and all other things they wish to whip into a fine fluffy state.’

“I think I deserve more congratulations than any of you,” said the egg beater. “You see, my name means that I beat eggs. But I don’t just beat eggs. I whip cream and all other things they want to turn into a light fluffy state.”

“‘True enough,’ agreed the other pans and tins.

“‘That's true,’ the other pans and tins agreed.”

“‘But you see,’ said the egg beater, ‘the wonderful part is that I am not cross. Imagine being used only as a beater. Imagine forever whipping everything that comes near you. Isn’t that enough to make an egg beater cross? But am I cross?’

“‘But you see,’ said the egg beater, ‘the amazing part is that I’m not angry. Just think about being used only as a beater. Imagine always whipping everything that gets close to you. Isn’t that enough to make an egg beater upset? But am I upset?’”

“And all the pots and pans creaked and said, ‘No.’

“And all the pots and pans creaked and said, ‘No.’”

“‘Then,’ said the egg beater, ‘it only goes to show that my disposition is quite perfect. Even whipping and beating everything that comes my way doesn’t make me cross.’

“‘Then,’ said the egg beater, ‘that just proves my attitude is pretty much perfect. Even whipping and beating everything that comes my way doesn’t make me upset.’”

“‘Listen to me,’ said the cheese grater. ‘Think of what my name means!’

“‘Listen to me,’ said the cheese grater. ‘Think about what my name means!’”

“What?’ asked the others.

"What?" asked the others.

“‘It means I am greater than anything else. No other pot or tin or pan is named by my name.’

“‘It means I am greater than anything else. No other pot, tin, or pan is called by my name.’”

“‘Oh,’ chuckled the gravy spoon, a big, good-natured, easy-going spoon, ‘you don’t understand at all.’

“‘Oh,’ laughed the gravy spoon, a big, friendly, easy-going spoon, ‘you don’t get it at all.’”

“‘What don’t I understand?’ asked the cheese grater.

“‘What don’t I get?’ asked the cheese grater.

“‘You see I help the gravy at the table and I hear the grownups and children talk. They say that greater means something finer, bigger, stronger, more noble than something that is merely great. Now greatest means the best of all. You see the way they spell your name is quite different from the way they spell the word that means great.’

“‘You see, I serve the gravy at the table, and I listen to the adults and kids talk. They say that greater means something finer, bigger, stronger, or more noble than just great. Now greatest means the best of all. You notice that the way they spell your name is quite different from the way they spell the word that means great.’”

“‘And what difference does that make?’ asked the cheese grater, who was feeling sad.

“‘And what difference does that make?’ asked the cheese grater, feeling down.”

“‘All the difference in the world,’ said the gravy spoon. ‘It means something quite different.’

“‘It makes all the difference,’ said the gravy spoon. ‘It means something totally different.’”

“‘The very idea of making such a mistake,’ said the cheese grater sadly.

“‘The very thought of making such a mistake,’ said the cheese grater sadly.

“‘Never mind,’ said the egg beater. ‘I have a really bad name and I rise above it. I do the best I can and don’t complain. You must do the same.’

“‘Never mind,’ said the egg beater. ‘I have a really bad name and I rise above it. I do the best I can and don’t complain. You should do the same.’”

“‘I will,’ said the cheese grater. ‘But I am so disappointed.’

“I will,” said the cheese grater. “But I’m really disappointed.”

“So the rest of the talk between the tins, pots and pans was not upon their names and the meanings of them.”

“So the rest of the conversation between the tins, pots, and pans wasn’t about their names and what they meant.”


[21]

[21]

JANUARY 28: The Little Needle

A little girl named Jinny in crossing the street one day saw a needle shining very brightly in the center of the crossing. She picked it up because, as she said to herself, some horse might get it in his foot and have it hurt dreadfully. She stuck the needle in her fur and walked on.

A little girl named Jinny was crossing the street one day when she saw a needle shining really brightly in the middle of the crossing. She picked it up because, as she thought to herself, some horse might step on it and get hurt badly. She tucked the needle in her fur and continued walking.

Soon after she was home she went to bed and soon she was sound asleep. The bright needle in the fur seemed to grow brighter and brighter. It looked like something alive, it was so bright, and, sure enough, it was talking!

Soon after she got home, she went to bed, and soon she was fast asleep. The bright needle in the fur seemed to get brighter and brighter. It looked almost alive, it was so bright, and sure enough, it was talking!

“I came over from Italy with a very poor girl who was a sewer. She did most wonderful fancy work. Her beautiful work brought ever so much more money than it formerly did, and after a time she was never worried any more.

“I came over from Italy with a very poor girl who was a seamstress. She did the most amazing decorative work. Her beautiful creations earned so much more money than they used to, and after a while, she was never worried again.

“Well, after a while she succeeded so well that she bought a little house and no longer had to work.

“Well, after some time she did so well that she bought a small house and didn’t have to work anymore.

“To-day she was carrying her workbag to a friend’s house to sew a little for amusement. But there was a hole in the bag, and I fell out. Then you came along and picked me up. I’ll help you sew if you like, Jinny, for my kind mistress doesn’t need me now.”

“Today she was taking her workbag to a friend’s house to sew a bit for fun. But there was a hole in the bag, and I fell out. Then you came by and picked me up. I’ll help you sew if you want, Jinny, because my nice mistress doesn’t need me right now.”

When Jinny awoke there was the needle on her fur, and she put it in her workbag with such pleasure.

When Jinny woke up, she found the needle on her fur and happily placed it in her work bag.


JANUARY 29: Real Dogs

Lucifer and his mistress went for quite a long drive one day. On their way home his mistress stopped to make a call. Lucifer stayed alone in the wonderful carriage.

Lucifer and his girlfriend went for a long drive one day. On their way home, she stopped to make a call. Lucifer stayed by himself in the beautiful carriage.

Some common dogs passed by. They were barking and playing and seemed to be having a very good time. Lucifer looked at them as if he sometimes longed to be a real dog and to play as other dogs did. But of course there was his family to be thought of and his background! He could not disgrace it. He must not try anything different. He must just stay at home, doing nothing but wear a big bow of ribbon and hear his mistress tell of what a fine breed he was.

Some regular dogs walked by. They were barking and playing and looked like they were having a great time. Lucifer watched them, as if he sometimes wished he could be a real dog and join in the fun. But of course, he had his family to consider and his background! He couldn't bring shame to it. He must not act differently. He had to stay home, doing nothing but wearing a big bow of ribbon and listening to his owner talk about what a great breed he was.

But the other dogs did fill him with envy. He had a strange longing to be out playing, too. What a stupid life he led! No fun at all. And he would like to see more of the world. No matter where he went with his mistress, the world always seemed the same.

But the other dogs made him really jealous. He had a weird desire to be out playing, too. What a pointless life he lived! No fun at all. And he wished he could see more of the world. No matter where he went with his owner, the world always felt the same.

He wondered to himself if the dogs would play with him. He barked and they looked at the victoria and at the poodle dog with the blue bow.[22] They seemed to be laughing at him, and for the first time his family tree didn’t seem of any use. It was simply that the dogs were judging him for what he was—they didn’t care a bit about his father or his grandfather.

He wondered if the dogs would play with him. He barked, and they looked at the carriage and the poodle with the blue bow.[22] They seemed to be laughing at him, and for the first time, his family background didn’t seem to matter. It was just that the dogs were judging him for who he was—they didn’t care at all about his dad or his grandfather.

“Could I join you?” he asked.

“Can I join you?” he asked.

“Well, you don’t look as though you amounted to much,” they said, “but come along. We’ll try to be kind to you.”

“Well, you don’t look like you’ve done much with your life,” they said, “but come on. We’ll do our best to be nice to you.”

“Oh,” said Lucifer, as he ran along, “I do amount to a great deal. You don’t know. I have more of a background than any of you.”

“Oh,” said Lucifer, as he ran along, “I mean a lot. You have no idea. I have a deeper background than any of you.”

“What?” they all asked, with their ears and eyes showing that they could not believe what they had heard. “Tell us what a background is,” they asked. “Is it another name for life-saving?”

“What?” they all asked, their ears and eyes clearly showing they couldn't believe what they had heard. “Tell us what a background is,” they said. “Is it just another way to say life-saving?”

“No,” said Lucifer, “it means that I needn’t do anything but live up to my family name. For years and years our family have been of noble, aristocratic line. I am a dog of wonderful breeding.”

“No,” said Lucifer, “it means that I don't need to do anything but live up to my family name. For years and years, our family has been of noble, aristocratic lineage. I am a dog of remarkable breeding.”

“You’re only snobbish,” they said, and Lucifer felt very badly. “Why, you poor little dog, we feel sorry for you,” said one bright looking fox terrier. “Our friends have saved children from drowning this summer, some have saved lives in fire, and we all try to amount to something. Pooh, you can’t be your grandfather. Try to be yourself and amount to something!” And Lucifer joined the dogs to be taken on a regular dog’s trip.

“You’re just being snobby,” they said, and Lucifer felt really hurt. “Aww, you poor little pup, we feel bad for you,” said one cheerful-looking fox terrier. “Our friends have rescued kids from drowning this summer, some have saved lives in fires, and we all try to make a difference. Come on, you can’t be like your grandfather. Just be yourself and try to achieve something!” And Lucifer joined the other dogs for a typical dog outing.


JANUARY 30: The Little Old Man

“There was once a very strange old man,” said daddy, “who decided he would live at the top of the mountain. He liked to hear all the rumbling sounds and thought he’d like to help make them. He loved pine trees, too, of which there were plenty on top of the mountain. He told his family about his desire, and the next day they started off.

“There was once a really odd old man,” said Dad, “who decided to live at the top of the mountain. He enjoyed hearing all the rumbling noises and thought he’d like to contribute to them. He loved pine trees, too, and there were plenty of those at the top of the mountain. He shared his desire with his family, and the next day they set off.”

“At last they reached the top, and there were so many of them it did make a merry party.

At last they reached the top, and there were so many of them that it created a lively gathering.

“But it was almost dark, and they were all eager for supper.

“But it was almost dark, and they were all hungry for dinner.

“The grandmothers and mothers arranged the supper, and they had a most delicious meal too.

The grandmothers and mothers set up dinner, and they had a really delicious meal too.

“They had moss soup, a salad of pine needles chopped up very fine, big berry pies and nuts, for they all wanted to eat mountain food at once. They sat on low stumps of trees while they ate.

“They had moss soup, a finely chopped pine needle salad, big berry pies, and nuts, because they all wanted to eat mountain food at once. They sat on low tree stumps while they ate.”

“After they’d finished eating they all felt quite energetic, and so the old grandfather, who was the leader in everything, said:

“After they finished eating, they all felt pretty energetic, so the old grandfather, who was the leader in everything, said:

“‘Let’s help with this storm which is coming on.’ And I should say they did!

“‘Let’s help with this storm that’s coming.’ And I can honestly say they did!

[23]

[23]

“All the older ones bellowed at the tops of their lungs so that it sounded almost like roaring. The younger ones whistled and sang. The people who lived at the foot of the mountain shivered and said: ‘Oh, what a terrific storm! Listen to the sound of the wind!’

“All the older ones shouted at the top of their voices, making it sound almost like roaring. The younger ones whistled and sang. The people living at the foot of the mountain shivered and said: ‘Oh, what a terrible storm! Listen to the sound of the wind!’”

“But the old man and his family thought it fine fun.”

“But the old man and his family thought it was great fun.”


JANUARY 31: The Fussy Cat

“A white cat named Snow,” said daddy, “and a black dog named Coal were the greatest of friends.

“A white cat named Snow,” said Dad, “and a black dog named Coal were the best of friends.

“‘I am so glad to-day is wash-day,’ said Snow. ‘I saw the soiled clothes being scrubbed so hard and hung out on the line to dry. To-morrow they will iron the clothes and then put them back in the basket all nicely folded. Later they will go in the linen room! Ah, such joy.’ And Snow purred happily.

“‘I’m so glad today is laundry day,’ said Snow. ‘I saw the dirty clothes being scrubbed so hard and hung out to dry. Tomorrow they’ll iron the clothes and then put them back in the basket all nicely folded. Later they’ll go in the linen room! Ah, such joy.’ And Snow purred happily.”

“‘Now what in the world do you talk about wash-day and ironing-day for?’ asked Coal. ‘I can understand it when you talk about mice because I have never known any creature so fond of them. But what do you care for clean clothes? You don’t wear them. You can wash yourself and comb your hair by yourself.’

“‘Why on earth are you talking about wash-day and ironing-day?’ asked Coal. ‘I get it when you talk about mice because I’ve never seen anyone so obsessed with them. But why do you care about clean clothes? You don’t wear them. You can wash yourself and comb your hair on your own.’”

“‘But I like to lie in clean clothes. Nothing gives me the joy that the basket of clean clothes does! At least it is one of the joys of my life. As for the linen closet—well, when they leave the door open I am happy. I love to lie among the white napkins and pillow covers and sheets.’

“‘But I love lying in clean clothes. Nothing brings me joy like a basket of clean laundry! At least it's one of the highlights of my life. As for the linen closet—when the door is left open, it makes me happy. I enjoy lying among the white napkins, pillowcases, and sheets.’”

“‘That’s the queerest thing I’ve ever heard,’ said the dog.

“‘That’s the strangest thing I’ve ever heard,’ said the dog.

“‘It’s quite true, though,’ said the cat. ‘The mistress knows that. I’ve often heard her say that she couldn’t leave the clean clothes in the basket a moment as I’d lie among them right away. And she never dared leave the linen closet door open. Of course they don’t know how fond I am of such a bed,’ added Snow, ‘or they would enjoy having a bed made for me of clean clothes all the time.’

“‘It’s totally true, though,’ said the cat. ‘The mistress knows that. I’ve often heard her say that she couldn’t leave the clean clothes in the basket for even a second because I’d lie down in them immediately. And she never dared leave the linen closet door open. Of course they don’t know how much I love having a bed made of clean clothes,’ added Snow, ‘or they would make sure I had one all the time.’”

“‘Bow-wow-wow,’ laughed the dog. ‘You are a creature to love everything that is fine. How about soiled clothes? Wouldn’t they feel the same?’

“‘Bow-wow-wow,’ laughed the dog. ‘You really love everything that’s nice. What about dirty clothes? Wouldn’t they feel the same?’”

“‘You insult me,’ said the cat. ‘I only lie in clean clothes. Soft cushions, good food, especially cream and still more especially nice food from the table—all these things I like.’

“‘You’re insulting me,’ said the cat. ‘I only lie on clean clothes. Soft cushions, good food, especially cream, and even more so nice food from the table—all these things I enjoy.’”

“‘I’m glad to hear it,’ said the dog. ‘I knew you loved all comforts but this one of clean clothes I never heard of before.’

“‘I’m glad to hear that,’ said the dog. ‘I knew you loved all kinds of comforts, but I’ve never heard of this one about clean clothes before.’”

“‘That’s why I am never talking to you when I see the clothes basket of clean clothes going upstairs,’ said Snow. ‘I am busy then!’

“‘That’s why I never talk to you when I see the basket of clean clothes going upstairs,’ said Snow. ‘I’m busy then!’”

“And this,” said daddy, “is a true story.”

“And this,” said Dad, “is a true story.”


[24]

[24]

FEBRUARY 1: Mice are Discovered

“The Mice,” said daddy, “had been enjoying a new pantry they had found. They always found some pantry where they could get good things to eat, and this pantry was full of delicious cheese and all sorts of nice things.

“The Mice,” said dad, “had been enjoying a new pantry they had discovered. They always managed to find a pantry where they could get tasty treats, and this pantry was filled with delicious cheese and all kinds of great stuff.

“‘Really,’ said Mr. Mouse, ‘I don’t think we could have found a better pantry. It’s one of the nicest homes we’ve had in a long time.’

“‘Honestly,’ said Mr. Mouse, ‘I don’t think we could have found a better pantry. It’s one of the nicest homes we’ve had in a while.’”

“‘Yes,’ said Mrs. Mouse. ‘And there are no traps, and there is not a single Cat in the House. That is what I call right. It’s very wrong to keep a Cat. They’re such horrid creatures.’

“‘Yes,’ said Mrs. Mouse. ‘And there are no traps, and there isn’t a single Cat in the House. That’s what I call right. It’s really wrong to keep a Cat. They’re such terrible creatures.’”

“They would frisk about the pantry, behind the shelves and through the drawers which were often left half-open.

“They would run around the pantry, behind the shelves and through the drawers that were often left half-open.

“‘It is so stupid and inconsiderate,’ said Mr. Mouse, ‘for people to close all the drawers and lock up their things in tin boxes. For my part I hate tin boxes. They can’t be bitten and they’re so apt to cut me when I try to get them opened.’

“‘It’s so dumb and thoughtless,’ said Mr. Mouse, ‘for people to close all the drawers and lock up their stuff in tin boxes. Personally, I can’t stand tin boxes. They can’t be chewed through, and they’re really likely to hurt me when I try to get them open.’”

“‘Yes, they’re horrid,’ said Mrs. Mouse. ‘We can’t open them, no matter how much we try. I like little cardboard boxes best that we can nibble through.’

“‘Yes, they’re terrible,’ said Mrs. Mouse. ‘We can’t open them, no matter how hard we try. I prefer little cardboard boxes that we can chew through.’”

“Now one day the children who lived in the house had been out coasting all the afternoon. It had been a glorious afternoon, and they had coasted so hard they were very hungry.

“Now one day, the kids who lived in the house had been sledding all afternoon. It had been a beautiful day, and they had sledded so much that they were really hungry.”

“When they came in they asked their mother for something to eat.

“When they came in, they asked their mom for something to eat.

“‘Go and look in the pantry,’ said their mother. ‘You will find biscuits and jam, and quite a lot to eat in there. As it’s a Saturday afternoon you may have a little feast.’

“‘Go and check the pantry,’ their mom said. ‘You’ll find cookies and jam, along with plenty to eat in there. Since it’s a Saturday afternoon, you can have a little feast.’”

“Off went the children to the pantry. Now, the Mice had not been bothered all afternoon. They had seen the cook leave the kitchen and the pantry was just off the kitchen.

“Off went the kids to the pantry. The mice hadn’t been disturbed all afternoon. They had watched the cook leave the kitchen, and the pantry was right next to it.”

“‘We’ll have a feast this afternoon,’ said Mother Mouse. And all the little Mice had thought it was a wonderful scheme to have a regular feast.

“‘We’re having a feast this afternoon,’ said Mother Mouse. And all the little Mice thought it was a great idea to have a proper feast.

“They had been enjoying themselves and having a splendid time when the children arrived.

“They were having a great time when the kids showed up."

“When they heard the door open and the children coming in, the Mice scampered to their holes and to their hiding places back on the shelves. They made a great deal of noise, and some of them squealed in their hurry to get past each other.

“When they heard the door open and the kids coming in, the Mice rushed to their holes and hid back on the shelves. They made a lot of noise, and some of them squeaked in their rush to get past each other.

“‘The pantry is full of Mice,’ said the children.

“The pantry is full of mice,” said the kids.

“Meanwhile the Mice were saying, ‘They heard us, and now they know that we are living here. Well, we’ll just have to move—that’s all. For somehow people don’t like to have Mice for visitors. It’s very foolish of them, but they don’t like us!’

“Meanwhile, the Mice were saying, ‘They heard us, and now they know we’re living here. Well, we’ll just have to move—that’s it. Somehow, people don’t like having Mice as visitors. It’s really silly, but they just don’t like us!’”

[25]

[25]

“‘Well,’ said Mr. Mouse, ‘we might as well make the best of it. Besides this has been a very nice home and perhaps we’ll be lucky and find another.’

“‘Well,’ said Mr. Mouse, ‘we might as well make the most of it. Besides, this has been a really nice home, and maybe we'll get lucky and find another one.’”

“‘I hope it will be just as nice,’ said Mrs. Mouse, as they all followed Mr. Mouse in his search for a new pantry!”

“‘I hope it’ll be just as nice,’ said Mrs. Mouse, as they all followed Mr. Mouse in his search for a new pantry!”


FEBRUARY 2: In the Sea

“In the sea,” said daddy, “and far away in the tropics where the plants and birds and animals are very different from here, there are floating plant creatures known as Portuguese Men-of-War.

“In the sea,” Dad said, “and far away in the tropics where the plants, birds, and animals are very different from here, there are floating plant creatures called Portuguese Men-of-War.

“The reason they’ve been given this name is because some one who was about to name them decided they looked like old battleships. The Portuguese Man-of-War is made up of many little creatures all joined together, just as though many of us were all fastened together in our villages or in our country places.

“The reason they’ve been given this name is that someone who was about to name them thought they resembled old battleships. The Portuguese Man-of-War consists of many tiny creatures all connected, just like many of us are all linked together in our villages or in our rural areas."

“Some of these creatures are very different from each other. The Portuguese Man-of-War is quite large, and when it is like this it is filled by a kind of gas which enters into it and which makes it look even larger than it is.

“Some of these creatures are very different from one another. The Portuguese Man-of-War is quite large, and when it is like this, it is filled with a type of gas that enters it and makes it appear even bigger than it actually is."

“It is beautifully colored and it floats on top of the water.

“It has beautiful colors and floats on the water.”

“These parts are the large members of the colony. The rest of them, or rather a second kind of members of the family, hang from under the side of these—many little creatures which form the largest part of the colony.

“These parts are the larger members of the colony. The rest of them, or rather a second type of members of the family, hang from the sides of these—many small creatures that make up the majority of the colony.

“Many of them are small and trumpet-shaped, and they are the ones who do the marketing and get the food for the rest.

“Many of them are small and shaped like trumpets, and they’re the ones who handle the marketing and gather food for the others.”

“Then there are members of the colony who also hang from under the many members on top, and they are the fingers or the feelers for the community.

“Then there are members of the colony who also hang beneath the many members above, and they serve as the fingers or feelers for the community.

“There are still others who look like bunches of grapes, and they look after the baby creatures who come to form a part of this strange animal-plant.

“There are still others that resemble bunches of grapes, and they take care of the baby creatures that become part of this unusual animal-plant.”

“Still more of them are like great long ribbons and they are armed with cells which sting and slay young fishes down in the water. Then they bring up the food to the other members of the family.

“Even more of them resemble long, flowing ribbons, and they've got cells that sting and kill young fish in the water. After that, they bring the food back to the other family members."

“So, you see, this whole big community of many-colored little creatures, which are a kind of animal-plant life, all help each other. And they are all of many beautiful colors, and add as much to the beauty of the sea as anything else.

“So, you see, this whole big community of many-colored little creatures, which are a kind of animal-plant life, all help each other. And they are all of many beautiful colors, and add as much to the beauty of the sea as anything else.

“But I want to make it quite clear that they are all together as a plant would be, and yet each has its purpose in life, whether it be to market or get the fish or look after the eggs.

“But I want to make it clear that they all work together like a plant does, and yet each has its role in life, whether it's to market, catch the fish, or take care of the eggs."

[26]

[26]

“Lately I have seen in a great museum in one of the large cities a copy of one of these colonies made out of blown glass.

“Recently, I saw in a big museum in one of the major cities a copy of one of these colonies made from blown glass.”

“There you can see the colors, for without the colors you can’t half imagine how lovely it is. The little creatures are lovely lavenders, and green, and purples, and browns, and pinks—all like a lovely mass of soft and delicate colors.

“There you can see the colors, because without them you can’t really picture how beautiful it is. The little creatures are shades of lavender, green, purple, brown, and pink—all creating a gorgeous blend of soft and delicate hues.”

“So that the Portuguese Man-of-War and its little inhabitants are becoming better known.”

“So the Portuguese Man-of-War and its tiny inhabitants are becoming more well-known."


FEBRUARY 3: The Circus Dream

“I want to tell you the story this evening,” said daddy, “of a little boy named Jay Rial.

“I want to tell you the story tonight,” said dad, “of a little boy named Jay Rial.

“Jay Rial was as nice a little boy as any one could ever hope to see. Every one liked him and he liked people, too. But the thing he loved above everything else in the world was the circus.

“Jay Rial was as nice a little boy as anyone could ever hope to see. Everyone liked him and he liked people, too. But the thing he loved more than anything else in the world was the circus.

“He loved the sound of the train whistle which brought the circus to town, and he loved the old circus which used to travel by the road and not come by the train at all. He loved the circus band, the clowns, the animals. He loved the very tent itself, the smell of peanuts, the roars of the lions, the beautiful ladies who rode the beautiful horses.

“He loved the sound of the train whistle that brought the circus to town, and he loved the old circus that used to travel by road instead of by train. He loved the circus band, the clowns, the animals. He loved the tent itself, the smell of peanuts, the roars of the lions, and the beautiful women who rode the beautiful horses.

“He loved the performers, and every time he went to a circus he wished his eyes were bigger so he could see more, and he wished that circus people didn’t have to go to sleep at all.

“He loved the performers, and whenever he went to a circus, he wished his eyes were bigger so he could see more, and he wished that circus people didn’t need to sleep at all.

“He used to follow the circus parade as it came through the town and he didn’t mind if it was always late, for he could go to the circus grounds with some of the other boys and see them unpack, and maybe he could sometimes help a little, too!

He would follow the circus parade as it passed through town, and he didn’t care if it was always late, because he could go to the circus grounds with some of the other kids and watch them unpack, and maybe he could even help out a little, too!

“Once he had been allowed to stand in the middle of the sawdust-covered ring when they were fixing up the tent. That had been a great moment.

“Once he was allowed to stand in the middle of the sawdust-covered ring while they were setting up the tent. That had been an amazing moment.

“There was only one thing about circus day which ever made him sad. That was that sometimes people couldn’t afford to go to the circus. He had been very lucky. He was always able to do chores for his mother and daddy around circus time and he could make enough money for a ticket.

“There was only one thing about circus day that ever made him sad. That was that sometimes people couldn’t afford to go to the circus. He had been very lucky. He was always able to do chores for his mom and dad around circus time, and he could make enough money for a ticket.

“But there were some little boys and girls who couldn’t do that, or whose mothers and daddies couldn’t afford to do that for them.

“But there were some little boys and girls who couldn’t do that, or whose moms and dads couldn’t afford to do that for them.

“‘If I ever get to be a big man,’ said little Jay Rial, ‘I’m going to take just as many children to the circus with me as I can.’

“‘If I ever become a big deal,’ said little Jay Rial, ‘I’m going to take as many kids to the circus with me as I can.’”

“Little Jay Rial called it his circus-dream. And sometimes he would really dream that he was taking hundreds and hundreds of little boys[27] and girls whose faces had been sad and teary because they hadn’t thought they were going to the circus. He had dreamed of how they would follow after him and would say:

“Little Jay Rial called it his circus dream. And sometimes he would really dream that he was taking hundreds and hundreds of little boys[27] and girls whose faces had been sad and tearful because they hadn’t thought they were going to the circus. He had dreamed of how they would follow him and would say:

“‘Me, too?’

“‘Me too?’”

“And he would smile at them and say, ‘Yes, all of you!’

“And he would smile at them and say, ‘Yes, all of you!’”

“It was a beautiful dream.

"It was a beautiful dream."

“Now there are many people who dream of doing something fine when they have more money or when they’re grown up and who forget it when that time comes.

“Now, there are a lot of people who dream of doing something great when they have more money or when they’re older, and then they forget about it when that time actually arrives.”

“They will excuse themselves by saying, ‘Yes, I have more money than I used to have, but I find I need it all,’ instead of doing more than they had been able to do before. There are little boys who say, ‘When I grow up I’m going to see that poor children get ice-cream once in a while.’ But when they grow up they forget and they don’t realize that there are lots of children in hospitals and in homes who very seldom receive visits from the ice-cream man.

“They will justify themselves by saying, ‘Sure, I have more money than I used to, but I need all of it,’ instead of doing more than they were able to do before. There are little boys who say, ‘When I grow up I’m going to make sure poor kids get ice cream once in a while.’ But when they become adults, they forget and don’t realize that there are many children in hospitals and care homes who hardly ever get visits from the ice cream truck.”

“Now Jay Rial was different. He remembered. When he grew up he went into the circus business. He was the one who would tell the newspapers in the different towns in advance when the circus was coming to town so every one could look forward to it.

“Now Jay Rial was different. He remembered. When he grew up, he went into the circus business. He was the one who would inform the newspapers in the various towns ahead of time when the circus was coming, so everyone could look forward to it.

“And he remembered his circus dream.

“And he remembered his circus dream.

“So every year when the circus came to the very biggest city they visited, grown up Jay Rial arranged that every child in every hospital or home or any child who was crippled and not as fortunate as other children should come to the circus free.

“So every year when the circus came to the biggest city they visited, grown-up Jay Rial made sure that every child in every hospital or home, or any child who was disabled and not as fortunate as other kids, could attend the circus for free.

“They arranged one afternoon when no one need buy a ticket but when every seat was free. And yet, that wasn’t enough for Jay Rial. When the hospitals and homes sent in their lists of the numbers of children who would be able to go to the circus the lists grew so long that the place wouldn’t hold them all.

“They set up an afternoon when no one had to buy a ticket and every seat was available. Still, that wasn’t enough for Jay Rial. When the hospitals and homes sent in their lists of how many children could go to the circus, the lists became so lengthy that the venue couldn’t accommodate them all.”

“Do you suppose Jay Rial said, ‘Sorry, but we’ve room for no more?’ Not a bit of it. He had another circus party for those who couldn’t come to the first.

“Do you think Jay Rial said, ‘Sorry, but we can’t take any more?’ Not at all. He organized another circus party for those who couldn’t make it to the first one.”

“And Jay Rial’s face was full of smiles as he looked at the thousands of children who were shrieking with joy over the circus, and he said, ‘My dream has come true.’

“And Jay Rial’s face was full of smiles as he looked at the thousands of children who were screaming with joy over the circus, and he said, ‘My dream has come true.’”

“But,” ended daddy, “Jay Rial is one of those people who help to make dreams come true.”

“But,” dad concluded, “Jay Rial is one of those people who help make dreams come true.”


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FEBRUARY 4: Little Mildred’s Muff

“Mildred had lost her muff,” said daddy. “She lived in a small town near a big city. She went to school in the city. Every morning she took the train into the city and came back by train in the afternoon. When she got home that afternoon she told her mother and daddy what had happened. Mildred’s daddy said that he would telephone to the railway station to see if anything had been seen of it. Mildred stood by listening.

“Mildred lost her muff,” said Dad. “She lived in a small town near a big city. She went to school in the city. Every morning she took the train into the city and came back by train in the afternoon. When she got home that afternoon, she told her mom and dad what had happened. Mildred’s dad said he would call the train station to see if anyone had found it. Mildred stood by, listening.

“‘Mildred,’ said her daddy, ‘they’re asking me if your muff had a head on it. Did it?’

“Mildred,” her dad said, “they’re asking me if your muff had a head on it. Did it?”

“‘Oh, let me talk, daddy!’ And Mildred grabbed the receiver.

“‘Oh, let me talk, Dad!’ And Mildred grabbed the receiver.

“‘Yes, yes,’ she cried excitedly into the telephone; ‘it had a black fox’s head on it!’ Then she heard the joyful words:

“‘Yes, yes,’ she exclaimed excitedly into the phone; ‘it had a black fox’s head on it!’ Then she heard the joyful words:

“‘I think it has been found and brought here.’

“‘I think it's been found and brought here.’”

“Mildred could hardly wait until the morning came. Then she went with her daddy to the lost and found department of the railway station.

“Mildred could hardly wait for morning to arrive. Then she went with her dad to the lost and found department at the train station.

“As soon as she got inside she cried, ‘There is my muff over there with all those umbrellas and books!’ And she jumped up and down with happiness.”

“As soon as she walked in, she shouted, ‘There’s my muff over there with all those umbrellas and books!’ And she bounced up and down with joy.”


FEBRUARY 5: The Coal-Bin

“I’m proud, that is what I am,” said a large piece of coal in the coal-bin. “There was a song written once about a king named Coal.”

“I’m proud, that’s what I am,” said a big piece of coal in the coal-bin. “There was a song written once about a king named Coal.”

“But,” said another piece of coal, “you have the idea, I believe, that his name was spelt as our name is spelt. I think that is wrong. The king spelt his name Cole. The song you mean goes like this, ‘Old King Cole was a merry old soul.’ Isn’t that the one you mean?”

“But,” said another piece of coal, “I think you believe his name was spelled like ours. I think that’s incorrect. The king spelled his name Cole. The song you’re talking about goes like this, ‘Old King Cole was a merry old soul.’ Is that the one you mean?”

“Yes,” said the large piece of coal which had spoken first. “That is the old song I mean. A fine one it is, to be sure. But what care I how the king spelt his name, or how the person who wrote the song spelt it? My grandfather once lived in a king’s coal-bin in a great palace. That is, he must have. Of course he never told me about it myself for he was burnt before I came around. But one of my grandfathers must have been in a king’s coal-bin and maybe he is still there. Kings must have coal-bins and be kept warm, mustn’t they?

“Yes,” said the large piece of coal that had spoken first. “That’s the old song I’m talking about. It's a great one, for sure. But I don’t care how the king spelled his name or how the person who wrote the song spelled it. My grandfather supposedly lived in a king’s coal-bin in a big palace. I mean, he must have. Of course, he never told me about it since he was burned up before I came along. But one of my grandfathers must have been in a king’s coal-bin, and maybe he’s still there. Kings need coal-bins and should stay warm, right?”

“Perhaps I’ve a little cousin this very moment crackling and sizzling and burning for a king, who knows?

“Maybe I have a little cousin right now crackling and sizzling and burning for a king, who knows?”

“But, now I come to think of it I don’t believe Old King Cole was good enough to belong to our family. He had to call for things all the time, whereas we are called for!

“But, now that I think about it, I don’t believe Old King Cole was good enough to be part of our family. He had to ask for things all the time, while we are asked for!”

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[29]

“Yes, people want us. They never knew before how much they appreciated us. They didn’t know it until we became a little scarce.”

“Yes, people want us. They never realized before how much they appreciated us. They didn’t understand it until we became a little scarce.”

“Yes,” said the other pieces of coal, “we can now hold up our coal heads and say to all the world, ‘Well, now what do you think of the coal-bin? You think a lot of it if we’re within it, and if the coal-bin is empty—ah, you’re sad!’

“Yes,” said the other pieces of coal, “we can now hold our heads up high and say to everyone, ‘So, what do you think of the coal bin? You think highly of it when we're in it, and if the coal bin is empty—oh, how you frown!’”

“Yes, that shows our importance. People talk about coal nowadays. They go around asking each other if they have enough coal. And people usually answer by saying that they are getting along all right but they would like to have more.

“Yes, that shows our importance. People are discussing coal these days. They go around asking each other if they have enough coal. And people usually respond by saying that they’re managing fine but would like to have more.”

“They would like to have more of us, we, the fine pieces of coal, the coal which is at last appreciated, the coal which at last gets thanks for the warmth it gives, and the coal which is missed so sadly when it isn’t around!”

“They want more of us, we, the valuable pieces of coal, the coal that is finally valued, the coal that finally receives gratitude for the warmth it provides, and the coal that is so deeply missed when it’s not there!”


FEBRUARY 6: In Dreamland

“We’ve got lots of work to do to-night,” said the Dream King, and the Dream Fairies said, “What have we to do?”

“We have a lot of work to do tonight,” said the Dream King, and the Dream Fairies asked, “What do we have to do?”

“Well,” said the Dream King, “in talking to the Fairy Queen this afternoon, she said that she had quite a lot to tell me and she looked very sad.

“Well,” said the Dream King, “when I talked to the Fairy Queen this afternoon, she mentioned that she had a lot to share with me, and she seemed really sad.

“It seems that there have been many children lately she has heard telling each other unkind things they have heard about each other.

“It seems that lately, she has heard many children saying unkind things to one another that they’ve heard about each other.”

“For instance, she heard one little girl say to another little girl, ‘Oh, Sally, I heard Mamie say she thought you were awfully mean and selfish. I told her I didn’t think so. I stood up for you. I was your friend.’

“For example, she overheard one little girl say to another little girl, ‘Oh, Sally, I heard Mamie say she thought you were really mean and selfish. I told her I didn’t agree. I stood up for you. I was your friend.’”

“Well, the Fairy Queen said that made her mad. She said it was far worse of the little girl who came and told such a horrid thing than it even was in the little girl who had said it.

“Well, the Fairy Queen said that made her angry. She said it was much worse for the little girl who came and told such a terrible thing than it was for the little girl who actually said it.

“I am going to give dreams to lots and lots of children who have said mean things. I am going to show them a huge room full of children and all the children will be crying and sobbing, and there won’t be enough handkerchiefs to go around.

“I’m going to give dreams to a lot of kids who have said hurtful things. I’m going to show them a big room full of kids, and all the kids will be crying and sobbing, and there won’t be enough tissues to go around.

“And I will tell them that these children are crying because of the mean speeches they have heard repeated.

“And I will tell them that these kids are crying because of the hurtful things they've heard over and over.”

“Hurry, Dream Fairies, tie up the dreams for me to take around. You know what I want now.

“Hurry, Dream Fairies, gather up the dreams for me to take with me. You know what I want now.

“And, Dream Fairies,” continued the Dream King, “I’m going to tell each girl and boy how every mean speech she or he thinks of and doesn’t make, or doesn’t repeat, will come straight to Dreamland and every[30] week we will have a great big bonfire of them. Then all the Dream Fairies will laugh and sing as the mean speeches are burnt up.”

“And, Dream Fairies,” continued the Dream King, “I’m going to tell each girl and boy that every unkind thing they think but don’t say or repeat will come straight to Dreamland, and every[30] week we will have a huge bonfire to burn them. Then all the Dream Fairies will laugh and sing as the unkind words go up in flames.”


FEBRUARY 7: How the Inkfishes Protect Themselves

“Inkfishes,” said daddy; “aren’t black at all. In fact, they look very much like the ordinary jellyfish. But they are called inkfishes because when an enemy comes near them they drop ink out of an ink pocket they have near their mouths. You see, they can see perfectly through the ink, but the other fishes can’t and so when they dive down again and again and try to catch the inkfishes, they can’t do it. The water is so black they can’t see anything and they flounder off into the clear water, while the inkfishes keep out of their way.

“Inkfishes,” Dad said, “aren’t black at all. Actually, they look a lot like regular jellyfish. They’re called inkfishes because when a predator approaches, they release ink from a special pocket near their mouths. You see, they can see perfectly through the ink, but other fish can’t, so when they dive again and again trying to catch the inkfishes, they fail. The water is so dark they can’t see anything and they swim away into the clear water, while the inkfishes move out of their path.

“The jellyfishes and inkfishes are great friends and often visit each other. Little Kitty Inkfish and Nelly Jellyfish were especially good friends, and one day Kitty Inkfish asked her mother if she could invite Nelly Jellyfish to visit her for a whole week. Old Mrs. Inkfish consented, so Nelly Jellyfish was invited. Such excitement as there was, and all sorts of entertainments and parties were planned. Nelly Jellyfish arrived at exactly the hour she was invited to commence her visit. That afternoon the first party in her honor was to be given, and, of course, a number of other jellyfishes were invited for the party.

The jellyfish and octopuses are great friends and often visit each other. Little Kitty Octopus and Nelly Jellyfish were especially close friends, and one day Kitty Octopus asked her mom if she could invite Nelly Jellyfish to stay with her for a whole week. Mrs. Octopus agreed, so Nelly Jellyfish was invited. There was so much excitement, and all kinds of fun activities and parties were planned. Nelly Jellyfish arrived right on time for her visit. That afternoon, the first party in her honor was set to take place, and, of course, several other jellyfish were invited to join the celebration.

“But a great big, dangerous fish was hovering near. He saw all the nice fat looking jellyfishes, and he said to himself, ‘Here’s where I have a supper party too.’ So he dove through the water toward little Nelly Jellyfish. Oh, how frightened all the jellyfishes were, but as quickly as possible the inkfishes had dropped ink into the water and made it so black that the big fish couldn’t see. They all got out of the way, pulling the jellyfishes with them, and watched, with great amusement, the great big fish trying to find his way out.

“But a huge, dangerous fish was lurking nearby. He spotted all the nice, plump jellyfish and thought to himself, ‘This is where I’ll have a dinner party too.’ So he swam through the water towards little Nelly Jellyfish. Oh, how scared all the jellyfish were, but as fast as they could, the inkfish released ink into the water, making it so dark that the big fish couldn’t see. They all got out of the way, pulling the jellyfish along with them, and watched, highly entertained, as the enormous fish tried to find his way out.”

“He coughed and sneezed with the ink in his face and made very wry faces at the taste of the ink, which made the inkfishes chuckle.

“He coughed and sneezed with ink on his face and made very funny faces at the taste of the ink, which made the inkfish chuckle.

“At last the big fish had left, and all the jellyfishes congratulated the inkfishes on their wonderful means of protection, and they said they felt pretty sure that Nelly Jellyfish would be well looked after on her visit as well as have a wonderful time.”

“At last the big fish had gone, and all the jellyfish congratulated the inkfish on their amazing way of protecting themselves. They felt pretty confident that Nelly Jellyfish would be well taken care of during her visit and would have a fantastic time.”

“HURRY, DREAM FAIRIES, TIE UP THE DREAMS FOR ME TO TAKE AROUND.”—Page 29

“HURRY, DREAM FAIRIES, TIE UP THE DREAMS FOR ME TO TAKE AROUND.”—Page 29


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FEBRUARY 8: The Vegetables

“The vegetables on the stove were talking,” said daddy. ‘I insist upon being well-cooked,’ said Mr. Leader Potato.

“The vegetables on the stove were talking,” said Dad. “I insist on being cooked properly,” said Mr. Leader Potato.

“‘To my mind, that is nonsense. The cook arranges the heat and puts us on the stove when she wants to,’ said one of the String-Beans. ‘She takes us off when she sees fit. And she gives us just what she wants in the way of salt and pepper and butter.’

“‘In my opinion, that’s ridiculous. The cook controls the heat and puts us on the stove whenever she wants to,’ said one of the String-Beans. ‘She takes us off when she thinks it's time. And she adds exactly what she wants in terms of salt, pepper, and butter.’”

“‘Yes, can you imagine her saying, “Mr. Bean, have you enough salt?”’

“‘Yes, can you picture her saying, “Mr. Bean, do you have enough salt?”’”

“‘Neither would she say,’ went on the Stewed Corn, “Are you quite warm enough, Mr. Corn, or are you too warm? I will open a window if you wish.” No! We do exactly as we’re told. Mr. Potato, you are wrong. Yes, I grieve to admit it, but you are quite, quite wrong.’

“‘She wouldn’t say either,’ continued the Stewed Corn, “Are you warm enough, Mr. Corn, or are you feeling too hot? I can open a window if you'd like.” No! We follow instructions perfectly. Mr. Potato, you are mistaken. Yes, I hate to say it, but you are absolutely wrong.’”

“‘I insist upon being well-cooked because if I am not well-cooked, I am extremely horrid to eat,’ repeated Mr. Leader Potato; ‘I am hard and not “done” at all. No one likes me then. So they find it is well to cook me properly.’

“‘I insist on being cooked properly because if I'm not, I taste terrible,’ Mr. Leader Potato repeated. ‘I’m tough and not cooked through at all. No one likes me then. So, they realize it's best to cook me the right way.’”

“‘We all should be cooked properly,’ said the others.

“‘We all should be cooked properly,’ said the others.

“‘You all should, it is true,’ said Mr. Leader Potato. ‘But it is absolutely important that I should be well-cooked. A half-cooked potato is so extremely disagreeable.’

“‘You all should, that's true,’ said Mr. Leader Potato. ‘But it's really important that I be properly cooked. A half-cooked potato is just so unpleasant.’”

“But as he was talking, along came the cook to mash Potato and his family, for dinner was almost ready.

“But as he was talking, along came the cook to mash potatoes and his family, since dinner was almost ready.”

“‘How much fussing over I require!’ said Mr. Potato proudly.”

“‘I need so much attention!’ said Mr. Potato proudly.”


FEBRUARY 9: The Life Saving St. Bernards

“Once there was an old man who owned a number of St. Bernard dogs,” said daddy. “One night they camped near a small settlement. The old man had found sticks and wood, and the dogs had carried it along on the sleds. So they had a huge fire. They got nice and warm and had a supper of the provisions they’d brought and which, too, the dogs had carried.

“Once there was an old man who owned several St. Bernard dogs,” said dad. “One night they camped near a small settlement. The old man had gathered sticks and wood, and the dogs had brought it along on the sleds. So they made a huge fire. They got nice and warm and had dinner with the supplies they’d brought, which the dogs had also carried.”

“But a storm could be seen coming, and the snow was flying so fast it was almost blinding. The old man rolled the dogs up in warm rugs, and then, rolling up in a sleeping bag, he went fast asleep.

“But a storm was clearly approaching, and the snow was swirling so quickly it was nearly blinding. The old man wrapped the dogs in warm blankets, and then, curling up in a sleeping bag, he fell fast asleep.”

“He had not been asleep long before he was awakened by one of the biggest St. Bernard dogs, who was tugging at his sleeping bag.

“He hadn’t been asleep for long before one of the biggest St. Bernard dogs woke him up by tugging at his sleeping bag.

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[32]

“‘What is it, my beauty?’ asked the old man. Still the dog tugged at the bag. The old man was so sleepy at first he was half dazed, but he opened his eyes. Slowly he realized that some one must be suffering near-by, for he heard a strange wailing sound as of some one in distress. He got up, put on some warm things, and, hitching some of the dogs to a sled, they started out into the blizzard.

“‘What’s wrong, my darling?’ asked the old man. The dog continued to pull at the bag. At first, the old man was so sleepy he was barely aware, but he opened his eyes. Gradually, he understood that someone must be in trouble nearby because he heard a strange wailing sound as if someone was in distress. He got up, put on some warm clothes, and, harnessing some of the dogs to a sled, they set out into the blizzard.

“They went toward the place where the sound of the wailing came from, and there, half buried in the snow, they found a man almost frozen to death. The old man, with the help of the dogs, put him on the big sled and dragged him back to their camp. There the old man rubbed him, and by the fire he began to recover. He said he had started out for another settlement to find food and had become blinded by the snow until he could go no farther. He was so grateful to the old man for saving his life. But the old man told him that the dog had been the rescuer.”

“They headed toward the source of the wailing, and there, half buried in the snow, they found a man who was nearly frozen to death. The old man, with the help of the dogs, lifted him onto the big sled and pulled him back to their camp. Once there, the old man rubbed him down, and by the fire, he started to recover. He explained that he had set out for another settlement to find food but had been blinded by the snow and couldn’t go any further. He was extremely grateful to the old man for saving his life. But the old man told him that it was the dog who had actually been the savior.”


FEBRUARY 10: The Birthday Goblin

“A little girl named Polly,” said daddy, “could hardly wait for her birthday to come. She had been thinking about it for a long time, and at last there was only one more night and the birthday would actually be here.

“A little girl named Polly,” said daddy, “could hardly wait for her birthday to arrive. She had been thinking about it for a long time, and finally, there was just one more night to go before her birthday would actually be here."

“It was bedtime and Polly was ready for bed.

“It was bedtime and Polly was ready for bed.

“‘I’m going to stay awake for ages,’ she said to herself, ‘and try to guess what mother and daddy are going to give me, and what we’ll have to eat at the party. I do hope it will be ice-cream. I am a little afraid it won’t be, though, because when I asked mother about it, she said that perhaps it would be nice to have a change. Nothing is so nice as ice-cream for a birthday party.’

“‘I’m going to stay awake for a long time,’ she told herself, ‘and try to guess what Mom and Dad are going to get me, and what we’ll eat at the party. I really hope it’s ice cream. I’m a bit worried it won’t be, though, because when I asked Mom about it, she said it might be nice to have something different. Nothing is better than ice cream for a birthday party.’”

“‘That’s true,’ said a jolly little creature, who suddenly appeared before her.

“‘That’s true,’ said a cheerful little creature, who suddenly appeared in front of her.

“‘Who are you?’ asked Polly.

“‘Who are you?’ Polly asked.”

“‘I’m the birthday Goblin. That is, I am one of the birthday Goblins, for there are a good many of us needed for our work. There are such lots of birthdays,’ and the Goblin tossed his head and laughed.

“‘I’m the birthday Goblin. Actually, I’m one of the birthday Goblins, because we have a lot of them for our job. There are so many birthdays,’ and the Goblin tossed his head back and laughed.”

“‘And,’ continued the Goblin, ‘I tell mothers and daddies not to forget the good, old-fashioned way of putting a ring, a thimble and a button in the cake. I have to see about the presents, too. For how well I know what the girls and boys like as presents! That’s our business, you know.’

“‘And,’ the Goblin went on, ‘I tell moms and dads not to forget the classic way of putting a ring, a thimble, and a button in the cake. I also need to take care of the gifts. I know exactly what the girls and boys want as presents! That’s our job, you see.’”

“‘Are we going to have ice-cream tomorrow?’ asked Polly.

“‘Are we getting ice cream tomorrow?’ asked Polly.

“‘Yes,’ said the Goblin. ‘Your mother took my suggestions so[33] quickly. I didn’t have to coax her at all. But your birthday is here and the sun has been up some time. Good-by, happy birthday!’ And as Polly opened her eyes, her mother was by her bed, whispering that always wonderful birthday wish of:

“’Yes,’ said the Goblin. ‘Your mom took my suggestions so[33] quickly. I didn’t have to persuade her at all. But your birthday is here, and the sun has been up for a while. Goodbye, happy birthday!’ And as Polly opened her eyes, her mom was by her bed, whispering that always wonderful birthday wish of:

“‘Many happy returns of the day!’”

“‘Wishing you many more happy days to come!’”


FEBRUARY 11: A Make-Believe and Real President

“You have heard,” said daddy, “how Abraham Lincoln pretended the cabbages which he grew in his garden were real people and how he named them. The straightest and very best-looking one he named General Strong, and another he named Captain Brave. One more he admired especially and thought it an exceptionally fine looking cabbage. He called it Mr. President, and little did he then think that he, the little boy, would be President when he grew up.”

“You’ve heard,” said Dad, “how Abraham Lincoln pretended the cabbages he grew in his garden were real people and how he named them. The straightest and best-looking one he called General Strong, and another he named Captain Brave. There was one he really admired and thought was an especially fine-looking cabbage. He called it Mr. President, and little did he know back then that he, the little boy, would be President when he grew up.”


FEBRUARY 12: Abraham Lincoln

“I have one little story to tell you to-night which I don’t think you’ve heard before,” said daddy. “When the present King of Siam was a little boy and his governess was teaching him American history he became so impressed with Abraham Lincoln and his freeing of the slaves and the tragedy of his death, that he said,

“I have one little story to share with you tonight that I don’t think you’ve heard before,” said dad. “When the current King of Siam was a kid and his governess was teaching him American history, he was so moved by Abraham Lincoln and his role in freeing the slaves, as well as the tragedy of his death, that he said,

“‘When I become King I will free the slaves of the palace.’

“‘When I become King, I will free the palace slaves.’”

“‘Will you promise me that?’ his governess asked, and the little boy promised. And when he became king all of the wives and slaves of the royal palace—four or five hundred—were freed and were given money and assistance to get fresh starts as free people.

“‘Will you promise me that?’ his governess asked, and the little boy agreed. And when he became king, all the wives and servants of the royal palace—four or five hundred—were set free and given money and support to start anew as free individuals.

“That story came to me,” daddy continued, “from my own mother who knew the governess, and I have never told it to you two children before.

“That story came to me,” Dad continued, “from my own mother who knew the governess, and I’ve never shared it with you two before.

“And while it is splendid to think of a little boy in far-off Siam loving and following the great example of our splendid Lincoln, still I’ve been thinking to-day that the greatest thing of all is that we all know Lincoln so well that we can hardly find a new story to tell of him.

“And while it’s great to imagine a little boy in distant Siam admiring and following the incredible example of our amazing Lincoln, I’ve been thinking today that the best part is that we all know Lincoln so well that it’s hard to find a new story to tell about him."

“He was so simple, so human, so real a person that we have all grown to know him—not only as a President and a magnificent figure in history—but as Abraham Lincoln, the man of the people.”

“He was so straightforward, so relatable, so genuine that we have all come to know him—not just as a President and an extraordinary figure in history—but as Abraham Lincoln, the people's man.”


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FEBRUARY 13: Isa’s Valentine Party

“A little girl named Isa had been very ill in a large city hospital,” said daddy. “But at last a joyful time came when Isa really seemed to be on the road to getting well, and very happy her mother and daddy were.

“A little girl named Isa had been very sick in a big city hospital,” said Dad. “But finally, a happy moment arrived when Isa actually seemed to be getting better, and her mom and dad were very glad.”

“‘Oh, little Isa,’ said her daddy, ‘we’re going to have a surprise for you. You know to-night is St. Valentine’s eve, and I have an idea my little daughter may be going to have all kinds of bright, heart-shaped presents!’

“‘Oh, little Isa,’ her dad said, ‘we’re going to have a surprise for you. You know tonight is St. Valentine’s Eve, and I have a feeling my little girl is going to get all sorts of bright, heart-shaped gifts!’”

“‘Oh, daddy!’ said Isa, ‘instead of giving just me a valentine party couldn’t we have one for all the children in the hospital? I’m well enough to be moved into the big ward, and all the children who are able to be there can have a party with me, and we can have a huge valentine party. Oh, couldn’t we do that, daddy?’

“‘Oh, Dad!’ said Isa, ‘instead of just giving me a valentine party, couldn’t we have one for all the kids in the hospital? I’m well enough to move to the big ward, and all the kids who can be there can have a party with me, and we can have a huge valentine party. Oh, can we do that, Dad?’”

“‘Yes, indeed,’ said her daddy.

“‘Yes, definitely,’ said her dad.”

“So in the evening the big ward was bright with red hearts strung from the ceiling and hanging over the beds. The lights were covered with red paper shades, and in the very center of the room was an enormous big heart, and what do you suppose was in the heart?”

“So in the evening, the large ward was lit up with red hearts hung from the ceiling and draped over the beds. The lights were covered with red paper shades, and right in the center of the room was a massive heart. And guess what was inside the heart?”

“What?” asked Evelyn eagerly.

“What?” Evelyn asked eagerly.

“Why, for every child there was a red ribbon. Each child pulled one ribbon attached to the heart and at the end was a beautiful present.”

“Each child had a red ribbon. Every child tugged on one ribbon connected to the heart, and at the end was a lovely gift.”


FEBRUARY 14: Why There is a Saint Valentine’s Day

“St. Valentine,” said daddy, “was a bishop in the third century—that was many, many years ago. He was a very good, kind man and always went about doing kind things for people. But some of the Romans didn’t like him, and in those days the people were cruel. If they didn’t like any one or imagined he might do them harm, they had him beheaded, and Bishop Valentine, as he was then called, was beheaded.

“St. Valentine,” Dad said, “was a bishop in the third century—that was a long time ago. He was a really good, kind man who always helped others. But some of the Romans didn’t like him, and back then, people were cruel. If they didn’t like someone or thought he might hurt them, they had him executed, and Bishop Valentine, as he was then known, was executed.

“His friends felt dreadfully that such a good man should be so cruelly murdered, and for days they could talk of nothing else but of the good Bishop Valentine, and they’d tell one another of all his good deeds and of his love for all people and of his kindnesses. The older people would tell their children about him until before long they began to speak of him as St. Valentine, and that name clung to him.

“His friends were devastated that such a good man could be so brutally murdered, and for days, they couldn’t talk about anything else but the good Bishop Valentine. They shared stories about all his good deeds, his love for everyone, and his acts of kindness. The older generation would tell their children about him, and soon enough, they started referring to him as St. Valentine, and that name stuck with him.”

“So that ever since then, through all the years that have passed, he has always been known as St. Valentine, and although he was so cruelly[35] beheaded, still his deeds of charity and kindness will always be known.

“So ever since then, through all the years that have passed, he has always been known as St. Valentine, and although he was so cruelly[35] beheaded, his acts of charity and kindness will always be remembered.

“You see, that is why we send valentines around to tell people we’re thinking of them and are fond of them, and we call them valentines because they’re nice, thoughtful messages and are like the dear old St. Valentine.”

“You see, that’s why we send valentines to let people know we’re thinking of them and care about them. We call them valentines because they’re sweet, thoughtful messages, just like the beloved St. Valentine.”


FEBRUARY 15: The Desk and the Ink-Well

“I misbehave most frightfully if children don’t pay me attention,” said the Ink-Well.

“I misbehave terribly if kids don’t pay attention to me,” said the Ink-Well.

“Yes,” said the Desk. “And then you make me suffer.”

“Yes,” said the Desk. “And then you make me suffer.”

“Do you really know what I mean?” asked the Ink-Well.

“Do you really understand what I’m saying?” asked the Ink-Well.

“Of course,” said the Desk. “If, for instance, a little girl or a boy is pouring from the great big grandfather Ink-Bottle and is giving you something more in the way of a nice Inky fluid or drink, and if the little girl looks the other way, you spill.”

“Of course,” said the Desk. “If, for example, a little girl or boy is pouring from the huge grandfather Ink-Bottle and is giving you something more like a nice inky fluid or drink, and if the little girl looks away, you spill.”

“I don’t spill. I turn a somersault, or I trickle down the desk.”

“I don’t spill. I flip over, or I drip down the desk.”

“Yes, down me,” said the Desk. “And do you think it is very nice to make me suffer?”

“Yes, bring me down,” said the Desk. “And do you think it’s really nice to make me suffer?”

“Ha, ha,” laughed the Ink-Well, “as if you cared whether I trickled down over you or not. You are made of wood and you don’t care.”

“Ha, ha,” laughed the Ink-Well, “as if you cared whether I dripped over you or not. You’re made of wood, and you don’t care.”

“That’s so,” agreed the Desk, “but even if I am made of wood I like to be varnished and made over nice and fresh every little while. It’s just like having one’s face washed.”

"That's true," the Desk agreed, "but even though I'm made of wood, I enjoy being varnished and refreshed every once in a while. It’s just like getting your face washed."

“But people who have their faces washed,” said the Ink-Well, “(though I do believe they always wash their faces themselves) do so far more than once a year. That is as often as you get your face washed or varnished.”

“But people who wash their faces,” said the Ink-Well, “(though I believe they usually do it themselves) do it way more than once a year. That’s how often you get your face washed or polished.”

“Well, I’m made of wood, you see,” said the Desk, “and so I don’t care. Once a year does quite nicely for me. Besides it would be quite utterly useless any oftener for you’d only spill over me and I’d get quite horrid looking.”

“Well, I’m made of wood, you see,” said the Desk, “so I don’t mind. Once a year works just fine for me. Besides, it would be totally pointless to do it more often because you’d just spill all over me and I’d end up looking terrible.”

“That’s polite of you, I’m sure,” said the Ink-Well, “to say you’d look horrid with some of my nice ink on you. It adds a lot I think.”

"That’s really kind of you, I’m sure,” said the Ink-Well, “to say you’d look terrible with some of my nice ink on you. I think it adds a lot."

“It may add ink,” said the Desk, “but it doesn’t add beauty.”

“It might add ink,” said the Desk, “but it doesn’t add beauty.”

But the school bell was ringing and so the Desk and Ink-Well were silent.

But the school bell was ringing, so the desk and ink well were quiet.


[36]

[36]

FEBRUARY 16: Dr. Sun

“For over two weeks a little boy has followed me around,” said the Sun.

“For more than two weeks, a little boy has been following me around,” said the Sun.

“Whatever do you mean?” asked the Sun Rays.

“What's that supposed to mean?” asked the Sun Rays.

“He has been ill. He has had a very, very bad cold. Oh, he has been so wretched and he has not felt like doing anything. A little boy is pretty ill when he doesn’t feel like doing anything and wants to stay quiet.”

“He's been sick. He caught a really, really bad cold. Oh, he's been so miserable, and he hasn't felt like doing anything. A little boy is quite unwell when he doesn't want to do anything and just wants to be still.”

“That’s true,” said the Sun Rays. For how often they had seen small boys scampering and playing, and sometimes they had danced, too, for joy.

"That's true," said the Sun Rays. They had often seen little boys running around and playing, and sometimes they had even danced for joy.

“The doctor comes every day,” continued the Sun. “Sometimes he comes twice a day, and once he came three times. But every time he comes he tells the little boy always to sit in the sun! And he has been following me around. When I am shining into one window in the morning, there I see the little boy sitting by the window. In the afternoon when I choose an entirely different part of the house to shine in the windows, there is the little boy again. And for two weeks he has been doing this. Just following me around. I do feel so honored. And you, my good Sun Ray children, you should feel honored too.”

“The doctor comes every day,” the Sun continued. “Sometimes he comes twice a day, and once he even came three times. But every time he visits, he tells the little boy to sit in the sun! And he’s been following me everywhere. In the morning, when I shine through one window, there’s the little boy sitting by it. In the afternoon, when I choose a completely different window to shine through, there he is again. He’s been doing this for two weeks now. Just following me around. I really feel honored. And you, my dear Sun Ray children, should feel honored too.”

“We do,” said the Sun Rays.

“We do,” said the Sun Rays.

“Listen now!” said the Sun. And they all stopped talking to listen.

“Listen up!” said the Sun. And they all stopped talking to pay attention.

There was the little boy sitting by the window, and by him stood his mother and a big man with a low voice. The man was carrying a little black satchel and he was talking.

There was a little boy sitting by the window, and next to him stood his mother and a big man with a deep voice. The man was carrying a small black bag, and he was talking.

“Well, how are you to-day, my boy?” he asked.

“Well, how are you today, my boy?” he asked.

“Oh, much stronger and better,” said the boy. “I almost feel like getting out again.”

“Oh, much stronger and better,” said the boy. “I almost feel like getting out again.”

“You’ll be able to in a very few days now.”

"You'll be able to do that in just a few days."

“Oh, doctor,” said the mother, “you have saved my little boy’s life. He was so sick.” But the doctor shook his head.

“Oh, doctor,” the mother said, “you’ve saved my little boy’s life. He was so sick.” But the doctor shook his head.

“I did not save his life,” he said. “The Sun did that. The Sun fights germs better than medicines or doctors. We are needed to tell the people to take advantage of the Sun and use it, and we have to tell them what the trouble is. For the Sun can’t talk. If he could he would be one of the greatest doctors in the world. For he always carries his cure with him. Ah, now he helps me drive away the colds, the many horrid sicknesses that come when little boys have to stay in the house.”

“I didn’t save his life,” he said. “The Sun did that. The Sun fights germs better than medicine or doctors. We need to tell people to take advantage of the Sun and use it, and we have to explain what the problem is. Because the Sun can’t talk. If it could, it would be one of the greatest doctors in the world. It always has its cure with it. Ah, now it helps me get rid of colds and all the awful illnesses that come when little boys have to stay indoors.”

“Dear father,” said the Sun Rays, “you are really Doctor Sun.”

"Dear Dad," said the Sun Rays, "you're truly Doctor Sun."

“And you my little assistant nurses,” said the Sun.

“And you, my little assistant nurses,” said the Sun.


[37]

[37]

FEBRUARY 17: Mr. Moon Hides

“What’s the matter?” asked the Earth.

“What’s going on?” asked the Earth.

“I’m tired,” said the Moon.

“I’m tired,” said the Moon.

“All right,” said the Earth. “My shadow is always ready for you to hide behind when you want it.”

“Okay,” said the Earth. “My shadow is always here for you to hide behind whenever you need it.”

“You don’t mind, do you?” asked the Moon.

"You don't mind, do you?" the Moon asked.

“I’m highly flattered,” said the Earth. “It is a great honor. Lots of people come out and look at us both at such times. For people call it an Eclipse.”

“I’m really flattered,” said the Earth. “It’s a great honor. A lot of people come out and watch us both during those times. People call it an Eclipse.”

“What do they mean by that?” asked the Moon.

“What do they mean by that?” asked the Moon.

“They call it a total eclipse,” said the Earth, “when there is no Moon to be seen at all.”

“They call it a total eclipse,” said the Earth, “when there’s not a single glimpse of the Moon.”

“My! And they use words like that—total Eclipse—just to say that the Moon can’t be seen. Well, well, well, they do pay me a great compliment.”

“My! And they use words like that—total Eclipse—just to say that the Moon can’t be seen. Well, well, well, they really flatter me.”

The Moon talked to the Earth for a long time and the Earth’s shawl or shadow kept the moon from sight for several hours.

The Moon chatted with the Earth for a long time, and the Earth's shawl or shadow hid the Moon from view for several hours.

Before long the Moon grew a little restless. “I think I must be leaving,” he said.

Before long, the Moon started to feel a bit restless. “I think I should be heading out,” he said.

“Sorry to see you go,” said the Earth. “You call on me so seldom. Your visits are so rare.”

“Sorry to see you leave,” said the Earth. “You reach out to me so rarely. Your visits are so infrequent.”

“Oh,” laughed the Moon, “you are so nice to me, but where did you pick up that last word? Was it running around down on the earth where you heard it as it walked over you?”

“Oh,” laughed the Moon, “you’re so nice to me, but where did you learn that last word? Did you hear it while it was wandering around on earth above you?”

“Words don’t run around,” said the Earth, “but the people who use them do. That word means that your visits are so few. I’d like to see you oftener.”

“Words don’t run around,” said the Earth, “but the people who use them do. That word means that your visits are so few. I’d like to see you more often.”

“Thank you,” said the Moon. “Perhaps because I come only now and again it is better, for you see it is more of a treat.”

“Thanks,” said the Moon. “Maybe it’s better that I only come around now and then, because it makes it feel more special.”

“Maybe that is so,” said the Earth. “I always enjoy looking at you from afar, but I do thoroughly enjoy your calls.”

“Maybe that’s true,” said the Earth. “I always like watching you from a distance, but I really enjoy hearing your calls.”

“Then I’ll come some time again,” said the Moon.

“Then I’ll come by again sometime,” said the Moon.


FEBRUARY 18: A Careless Master

“A horse,” said daddy, “was very thirsty.

“A horse,” said Dad, “was really thirsty.

“‘I don’t know how I can go on working so hard without a drink,’ he was trying to tell his master. But his master paid no attention.

“‘I don’t know how I can keep working so hard without a drink,’ he was trying to tell his boss. But his boss didn’t pay any attention.”

“On and on they went. The horse’s tongue became so dry. He hung it out of his mouth, but the master didn’t notice—not even when[38] he gave him a pat as he came out from a house where he had left a package.

“On and on they went. The horse’s tongue got so dry. He hung it out of his mouth, but the rider didn’t notice—not even when[38] he gave him a pat as he came out from a house where he had left a package.

“Now, a little fairy was hovering near-by. The fairy was the Princess Joy and she was in her long dress of mist-fog material. For the day was misty and there was a light fog. But not enough rain had fallen for the horse to wet his tongue. He had tried to hold his mouth open and get a drink that way but the rain-drops were not coming down. They were feeling shy and not like a trip to the earth.

“Now, a little fairy was hovering nearby. The fairy was Princess Joy, and she wore her long dress made of misty material. It was a misty day with a light fog. However, not enough rain had fallen for the horse to wet his tongue. He had tried to keep his mouth open to catch a drink, but the raindrops weren’t falling. They were feeling shy and didn’t want to make the trip to the ground.”

“‘I’m so thirsty,’ said the horse again to himself.

“‘I’m so thirsty,’ the horse said to himself again.

“‘Thirsty,’ said the Princess Joy. ‘Why doesn’t your master give you something to drink? You’re a good horse. You go wherever he wants you to go—and so willingly, too. You’re so loyal and you are nice with his children and let them play with you whenever they want to. Can’t he give you a drink?’

“‘Thirsty,’ said Princess Joy. ‘Why doesn’t your master give you something to drink? You’re a good horse. You go wherever he wants you to go—and so willingly, too. You’re so loyal and you’re great with his kids, letting them play with you whenever they want. Can’t he give you a drink?’”

“‘He has forgotten,’ said the horse. ‘He doesn’t mean to be cruel. He has just forgotten—that’s all.’

“‘He’s forgotten,’ said the horse. ‘He doesn’t intend to be unkind. He’s just forgotten—that’s it.’”

“‘Well, we’ll attend to that,’ said the Fairy Princess Joy.

“‘Well, we'll take care of that,’ said the Fairy Princess Joy.

“Now she knew that the horse’s master and the ice man did not like each other. ‘I’ll attend to this,’ she said to herself.

“Now she knew that the horse's owner and the ice guy didn’t get along. ‘I'll take care of this,’ she said to herself.

“The ice man was delivering ice from house to house along the same street where the master was delivering his parcels. The ice man had his ice in a little hand wagon he was pushing along himself.

“The ice man was delivering ice from house to house along the same street where the master was delivering his packages. The ice man had his ice in a small handcart that he was pushing along himself.”

“‘You shall have some fine ice water,’ whispered the fairy to the horse. ‘The best of ice water.’

“‘You’re going to get some really nice ice water,’ whispered the fairy to the horse. ‘The best ice water.’”

“The Fairy whispered to the ice man, and though he didn’t know that the fairy had told him to leave his wagon in just such a place, he did so.

“The Fairy whispered to the ice man, and even though he didn’t realize that the fairy had instructed him to leave his wagon in exactly that spot, he did it anyway.

“‘Now walk up a little bit,’ she said to the horse.

“‘Now walk up a bit,’ she said to the horse.

“The horse began to lick a fine piece of ice. Ah, such a drink as he had. The ice melted so fast against his dry tongue, and there was a great deal in the side of the wagon. He licked the ice until half of a piece had gone.

“The horse started licking a smooth piece of ice. What a drink he was having. The ice melted quickly against his dry tongue, and there was plenty more on the side of the wagon. He licked the ice until half of the piece was gone.”

“Just then the ice man and his master came out at the same time. There the horse was having his drink.

“Just then, the ice man and his boss stepped out at the same time. The horse was having his drink over there.”

“‘You owe me for a piece of ice,’ said the ice man. ‘I can’t sell that piece now. Why don’t you give your horse some water? What are you—cruel to animals, eh?’

“‘You owe me for a piece of ice,’ said the ice man. ‘I can’t sell that piece now. Why don’t you give your horse some water? What are you—cruel to animals, huh?’”

“This made the master feel very badly. ‘I forgot,’ he murmured. ‘I shall pay you for the ice and I’ll never forget again.’

“This made the master feel really bad. ‘I forgot,’ he murmured. ‘I’ll pay you for the ice and I’ll make sure to remember next time.’”

“‘The first good speech I’ve heard you make. You’ve always been too careless and thoughtless before, but now we’ll be friends, and I do believe you’ll never forget your fine animal again.’ And the master agreed.”

“‘That’s the best speech I’ve heard from you. You’ve always been so careless and thoughtless in the past, but now we’ll be friends, and I really believe you’ll never forget your amazing animal again.’ And the master agreed.”


[39]

[39]

FEBRUARY 19: The Cat Show

“There were cats at the Cat Show,” said daddy, “such as are never seen in any kitchen. Cats on velvet cushions who looked far too haughty ever, ever to crawl under a good old stove on a torn cushion. For at this Cat Show there were cats whose families were old and noble in the history of Catland. And cats of all colors! They were even lavender and so many other queer colors for cats to be!

“There were cats at the Cat Show,” said dad, “like you’d never see in any kitchen. Cats lounging on soft cushions who looked way too proud to ever crawl under a dusty old stove on a worn-out cushion. At this Cat Show, there were cats from families that were old and noble in the history of Catland. And cats of all sorts of colors! They were even lavender and so many other unusual colors for cats to be!”

“And such wonderful fur they had! It was soft and silky and combed so well. They wore bright ribbons, and their cushions matched! And they were fed the most delicious bits of meat and fish—and drank cream, real, real cream!

“And they had such amazing fur! It was soft and silky and groomed perfectly. They wore bright ribbons, and their cushions matched! And they were treated to the most delicious pieces of meat and fish—and drank cream, actual real cream!

“But two cats were talking. One was named Royalty and the other Nobility.

“But two cats were chatting. One was named Royalty and the other Nobility.”

“‘What do you think of the Show?’ asked Royalty.

“‘What do you think of the show?’ asked Royalty.

“‘It’s about the same as most,’ said Nobility, with a yawn.

“‘It’s about the same as most,’ said Nobility, yawning.”

“‘How dull they are!’ snarled Royalty. And some passer-by said,

“‘How boring they are!’ complained Royalty. And a bystander said,

“‘That cat is so highly bred, you see. Did you notice how he snarled?’

“‘That cat is really well-bred, you know. Did you see how he snarled?’”

“‘Isn’t that too absurd!’ said Royalty. ‘As if it were something very fine to be cross. I’m cross because of these people. They make such a fuss over me. They spoil me, and then some of my poor little sisters and brothers are left by these very same people to starve in the city all summer, while they go off and shut up their houses!’

“‘Isn’t that ridiculous!’ said Royalty. ‘As if being upset is something to be proud of. I’m upset because of these people. They make such a big deal about me. They pamper me, and then some of my poor little sisters and brothers are left by the same people to starve in the city all summer while they go off and close up their houses!’”

“‘What do you mean?’ asked Nobility. ‘You haven’t any sisters or brothers who live in kitchens, have you?’ And Nobility’s back rose in surprise.

“‘What do you mean?’ asked Nobility. ‘You don’t have any siblings who live in kitchens, do you?’ And Nobility’s back arched in surprise.

“‘Indeed, I have,’ said Royalty, ‘and I’m proud of it! Do you for one moment think that my family were born in Egypt or India—or Malta—or wherever they say the family came from? Do you know where my family came from? From the alleys and side streets where they used to hunt for scraps of food—almost any kind of food.

“‘Absolutely, I have,’ said Royalty, ‘and I’m proud of it! Do you honestly think that my family was born in Egypt or India—or Malta—or wherever people claim our family came from? Do you even know where my family originated? From the alleys and back streets where they used to search for scraps of food—almost any kind of food.

“‘Then, you see, the family were ambitious, and somehow we became kitchen cats, and we lived on milk and good food.’

“‘Then, you see, the family was ambitious, and somehow we ended up as kitchen cats, living on milk and good food.’”

“‘But how did you ever come here?’ asked Nobility.

“‘But how did you end up here?’ asked Nobility.

“‘Because my little master wanted to make some money to buy a bicycle. He thought perhaps I’d win a prize at a small Show which was given at that time. He fed me up, put a ribbon around my neck, and had me sit on a purple cushion. I won a prize and I’ve been winning them ever since. I was bought for a great deal of money, and I make a lot! But what does that mean to me? Nothing! All I want to say is that if only I knew Grown-Up talk I’d say to all these[40] people that they could admire me if they wished but to please remember my sisters and brothers when the summer comes again.’”

“‘Because my little master wanted to earn some money to buy a bicycle. He thought maybe I’d win a prize at a small show happening at that time. He fed me well, put a ribbon around my neck, and had me sit on a purple cushion. I won a prize and I’ve been winning them ever since. I was bought for a lot of money, and I earn a lot! But what does that mean to me? Nothing! All I want to say is that if only I understood adult language, I’d tell all these[40] people that they could admire me if they wanted, but to please remember my sisters and brothers when summer comes around again.’”


FEBRUARY 20: The Queer Pets

“A funny old woman,” commenced daddy, “lived all alone. Her chief delight in life was to have all the chickens, geese and ducks she could, and let them walk anywhere they pleased. They could go right into the parlor or into the kitchen, whichever suited their fancy. Luckily, for the good of the parlor, they really preferred the kitchen. All the food was there, and they liked to eat better than anything else.

“A funny old woman,” dad began, “lived all alone. Her greatest joy in life was to have as many chickens, geese, and ducks as she wanted, letting them roam wherever they liked. They could stroll right into the living room or the kitchen, whichever they preferred. Fortunately, for the sake of the living room, they usually chose the kitchen. All the food was there, and they liked to eat more than anything else.

“Now, this old woman was very peculiar, too, and she looked it. But the funniest thing about her was that all the animals she had were queer looking too. The geese seemed to be a little different from any other geese. The ducks had even more hideous feet than most ducks have, and they were all of rather strange colors.

“Now, this old woman was really unique, and you could tell by how she looked. But the funniest thing about her was that all the animals she owned looked odd too. The geese seemed a bit different from any other geese. The ducks had even uglier feet than most ducks do, and they were all pretty weird colors.”

“One day not very long ago there flew around the neighborhood a strange looking bird. He seemed to be quite alone.

“One day not too long ago, a strange-looking bird flew around the neighborhood. He appeared to be all alone.

“But soon, to every one’s surprise, they saw him playing with the strange looking geese, ducks and chickens that belonged to the old woman. He never wanted to fly in the house, but they saw that she brought out water and crumbs to him. And the old woman welcomed with joy one more strange creature.”

“But soon, to everyone’s surprise, they saw him playing with the strange-looking geese, ducks, and chickens that belonged to the old woman. He never wanted to fly in the house, but they saw that she brought out water and crumbs for him. And the old woman joyfully welcomed one more unusual creature.”


FEBRUARY 21: Harry’s Composition

“Harry was a very clever little boy,” daddy said. “The teacher of the class to which Harry belonged had had all the pupils write original compositions to recite at the Washington’s Birthday entertainment.

“Harry was a really smart little boy,” Dad said. “The teacher of Harry’s class had all the students write original compositions to share at the Washington’s Birthday celebration.

“The day before the entertainment (at which, of course, all the mothers and daddies of the children were to be present) a rehearsal of everything was to take place. It was Harry’s turn to recite his composition. As he got up on the platform his legs were shaking, and every one saw how nervous he was.

“The day before the event (where, of course, all the moms and dads of the kids were supposed to be there), a rehearsal was scheduled for everything. It was Harry’s turn to present his piece. As he stepped up on the stage, his legs were shaking, and everyone noticed how nervous he was.

“He began, then he faltered, and then he broke down and sobbed. Harry, the hero of the school, was crying. Could it be true? The pupils looked at him with pity. What could be the trouble, they asked themselves.

“He started to speak, then hesitated, and finally broke down in tears. Harry, the school’s hero, was crying. Could it really be happening? The other students looked at him with sympathy. What could be wrong, they wondered.

[41]

[41]

“‘Teacher,’ he finally said between his choking sobs, ‘I didn’t write that composition. I cheated. I copied it out of an old book I found. I’m not worthy to recite on Washington’s Birthday.’

“‘Teacher,’ he finally said through his sobs, ‘I didn’t write that essay. I cheated. I copied it from an old book I found. I’m not worthy to recite on Washington’s Birthday.’”

“And then he rushed from the platform down to his seat, and, putting his head in his hands, he cried and cried.

“And then he dashed from the platform down to his seat, and, putting his head in his hands, he sobbed and sobbed.

“‘You’ve done a thing worthy of George Washington’s Birthday, Harry,’ said the teacher. ‘You’re not able to act a lie, and because you are truthful you will still recite the composition, giving the name of its real writer.’”

“‘You’ve done something worthy of George Washington’s Birthday, Harry,’ the teacher said. ‘You can’t act out a lie, and because you’re honest, you will still recite the composition, crediting its real writer.’”


FEBRUARY 22: Father of His Country

We all know the old answer to the question of “Who was George Washington?”

We all know the classic answer to the question, "Who was George Washington?"

Many a time have we gaily answered the question as we’ve pounded fists on the table:

Many times we've cheerfully answered the question while pounding our fists on the table:

“First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.” And at the end of that we’ve had a nice little winding up of pounding.

“First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his fellow countrymen.” And at the end of that, we’ve had a nice little wrap-up of pounding.

There is hardly a place, it seems, that in some way is not connected with Washington. Perhaps at one time or another he had made his headquarters there, or a chair is preserved carefully because Washington sat in it!

It seems like there’s barely any place that isn't somehow linked to Washington. Maybe at some point he set up his headquarters there, or there's a chair that's been preserved because Washington sat in it!

At Mount Vernon, where Washington lived, one can see the very rooms through which Washington walked, his bed-room, and the very four-poster bed in which he slept. And around the house are the grounds which Washington loved and through which he wandered, down to the banks of the Potomac River.

At Mount Vernon, where Washington lived, you can see the actual rooms he walked through, his bedroom, and the four-poster bed he slept in. Surrounding the house are the grounds that Washington cherished and strolled through, down to the banks of the Potomac River.

Time and time again George Washington faced difficulties of a bitterly hard nature. But he never flinched.

Time and time again, George Washington faced tough challenges. But he never wavered.

Time and time again Washington saw his men suffering or deserting. But Washington suffered with them and he never lost courage.

Time and time again, Washington watched his men suffer or abandon their posts. But Washington experienced their pain alongside them and never lost his determination.

Time and time again Washington was doubted; jealous groups tried to work against him. But Washington went straight on, doing as he should and not stooping to “play favorites” or to be a “favorite.”

Time and time again, people doubted Washington; jealous groups tried to undermine him. But Washington kept moving forward, doing what he had to do and not lowering himself to “play favorites” or to become a “favorite.”

There was the time, too, when the country he loved doubted him, and showed him cruel ingratitude. But Washington did not turn from his course. It was the hardest of all to bear but he was the Father of his Country and—his children did come back to him.

There was a time when the country he loved doubted him and showed him harsh ingratitude. But Washington didn’t stray from his path. It was the hardest thing to endure, but he was the Father of his Country, and—his children did return to him.

And then—when everywhere people were singing his praises, shouting them, exclaiming them, Washington never lost his head.

And then—when everyone was singing his praises, shouting them, exclaiming them, Washington never lost his cool.

He never let his own little inner feelings of likes and dislikes keep him from being fair.

He never allowed his personal preferences and feelings to affect his fairness.

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Always fair, always just, always true to the country whose government he really made, he is the Father of his Country in truth.

Always fair, always just, always loyal to the country whose government he truly created, he is genuinely the Father of his Country.

After the Revolutionary War, as after all wars, the country was in a frightfully upset state and the people were the same. Then it was that Washington held together the country, made its government, and slowly but steadily brought order out of the most frightful disorder.

After the Revolutionary War, like after all wars, the country was in a chaotic state, and the people were just as unsettled. It was during this time that Washington united the country, established its government, and gradually but surely restored order from extreme chaos.

In those days people traveled by stage-coach; cities were small and far apart, the country was spread out and rumors and prejudices were hard to overcome.

In those days, people traveled by stagecoach; cities were small and far apart, the countryside was spread out, and rumors and prejudices were tough to overcome.

But all of these tangled threads and oh, so tangled were they, Washington unraveled!

But all of these tangled threads—oh, were they tangled— Washington unraveled!

His Christmas Days, too—often how unlike Christmas they were! One was spent at Valley Forge when everything was frozen and the men went forth seeking food. Another was spent at New Windsor where the suffering from the cold had been intense, but there was brightness that day because of the arrival of a great wagon filled with shirts and warm clothing for Washington and his men. And yet another Christmas was that when the famous crossing of the Delaware River took place.

His Christmas Days were often so different from what you'd expect! One was spent at Valley Forge when everything was frozen and the men went out looking for food. Another was at New Windsor, where the cold was unbearable, but that day was brightened by the arrival of a big wagon full of shirts and warm clothing for Washington and his men. And then there was the Christmas when the famous crossing of the Delaware River happened.

Washington—whom historians all call very great.

Washington—whom historians universally regard as very great.

Washington—the Father of his Country!

Washington—the Father of Our Nation!


FEBRUARY 23: The Stamp Traveler

“I am very superior,” said the Postage Stamp. “I travel all over the world. My family have always traveled. We don’t stay in one place—of course sometimes we do—but more often we go away. Now and again our little one-cent brothers go about the town, but we, the noble two-cent stamps, how we travel.”

“I’m really special,” said the Postage Stamp. “I go all over the world. My family has always traveled. We don’t stay in one place—sometimes we do—but more often we’re off somewhere. Now and then our little one-cent siblings roam around town, but we, the prestigious two-cent stamps, oh how we travel.”

“You don’t travel any more than we do,” said the Envelope upon which the stamp was stuck fast.

“You don’t travel any more than we do,” said the envelope with the stamp firmly attached.

“I disagree with you,” said the Stamp.

"I don't agree with you," said the Stamp.

“That makes no difference to me,” said the Envelope. “But if you disagree with me, why don’t you leave me?”

“That doesn’t matter to me,” said the Envelope. “But if you don’t agree with me, why don’t you just go?”

“I can’t,” said the Stamp.

“I can’t,” said the Stamp.

“Of course you can’t, you poor dear,” said the Ink which had made the address on the envelope. “You’re stuck to the Envelope, and no matter how hard you quarrel you still have to stick.”

“Of course you can’t, you poor thing,” said the Ink that wrote the address on the envelope. “You’re stuck to the Envelope, and no matter how much you argue, you still have to stick.”

“Well, I’d like to know if you don’t have to stay on too,” said the Stamp.

“Well, I’d like to know if you don’t have to stay on too,” said the Stamp.

“Ah, but I have fun when I’m being put on. Sometimes I make a nice smudgy spot, and then the Creature who has been writing with me does not know what to do.

“Ah, but I have fun when I’m being teased. Sometimes I create a nice smudgy spot, and then the person who has been writing with me doesn’t know what to do.

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“The Creature will argue like this, ‘Now shall I let the Envelope go as it is, or shall I address a fresh one? There is something queer about this Ink.’ Then it is that I chuckle. ‘No,’ the Creature continues, ‘I think I will not notice the smudgy spot. Maybe the persons getting it will think that the rain has made it look so badly—rain often gets at a letter.’

“The Creature will say, ‘Should I keep the Envelope as it is, or should I write a new one? There’s something off about this Ink.’ Then I can’t help but laugh. ‘No,’ the Creature goes on, ‘I think I’ll just ignore the smudged spot. Maybe the people who receive it will think it was ruined by the rain—rain often messes up a letter.’”

“And so the Creature blames it on the rain, and I go off quite free.”

“And so the Creature blames it on the rain, and I walk away completely scot-free.”

“That’s not to your credit when you’re guilty,” said the Envelope.

"That doesn't count for you when you're guilty," said the Envelope.

“We mustn’t quarrel,” said the Postage Stamp, “as now we’re off for a trip. The man is putting us in a bag. Then we go on a train—then to a new Post Office, and at last we reach the place for which we started.”

“We shouldn't argue,” said the Postage Stamp, “since we're heading out on a trip. The guy is putting us in a bag. Then we take a train—then to a new Post Office, and finally we get to the place we set out for.”

“Yes,” said the Ink, “the place I have marked with my ink!”

“Yes,” said the Ink, “the spot I’ve marked with my ink!”


FEBRUARY 24: How Rowdy Shared His Home

“Rowdy was a beautiful and very handsome bulldog. He had a lovely white throat, too, and when he went out into the street he wore a fine big collar, which made him look very distinguished,” said daddy, “and he belonged to a little boy named Alfred. Alfred’s mother was a very rich lady, and Rowdy had all the comforts that any dog could possibly ask for. He slept in Alfred’s room in a beautiful basket.

“Rowdy was a beautiful and very handsome bulldog. He had a lovely white throat, too, and when he went out into the street, he wore a nice big collar that made him look very distinguished,” said Dad, “and he belonged to a little boy named Alfred. Alfred’s mom was a very rich lady, and Rowdy had all the comforts any dog could possibly want. He slept in Alfred’s room in a beautiful basket.”

“Alfred and Rowdy were really inseparable companions. Alfred was not a very strong little boy. He couldn’t join in all the sports that other little boys enjoy. Because of Alfred’s ill health he and Rowdy were all the better companions.

“Alfred and Rowdy were truly inseparable friends. Alfred wasn’t a very strong little boy. He couldn’t participate in all the sports that other boys enjoyed. Because of Alfred’s health issues, he and Rowdy were even better companions.”

“Alfred had a phonograph, which he used to play a great deal. Rowdy would sit before it, so delighted at the music. He’d put his head first on one side and then on the other. Of course Alfred would talk to him and ask him how he was enjoying the music. Rowdy would wag his tail to show he thought it was fine.

“Alfred had a phonograph that he played a lot. Rowdy would sit in front of it, totally enjoying the music. He’d tilt his head first to one side and then to the other. Of course, Alfred would talk to him and ask how he was enjoying the tunes. Rowdy would wag his tail to show he thought it was great.”

“In the afternoons Alfred and his mother used to take drives in a lovely big open Victoria. One afternoon it was beautifully bright and sunny. Alfred’s mother said:

“In the afternoons, Alfred and his mom would go for drives in a lovely big open Victoria. One afternoon, it was beautifully bright and sunny. Alfred’s mom said:

“‘We’ll go for a nice long drive to-day.’

“‘We’ll go for a nice long drive today.’”

“‘Rowdy!’ called Alfred, for Rowdy was fast asleep on the sofa.

“‘Rowdy!’ shouted Alfred, because Rowdy was sound asleep on the sofa.

“Rowdy jumped up eagerly as if he knew something pretty nice was going to happen.

Rowdy jumped up excitedly, as if he sensed that something really great was about to happen.

“‘Rowdy, how would you like to take a drive? Speak and say if you would like it.’

“‘Rowdy, how about taking a drive? Just let me know if you're up for it.’”

“So Rowdy wagged his tail and gave a bark as if to say, ‘Charmed!’ Rowdy’s best collar was put on, and off they started. They had not[44] gone far before they passed a poor, pathetic little waif dog. Rowdy was not snobbish and proud as some dogs might have been, brought up in all the comforts he had always had. Instead he seemed to feel very sorry for the little waif dog and whined sadly. Then he tried to jump out of the carriage.

“So Rowdy wagged his tail and barked as if to say, ‘Charmed!’ Rowdy’s best collar was put on, and off they went. They hadn’t[44] gone far before they passed a poor, pathetic little stray dog. Rowdy wasn’t snobbish or proud like some dogs might have been, raised in all the comforts he had always known. Instead, he seemed to feel really sorry for the little stray dog and whined sadly. Then he tried to jump out of the carriage."

“‘Do you want to take the little waif dog driving?’ said Alfred to Rowdy. And Rowdy showed as well as he could that he would like that tremendously.

“‘Do you want to take the little stray dog for a ride?’ Alfred asked Rowdy. And Rowdy expressed as best as he could that he would love that a lot.”

“They took the poor little homeless dog back with them and gave him good food and a nice home. Rowdy seemed to be glad to give such happiness to a little friendless dog, and he seemed to feel that it was giving the dog rare pleasure to have a master like Alfred.”

“They brought the poor little homeless dog back with them and provided him with good food and a nice home. Rowdy seemed happy to bring such joy to a friendless dog, and he felt that it brought the dog great happiness to have a master like Alfred.”


FEBRUARY 25: The Tired Eagles

“In the house where Kenneth lived there was a chair which had always fascinated him. It was a very, very old chair, and Kenneth’s mother and daddy were very proud of it,” said daddy to Jack and Evelyn. “Kenneth’s daddy had bought it at a sale of old and curious things. It was a Roman chair, and on either side were two heads of eagles. These four heads in all always made Kenneth wonder, for they looked so very life-like. He used to imagine that even little wooden eagles must get very tired of always being just the same. And late one afternoon, sitting in the chair he fell asleep.

“In the house where Kenneth lived, there was a chair that always fascinated him. It was very, very old, and Kenneth’s mom and dad were really proud of it,” said dad to Jack and Evelyn. “Kenneth’s dad had bought it at an auction of old and interesting things. It was a Roman chair, and on either side were two eagle heads. These four heads in total always made Kenneth wonder because they looked so realistic. He would imagine that even little wooden eagles must get really tired of always looking the same. And late one afternoon, while sitting in the chair, he fell asleep.

“‘You’re terribly tired, aren’t you?’ said the first eagle, who suddenly seemed to be looking at him.

“‘You’re really tired, aren’t you?’ said the first eagle, who suddenly seemed to be looking at him.

“‘Yes, I’m a little tired,’ Kenneth admitted.

“‘Yeah, I’m a bit tired,’ Kenneth admitted.

“‘Well, you’re not as tired as we are,’ said the second eagle.

“‘Well, you’re not as tired as we are,’ said the second eagle.”

“‘No, indeed!’ said the third eagle. ‘You’re only tired because you’ve played so many games. We’re tired because we’re always still.’

“‘No way!’ said the third eagle. ‘You’re just tired because you’ve played so many games. We’re tired because we’re always standing still.’”

“Kenneth listened eagerly, because he’d so often thought just what he was hearing. ‘Yes,’ said Kenneth very sympathetically, ‘I should think you would be very dull. I’ve often thought that. Have you been there a long time?’

“Kenneth listened eagerly, because he’d often thought exactly what he was hearing. ‘Yeah,’ Kenneth said with genuine sympathy, ‘I can imagine that must be really boring. I've thought that many times. Have you been there for a long time?’”

“‘Oh, ages and ages!’ replied the fourth eagle, who up to this time had not spoken. ‘We were very old before your daddy got us. We’ve been on this chair so long. We can’t remember how long. And what makes us feel so sad is that we are called eagles and should fly and yet are forever glued to this chair.’

“‘Oh, forever and ever!’ replied the fourth eagle, who hadn’t spoken until now. ‘We were really old before your dad got us. We’ve been on this chair for so long. We can’t even remember how long. And what makes us so sad is that we’re called eagles and are supposed to fly but are stuck on this chair forever.’”

“‘Kenneth, Kenneth,’ cried Kenneth’s mother, ‘it’s long past bed-time!’

“‘Kenneth, Kenneth,’ shouted Kenneth’s mom, ‘it’s way past bedtime!’”

“‘Oh, I am not so tired as the eagles are!’ said Kenneth. And Kenneth’s mother wondered if he was talking in his sleep.”

“‘Oh, I’m not as tired as the eagles!’ said Kenneth. And Kenneth’s mom wondered if he was talking in his sleep.”

“‘WE’VE BEEN ON THIS CHAIR SO LONG,’ SAID THE FOURTH EAGLE.”—Page 44

“‘WE’VE BEEN ON THIS CHAIR SO LONG,’ SAID THE FOURTH EAGLE.”—Page 44


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FEBRUARY 26: The Squirrels’ Peanut Hunt

“A little girl named Polly,” began daddy, “lived near a park. In this park were a great many squirrels. They were principally gray, with great, long bushy tails, and they were very tame. Polly had often fed them peanuts, but she thought it would be lots of fun to have a real peanut hunt. So she ran around as quickly as she could, hiding the peanuts from her bag.

“A little girl named Polly,” started Daddy, “lived close to a park. In that park, there were a lot of squirrels. They were mostly gray, with big, fluffy tails, and they were very friendly. Polly had often fed them peanuts, but she thought it would be a lot of fun to have a real peanut hunt. So, she ran around as fast as she could, hiding the peanuts from her bag.

“First one very old fat squirrel found three peanuts hidden under a rock.

“First, an old, chubby squirrel found three peanuts hidden under a rock.”

“He called to the other squirrels and waved his bushy tail in the air, trying to say, ‘There are peanuts if we will hunt for them!’

“He called to the other squirrels and waved his bushy tail in the air, trying to say, ‘There are peanuts if we go look for them!’”

“The squirrels didn’t stop to eat the peanuts after they discovered that there were so many hidden. They just kept on getting more and more until finally they had succeeded in finding them all.

“The squirrels didn’t stop to eat the peanuts after they found out there were so many hidden. They just kept gathering more and more until finally, they had managed to find them all.”

“Then they began to carry the peanuts to their little homes, and they looked so happy, just as if they were free from cares or worries for days to come, for, of course, they didn’t have to worry about meals for ever and ever so long with the wonderful supply they now had on hand.”

“Then they started to take the peanuts to their little homes, and they looked so happy, as if they were free from concerns or worries for days ahead, because, of course, they didn’t have to think about meals for a really long time with the amazing supply they had on hand.”


FEBRUARY 27: The Game of Manners

“I must tell you a story about the game of good manners which they play in a large public school in a big city,” said daddy. “They are let into the secret that it’s a lesson, but it is a play-time lesson and they have it in connection with their gymnasium and play-time work, though it doesn’t take the place of recess.

“I have to tell you a story about the manners game they play at a big public school in the city,” said dad. “They know it’s a lesson, but it’s a fun lesson that they do during their gym class and playtime activities, even though it doesn’t replace recess.”

“And they grow to understand their teachers better, who are teaching them the game of manners and they get on so much better when both teachers and pupils understand each other and really like each other.

“And they come to understand their teachers better, who are showing them the rules of social etiquette, and they get along much better when both teachers and students understand one another and genuinely like each other.

“For example, they hear a story of a little boy who didn’t want to wash his hands or face and who became so dirty that he found himself without any companion except a pig.

“For example, they hear a story about a little boy who didn’t want to wash his hands or face and ended up so dirty that he found himself with no company except a pig.

“After they have heard such a story they all act it out, one taking the part of the dirty little boy, and the others of the people he met who wouldn’t play with him or have anything to do with him, or invite him into their homes, or anything nice like that.

“After hearing such a story, they all act it out, with one playing the part of the dirty little boy, and the others taking on the roles of the people he encountered who wouldn’t play with him, have anything to do with him, invite him into their homes, or do anything nice like that.”

“And they take turns in having the story about a boy and about a girl.

“And they take turns telling the story of a boy and a girl.

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“They hear a story of a very rude boy or girl and of how he grew up into a cross man or woman, and they hear of his adventures and what horrible times he had making others miserable as well as himself.

“They hear a story about a very rude kid and how they grew up to be a grumpy man or woman, along with their adventures and the terrible times they had making others miserable as well as themselves.”

“Then they act out these stories in their classes where they have dramatics and different ones take the parts of the bad child or the unmannerly child or the unmannerly grown-up, and of all the people whom these met with in their adventures.

“Then they perform these stories in their classes where they have drama, and different students take on the roles of the misbehaved child, the rude child, or the rude adult, as well as all the people they encounter in their adventures.”

“And oh, what laughter there is when a boy makes a mistake in acting his part of the teacher and in being very unlike the teacher and more like himself which of course is quite natural. Yes, the game of good manners is a great and successful game in this school where there are three thousand and six hundred boys and girls.”

“And oh, how much laughter there is when a boy messes up his role as the teacher and ends up being nothing like the teacher and more like himself, which is totally natural. Yes, the game of good manners is a big and successful game in this school with three thousand and six hundred boys and girls.”


FEBRUARY 28: Naughty Julius

“There is nothing more dreadful to my mind,” said daddy, “than a little boy who is mean to other children not so big and strong as he is. I once knew a little boy like that and will tell you about him this evening.

“There is nothing more dreadful to me,” said dad, “than a little boy who is mean to other kids who aren't as big and strong as he is. I once knew a little boy like that, and I'll tell you about him this evening.”

“The little boy’s name was Julius.

“The little boy’s name was Julius.

“A family came to live one day in the house opposite where Julius lived. The house had been vacant for a long time, so Julius was delighted when he found he was to have neighbors. What was his disappointment, though, to find that the family opposite consisted only of a mother, daddy and a little sick boy named Hugh. He was cross when he saw Hugh’s little pale face at the window opposite. He would laugh at him until he saw the tears trickle down Hugh’s face and he would turn away from the window.

“A family came to live one day in the house across from where Julius lived. The house had been empty for a long time, so Julius was thrilled to find out he’d have neighbors. What a disappointment it was, though, to see that the family across consisted only of a mom, a dad, and a little sick boy named Hugh. He felt annoyed when he saw Hugh’s pale little face at the window. He would laugh at him until he noticed tears streaming down Hugh’s face, and then he would turn away from the window.”

“One day Julius’ mother came to him and said, ‘Julius, it is very cruel to make fun of a little sick boy, and I will tell you what is the trouble with Hugh.

“One day Julius’ mother came to him and said, ‘Julius, it’s really cruel to make fun of a little sick boy, and I’m going to explain what’s going on with Hugh.

“‘Hugh had his right foot frozen last winter, and he has had to have it taken off. To-day he is going out for the first time on his crutches,’ concluded his mother.

“Hugh had his right foot frozen last winter, and he had to have it amputated. Today, he is going out for the first time on his crutches,” his mother concluded.

“Julius kept very quiet, but inwardly he was planning something very mean to do. He waited around for some time, and still no sign of Hugh. At last he saw him, so he shrieked from the window, ‘Hello, tenderfoot!’

“Julius stayed silent, but inside he was scheming something really nasty. He hung around for a while, and there was still no sign of Hugh. Finally, he spotted him, so he yelled from the window, ‘Hey, newbie!’”

“Hugh was bound he would be brave, so he beat back the tears. Julius rushed downstairs and out into the street.

“Hugh was determined to be brave, so he held back the tears. Julius dashed downstairs and out into the street.

“Just at that moment a fast motor-car came along. Julius did not see it, but Hugh did, and as his little voice was too weak to rise above[47] Julius’ laughter he hobbled on his crutches and pulled Julius out of the way just in the nick of time. Oh, how frightened Julius was! And his escape from some terrible injury seemed marvelous.

“Just then, a fast car came by. Julius didn’t notice it, but Hugh did, and since his little voice was too weak to be heard over Julius’ laughter, he hobbled on his crutches and pulled Julius out of the way just in time. Oh, how scared Julius was! It was amazing how he escaped from what could have been a terrible injury.”

“In a flash he saw what it would have meant to him to have no football, no skating, no sports, and the little crippled Hugh he had laughed at and who had so much to bear had saved him.

“In an instant, he realized what it would mean to him to have no football, no skating, no sports, and that the little disabled Hugh he had laughed at, who had so much to endure, had actually saved him."

“Hugh forgave Julius, and they became fast friends from that time, and Julius never forgot that Hugh had saved his life.”

“Hugh forgave Julius, and they became great friends from that point on, and Julius never forgot that Hugh had saved his life.”


FEBRUARY 29: The Whistling Boy

“I am going to tell you a story,” said daddy, “about a whistling boy. It is a true story too. The boy was asked to a party and he went.

“I’m going to tell you a story,” said dad, “about a whistling boy. It’s a true story too. The boy was invited to a party, and he went.

“All the children were playing games—follow the leader, prisoner’s base, blind man’s buff, hide and go seek, still-pond-no-more-moving, and many other games.

"All the kids were playing games—follow the leader, prisoner’s base, blind man’s buff, hide and seek, freeze tag, and lots of other games.

“They asked him if he wanted to play and he put his hands in his pockets and whistled. Then they had supper and they asked him if he liked creamed chicken and he whistled.

“They asked him if he wanted to play, and he put his hands in his pockets and whistled. Then they had dinner, and they asked him if he liked creamed chicken, and he whistled.”

“They asked him if he liked ice-cream and he whistled. And as he whistled the same three notes whenever he was asked anything they didn’t know whether he liked ice-cream or not.

“They asked him if he liked ice cream, and he whistled. And since he whistled the same three notes whenever he was asked anything, they didn’t know whether he liked ice cream or not.”

“They gave him some supper when everything was passed around and he whistled when he took his plates and his cup of cocoa. When he had finished, without saying a word to any other children he got up, put his hands in his pockets once more and whistled.

“They gave him some dinner when everything was served, and he whistled as he took his plates and his cup of cocoa. When he was done, without saying a word to the other kids, he got up, put his hands in his pockets again, and whistled.”

“The children began to giggle, for they thought he was such a funny boy, and a funny boy he was. He had been rather spoilt and he hadn’t really learned to play with other children.

“The children started to giggle because they thought he was such a funny kid, and he really was. He had been pretty spoiled and hadn’t really learned how to play with other kids.”

“They felt very sorry for him, but still he wouldn’t say a word or do anything. They had asked him to the party because he had just come to the town to live and they thought he must be lonely.

“They felt really sorry for him, but he still wouldn’t say a word or do anything. They had invited him to the party because he had just moved to town and they thought he might be lonely.

“Well, when he got home he felt very badly, as many shy people do who have been rude because they were so shy they didn’t know what to say, and so did the wrong thing.

“Well, when he got home he felt really bad, like many shy people do when they’ve been rude because their shyness made it hard for them to know what to say, and so they ended up doing the wrong thing.

“He cried when he was going to bed. And he was much ashamed of himself, for he thought it was a dreadful thing for a boy to cry.

“He cried when he was going to bed. And he felt really ashamed of himself because he thought it was a terrible thing for a boy to cry.

“After a while he went to sleep, and in his sleep the Dream King came to him.

“After a while, he fell asleep, and in his dreams, the Dream King appeared to him.”

“‘I’ll help you,’ said the Dream King, ‘and I will not let you behave as badly as you did this afternoon if I can help it. For listen,[48] Boy. If you whistle again instead of talking and playing I will take away your tongue for a whole month and you won’t be able to make any sound.’

“‘I’ll help you,’ said the Dream King, ‘and I won’t let you act as poorly as you did this afternoon if I can help it. Listen, [48] Boy. If you whistle again instead of talking and playing, I’ll take away your tongue for an entire month and you won’t be able to make any sound.’”

“And the dream seemed so real to the boy that he tried his best to act as other boys, and he succeeded too.”

“And the dream felt so real to the boy that he did his best to behave like other boys, and he succeeded too.”


MARCH 1: Lucy’s Tonsils

Now, there were two tonsils and they had made their home in Lucy’s throat.

Now, there were two tonsils, and they had settled in Lucy's throat.

Tonsils always make their homes in throats. They do not care for other kinds of homes.

Tonsils always live in throats. They don't want to be anywhere else.

They are all alike in that way.

They all have that in common.

Now people are very different. Some people like to have their homes in country places. Others like to have their homes in big cities where there are crowds and crowds of people.

Now people are very different. Some prefer to live in the countryside. Others enjoy living in big cities filled with crowds of people.

Still others like to have their homes in seaside places, so they can be neighbors of dear old Mother Ocean.

Still others like to have their homes by the beach, so they can be neighbors with dear old Mother Ocean.

But tonsils like to make their homes in throats. And these twin Tonsils were in Lucy’s throat.

But tonsils like to set up camp in throats. And these twin tonsils were in Lucy’s throat.

One Tonsil was named Ton Tonsil and the other was Tom Tonsil.

One Tonsil was named Ton Tonsil, and the other was Tom Tonsil.

“Hello, Ton,” said Tom, “are you up to mischief?”

“Hey, Ton,” Tom said, “are you getting into trouble?”

“Indeed I am,” said Ton. “I’m causing trouble. How about you?”

“Yeah, I am,” said Ton. “I’m causing some chaos. What about you?”

“Doing all I can think of and I’ve a good many pranks left to play, too,” said Tom. “I tell you what, we have a loyal and faithful little friend in Susy Sore Throat. She’s a mean one.

“I'm doing everything I can think of, and I still have a lot of tricks up my sleeve,” said Tom. “You know, we have a loyal and faithful little friend in Susy Sore Throat. She's a tough one.”

“She’s a good playmate for us. She’s going to be with us to-day. Gracious me, it’s surprising how Susy does turn up, and half the time no one knows from where she comes.

“She’s a great playmate for us. She’s going to be with us today. Wow, it’s surprising how Susy shows up, and half the time no one knows where she comes from.

“She’s going to bring her little half-brother along with her—you know—Ronald Raw Throat. They’re very fond of being together.”

“She’s going to bring her little half-brother with her—you know—Ronald Raw Throat. They really enjoy being together.”

“I think we’ll have a fine party,” said Ton Tonsil. “I feel puffed up with excitement already.”

“I think we’re going to have a great party,” said Ton Tonsil. “I’m already feeling excited.”

“So do I,” said Tom.

“Me too,” said Tom.

“I tell you Lucy’s throat is a fine home for us,” said Ton.

“I’m telling you, Lucy’s throat is a great place for us,” said Ton.

“Yes,” said Tom, “it’s gorgeous. We have had lots of room to grow big with pride, and we have. We’ve grown big with Tonsil pride.

“Yes,” said Tom, “it’s beautiful. We’ve had plenty of space to grow proud, and we have. We’ve grown huge with Tonsil pride.

“They say it’s not nice for Tonsils to grow so proud because they’ve nothing to be proud of—but gracious me, that is just the point.

“They say it’s not nice for Tonsils to be so proud because they have nothing to be proud of—but honestly, that’s exactly the point.

“Things that have no reason to be puffed up and proud are usually the kind that are most conceited.

“Things that don’t have any real reason to be full of themselves are usually the ones that are the most arrogant.”

[49]

[49]

“And those creatures who are modest and not conceited are usually the ones who can do things. You’ll almost always find it is that way.”

“And those beings who are humble and not full of themselves are usually the ones who get things done. You’ll often find it’s like that.”

“That’s the way it usually is,” said Ton. “Well, we mustn’t talk any more. We must get bigger and bigger and just let Lucy know we’re making ourselves quite at home in her throat.

"That's how it usually goes," said Ton. "Anyway, we shouldn't talk anymore. We need to grow bigger and bigger and just let Lucy know we're getting really comfortable in her throat."

“In fact, she needn’t think she has any rights to her own throat. We’re the ones with rights.”

“In fact, she doesn’t need to think she has any rights to her own throat. We’re the ones with rights.”

“And don’t forget us,” said the little Adenoid Cousins. “Don’t forget us.”

“And don't forget us,” said the little Adenoid Cousins. “Don't forget us.”

“We won’t,” said the Tonsil Twins. “We won’t forget you.”

“We won't,” said the Tonsil Twins. “We won't forget you.”

Along then came Susy Sore Throat and Ronald Raw Throat, and Carrie Cold came too, and so did Clarence Cough. Oh, they all came and had a party in Lucy’s throat.

Along then came Susy Sore Throat and Ronald Raw Throat, and Carrie Cold came too, and so did Clarence Cough. Oh, they all showed up and had a party in Lucy’s throat.

Well, they liked the party so much that they came again and again. Sometimes they had little parties and sometimes big parties.

Well, they enjoyed the party so much that they kept coming back. Sometimes they had small get-togethers and sometimes big ones.

One day, however, Lucy decided to let her Tonsils know that they could not make their home any longer in her throat.

One day, though, Lucy decided to tell her tonsils that they could no longer stay in her throat.

So she went to the big doctor who had promised to take them out and who had told her that she would get rid of those wretched little Twins.

So she went to the big doctor who had promised to take them out and who had told her that she would be free of those miserable little Twins.

It wasn’t pleasant to think of getting rid of the Twins. They wouldn’t come out by a mere kind word. No, they had to be cut out. Harsh ways had to be used with them. But Lucy was brave—and she knew that once she got rid of those wretches her throat would never again be the place for the Tonsil parties.

It wasn’t easy to think about getting rid of the Twins. They wouldn’t respond to just a kind word. No, they had to be removed. Harsh methods had to be used with them. But Lucy was brave—and she knew that once she got rid of those nuisances, her throat would never again be the venue for the Tonsil parties.

So the big doctor took the Tonsil Twins out and their Adenoid Cousins along with them, and the Tonsils wept red tears as they left Lucy, but they said each to the other:

So the big doctor removed the Tonsil Twins and their Adenoid Cousins too, and the Tonsils shed red tears as they parted from Lucy, but they said to each other:

“It was all our fault for behaving as we did!”

“It was all our fault for acting the way we did!”


MARCH 2: Lucy’s Visitors

The Tonsil Twins had been taken away from Lucy’s throat and no longer did they make their home there and give the horrible parties they had been giving for so long a time. And, while Susy Sore Throat was leaving, nice visitors came to see Lucy.

The Tonsil Twins were removed from Lucy's throat, and they no longer lived there or threw the terrible parties they had been hosting for so long. As Susy Sore Throat was leaving, some nice visitors came to see Lucy.

A most attractive little toy wooden bunny came. His ears could be moved up and down and a most roguish look he would have when one ear was up and the other down.

A really cute little wooden bunny toy arrived. His ears could move up and down, and he looked quite mischievous with one ear up and the other down.

Lucy gave him chicken broth and he was extremely pleased.

Lucy gave him chicken broth, and he was really happy.

If he had not been afraid his wooden face would have cracked he would surely have smiled. For it was pleasant indeed when one was only a little wooden bunny rabbit to be given chicken broth.

If he hadn't been scared his wooden face would crack, he definitely would have smiled. It was really nice, after all, when you were just a little wooden bunny rabbit to be given chicken broth.

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[50]

It was most superior chicken broth, too. Oh, yes, for it had been made for Lucy and was made so as to give her lots of extra strength.

It was really great chicken broth, too. Oh, yes, because it had been made for Lucy and was prepared to give her plenty of extra strength.

Besides the toy bunny a rag doll came to see Lucy. Yes, a very lovable sweet rag doll came to visit her.

Besides the toy bunny, a rag doll came to see Lucy. Yes, a very lovable and sweet rag doll came to visit her.

She wore a little knitted hood on her head and a little sweater and a knitted scarf to keep her warm.

She wore a little knitted hat on her head, a cozy sweater, and a knitted scarf to keep warm.

And she had a pair of warm knitted shoes. She wore her outside jacket, too, over her sweater, and she took along her little apron, so she could wear that when she played, so as not to hurt her good dress.

And she had a pair of cozy knitted shoes. She also wore her outer jacket over her sweater, and she brought her little apron along so she could wear that while playing, to avoid ruining her nice dress.

Oh, yes, the rag doll was going to play with Lucy and have an excellent time.

Oh, yes, the rag doll was going to play with Lucy and have a great time.

Then many members of the game family came to call on Lucy. They, too, came ready for play. Yes, there is nothing in the world that a game is more ready for than a good play.

Then many members of the game family came to visit Lucy. They also arrived ready to play. After all, nothing in the world gets a game more excited than a good play.

Then people came to see Lucy, too, and congratulate her on the fact that the Tonsil Twins and the Adenoid Cousins had left.

Then people came to see Lucy, too, and congratulated her on the fact that the Tonsil Twins and the Adenoid Cousins were gone.

A lovely gray felt bunny and a brown felt monkey always were with Lucy. They had always belonged to her and, though new visitors came, they did not leave her. The monkey put his arm around the bunny and with his other arm on the pillow by Lucy he looked most comfortable.

A cute gray felt bunny and a brown felt monkey were always with Lucy. They had always been hers, and even though new visitors came, they never left her side. The monkey wrapped his arm around the bunny and rested his other arm on the pillow next to Lucy, looking very comfortable.

He hadn’t left her when she had gone to have the Tonsil Twins out. He had been such a comfort. Of course, when they were actually to be taken out he had to stay behind, but he was with her just as long as he could be and he joined her again as soon as he could.

He hadn’t left her when she went to get her tonsils removed. He was such a support. Of course, when it was time for the surgery, he had to stay behind, but he was with her for as long as he could and came back to her as soon as he was able.

“Well,” he was saying to the gray rabbit, “I’m laughing up my sleeve.”

“Well,” he said to the gray rabbit, “I'm laughing to myself.”

“How can you do that?” asked the rabbit. “You haven’t any sleeve and you aren’t laughing up your arm. You’re not even turning your mouth in that direction.

“How can you do that?” asked the rabbit. “You don’t have any sleeves, and you’re not laughing with your arm. You’re not even twisting your mouth in that direction.”

“What do you mean by saying that?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Oh, it is just an expression,” said the monkey. “When Creatures say they’re laughing up their sleeve it does not really mean that they’re holding open their sleeve and saying:

“Oh, it’s just a figure of speech,” said the monkey. “When creatures say they’re laughing up their sleeve, it doesn’t actually mean that they’re lifting their sleeve and saying:

“‘Ha, ha, ha,’ up it. But it means they’re laughing inwardly or to themselves or so no one can see their laughter. That is what the expression means.

“‘Ha, ha, ha,’ up it. But it means they’re laughing internally or to themselves so no one can see their laughter. That is what the expression means.

“So, you see no one can see my laughter, but I’m laughing all right at the good joke played on those wretched Tonsil Twins!”

“So, you see, no one can see my laughter, but I’m definitely laughing at the clever joke played on those miserable Tonsil Twins!”

Just then there came another visitor. This time it was the prince of desserts—Prince Ice-Cream. Proudly the Prince came in on the best and most royal of saucers and just at that moment Susy Sore Throat left for good and all.

Just then, another visitor arrived. This time it was the prince of desserts—Prince Ice-Cream. The Prince entered proudly on the finest and most royal saucer, and at that moment, Susy Sore Throat departed for good.

“A LOVELY FELT BUNNY AND A BROWN FELT MONKEY ALWAYS WERE WITH LUCY.”—Page 50

“A cute felt bunny and a brown felt monkey were always with Lucy.”—Page 50


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[51]

MARCH 3: The Homesick Puppy

Daddy had a story about a little dog that he knew would please both the children.

Daddy had a story about a little dog that he knew would make both kids happy.

“Would you like to hear of a little dog who was homesick?” he asked.

“Do you want to hear about a little dog who missed home?” he asked.

“Yes,” said Evelyn, “we would love to hear about it—that is, if he didn’t die of homesickness.”

“Yes,” said Evelyn, “we’d love to hear about it—if he didn’t die of homesickness.”

“No, indeed,” said daddy, “this little dog didn’t die of homesickness, for he was sent home again and then was perfectly happy.

“No, really,” said dad, “this little dog didn’t die of homesickness, because he was sent home again and then was completely happy.”

“He was the pet puppy of his mother, and he had told the man who had sold him to a little girl that he didn’t want to go.

“He was his mother's favorite puppy, and he had told the man who sold him to a little girl that he didn’t want to leave.”

“The man who sold him thought that the little girl would give him such a nice home, and so she did, but the little puppy wanted more than just a nice home. He wanted his mother.

“The man who sold him thought that the little girl would give him such a nice home, and so she did, but the little puppy wanted more than just a nice home. He wanted his mother.

“Of course the little girl hadn’t hesitated a moment about buying him, for he was a beautiful little Boston bull, and she promised him that she would make him happy.

“Of course the little girl didn’t think twice about buying him, because he was a beautiful little Boston bull, and she promised him that she would make him happy.

“Now, when the little girl reached home with her puppy she gave him a great big bowl of the most delicious warm milk and a good puppy biscuit. But the puppy wouldn’t touch the milk and biscuit.

“Now, when the little girl got home with her puppy, she gave him a big bowl of the most delicious warm milk and a tasty puppy biscuit. But the puppy wouldn’t touch the milk and biscuit."

“At bedtime the little girl showed the puppy his basket, which was nice and soft and comfortable. She thought that after a good night’s rest he would be hungry for his breakfast and feel better.

“At bedtime, the little girl showed the puppy his basket, which was soft and cozy. She thought that after a good night’s sleep, he would be hungry for his breakfast and feel better.”

“But morning came, and the puppy still refused to eat. And, would you believe it, hours passed, and the puppy still would not eat.

“But morning came, and the puppy still wouldn't eat. And, believe it or not, hours went by, and the puppy still wouldn't eat."

“Then the little girl decided that the only thing to be done was to take her beautiful puppy back to his mother.

“Then the little girl decided that the only thing to do was to take her beautiful puppy back to his mom.

“She ordered her pony cart to be ready for a certain hour, and off she started, holding the puppy by her side.

“She had her pony cart ready for a specific time, and off she went, holding the puppy by her side.

“When the puppy came near his home and began to see familiar sights it was all she could do to keep him in the cart, and when they were right by his home she could not hold him, for with a bound he was out and frisked and jumped over his mother, and she did the same, looking as if they would almost kill each other with joy.

“When the puppy got close to his home and started recognizing familiar sights, it took everything she had to keep him in the cart. But when they were right by his house, she couldn't contain him anymore. With a leap, he jumped out and playfully bounded over to his mother, and she did the same, looking like they might actually crush each other with excitement.”

“‘I guess he had better stay home,’ said the man.

“‘I think he should stay home,’ said the man.

“‘Yes,’ answered the little girl, ‘this is where he belongs.’”

“‘Yes,’ said the little girl, ‘this is where he belongs.’”


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[52]

MARCH 4: Lady Ethel

“I want to tell you a story this evening of the horse called Lady Ethel,” said daddy.

“I want to tell you a story tonight about the horse named Lady Ethel,” said Dad.

“One time Lady Ethel’s master took a long ride far out into the country away from where people lived.

“One time Lady Ethel’s master went on a long ride far out into the countryside, away from where people lived.

“He felt quite ill after he had ridden a long way, and all of a sudden he got quite dizzy and fell.

“He felt really unwell after riding for a long time, and suddenly he got really dizzy and fell.”

“Lady Ethel pulled him out of the road and off to one side so no one taking the same road would go dashing over him by mistake.

“Lady Ethel pulled him off the road and to the side so that no one using the same road would accidentally dash over him.”

“And then she went back home, all the distance alone, and neighed so that the people came out with her and found her master.

“And then she went back home, all the way alone, and whinnied so that the people came out with her and found her owner.

“He was quite ill after that, for he had been feeling poorly when he had started out on his ride, but if it hadn’t been for Lady Ethel he wouldn’t have had the chance to have been taken home and put back to bed and nursed back to health.

“He was pretty sick after that, because he had been feeling unwell when he set out on his ride, but if it hadn’t been for Lady Ethel, he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be taken home, put back to bed, and cared for until he got better.

“He said he was grateful to all who helped him get well, but the one he was most grateful to of all was the faithful Lady Ethel.

“He said he was thankful to everyone who helped him recover, but the one he was most grateful to of all was the loyal Lady Ethel.

“And every day while he was ill they led her under his window and she neighed happily after he had called out with as much strength as he could:

“And every day while he was sick, they took her under his window, and she neighed happily after he called out with all the strength he could muster:

“‘Hello, my faithful, fine Lady Ethel!’”

“‘Hello, my loyal, wonderful Lady Ethel!’”


MARCH 5: The Soup

“We’re going to be mixed together, I hear,” said the tomato.

“We're going to be mixed together, I hear,” said the tomato.

“You don’t say so,” said the milk. “Well, we will be chummy, won’t we?”

"You don't say," replied the milk. "Well, we'll be friendly, won't we?"

“Yes,” said the tomato. “They’re going to make cream of tomato soup. It’s supposed to be quite delicious. And when we’re both well cooked they will mix us together and season us up very fine and we’ll be eaten as the first thing at the meal. Yes, soup is very apt to take the lead. It’s a leader, soup is.”

“Yes,” said the tomato. “They’re going to make cream of tomato soup. It’s supposed to be really tasty. And when we’re both cooked nicely, they’ll mix us together and spice us up just right, and we’ll be the first thing served at the meal. Yeah, soup usually takes the spotlight. Soup is a real standout.”

“Good,” said the milk. “But how silly to call it cream of tomato soup, if they’re going to use me. I’m milk, I am.”

“Good,” said the milk. “But how silly to call it cream of tomato soup if they’re going to use me. I’m milk, I am.”

“Oh, well,” said the tomato, “let them have their little airs and graces. And maybe when you’re mixed with me you’re every bit as good as cream. Who knows!”

“Oh, well,” said the tomato, “let them have their little attitudes and pretensions. And maybe when you’re mixed with me, you’re just as good as cream. Who knows!”


[53]

[53]

MARCH 6: Elephant Ways

“Why did you have your toe-nails cut, your skin oiled, and your feet sand-papered?” asked Sally of an elephant in the Zoo.

“Why did you have your toenails trimmed, your skin moisturized, and your feet buffed?” asked Sally of an elephant in the Zoo.

“One question at a time please,” said the elephant. “I can’t answer all three at once, for then the answers would be all jumbled up. Besides, I don’t know how to say more than one word at a time.

“Just one question at a time, please,” said the elephant. “I can’t answer all three at once, or the answers would get all mixed up. Plus, I don’t know how to say more than one word at a time.

“My nails were cut because they needed it. And, come to think of it, I can answer all your questions at once. My feet needed to be sand-papered and my body needed to be oiled. My skin required it, and so the keeper looked after me, as he did after my friends here.” This he said waving his trunk.

“My nails were trimmed because they needed it. And now that I think about it, I can answer all your questions at once. My feet needed to be sanded down and my body needed to be oiled. My skin required it, and so the caretaker took care of me, just like he did with my friends here.” This he said while waving his trunk.

“But what do you do when you are not in the Zoo?” asked Sally. “They don’t have sandpaper and nail scissors in the jungles, do they?”

“But what do you do when you’re not at the Zoo?” asked Sally. “They don’t have sandpaper and nail scissors in the jungles, do they?”

“Ah, that is where you do not understand, and where the keeper does. In the wilds I can cut my nails on the great rocks. They keep them short. Here I cannot do it myself, and so the keeper has to do it for me. And I get the oil for my skin in the swamps when I’m free, and my feet are kept hard by the ground and rocks. We do not need the keeper’s scissors and so forth when we are free, for old Mother Nature looks after those things for us.”

“Ah, that’s where you’re mistaken, and where the keeper gets it. In the wild, I can trim my nails on the big rocks. They keep them short. Here, I can’t do it myself, so the keeper has to do it for me. I also get the oil for my skin in the swamps when I’m free, and the ground and rocks keep my feet tough. We don’t need the keeper’s scissors and stuff when we’re free, because old Mother Nature takes care of those things for us.”


MARCH 7: The Marbles

“The Marbles,” said daddy, “were very proud because they had been used so much by boys and girls—especially by boys.

“The Marbles,” said Dad, “were really proud because kids had played with them so much—especially the boys.”

“Then, too, the Elves had played marbles, as years before they had found out about them and thought they were lots of fun to play with.

“Then, the Elves had played marbles, as years before they had discovered them and thought they were really fun to play with.”

“‘You are nothing but an ordinary Marble,’ said one large and very blue Marble to a little Marble.

“‘You’re just an ordinary Marble,’ said one big, very blue Marble to a small Marble.

“‘But I am useful for playing. And I joggle along and roll much better than you do. You are so big. You are quite awkward!’

“‘But I'm great at playing. I bounce around and roll way better than you do. You're too big. You're really clumsy!’”

“‘I’d feel pretty badly,’ said the big Marble, ‘if I were as cheap as you. You cost next to nothing. In fact, you didn’t even cost a cent. Not one whole cent!’

“‘I’d feel pretty bad,’ said the big Marble, ‘if I were as cheap as you. You cost almost nothing. In fact, you didn’t even cost a cent. Not one whole cent!’”

“The Marble rolled along a little way as if it couldn’t be too near the cheap Marble.

“The marble rolled a short distance, as if it didn’t want to be too close to the cheap marble.”

“‘But a cent bought me,’ said the little Marble.

“‘But a cent bought me,’ said the little Marble.”

“‘Yes,’ said the big Marble proudly, ‘it bought you and also a number of other marbles, too. You were one of five for a cent. One[54] cent bought you and four others! Now, as for me! well, it took the whole of five cents to buy me!’

“‘Yes,’ said the big Marble proudly, ‘it got you and a few other marbles too. You were one of five for a cent. One[54] cent got you and four others! Now, as for me! Well, it took the whole five cents to buy me!’”

“‘I know it,’ said the little Marble sadly.

“I know it,” said the little Marble sadly.

“‘My Master only bought me yesterday,’ said the big Marble. ‘His friends have not seen me. They’ll trade everything for me! Gracious—they’d trade dozens of little Marbles just for me! I cost five cents!’

“‘My owner just got me yesterday,’ said the big marble. ‘His friends haven’t seen me. They’d give up anything for me! Seriously—they’d trade dozens of little marbles just for me! I cost five cents!’”

“The children had arrived, but they did not seem to want to trade everything for it! One of them said,

“The kids were here, but they didn’t seem interested in trading everything for it! One of them said,

“‘It is a beauty, but then it is not nearly so nice to play with as the smaller ones; besides, if I gave up a lot of small marbles for that big one I’d never be able to have a real game.’

“‘It’s beautiful, but it’s not nearly as fun to play with as the smaller ones; plus, if I traded a bunch of small marbles for that big one, I’d never have a proper game.’”

“And all the other children said just the same thing.

“And all the other kids said exactly the same thing.

“They played and they played. But the big Marble was so mad that it rolled away crookedly and no one thought so much of it.

“They played and they played. But the big Marble was so angry that it rolled away unevenly and no one really cared that much.”

“After the children had finished playing and had taken their marbles, and after the Master of the big Marble had put it away with the smaller ones, the little Marble which had been bought with four others for a cent said,

“After the kids finished playing and collected their marbles, and after the Master of the big Marble had stored it with the smaller ones, the little Marble, which had been bought with four others for a cent, said,

“‘Well, you may be handsome and big. But you are not nearly such fun as we are. Sometimes the cheap things are the most fun. It doesn’t mean because you cost five cents that you can give more pleasure.’

“‘Well, you might be good-looking and tall. But you’re not nearly as much fun as we are. Sometimes the inexpensive things are the most enjoyable. Just because you cost five cents doesn't mean you can provide more enjoyment.’”

“‘I’m glad I can’t be used all the time like you all are,’ said the big Marble. ‘I am too fine for little Marbles, anyway.’

“‘I’m glad I can’t be used all the time like you all are,’ said the big Marble. ‘I’m too fancy for little Marbles, anyway.’”

“But all the little Marbles were happy because they were the best for the children’s games.”

“But all the little marbles were happy because they were the best for the kids' games.”


MARCH 8: Tomatoes’ Advantages

“The Vegetables,” said daddy, “had been put into the cellar for the winter. There were the Potatoes, the Apples for cooking, Carrots, the Squash family and many others. As they were talking the cook came down in the cellar. ‘Well,’ said she to herself, ‘it’s nice to get something from the hot-house once in a while. I get so sick of these everlasting winter vegetables and apples that we keep in the cellar. It’s nice to have a few Tomatoes for a change.’

“The vegetables,” said Dad, “were stored in the cellar for the winter. There were potatoes, cooking apples, carrots, squash, and many others. While they were talking, the cook came down to the cellar. ‘Well,’ she said to herself, ‘it’s nice to get something from the hot house once in a while. I get so tired of these never-ending winter vegetables and apples we have in the cellar. It’s nice to have a few tomatoes for a change.’”

“Down she put a box with bright red Tomatoes—just from the hot-house.

“Down she put a box with bright red tomatoes—fresh from the greenhouse.

“‘Well, Vegetables,’ said the Tomatoes, ‘how do you do?’

“‘Well, Vegetables,’ said the Tomatoes, ‘how’s it going?’

“‘We’re quite well,’ said the Vegetables and Apples, who were rather quiet right now.

“We're doing just fine,” said the Vegetables and Apples, who were a bit quiet at the moment.

[55]

[55]

“‘I don’t see why I shouldn’t talk to you, though I’m pretty different from you,’ said the biggest Tomato of all.

“‘I don’t see why I can’t talk to you, even though I’m really different from you,’ said the biggest Tomato of all.

“‘And why shouldn’t you be?’ asked Mr. Potato. ‘You have been in a hot-house, spoilt and petted. You’d be queer if you weren’t superior. With sun and warmth of course you have a fine color!’ And the Tomatoes agreed that they had had unusual advantages.”

“‘And why shouldn’t you be?’ asked Mr. Potato. ‘You’ve been in a hot-house, spoiled and pampered. You’d be strange if you weren’t feeling superior. With all that sun and warmth, of course you have a great color!’ And the Tomatoes agreed that they had had some special advantages.”


MARCH 9: The Old Woman and the Pot of Daffodils

“A little girl named Laura,” said daddy, “had been quite ill. One day she was wondering if she would ever feel like herself again, able to do things and to play around. She was sitting up by the window in a big chair. She was looking out, feeling very sad and forlorn, when suddenly she saw a funny old woman who looked just like a witch stop by the window and then walk right into the room.

“A little girl named Laura,” said Daddy, “had been pretty sick. One day, she was thinking about whether she would ever feel like herself again, able to do things and play around. She was sitting up by the window in a big chair, looking out and feeling very sad and alone when suddenly she saw a funny old woman who looked just like a witch stop by the window and then walk right into the room.

“The funny old woman spoke at once.

“The funny old woman spoke immediately.

“‘Don’t be frightened,’ she said. ‘I’m not going to hurt you. Instead, you see this pot of daffodils I am carrying?’

“‘Don’t be scared,’ she said. ‘I’m not going to hurt you. Instead, you see this pot of daffodils I’m carrying?’”

“‘Yes,’ exclaimed Laura. ‘Aren’t they beautiful?’

“‘Yes,’ exclaimed Laura. ‘Aren’t they gorgeous?’”

“‘I am so glad you like them,’ continued the old woman, ‘for they are for you.’

“I’m so glad you like them,” the old woman continued, “because they are for you.”

“‘For me?’ repeated Laura. ‘For me?’

“‘For me?’ Laura asked again. ‘For me?’

“‘Yes,’ said the old woman. ‘When the spring comes I take a walk each day, carrying with me a pot of daffodils. When I see some one sitting in the window of a house looking sick and longing to go out I just go right in and leave my pot of daffodils, for they are better than any spring tonic, to my mind.’

“‘Yes,’ said the old woman. ‘When spring arrives, I take a walk every day, carrying a pot of daffodils with me. When I see someone sitting in a window, looking unwell and wishing to go outside, I just walk right in and leave my pot of daffodils, because they’re better than any spring tonic, in my opinion.’”

“And the yellow flowers smiled at Laura and bobbed their pretty heads, saying, ‘We’ll make you well.’

“And the yellow flowers smiled at Laura and bobbed their pretty heads, saying, ‘We’ll make you well.’

“And, sure enough, they really did more toward making Laura well than anything else. How could she help but feel better with the bright flowers smiling at her and cheering her up?”

“And, sure enough, they really did more to make Laura feel better than anything else. How could she help but feel uplifted with the bright flowers smiling at her and cheering her up?”


MARCH 10: The Tick-Tock Twins

“Hello, twin Tock,” said Tick, and Tock answered, just as quickly as anything:

“Hey, twin Tock,” said Tick, and Tock replied, just as fast as anything:

“Hello, Tick.”

“Hey, Tick.”

They never got tired of saying to each other “Tick” and “Tock.”[56] They were the two clock twins, as you may have guessed, but sometimes between their words to each other, sometimes between saying to each other “Tick” and “Tock,” they talked.

They never got tired of saying to each other “Tick” and “Tock.”[56] They were the two clock twins, as you might have guessed, but sometimes in between their exchanges of “Tick” and “Tock,” they actually talked.

Of course they would only say a few words at a time and those would be said so very quickly we could not understand them, and anyway Tick and Tock only talk for each other.

Of course, they would only say a few words at a time, and they would say them so fast that we couldn’t understand, and besides, Tick and Tock only talk for each other.

They just speak to each other all day long, as the time goes on.

They just talk to each other all day long as time goes by.

And they don’t stop at night, but as it would be very hard to understand their story without leaving out all the ticks and the tocks we will hear it with those left out.

And they don’t stop at night, but since it would be really difficult to understand their story without including all the ticks and tocks, we’ll hear it without those details.

Really it was like this.

It was really like this.

“Hello, Tick.”

“Hey, Tick.”

“Hello, Tock,” and the “Hello” would be said very quickly so no one else could hear it.

“Hey, Tock,” and the “Hey” would be said very quickly so no one else could hear it.

“Nice-Tick.”

“Nice tick.”

“Nice-Tock.”

“Nice-Tock.”

“Day-Tick.”

“Day-Tick.”

“Day-Tock,” and so on and on, never forgetting the tick and the tock.

“Day-Tock,” and so on, never forgetting the tick and the tock.

“We’re such happy twins,” said Tick.

“We’re such happy twins,” said Tick.

“Yes,” said Tock, “and we never forsake each other. If one of us can’t go on, the other won’t go alone. There is never a tick without a tock following right on behind.”

“Yes,” said Tock, “and we never leave each other behind. If one of us can’t continue, the other won’t go on alone. There’s never a tick without a tock right behind it.”

“Ah, you’re so loyal, Tock,” said Tick.

“Ah, you’re so loyal, Tock,” Tick said.

“And so are you,” said Tock.

“And you are too,” said Tock.

“There are many clock twins,” said Tick.

“There are a lot of clock twins,” said Tick.

“Many,” agreed Tock.

"Definitely," agreed Tock.

“Every clock has us,” said Tick.

“Every clock has us,” Tick said.

“Every one,” said Tock.

"Everyone," said Tock.

“And if the clock stops, they stop too.”

“And if the clock stops, they stop too.”

“Of course,” said Tock.

“Sure,” said Tock.

“One would never go without the other,” said Tick.

“One would never go without the other,” said Tick.

“Of course not,” said Tock.

“Of course not,” Tock said.

“It’s nice,” said Tick, “to be so loyal, very nice and very unusual. Think of how we can always wait for the other, and then follow after!”

“It’s great,” said Tick, “to be so loyal, really great and quite rare. Just think about how we can always wait for each other, and then go after!”

“We’re each always following the other,” said Tock.

“We're always following each other,” said Tock.

“I’m glad,” said Tick, “I’m not a boy and you’re not a girl. Then when we grew up we’d be sent to different schools, and one of us would go into business and the other might marry and keep house. Dear me, it’s much nicer to be the clock twins. We’ll never be separated.”

“I’m glad,” said Tick, “I’m not a boy and you’re not a girl. That way, when we grow up, we wouldn’t be sent to different schools; one of us might go into business and the other could get married and run a household. Honestly, it’s so much better to be the clock twins. We’ll never be apart.”


[57]

[57]

MARCH 11: The Fig

“I’m mad,” said the Fig.

"I'm upset," said the Fig.

“What are you mad about?” asked the Apple.

“What are you upset about?” asked the Apple.

The Fig and the Apple were in the fruit dish together, along with an orange or two and a bunch of grapes.

The fig and the apple were in the fruit bowl together, along with an orange or two and a bunch of grapes.

“What are you mad about?” the rest of the fruit asked.

“What are you upset about?” the other fruit asked.

“Yes, you’d better tell us,” said the Apple. “I’m sure it will make you feel much, much better.”

“Yes, you should definitely tell us,” said the Apple. “I’m sure it will make you feel a lot better.”

“I don’t know whether it will or not,” said the Fig.

“I’m not sure if it will or not,” said the Fig.

“Why don’t you think it will?” asked the Apple.

“Why do you think it won’t?” asked the Apple.

“Because it might make me cry, and some one might call me a cry baby.”

“Because it might make me cry, and someone might call me a crybaby.”

“My dear Fig,” said the Apple, “no one could ever call you a cry baby, because even if you cried you’re not a baby.”

“My dear Fig,” said the Apple, “no one could ever call you a crybaby, because even if you cried, you’re not a baby.”

“But I’ve heard big boys and big girls called cry babies, and they weren’t babies,” said the Fig.

“But I’ve heard older kids called crybabies, and they weren’t babies,” said the Fig.

“All very true,” said the Apple, “but they behaved as babies and once they had been babies. That is, each one of them had once been a baby. It would have been impossible for them to have been more than one baby I suppose.”

“All very true,” said the Apple, “but they acted like infants and they once were infants. Each one of them had been a baby at some point. I guess it would have been impossible for them to have been more than one baby at a time.”

“We suppose so, too,” said the rest of the fruit, as it moved in the fruit dish a little.

“We think so, too,” said the rest of the fruit, as it shifted slightly in the fruit dish.

“And,” continued the Apple, “they were behaving as though they hadn’t grown up into boys and girls by crying over some silly little thing.

“And,” continued the Apple, “they were acting like they hadn’t grown up into boys and girls by getting upset over something trivial.”

“You see, Fig, you have never been a baby. You have been a little fig, but never a little baby. So you couldn’t be a cry baby, though you might be a cry fig, or a cry little fig. I’m not sure about that.”

“You see, Fig, you’ve never been a baby. You’ve been a little fig, but never a little baby. So you couldn’t be a crybaby, although you could be a cry fig or a cry little fig. I’m not too sure about that.”

“That wouldn’t sound so badly,” said the Fig. “I will have to tell you what has made me mad, and what may make me cry at any moment.”

“That wouldn’t sound so bad,” said the Fig. “I need to tell you what’s upset me and what could make me cry at any moment.”

“Tell us,” said the Apple.

“Tell us,” said the Apple.

“Imagine,” said the Fig, “I heard people speak of a person they knew was mean and horrid and unfair and all that was dreadful as not being worth a fig. Oh, that was cruel, cruel.”

“Imagine,” said the Fig, “I heard people talk about someone they knew was mean and awful and unfair and all that was terrible as not being worth a fig. Oh, that was so cruel.”

“I am so glad you told the story,” said the Apple, “for you are being unhappy for no reason at all. When any one says that a person isn’t worth thinking about and he wouldn’t give a fig for that person, it doesn’t mean an insult to the family of figs, but is simply an expression people have used for a long, long time.” And the Fig was happy again.

“I’m really glad you shared that story,” said the Apple, “because you’re feeling down for no good reason. When someone says that a person isn’t worth considering and that they wouldn’t care about that person, it’s not an insult to the family of figs; it’s just a saying people have used for ages.” And the Fig felt happy again.

But the Fig was more delighted when a lovely child came by the fruit dish and taking the Fig said, “I simply love figs.”

But the Fig was even happier when a lovely child came by the fruit dish, picked up the Fig, and said, “I absolutely love figs.”


[58]

[58]

MARCH 12: Happy Compton

“In the first place,” said Happy Compton, “I’m a dog. I’m not any special breed. I’m not what is known as a thoroughbred, but they say I’m brighter than a great many thoroughbreds. I’m glad they think I’m bright, and that they like me.

“In the first place,” said Happy Compton, “I’m a dog. I’m not any special breed. I’m not a thoroughbred, but they say I’m smarter than a lot of thoroughbreds. I’m glad they think I’m smart and that they like me.

“I was a little waif dog first of all. Louise and Ada had been promised a dog. Their daddy had told them that the first chance he had he would go and buy them a dog. Then I came along, a lonely, homeless little waif dog.

“I was just a little stray dog at first. Louise and Ada had been promised a dog. Their dad told them that as soon as he had the chance, he would go out and buy them one. Then I showed up, a lonely, homeless little stray dog.

“They took me in and fed me and loved me and made me warm and happy.

“They welcomed me, fed me, loved me, and made me feel warm and happy.

“When their daddy asked them about the dog he was to buy for them Louise said:

“When their dad asked them about the dog he was going to buy for them, Louise said:

“‘Such dogs as those, in kennels, which are for sale, will get homes, for they will be in good condition, but this is a homeless little dog and I’d rather have him. He will be happy here and he will be loved here. No one could love him more than I do.’

“‘Dogs like those in kennels that are for sale will find homes because they’re in good shape, but this little dog doesn’t have a home, and I’d rather have him. He will be happy here, and he will be loved here. No one could love him more than I do.’”

“‘Except the way I love him,’ said Ada, and to prove how much she loved me she put me down by her on the pillow and covered me up and then Louise stroked my head and I went off into the dreamland of dogs.

“‘Except for the way I love him,’ Ada said, and to show how much she cared, she laid me down next to her on the pillow and covered me up. Then Louise gently stroked my head, and I drifted off into the dreamland of dogs.”

“They both loved me so right away and they still love me so, and I know how much they always will love me.

“They both loved me right from the start, and they still love me that way, and I know how much they will always love me.”

“Because they could see how happy I was to be no longer homeless and miserable they called me Happy. It’s such a nice name, and they have given me their last name, too—Happy Compton. Isn’t that fine?”

“Because they could see how happy I was to no longer be homeless and miserable, they called me Happy. It’s such a nice name, and they’ve also given me their last name—Happy Compton. Isn’t that great?”


MARCH 13: Ice Box and Furnace

Now the furnace and the ice box were both in a big cellar. The ice box was some distance away from the furnace, but still they were in the same cellar. The ice box was near a door, which was by some steps. These steps led up to the kitchen of the house and every one came down to the ice box to get out the food which was going to be used and the milk and all such things which belong in an ice box.

Now the furnace and the icebox were both in a large basement. The icebox was a short distance away from the furnace, but they were still in the same basement. The icebox was located near a door, which was by some steps. These steps led up to the kitchen of the house, and everyone came down to the icebox to grab the food that was going to be used, along with the milk and other items that belong in an icebox.

Of course, half of the year the furnace wasn’t doing anything, and in the winter time the ice box did not have nearly so much ice given to it.

Of course, for half the year the furnace wasn't doing anything, and in the winter, the icebox didn't get nearly as much ice.

“I feel sorry for you,” said the furnace. “Here you are so cold and[59] you haven’t even enough warmth about you to make the ice melt quickly as it does in the summer time.

“I feel sorry for you,” said the furnace. “Here you are so cold and[59] you haven’t even got enough warmth to make the ice melt quickly like it does in the summer.”

“You have to be so cold always; even in the winter you have to be cold. That is the saddest of all. In the summer I’m not so hot myself but as soon as a cold day comes I am ready to be warm.”

“You have to be so cold all the time; even in the winter, you have to be cold. That’s the saddest part of all. In the summer, I’m not that hot myself, but as soon as a chilly day arrives, I’m ready to feel warm.”

“Ah, furnace, you mustn’t boast too much,” said the ice box. “I’ve heard the family having great trouble with you. There are days, sometimes the cold, cold ones, too, when you won’t burn. I’ve even known you to go out sometimes.

“Hey, furnace, don’t get too cocky,” said the ice box. “I’ve heard the family is having a lot of trouble with you. There are days, even on those really cold ones, when you just won’t burn. I’ve even seen you go out sometimes.”

“And oh, how you have made the family shiver. You have made them fuss over you.”

“And oh, how you have made the family shiver. You have had them worry about you.”

“And why shouldn’t they fuss over me?” asked the furnace. “I’m the furnace, I am; the great and warm and powerful furnace. I keep the whole house warm. I keep all the people in it warm.”

“And why shouldn’t they care about me?” asked the furnace. “I’m the furnace, after all; the great, warm, and powerful furnace. I keep the whole house cozy. I keep everyone in it warm.”

“But you don’t keep them warm when you go out and when you go slowly and when you won’t burn nicely,” said the ice box.

“But you don’t keep them warm when you go out and when you go slowly and when you won’t burn nicely,” said the ice box.

“That is to show that I won’t let any one think I’m so unimportant that I don’t have to be noticed and fussed over.”

“That shows that I won’t allow anyone to think I’m so unimportant that I don’t need to be acknowledged and cared for.”

“It shows that sometimes you are very mean, furnace. Important and great and wise and clever creatures don’t have to be fussed over. They’re above it.”

“It shows that sometimes you can be really mean, furnace. Important, great, wise, and clever beings don’t need to be coddled. They’re beyond that.”

“Look here, young ice box,” said the furnace, “I don’t want any rules from you. You are a fine thing to talk about a creature keeping warm. What warmth do you ever give to any one, I’d like to know?”

“Listen up, young ice box,” said the furnace, “I don’t need any rules from you. You're in no position to talk about keeping anyone warm. What warmth do you ever provide to anyone, I’d like to know?”

“You’re right, furnace, I don’t give any warmth. But I am not supposed to, and you are. I am supposed to keep the ice and to make folks cool in the hot summer and make the food keep nice and fresh and cool. I do my work, I do. And you should do yours, you should.”

“You're right, furnace, I don't provide any warmth. But I'm not meant to, and you are. I'm supposed to keep things cold and help people stay cool in the hot summer, and keep the food nice and fresh. I do my job, I really do. And you should do yours, you really should.”

“I do it all right, never fear,” said the furnace, though it knew that many a time it had behaved badly. But now it was mad and it went for all it was worth and the ice box chuckled and said to itself, “The poor people have been saying how cold they were and how badly the furnace was behaving. Now the furnace is mad and will behave by burning and raging for all it is worth.”

“I’m totally on it, no worries,” said the furnace, even though it knew that it had misbehaved many times before. But now it was angry, and it was going all out, and the icebox chuckled to itself, “The poor folks have been complaining about how cold it was and how poorly the furnace was acting. Now that the furnace is mad, it’ll act up by burning and raging as much as it can.”

And the furnace burned angrily and furiously and how nice and warm the people kept on that cold winter’s day!

And the furnace burned hot and fiercely, keeping everyone nice and warm on that cold winter day!


MARCH 14: The Pet Dogs

“There were five dogs,” said daddy, “who belonged to a boy who was named Jack.

“There were five dogs,” said Dad, “that belonged to a boy named Jack.

“Brutus was the largest of all. He was a big Newfoundland dog. Next came Bogi, another Newfoundland dog, but not so large as Brutus.

“Brutus was the biggest of them all. He was a large Newfoundland dog. Next was Bogi, another Newfoundland dog, but not as big as Brutus.”

[60]

[60]

“Third came Patty, an Irish terrier. Then came Ouji, a cocker spaniel, and last came Susy, a little fox terrier. When they all stood together they looked like a flight of stairs, and just as though one could walk from Susy right up to Brutus.

“Third came Patty, an Irish terrier. Then came Ouji, a cocker spaniel, and last came Susy, a little fox terrier. When they all stood together, they looked like a set of steps, making it seem like you could walk straight from Susy up to Brutus.”

“‘Ah,’ said Patty, ‘I see something coming my way.’

“‘Oh,’ said Patty, ‘I see something coming towards me.’”

“All the other dogs looked and Patty said, ‘There is a bug and I’m going to catch it.’

“All the other dogs looked, and Patty said, ‘There’s a bug, and I'm going to catch it.’”

“But the bug said to itself, ‘I’ll play a joke on that dog.’ And the bug did play a joke, a very mean joke.

“But the bug said to itself, ‘I’m going to play a trick on that dog.’ And the bug did play a trick, a really mean trick.”

“Patty snapped at the bug and then was about to swallow it when she had gotten the bug on her tongue, when what should that mean bug do but turn itself over so that it attached itself to Patty’s tongue, and so Patty couldn’t swallow it or eat it or anything!

“Patty snapped at the bug and was about to swallow it when it landed on her tongue, and just then, the bug flipped over and stuck itself to Patty’s tongue, so she couldn’t swallow it or eat it or do anything!”

“Then Brutus had a fine idea. He ran for Jack, for he had seen Jack go to a near-by field to play baseball.

“Then Brutus had a great idea. He ran to find Jack, since he had seen Jack head to a nearby field to play baseball.”

“He ran just as hard as he could and when he reached the field he didn’t even notice the baseball which had just been hit with the bat.

“He ran as fast as he could, and when he got to the field, he didn’t even notice the baseball that had just been hit by the bat."

“The boys were awfully frightened for a moment as they thought Brutus might get hit by accident with the hard ball, and they called out to him, but Brutus wasn’t thinking of being afraid of anything.

“The boys were really scared for a moment as they thought Brutus might get hit by the hard ball by accident, and they shouted out to him, but Brutus wasn’t worried about anything.”

“But luckily the ball didn’t hit Brutus, and Brutus went right on up to his master, barking, and showing by his eyes that he wanted to have Jack follow him.

“But luckily the ball didn’t hit Brutus, and Brutus went right up to his master, barking, and showing with his eyes that he wanted Jack to follow him."

“‘I guess Brutus wants me for something,’ said Jack, ‘for he wouldn’t come to the baseball field if it weren’t for something important.’

“‘I guess Brutus needs me for something,’ said Jack, ‘because he wouldn’t come to the baseball field unless it was important.’”

“So Jack ran quickly home, following Brutus. There he found Patty with the bug on her tongue and feeling most uncomfortable.

“So Jack ran quickly home, following Brutus. There he found Patty with the bug on her tongue and feeling really uncomfortable.

“Jack quickly took the bug off and then Patty no longer looked sick and miserable.

“Jack quickly took off the bug, and then Patty no longer looked sick and miserable.

“She jumped up on Jack and wagged her tail and her eyes looked very glad and happy as she tried to thank her master. And then she did quite the sweetest thing ever a dog did. She suddenly seemed to know that Brutus was the one who had done everything.

“She jumped up on Jack, wagging her tail, and her eyes looked really glad and happy as she tried to thank her master. Then she did the sweetest thing a dog could do. She suddenly seemed to understand that Brutus was the one who had done everything.”

“Jack had come quickly when Brutus had called him, for Jack was always so good to his pets, and Jack had been able to take the bug off her tongue because he had nice useful hands.

“Jack came running when Brutus called him because he was always so kind to his pets, and he was able to take the bug off her tongue since he had helpful hands.”

“But Patty knew that it was Brutus who had gone for Jack, and Brutus who had brought him back so quickly.

“But Patty knew that it was Brutus who had gone for Jack, and Brutus who had brought him back so quickly."

“And Patty went over to Brutus, looking so small beside the great big Newfoundland dog and she licked Brutus’ paws and rolled over on the grass, saying to Brutus that she was a very grateful, happy, little dog.

“And Patty went over to Brutus, looking so small beside the huge Newfoundland dog, and she licked Brutus’s paws and rolled over on the grass, telling Brutus that she was a very grateful, happy little dog.”

“And then, for a special treat, every one of them had a bone, and Jack gave himself a piece of cake!” ended daddy.

“And then, as a special treat, each of them got a bone, and Jack treated himself to a piece of cake!” finished dad.


[61]

[61]

MARCH 15: Biddle’s Trick

“Biddle the cat,” said daddy, “was very thirsty and he wanted to get a drink of milk.”

“Biddle the cat,” said Dad, “was really thirsty and wanted to get a drink of milk.”

“‘Look,’ one of the family suddenly exclaimed. And from the study they could see a light in the pantry.

“‘Look,’ one of the family suddenly shouted. And from the study, they could see a light in the pantry.

“When they went into the pantry there was Biddle on the pantry shelf and he had just pressed with his paw the electric light button—so the light had gone on!

“When they went into the pantry, there was Biddle on the shelf, and he had just pressed the electric light button with his paw—so the light had turned on!”

“‘Do you want something, Biddle?’ one of the family asked, after they had all exclaimed at the wonderful thing which Biddle had just done.

“‘Do you need something, Biddle?’ one of the family asked after they all reacted to the amazing thing Biddle had just done.

“Biddle purred, and looked at the ice box, and they got some milk for him.

“Biddle purred and looked at the fridge, and they got him some milk.

“But don’t you think it was clever of him to get the family into the pantry by turning on the light? This is a true story of Biddle Birdsall, the clever gray pussy-cat.”

“But don’t you think it was smart of him to lure the family into the pantry by turning on the light? This is a true story of Biddle Birdsall, the clever gray cat.”


MARCH 16: The Naughty Colds

Mr. and Mrs. Cold were having a very good time. Now, when most people have a good time it means that they’re playing or singing or laughing or dancing or reading or hearing music.

Mr. and Mrs. Cold were having a great time. For most people, having a good time means they’re playing, singing, laughing, dancing, reading, or listening to music.

Perhaps it means they’re having a party of some sort, or perhaps it may mean they’re in swimming or having a picnic. Oh, there are lots and lots of ways of having good times as every one knows.

Maybe it means they’re having some kind of party, or it could mean they’re swimming or having a picnic. Oh, there are so many ways to have a good time, as everyone knows.

But when Mr. and Mrs. Cold have a good time it is something very different from what we mean by a good time. In the first place, Mr. and Mrs. Cold are very disagreeable people. They have always been disagreeable. Their daddy and mother were the same way, and as for Aunt Grippe and their Uncle Bronchitis—well, they’re horrid old creatures, I can tell you.

But when Mr. and Mrs. Cold have a good time, it's something entirely different from what we think of as a good time. First of all, Mr. and Mrs. Cold are really unpleasant people. They've always been like that. Their parents were the same, and as for Aunt Grippe and Uncle Bronchitis—well, they're terrible old folks, I can tell you.

Mr. and Mrs. Cold have very mean children, too. There is Sadie Sneeze, for example. She has the worst sort of a disposition! She just loves to plague people and make them as uncomfortable as she can.

Mr. and Mrs. Cold have really mean kids, too. Take Sadie Sneeze, for instance. She has the worst attitude! She just loves to bother people and make them as uncomfortable as possible.

Then there is Charlie Cough. He likes to hurt creatures. You can just imagine how mean he is. And there is Susy Sore Throat, and Hatty Headache. They are all children of Mr. and Mrs. Cold.

Then there’s Charlie Cough. He enjoys hurting creatures. You can just picture how nasty he is. And there’s Susy Sore Throat and Hatty Headache. They are all kids of Mr. and Mrs. Cold.

“Let’s go on a trip,” they said to the children.

“Let’s go on a trip,” they said to the kids.

“All right,” said the children. They always agree to go a-traveling, and the worst thing about them is that they have many cousins and[62] relations, and their cousins and relations are just as busy a-traveling as they are!

“All right,” said the children. They always agree to go traveling, and the worst part about them is that they have a lot of cousins and[62] relatives, and their cousins and relatives are just as busy traveling as they are!

“I think,” said Mrs. Cold, “we’ll go and call on a little girl named Annette. She is such a nice little girl, I’d like to make her feel uncomfortable. Let’s give her a good dose of us.”

“I think,” said Mrs. Cold, “we should go visit a little girl named Annette. She’s such a sweet girl, I’d like to make her feel uneasy. Let’s give her a good taste of us.”

And the Cold children clapped their hands.

And the Cold kids cheered.

“Is she nice?” they said. And when their mother and daddy said:

“Is she nice?” they asked. And when their mom and dad said:

“Oh, she is wonderfully nice,” they were just overjoyed. That is how mean they are. They love to be horrid to nice, nice boys and girls and grown-ups!

“Oh, she is so nice,” they were just thrilled. That’s how cruel they are. They enjoy being horrible to nice, nice boys and girls and adults!

So they picked up their suitcases with plenty of Sadie Sneeze’s best frocks, and plenty of Charlie Cough’s extra neckties, and lots of Hatty Headache’s hair ribbons and Susy Sore Throat’s collars and off they went. Their hair ribbons and collars and dresses aren’t like nice children’s, for they are mean like themselves!

So they grabbed their suitcases filled with Sadie Sneeze’s best dresses, a bunch of extra neckties from Charlie Cough, and lots of hair ribbons from Hatty Headache and collars from Susy Sore Throat, and off they went. Their hair ribbons, collars, and dresses aren’t like nice kids’, because they’re just as unpleasant as they are!

“Oh, please,” said Annette, when they all arrived, “I didn’t ask you to come and see me. I don’t need you. I have a nice daddy and a nice mother all of my own. I don’t want Mr. and Mrs. Cold, and I have two nice brothers, and I don’t want any others, or even any sisters. Please go away.”

“Oh, please,” said Annette when they all arrived, “I didn’t ask you to come see me. I don’t need you. I have a great dad and a great mom of my own. I don’t want Mr. and Mrs. Cold, and I have two nice brothers, and I don’t want any more siblings, or even any sisters. Please just go away.”

But the Cold family paid no attention. They were so mean they liked being where they weren’t wanted.

But the Cold family didn’t care. They were so cruel they enjoyed being where they weren’t welcome.

But the time passed and the dream king found out that Annette had some horrid visitors. The dream king hurried to tell the fairy queen about it.

But time went by, and the dream king discovered that Annette had some awful visitors. The dream king rushed to inform the fairy queen about it.

“Did you ever hear of such rudeness and such unkindness as that horrible Cold family show?” he said.

“Have you ever heard of such rudeness and unkindness as that awful Cold family show?” he said.

“We’ll put a stop to this, Dream King,” said the fairy queen. “Thank you for telling me. I know that little girl Annette. Yes, I know her well. She has golden hair and fair skin and blue eyes. And she lives in a city house. Ah, yes, I know her. Just like that horrid Cold family to go and bother some one who is nice!”

“We're going to put an end to this, Dream King,” said the fairy queen. “Thanks for letting me know. I know that girl Annette. Yes, I know her well. She has golden hair, fair skin, and blue eyes. And she lives in a house in the city. Ah, yes, I know her. Just like that awful Cold family to go and bother someone who is nice!"

The fairy queen set to work. She called together all her assistants and they hurried to Annette’s house when she was fast asleep.

The fairy queen got to work. She gathered all her helpers, and they rushed to Annette’s house while she was fast asleep.

They gave the Cold family a good talking to and they waved their wands over Annette so that the Cold family were driven away.

They gave the Cold family a stern talking-to and waved their wands over Annette, causing the Cold family to be driven away.

And in the meantime the old dream king had told the dream fairies about Annette and they made up the most wonderful package of dreams, lovely dreams sent to her as she was getting all, all well again. But the dream king himself made up this poem for her:

And meanwhile, the old dream king had told the dream fairies about Annette, and they created the most amazing package of dreams, beautiful dreams sent to her as she was getting completely better. But the dream king himself wrote this poem for her:

“Annette is so nice, Annette is so sweet,
Just Annette herself is a great big treat!”

[63]

[63]

MARCH 17: Why the Shamrock is Worn on St. Patrick’s Day

“It is said,” daddy told the children, “that the shamrock keeps away the snakes which St. Patrick drove out of Ireland, for they cannot live and thrive where the shamrock grows.

“It is said,” Dad told the kids, “that the shamrock keeps away the snakes that St. Patrick drove out of Ireland, because they can’t live and thrive where the shamrock grows.

“But there is a legend about St. Patrick which I think I’ll have to tell you to-night.

“But there’s a story about St. Patrick that I think I need to share with you tonight."

“What are said to be St. Patrick’s footprints can be seen on the rocks off the shore by the Skerries harbor. The story goes that once a chieftain named Dichu drew his sword to strike St. Patrick. When he was about to do this cruel deed his own arm became perfectly stiff until he said he’d be obedient to St. Patrick. Then St. Patrick taught him to be good and kind.

“What are believed to be St. Patrick’s footprints can be seen on the rocks off the shore by the Skerries harbor. The story goes that once a chieftain named Dichu drew his sword to strike St. Patrick. Just as he was about to commit this cruel act, his arm became completely stiff until he promised to obey St. Patrick. Then St. Patrick taught him to be good and kind.”

“Still another interesting story is that of the idol worshipers. St. Patrick went into the place where these people were and found them worshiping the idols. There was a huge pillar of stone with the chief idol on top of it. It was covered with slabs of gold and silver, and around it in a circle were twelve other idols. St. Patrick smote the chief idol with his crozier and the idol crumbled to dust at once.”

“Another fascinating story is about the idol worshipers. St. Patrick went to where these people were and saw them worshiping the idols. There was a massive stone pillar with the main idol on top. It was covered with gold and silver slabs, and surrounding it in a circle were twelve other idols. St. Patrick struck the main idol with his staff, and it instantly crumbled to dust.”


MARCH 18: St. Patrick

“Daddy, do tell us this evening more about St. Patrick,” asked Jack and Evelyn.

“Dad, can you tell us more about St. Patrick this evening?” asked Jack and Evelyn.

“He was born in 372,” said daddy. “When he was only sixteen years old he was stolen by pirates. They did not treat him at all well, and he was sold by them into slavery in Ireland.

“He was born in 372,” said Dad. “When he was only sixteen, pirates kidnapped him. They didn’t treat him well at all, and he was sold into slavery in Ireland.”

“His master had him look after pigs in the mountains. But Patrick had a strange dream in which the Lord told him to run away and set out for a far-away country. He had been seven years in Ireland, so he was used to its language and all its customs and manners. After a time he was ordained a deacon, then a priest, and finally he became a bishop. At this point the pope told him to return to Ireland to preach the gospel to the Irish people. Since then he has always been known as St. Patrick. One story is that on a bitter cold morning St. Patrick and a number of his followers found they could not possibly build a fire. They had had no breakfast and were half frozen. St. Patrick listened to their complaints for a while, and then he told them to gather up the snow in a pile. This they did. St. Patrick breathed on it, and it became a fire.

“His master had him look after pigs in the mountains. But Patrick had a strange dream where the Lord told him to run away and head to a distant country. He had spent seven years in Ireland, so he was familiar with its language and all its customs and behaviors. After a while, he was ordained as a deacon, then as a priest, and eventually he became a bishop. At this point, the pope instructed him to return to Ireland to preach the gospel to the Irish people. Since then, he has always been known as St. Patrick. One story goes that on a freezing cold morning, St. Patrick and several of his followers found they couldn’t possibly start a fire. They had had no breakfast and were half frozen. St. Patrick listened to their complaints for a bit, and then he told them to gather up the snow in a pile. They did this. St. Patrick breathed on it, and it turned into a fire.”

[64]

[64]

“Another tale is that St. Patrick beat the drum so loudly when driving the snakes out of Ireland that he knocked a hole in it, but that an angel appeared and mended it, so that the drum was afterward kept as a relic.

“Another story goes that St. Patrick played the drum so loudly while driving the snakes out of Ireland that he created a hole in it, but an angel came along and fixed it, so the drum was later kept as a relic.”

“It is told that in one part of Ireland from which St. Patrick drove the snakes and toads he chained one huge serpent by a lake called in Irish Lough Dilveen and told him to stay until Monday. The people around the district still claim that every Monday they hear the serpent calling out in the Irish dialect, ‘It’s a long Monday, St. Patrick!’

“It’s said that in a certain part of Ireland, where St. Patrick banished the snakes and toads, he chained a giant serpent by a lake called Lough Dilveen in Irish and commanded it to stay until Monday. The locals believe that every Monday they can hear the serpent calling out in the Irish dialect, ‘It’s a long Monday, St. Patrick!’”

“St. Patrick is said to have died on the 17th of March, 493, aged 121. His grave is at Dunpatrick, Ireland, and a tombstone now bears his name cut in Irish characters.”

“St. Patrick is said to have died on March 17, 493, at the age of 121. His grave is in Dunpatrick, Ireland, and a tombstone now has his name carved in Irish characters.”


MARCH 19: The Clocks

“I think I shall tell you the story of the talking that went on one day in a clock shop when the old clock mender had gone to his lunch,” said daddy.

“I think I’ll tell you the story about the conversation that happened one day in a clock shop when the old clock repairman went out for lunch,” said dad.

“‘My master is so lazy!’ said the Eight-Day Clock. ‘He keeps saying: “Oh, dear, I must wind up that Clock.” And then he grabs a newspaper and sits down and reads. He quite forgets about me. He should wind me up when it is time. Gracious, I strike so he can tell I need to be wound up. But he doesn’t pay much attention. He just winds me up after I have had to stop for days. And such a fine Clock as I am, too.’

“‘My master is so lazy!’ said the Eight-Day Clock. ‘He keeps saying: “Oh, man, I really need to wind that Clock.” And then he takes a newspaper and sits down to read. He totally forgets about me. He should wind me up when it’s time. Seriously, I chime so he knows I need to be wound up. But he doesn’t pay much attention. He only winds me up after I’ve had to stop for days. And I’m such a fine Clock, too.’”

“‘You may be a fine Clock,’ said the little Watch with the broken mainspring, ‘but I don’t see as it does you any good. You are always being brought here.’

“‘You might be a great Clock,’ said the little Watch with the broken mainspring, ‘but I don’t see how that helps you. You’re always being brought here.’”

“‘I can’t help it,’ said the Eight-Day Clock. ‘You see, I get so upset over not being wound up and I get so tired and worried wondering if my master will remember, that I get feeling run down. Then I weep a Clock’s tears, which only we Clocks and Watches know about. We feel so badly when we are not treated right. And then when we feel badly it upsets our works and we have to be brought to the clock mender’s shop. But I wish we could teach our masters a lesson,’ said the Eight-Day Clock.

“I can’t help it,” said the Eight-Day Clock. “You see, I get really upset when I’m not wound up, and I feel so tired and anxious wondering if my owner will remember to do it. That’s when I start feeling worn out. Then I shed a Clock’s tears, which only we Clocks and Watches understand. We feel so miserable when we aren’t treated well. And when we feel miserable, it messes with our mechanisms, and we end up having to go to the clock repair shop. But I wish we could teach our owners a lesson,” said the Eight-Day Clock.

“‘We will,’ said the Cuckoo Clock.

“We will,” said the Cuckoo Clock.

“‘What will we do?’ asked the rest.

“‘What are we going to do?’ asked the others.

“‘We will be so hard to mend,’ said the Cuckoo Clock, ‘that we will make the clock mender charge great big prices. And then our masters will look after us.’ And all the Clocks at once looked happier.”

“‘We're going to be really difficult to fix,’ said the Cuckoo Clock, ‘that way the clock repairman will charge a lot. And then our owners will take better care of us.’ And all the Clocks instantly looked more cheerful.”


[65]

[65]

MARCH 20: A Party and Polly

“Polly want a cracker, ha, ha,” laughed the parrot.

“Polly wants a cracker, ha, ha,” laughed the parrot.

“No, Polly doesn’t want a cracker, ha, ha,” the parrot continued. “For there is no one in the room to give me a cracker, and I’ve eaten up the one I had in my cage. I have some seed and some water, but not a trace of a cracker.”

“No, Polly doesn’t want a cracker, haha,” the parrot continued. “There’s no one in the room to give me a cracker, and I’ve already eaten the one I had in my cage. I have some seeds and some water, but not a trace of a cracker.”

Polly, the parrot, stepped out of her cage and looked about the room. She flew this way and that, and she had a good-sized room in which to fly—a room with very high ceilings.

Polly, the parrot, hopped out of her cage and surveyed the room. She fluttered around, enjoying her spacious surroundings—a room with really high ceilings.

“Polly doesn’t see a cracker,” she said to herself. She couldn’t talk to any one else, you see, because there was no one else in the room. And she knew perfectly well that the pictures on the walls and the rugs on the floor didn’t care about being talked to. She had never heard them say anything or fly about or walk about—and she knew very well why they couldn’t.

“Polly doesn’t see a cracker,” she said to herself. She couldn’t talk to anyone else, you see, because there was no one else in the room. And she knew perfectly well that the pictures on the walls and the rugs on the floor didn’t care about being talked to. She had never heard them say anything or move around—and she knew exactly why they couldn’t.

Because they weren’t live things. They weren’t people, nor were they animals, nor birds. They were nothing but rugs and pictures and extremely, extremely silly.

Because they weren't alive. They weren't people, animals, or birds. They were just rugs and pictures, and they were really, really silly.

She hadn’t been looking about long when her mistress came in all dressed up in a most beautiful manner.

She hadn’t been looking around for long when her boss came in all dressed up beautifully.

“Well, Polly,” her mistress said, “we are having a party to-day.”

“Well, Polly,” her boss said, “we're having a party today.”

“Polly have a party, Polly have a party,” said the parrot.

“Polly's having a party, Polly's having a party,” said the parrot.

And when the guests arrived Polly looked down from her perch and said: “Polly have a party, Polly have a party.” How every one did laugh and admire the nice, cheerful, friendly Polly Parrot. And her mistress was very proud of Polly!

And when the guests arrived, Polly looked down from her spot and said, “Polly's having a party, Polly's having a party.” Everyone laughed and admired the nice, cheerful, friendly Polly Parrot. Her owner was very proud of Polly!


MARCH 21: Salt, Pepper and Sugar

“Creatures and things aren’t to be admired who won’t take the trouble to go out of their way to do nice things,” said Sugar of the Sugar Bowl. “And as the Sugar Bowl can’t go walking around looking for nice things to do at least it can admire the Salt Cellar and the Pepper Shaker for the work they do in seasoning and making things have a good taste.”

“Creatures and things aren’t worth admiring if they won’t make an effort to do nice things,” said Sugar of the Sugar Bowl. “And since the Sugar Bowl can’t walk around looking for nice things to do, it can at least appreciate the Salt Cellar and the Pepper Shaker for the work they do in seasoning and making things taste good.”

“Ah, Sugar Bowl,” said the Salt Cellar, “I am glad to hear you talk this way. For some time I have been afraid that you didn’t have enough character. I was very much afraid that you were becoming too sugary and too weak!

“Ah, Sugar Bowl,” said the Salt Cellar, “I’m really glad to hear you talk like this. For a while, I was worried that you didn’t have enough personality. I was very concerned that you were getting too sweet and too soft!”

“The Pepper Shaker would tell you, too, how much he thinks of you,[66] but if he comes about too much he is apt to make people sneeze. He doesn’t like to do that. He can’t help it if too much of him is used, but he hates to be used like that. He likes to add to the taste of things, but not to be made out a cruel creature.

“The Pepper Shaker would tell you how much he thinks of you,[66] but if he shows up too often, he tends to make people sneeze. He doesn’t want to do that. He can’t help it if he gets used too much, but he hates being treated that way. He enjoys enhancing the flavor of things, but he doesn’t want to be seen as a mean entity.”

“Yes, he had a terrible blow once. He was treated so badly! It wasn’t fair to him at all.

“Yes, he went through a rough time once. He was treated really poorly! It wasn’t fair to him at all.

“Some very mean boys and girls thought it would be fun to put sneezing powder in the flowers which they would give to their friends to smell. Then as their friends began to sneeze they would laugh.

“Some really mean kids thought it would be funny to put sneezing powder in the flowers they would give to their friends to smell. Then, as their friends started to sneeze, they would laugh.”

“Well, a great deal of my Pepper friend was used then. He made those people sneeze and he didn’t want to in the least. Oh, he did feel so badly about it. It wasn’t funny, he said, it was mean, out and out mean! The people who sneezed were miserable. Their noses hurt, their throats hurt and they couldn’t sleep for several nights.

“Well, a lot of my Pepper friend was used then. He made those people sneeze, and he really didn’t want to at all. Oh, he felt so bad about it. It wasn’t funny, he said; it was just plain mean! The people who sneezed were miserable. Their noses hurt, their throats hurt, and they couldn’t sleep for several nights.

“One little girl who had sneezed so hard and so much lost her voice for several days, for the sneezing powder got down in her throat, and her throat has never been quite so strong since.

“One little girl who sneezed so hard and so often lost her voice for several days because the sneezing powder went down her throat, and her throat has never been quite as strong since.

“So I think we should all be used in our places and not too much of any of us, for if too much sugar is used things will be sickish and if too much pepper or salt is used the poor pepper and salt creatures are taken a mean advantage of!”

“So I think we should all stick to our roles and not overdo it, because if you add too much sugar, everything gets sickly sweet, and if you use too much pepper or salt, those poor seasoning spices are being unfairly taken advantage of!”


MARCH 22: A Sun Parlor for Birds

“There was once a grown-up lady,” said daddy, “who had loved the stories of the fairies and of birds and flowers when she had been a little girl. She had so loved to read of all the kind deeds of the fairies that she had made up her mind that when she grew up she would do something kind too.

“There was once a grown woman,” said Daddy, “who had loved the stories of fairies, birds, and flowers when she was a little girl. She loved reading about all the kind acts of the fairies so much that she decided she would do something kind too when she grew up.

“Well, this lady had the roof of her house made into a Sun Parlor. There were trees all round, and moss, and little pools of water which she had fixed to look as much like out-of-doors as possible. The Sun Parlor she had inclosed in glass. Of course the glass made the sun shine through all the brighter. And she had little wee doors so the birds could get in and out, but so small that a cat could never get into this bird home.

“Well, this woman turned the roof of her house into a Sun Parlor. There were trees all around, along with moss and little pools of water that she made to resemble the outdoors as much as possible. She enclosed the Sun Parlor in glass, which let the sunlight shine even brighter. She also had tiny doors so the birds could get in and out, but they were small enough that a cat could never get into this bird home.”

“But still more wonderful was a big cellar where all kinds of good apples, bread crumbs, more water and countless goodies were kept.”

“But even more amazing was a big cellar where all sorts of delicious apples, bread crumbs, fresh water, and countless treats were stored.”

“But how could the birds get from the roof to the cellar?” asked Jack.

“But how could the birds get from the roof to the basement?” asked Jack.

“I don’t wonder you ask that,” said daddy. “The lady had all that part beautifully arranged. In the Sun Parlor were tunnels which[67] led down into the cellar, and the birds used to love going through these dark passages into the ‘Goody-shop’ as it was called in Bird language—and it sounded the same to them as it would to you in Boy-and-Girl language.

“I’m not surprised you’re asking that,” said Dad. “The lady had everything set up beautifully. In the Sun Parlor, there were tunnels that[67] led down into the cellar, and the birds used to love going through these dark passages to the ‘Goody-shop,’ as they called it in Bird language—and it sounded the same to them as it would to you in Boy-and-Girl language.

“At first the birds were tempted into their winter home by the bread crumbs that were in the Sun Parlor. For, of course, as you can imagine, it took the birds some time to get used to a beautiful summer home in the winter that was really just for them. Soon, though, little birds know when people are being kind to them.

“At first, the birds were lured into their winter home by the breadcrumbs in the Sun Parlor. As you can imagine, it took the birds a while to adjust to a beautiful summer home in the winter that was really just for them. But soon, little birds recognize when people are being kind to them."

“Of course the lady let all the birds who wanted to come in have just as good a time and stay just as long as they wanted to. But she especially wanted little sick birds who had perhaps fallen out of their nests.

"Of course, the lady let all the birds that wanted to come in have just as good a time and stay as long as they wanted. But she especially wanted little sick birds that may have fallen out of their nests."

“One day the lady came across a baby Robin whose family had arrived before the warm weather. The baby Robin had fallen from its nest, and very gently the lady picked him up and took him to the Sun Parlor. The mother was crying near-by for she saw her baby being taken away from her and she couldn’t help at all.

“One day, a woman found a baby robin whose family had come before the warm weather. The baby robin had fallen from its nest, and very gently the woman picked him up and took him to the sunroom. The mother was crying nearby because she saw her baby being taken away, and she couldn’t do anything to help.”

“But she saw from the top of a tree where her little sick baby was taken. How happy and relieved she was—for, of course, she had to be in her nest with all the other little Robins. But she sang every day the most wonderful songs for the lady who watched over her baby Robin until it was quite strong and able to fly.”

“But she saw from the top of a tree where her little sick baby had been taken. She was so happy and relieved—for, of course, she had to be in her nest with all the other little Robins. But she sang the most beautiful songs every day for the lady who took care of her baby Robin until it was strong enough to fly.”


MARCH 23: The Automobiles

“Honk-honk, it seems a pity,” said one automobile to the other. “I know I seem like the rudest sort of an old thing. I scare folks, and children just run when they see me coming. But it does seem a pity. Yes, it seems a shame that I can’t help it.

“Honk-honk, it’s too bad,” said one car to the other. “I know I come off as really rude. I startle people, and kids just run away when they see me coming. But it does seem like a shame. Yeah, it’s a pity that I can’t change that.”

“One day I was resting. My owner had gone inside a building. I heard a little girl and an old lady talking. The little girl said, ‘I’ve been quite ill and my heart is just beginning to get strong. I have a horrible time crossing the street, for I simply cannot walk across. Those old automobiles make me run.’

“One day I was resting. My owner had gone inside a building. I heard a little girl and an old lady talking. The little girl said, ‘I’ve been really sick, and my heart is just starting to get strong. I have a terrible time crossing the street because I just can’t walk across. Those old cars make me run.’”

“The old lady said to the little girl, ‘I know just how you feel, my dear, for I have been ill too, and I am not supposed to run fast. It hurts me when I run fast and yet I have to hurry to get out of the way of the automobiles.’

“The old lady said to the little girl, ‘I understand how you feel, my dear, because I’ve been sick too, and I shouldn’t run fast. It hurts when I run quickly, but I have to hurry to avoid the cars.’”

“‘I don’t see why they have to make people run, when they’re not going to fires and they’re not going after accidents,’ said the little girl. ‘It does not seem fair in the least.’

“‘I don’t see why they have to make people run when they’re not going to fires or responding to accidents,’ the little girl said. ‘It doesn’t seem fair at all.’”

[68]

[68]

“‘It doesn’t,’ said the old lady. ‘But I don’t suppose the people who run automobiles are ever sick. They don’t know what it means to have a horn tooted at them when they feel they cannot run.

“‘It doesn’t,’ said the old lady. ‘But I don’t think the people who drive cars ever get sick. They don’t understand what it’s like to have someone honk at them when they feel like they can’t keep going.

“‘And it seems a pity that folks should be in so much of a hurry, as they run along in their automobiles, that they can’t give those who are walking a fair chance, too.’

“‘And it seems a shame that people are in such a hurry, racing by in their cars, that they can’t give those who are walking a fair chance, too.’”

“Sometimes I wish I weren’t an automobile.”

“Sometimes I wish I wasn't a car.”

“Sometimes I wish I were one with a different owner,” said the second automobile.

“Sometimes I wish I had a different owner,” said the second car.

“Maybe we will be sold and nice people will own us, who will consider those who are walking,” said the first automobile.

“Maybe we'll be sold and nice people will own us, who will think about those who are walking,” said the first car.

“Let’s hope so,” said the second automobile.

“Let’s hope so,” said the second car.

“There’s the first star of the evening,” said the first automobile. “We’ll make a wish.”

“There’s the first star of the evening,” said the first car. “Let’s make a wish.”

So the modern automobiles wished in the old, old way, their wishes!

So the modern cars wished in the old-fashioned way, their wishes!


MARCH 24: The Trailing Arbutus

“We mustn’t waste any more time,” whispered one of the trailing arbutus family to another.

“We can’t waste any more time,” whispered one of the trailing arbutus family to another.

“No, we mustn’t. We must awaken for we are first to awaken every year. And all the families in this part get up soon.

“No, we shouldn't. We have to wake up because we are the first to wake up every year. And all the families in this area get up early.”

“Years ago,” continued the second arbutus, “some children came here to look for trailing arbutus flowers. They said to each other:

“Years ago,” continued the second arbutus, “some kids came here to look for trailing arbutus flowers. They said to each other:

“‘It must be too soon. There aren’t any.’ But they looked under some of our leaves and several of us were trying to peep out as fast as we could, so we would not disappoint the children.

“‘It must be too soon. There aren’t any.’ But they looked under some of our leaves and several of us were trying to peek out as quickly as we could, so we wouldn’t let the kids down."

“Many of our sisters and brothers were picked and I believe they came out later in water.

“Many of our sisters and brothers were chosen, and I believe they emerged later in water.”

“But those same children have come back every year, and now they are almost grown-up. They always say,

"But those same kids have come back every year, and now they're nearly adults. They always say,

“‘Here is the first place we find these lovely spring flowers.’ And so we know what is expected of us. Our roots always hand on this story to all the arbutus flowers.”

“‘Here is the first place we find these beautiful spring flowers.’ And so we know what is expected of us. Our roots always pass on this story to all the arbutus flowers.”

And now along came the grown-ups and some children.

And now the adults and a few kids showed up.

“We hide our heads under the leaves because we’re shy, but we love children and the whole beautiful world, so pick lots of us, and we’ll be bright and gay,” softly whispered the flowers.

“We hide our heads under the leaves because we’re shy, but we love kids and the whole beautiful world, so pick plenty of us, and we’ll be bright and cheerful,” softly whispered the flowers.

But the children only knew that the flowers were very, very fragrant, and oh, so very sweet!

But the kids only knew that the flowers smelled really, really good, and oh, so very sweet!


[69]

[69]

MARCH 25: The Telephone Dog

“The telephone always seemed very important to Rogue, the collie,” said daddy. “He had known his mistress to rush out after the telephone had rung and she had answered it, as if some one were ill, or something had happened which she had found to be of very great importance.

“The telephone always seemed very important to Rogue, the collie,” said dad. “He had seen his owner rush out after the phone rang and she answered it, as if someone was sick or something happened that she found to be really important.

“She was working in the garden one day when Rogue heard the telephone ring. Evidently she didn’t hear it, for she stayed out in the garden and didn’t come in to answer it. It rang and it rang, and Rogue didn’t know what to do.

“She was gardening one day when Rogue heard the phone ring. Clearly, she didn’t hear it, because she remained in the garden and didn’t come in to answer it. It kept ringing and ringing, and Rogue didn’t know what to do.

“Finally he thought up a scheme, and this is what he did. He ran out in the garden and he stood before his mistress and barked and barked without stopping. First she stroked him and didn’t seem to think anything special was the matter, but that, perhaps, he wanted to play.

“Finally, he came up with a plan, and this is what he did. He rushed out into the garden and stood in front of his owner, barking repeatedly without a break. At first, she petted him and didn’t seem to think anything was wrong, assuming that he just wanted to play.”

“He kept on barking, and after a few minutes she said: ‘What is the matter, Rogue?’

“He kept barking, and after a few minutes she said, ‘What’s wrong, Rogue?’”

“He started to go towards the house, barking, and turned around to see if she were following him. When she didn’t he went and pulled at her skirt. Then she went into the house, following Rogue, and he stopped before the telephone which was still ringing.

“He started to walk toward the house, barking, and turned around to check if she was following him. When she didn’t, he tugged at her skirt. Then she went into the house, following Rogue, and he stopped in front of the telephone, which was still ringing.

“She answered it and found that it had been ringing a long time, but it was so important that they had kept on ringing to see if she wouldn’t hear it after a while.

“She answered it and realized that it had been ringing for a while, but it was so important that they kept ringing, hoping she would hear it eventually.”

“Then she knew that Rogue had let her know the telephone was ringing and wanted her to come to answer it, for that was something he couldn’t do. But he could let her know that it was ringing, now that he had found a way of doing so.

“Then she realized that Rogue had signaled her that the phone was ringing and wanted her to pick it up, since that was something he couldn’t do. But he could alert her that it was ringing, now that he had figured out how to do that.”

“And now Rogue always lets his mistress know when the telephone is ringing. She works in her garden a great deal but she never misses a telephone call because Rogue hears it, barks for her, and leads her in before the telephone.”

“And now Rogue always lets his owner know when the phone is ringing. She spends a lot of time in her garden, but she never misses a call because Rogue hears it, barks for her, and guides her inside before the phone rings again.”


MARCH 26: The Kettle’s Trouble

“I’m not angry,” said the kettle. “I’m hurt. My poor porcelain feelings are most dreadfully hurt. A child tried to move me and in so doing she spilled some of the boiling water over herself.”

“I’m not angry,” said the kettle. “I’m hurt. My delicate porcelain feelings are really hurt. A child tried to move me and in doing so, she spilled some of the boiling water on herself.”

“I wasn’t quite boiling,” said the water; “very nearly boiling I was, though.”

“I wasn’t actually boiling,” said the water; “but I was pretty close to boiling.”

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“Don’t interrupt,” said the kettle. “You’ve caused me enough trouble. Well, the child got quite badly burned. It hurt awfully, for burns always do.”

“Don’t interrupt,” said the kettle. “You’ve caused me enough trouble. Well, the child got pretty badly burned. It hurt a lot, because burns always do.”

“Yes,” said the butter, from the ice box in the corner of the kitchen, “she came to me to be comforted. Butter is excellent for burns.”

“Yes,” said the butter, from the fridge in the corner of the kitchen, “she came to me for comfort. Butter is great for burns.”

“But she blamed me for burning her,” said the kettle. “She said that ‘the horrid old kettle burned her,’ and it wasn’t I at all.”

“But she blamed me for burning her,” said the kettle. “She said that ‘the awful old kettle burned her,’ and it wasn’t me at all.”

But the water, fire, paper, sticks, coal and match each in turn quickly said they were not to blame but only the cook, for starting the fire in the first place!

But the water, fire, paper, sticks, coal, and match all quickly said they weren't to blame; it was just the cook for starting the fire in the first place!


MARCH 27: Mr. Measles’ Puzzle

“Go away, go away,” said Peter Goblin. “You mustn’t come around here. No, you mustn’t. I won’t have it, not for a moment will I have it.”

“Go away, go away,” said Peter Goblin. “You can’t be here. No, you can’t. I won’t allow it, not for a second will I allow it.”

“May we talk to you, then?” asked Mr. Measles, as he hurried off.

“Can we talk to you, then?” asked Mr. Measles, as he rushed away.

“Yes, I will come and talk to you, but you mustn’t stay around here. Goblins don’t get measles, but children do, and I won’t have it. Hurry off. Hurry off.”

“Yes, I’ll come and talk to you, but you can’t stay around here. Goblins don’t get measles, but kids do, and I won’t allow that. Hurry up. Hurry up.”

“Wouldn’t they like to have us?” asked Mr. Mumps. “Just think how we’d make their faces puff up and look so fine and fat.”

“Don’t you think they’d want us?” asked Mr. Mumps. “Just imagine how we’d make their faces swell up and look so nice and plump.”

“Yes,” said Peter Goblin, crossly, “and make it hard for them to swallow. No sir, no sir, you get right away from here.”

“Yeah,” said Peter Goblin, angrily, “and make it tough for them to swallow. No way, no way, you need to get out of here.”

“How about me?” asked Mrs. Croup.

“How about me?” asked Mrs. Croup.

“You go away, too,” said Peter Goblin.

“You go away, too,” said Peter Goblin.

“Can’t I have just one little look at a nice little boy or a nice little girl?” asked Master Chicken-Pox.

“Can’t I just take a quick peek at a nice little boy or a nice little girl?” asked Master Chicken-Pox.

“You most certainly cannot,” said Peter Goblin.

“You definitely can’t,” said Peter Goblin.

“I don’t see why not,” said Mr. Measles crossly. He had come back a little because he had heard the others talking to Peter Goblin and he thought perhaps Peter had given in. Of course he had never known him to, but he might—one could never tell.

“I don’t see why not,” Mr. Measles said angrily. He had returned a bit because he heard the others talking to Peter Goblin and thought maybe Peter had given in. Of course, he had never known him to, but he might—one could never tell.

“I thought I’d told you to start off,” said Peter Goblin. “Now I won’t put up with any more of this nonsense. Be off—all of you. Be off, right away.”

“I thought I told you to start,” said Peter Goblin. “I won't tolerate any more of this nonsense. Get out—all of you. Leave, right now.”

“You promised to talk to us,” said Mr. Measles. “You will, won’t you?”

“You promised to talk to us,” said Mr. Measles. “You will, right?”

“But we’d rather have a little chat with a child first,” said Mr. Mumps.

“But we’d prefer to have a quick chat with a kid first,” said Mr. Mumps.

“Maybe you would like to,” said Peter Goblin, “but you’re not going to. And so, one, two, three—go! Every one of you. I’ll follow along.”

“Maybe you want to,” said Peter Goblin, “but you’re not going to. So, one, two, three—go! All of you. I’ll keep up.”

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“Now, what is the use,” Mr. Mumps muttered, “of being able to make some folks fat when one isn’t given the chance?”

“Now, what’s the point,” Mr. Mumps muttered, “of being able to make some people fat when you never get the chance?”

“You don’t want to make them fat and well,” said Peter Goblin.

“You don’t want to make them fat and unhealthy,” said Peter Goblin.

They had all wandered quite far away from the children and so Peter Goblin felt they were safe. He would get many of his goblins right to work to keep an eye on them, for goblins cannot get measles, mumps, chicken-pox or croup.

They had all wandered pretty far from the children, so Peter Goblin felt they were safe. He would send many of his goblins to keep an eye on them, since goblins can't catch measles, mumps, chickenpox, or croup.

“Yes, I make them fat,” said Mr. Mumps. “I never bother about more than their cheeks. They grumble so after I’ve made them fat that I get disheartened.”

“Yeah, I make them chubby,” said Mr. Mumps. “I only focus on their cheeks. They complain so much after I’ve made them fat that it really gets me down.”

“Good thing you do,” said Peter Goblin. “You’re certainly mean enough.”

“Good thing you do,” said Peter Goblin. “You’re definitely mean enough.”

Mr. Mumps knew Peter was right, so didn’t say another word. Mr. Measles spoke next.

Mr. Mumps knew Peter was right, so he didn’t say anything else. Mr. Measles spoke next.

“We wanted to have you talk to us,” said Mr. Measles, “because we cannot understand you.”

“We wanted you to talk to us,” Mr. Measles said, “because we can’t understand you.”

“Why not?” asked Peter Goblin. “I try to protect the children from getting measles, mumps, chicken-pox and croup. Of course they have to help me by trying to keep as well and strong as they can so as to escape you. Whenever one of you gets past us, how badly we do feel. You often do, but we try our best to keep you out. We can’t keep you out entirely but we can help.

“Why not?” asked Peter Goblin. “I try to protect the kids from getting measles, mumps, chickenpox, and croup. Of course they need to help by staying as healthy and strong as they can to avoid you. Whenever one of you gets past us, it really upsets us. You often succeed, but we do our best to keep you away. We can’t completely block you out, but we can help.”

“And then good, kind doctors drive you away.”

“And then the good, kind doctors send you on your way.”

“We hate doctors,” said Mr. Measles.

“We hate doctors,” said Mr. Measles.

“Well,” said Mrs. Croup, “we shouldn’t hate them so much, because we give them a lot of trouble, and we love to give trouble.”

“Well,” said Mrs. Croup, “we shouldn’t dislike them so much, because we cause them a lot of trouble, and we enjoy causing trouble.”

“That’s so, we do,” said Master Chicken-Pox.

“That’s true, we do,” said Master Chicken-Pox.

“But,” said Mr. Measles, “people say, ‘oh, don’t catch the measles. And be careful not to catch the mumps. Don’t go near any one with chicken-pox or you might catch it.’”

“But,” said Mr. Measles, “people say, ‘oh, don’t catch the measles. And be careful not to get the mumps. Stay away from anyone with chicken pox or you might get it.’”

“Now, to catch a thing,” continued Mr. Measles, “means to chase after it or try to get it in some way. If they don’t like us why do they talk about catching measles? They say ‘Be careful not to catch Mr. Mumps.’ It’s very silly, for if they really don’t like us, they should say, ‘Don’t let Mr. Mumps catch you.’”

“Now, to catch something,” continued Mr. Measles, “means to chase after it or try to get it in some way. If they don’t like us, why do they talk about catching measles? They say ‘Be careful not to catch Mr. Mumps.’ It’s very silly, because if they really don’t like us, they should say, ‘Don’t let Mr. Mumps catch you.’”

“It’s rather an absurd expression,” admitted Peter Goblin, “but stay away from children and talk about it for a good long while. That’s what you must all do!”

“It’s a bit of a ridiculous statement,” admitted Peter Goblin, “but stay away from kids and discuss it for a while. That’s what you all need to do!”


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MARCH 28: Winter’s Exit

“When we speak of a person making an exit,” said daddy, “we mean that the person has gone out, and so when we speak of the winter’s exit, we mean that the winter has made his departure. The winter was quite angry that Mr. Sun was so eager to see the spring.

“When we talk about someone leaving,” said dad, “we mean that the person has stepped out, and when we talk about winter leaving, we mean that winter has packed up and gone. Winter was pretty upset that Mr. Sun was so keen to welcome spring.”

“‘I’d think,’ said the winter, ‘you’d be a little scrap more polite, anyway. It always makes me so mad that I just hang around and hang around, and laugh when I hear folks say: “Isn’t the winter ever going?”’

“I'd think,” said winter, “you’d be a bit more polite, at least. It always makes me so mad that I just stick around and stick around, and laugh when I hear people say: ‘Isn’t winter ever leaving?’”

“‘Are you going to make your last bow soon?’ asked Mr. Sun.

“‘Are you going to take your final bow soon?’ asked Mr. Sun.

“‘To-morrow,’ said the winter. ‘Yes, by to-morrow I’ll really have to go. And after this last little snow-storm there’ll be no more until next year. Ah, what a sad thought that is to me, though it’s not such a sad thought for others. They seem to be so absurdly fond of young spring. They spoil him frightfully.’

“‘Tomorrow,’ said winter. ‘Yes, by tomorrow I’ll really have to leave. And after this last little snowstorm, there won’t be any more until next year. Ah, what a sad thought that is for me, even if it’s not such a sad thought for others. They seem to be ridiculously fond of young spring. They spoil him terribly.’”

“‘And you won’t really send any more blizzards?’ asked Mr. Sun.

“‘And you won’t actually send any more blizzards?’ asked Mr. Sun.

“‘I can’t,’ said the winter, ‘because you would cross that old Equator.’

“‘I can’t,’ said the winter, ‘because you would cross that old Equator.’”

“Mr. Sun smiled and the winter said: ‘I’ll take a rest now and fool the people! They’ll think it’s really spring, and then I’ll give them my fine farewell to-morrow.’

“Mr. Sun smiled and winter said: ‘I’ll take a break now and trick the people! They’ll think it’s actually spring, and then I’ll give them my grand goodbye tomorrow.’”

“And sure enough on the morrow there was a light fall of snow. The spring hardly knew what to make of it at first, until he found it was so light a storm.

“And sure enough the next day there was a light snowfall. The spring hardly knew how to react at first, until it realized it was just a light storm.

“‘That’s the winter’s bow as he makes his exit,’ said Mr. Sun to the spring.

“‘That’s winter’s bow as he makes his exit,’ Mr. Sun said to spring.

“And the spring sent out the early Breezes and said: ‘Whisper to the birds, the buds, the children that I’ve really, really come, and that winter has made his exit!’”

“And spring sent out the early breezes and said: ‘Whisper to the birds, the buds, the children that I’ve truly arrived, and that winter has left for good!’”


MARCH 29: Another Biddle Story

“I must tell you another story about the gray cat, Biddle Birdsall,” said daddy. “His mistress Gertrude was away at school. His mistress’ mother and daddy were out, and the cook was out. It was a very sad household for a cat who wanted a drink of milk.

“I have to share another story about the gray cat, Biddle Birdsall,” said Dad. “His owner Gertrude was away at school. Her parents were out, and the cook was also gone. It was a very sad situation for a cat who just wanted a drink of milk.

“Then he had an idea! He went into his master’s study and emptying the waste-paper basket in a pile on the floor, he pushed the waste-paper basket towards the pantry door.

“Then he had an idea! He went into his master’s study and emptied the waste-paper basket in a pile on the floor, then pushed the waste-paper basket towards the pantry door.

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“When he had finished pushing the basket and when it was right up by the door he turned it upside down and climbed upon it.

“When he was done pushing the basket and had it right by the door, he flipped it over and climbed on top of it.”

“‘There,’ thought Biddle, ‘now I have it.’

“‘There,’ thought Biddle, ‘now I’ve got it.’”

“And he had! He opened that door with his two front paws, turning the knob until it was undone and he could push the door open.

“And he did! He opened that door with his two front paws, turning the knob until it was loose and he could push the door open.

“Then he moved the basket away, opened the door wide, and purring delightedly to himself, he walked inside the pantry.

“Then he pushed the basket aside, swung the door wide open, and happily purring to himself, he walked into the pantry.”

“There was the milk in the saucer, and then, as you can easily guess, Biddle had the milk which he wanted. When he was drinking it the family came home and saw Biddle and the waste-paper basket and saw just what he had done. And this is another true story of the cat, Biddle Birdsall,” ended daddy.

“There was milk in the saucer, and as you can easily guess, Biddle got the milk he wanted. While he was drinking it, the family came home and saw Biddle and the waste-paper basket, realizing exactly what he had done. And this is another true story about the cat, Biddle Birdsall,” Dad concluded.


MARCH 30: The Squirrels’ Spring Work

“A little girl named Gwen had fixed a squirrel house on a pear tree near an old apple tree,” said daddy. “Now, the apple tree was near Gwen’s bedroom, and the squirrels could jump from the apple tree to her window-sill, where they were very likely to find nuts waiting for them.

“A little girl named Gwen had built a squirrel house on a pear tree next to an old apple tree,” said daddy. “Now, the apple tree was close to Gwen’s bedroom, and the squirrels could leap from the apple tree to her window sill, where they were likely to find nuts waiting for them.

“When the days began to get a little warmer Gwen hung just outside the window-sill a little hammock and waited to see if the squirrels would dare to swing in it. Having all the nuts Gwen put on her window-sill and seeing her do such kind things so often made them pretty tame. And, too, they appeared to realize that it was Gwen who had seen to the building of the little house.

“When the days started to warm up a bit, Gwen hung a small hammock just outside the window-sill and waited to see if the squirrels would be brave enough to swing in it. With all the nuts Gwen placed on her window-sill and her frequent kind gestures, the squirrels became quite tame. Plus, they seemed to understand that it was Gwen who took care of building the little house.”

“But the hammock seemed very strange to them at first. However, one very brave squirrel thought he’d try it and jumped into the hammock. Gwen was watching back of a curtain, and it was all she could do to keep from crying aloud with joy, for she was so pleased that one of the squirrels was actually using her little hammock. After a while the other squirrels tried it.

“But the hammock felt really odd to them at first. However, one bold squirrel decided to give it a shot and jumped into the hammock. Gwen was watching from behind a curtain, and she could barely hold back her tears of joy because she was so thrilled that one of the squirrels was actually using her little hammock. After a while, the other squirrels gave it a try.”

“Before long one of the old squirrels began to scold for all he was worth. Oh, he was very much annoyed, and all the squirrels stopped swinging in the hammock. They seemed to be paying great attention to the old squirrel, and Gwen wondered what it was all about.

“Before long, one of the older squirrels started to scold at the top of his lungs. He was really annoyed, and all the squirrels stopped swinging in the hammock. They seemed to be paying close attention to the older squirrel, and Gwen wondered what was going on.

“The old squirrel was the leader, and he was the one who always gave the directions and did all the managing. This, in squirrel language, was what he said:

“The old squirrel was the leader, and he was the one who always gave the directions and handled all the management. This, in squirrel language, was what he said:

“‘Now, don’t you know you can’t spend all your time idling! You are the laziest lot of squirrels I have ever known. Don’t you know that you must get to work? This is the season for us to tap the sirup[74] from the maple trees, and you are spending your time swinging in a hammock. It is all very well to play, but then there is work to be done. We don’t want to waste our time and let all the good sap go, do we? And you really do want the maple sirup, don’t you?’

“‘Now, don’t you know you can’t spend all your time lounging around! You are the laziest group of squirrels I’ve ever seen. Don’t you realize that it’s time to get to work? This is the season for us to tap the syrup[74] from the maple trees, and here you are swinging in a hammock. It’s nice to play, but there’s work to be done. We don’t want to waste our time and let all the good sap go, do we? And you really do want the maple syrup, don’t you?’”

“Off they started to scamper to the nearest maple tree. Gwen put on her hat and coat and followed along to see what they were going to do. They got all the sap they wanted and smacked their lips over it. They enjoyed the work really, for it meant good times to follow, and they were glad the wise old squirrel had told them about it in plenty of time.”

“Off they went to dash over to the nearest maple tree. Gwen put on her hat and coat and followed along to see what they were up to. They collected all the sap they wanted and smacked their lips over it. They actually enjoyed the work because it meant good times ahead, and they were grateful that the wise old squirrel had told them about it in time.”


MARCH 31: The Bunch of Keys

The keys were all talking in their jingling way. “I open a drawer in which birthday presents are locked up before the birthday has come,” said one of the keys. “I know so many secrets, all about presents and nice things for celebrations.”

The keys were all chatting in their jingling way. “I open a drawer where birthday gifts are locked up before the big day arrives,” said one of the keys. “I know so many secrets, all about gifts and fun stuff for celebrations.”

“I open the cake tin,” said another key, “and there is going to be a birthday cake to-morrow all decorated with candles. There is going to be a party.”

“I open the cake tin,” said another key, “and tomorrow there’s going to be a birthday cake all decorated with candles. There’s going to be a party.”

“So I’ll be used too,” said the candy drawer key.

“So I’ll be used too,” said the key to the candy drawer.

“And I will too,” said the birthday drawer key.

“And I will too,” said the birthday drawer key.

“And I will too,” said the key which opened the money box, “for some little treats will be bought.”

“And I will too,” said the key that opened the money box, “because some little treats will be bought.”

“We’ll jingle to-morrow, all right,” said the keys in chorus, “for we are going to open up secrets and pleasures and treats for a birthday celebration.”

“We'll jingle tomorrow, for sure,” said the keys in unison, “because we're about to unlock secrets, fun, and goodies for a birthday celebration.”

And the keys all sang:

And the keys all chimed:

“If you’re a key, a key,
You can see, can see,
The opening of joys,
For girls and for boys.”

APRIL 1: Marketing

“It is surprising,” said Mr. Robin, “how many creatures forget that they’re not the only ones who go marketing.

“It’s surprising,” said Mr. Robin, “how many creatures forget that they’re not the only ones shopping.”

“Ladies go to the shops and they think they’re the only ones who see that their families are fed. But they’re not at all. Now, all[75] of the robins go a-marketing. We are very good at it. And most of the gentlemen birds do the marketing when the mother birds are watching over the eggs and the little birdlings.”

“Women go shopping and think they’re the only ones looking after their families. But that’s not true at all. Now, all of the robins go shopping too. We’re really good at it. Most of the male birds handle the shopping while the mother birds take care of the eggs and the baby birds.”

“‘THIS IS THE SEASON FOR US TO TAP THE SIRUP FROM THE MAPLE TREES, AND YOU ARE SPENDING YOUR TIME SWINGING IN A HAMMOCK.’”—Page 73

“‘THIS IS THE SEASON FOR US TO COLLECT THE SYRUP FROM THE MAPLE TREES, AND YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME RELAXING IN A HAMMOCK.’”—Page 73

“That is so,” agreed Mrs. Robin; “the dear father birds are splendid about looking after the food for the home when we’re busy guarding the nests and seeing that the eggs hatch out into dear little birdlings.

"That's true," Mrs. Robin agreed; "the father birds are great at finding food for the family while we're busy protecting the nests and making sure the eggs hatch into adorable little chicks."

“And you always know where to get the best worms.”

“And you always know where to find the best worms.”

“To be sure,” said Mr. Robin, “and that is what I meant when I said that though we did not go to the same markets as people we went marketing, too.

“To be sure,” said Mr. Robin, “and that’s what I meant when I said that even though we didn’t go to the same markets as others, we went shopping too."

“What a horrible thing it would be if people did come to the lawns and began digging up all the worms! Gracious, the poor birds would have a dreadful time!

“What a terrible thing it would be if people came to the lawns and started digging up all the worms! Wow, the poor birds would have a horrible time!

“But they don’t do that any more than we go to the grocery stores and tell the grocer to please do us up a package of potatoes and another of onions, and one more of meat which we’d order at the meat shop.

“But they don’t do that any more than we go to the grocery store and ask the grocer to please pack us up a bag of potatoes, another of onions, and one more of meat that we would order at the butcher.”

“It is fair the way things are divided up. In this way the lawns don’t run short of worms as they otherwise might do.”

"It’s fair how everything is split up. This way, the lawns won’t run out of worms like they might otherwise."


APRIL 2: The Buds’ Secrets

“Some of the tree buds,” said daddy, “were talking about themselves softly. ‘We do so enjoy being liked,’ said the little bud which had grown the most. ‘We love to be encouraged—helped along.’

“Some of the tree buds,” said Dad, “were quietly talking about themselves. ‘We really enjoy being appreciated,’ said the little bud that had grown the most. ‘We love to be encouraged—helped along.’”

“‘But how can any one help a bud?’ asked a Fairy who happened along then.

“‘But how can anyone help a bud?’ asked a Fairy who happened to pass by then.

“‘The Sun encourages us by shining and smiling at us. The South Wind whispers secrets to us and we are helped so much by the secrets—for the South Wind tells us such lovely things. And she promises us more sunshine, more warmth, more brightness. And then there are the Clouds and their promises. They tell us they will not forget about the April showers. They never have, and I don’t believe they ever will.’

“‘The Sun encourages us by shining and smiling at us. The South Wind whispers secrets to us, and those secrets help us a lot—because the South Wind shares such beautiful things. She promises us more sunshine, more warmth, more brightness. And then there are the Clouds and their promises. They say they won’t forget about the April showers. They never have, and I don’t think they ever will.’”

“‘And,’ the bud continued, ‘it is so glorious to burst into bud and bloom again after a long winter when the branches of the tree are bare that we like to do it slowly and enjoy every second of it. Besides, the tree has been so used to being lonely that it would be too much of a shock if we came forth all at once. We just peep forth first of all and tell the tree that we are coming, for spring is here.’

“‘And,’ the bud continued, ‘it’s so amazing to burst into bud and bloom again after a long winter when the branches of the tree are bare that we like to do it slowly and enjoy every moment. Besides, the tree has gotten so used to being alone that it would be a huge shock if we came out all at once. We just peek out first and let the tree know we’re on our way because spring is here.’”

“‘Ah, how young I feel,’ said a very little bud.

“‘Ah, how youthful I feel,’ said a tiny bud.

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“‘We all feel so young, too,’ said the other buds.

“‘We all feel so young, too,’ said the other buds.”

“‘You are all wonderfully young,’ said the Fairy. ‘You are buds, wonderful spring buds, and you’ll soon be leaves!’

“‘You’re all wonderfully young,’ said the Fairy. ‘You’re like buds, amazing spring buds, and you’ll soon turn into leaves!’”

“The buds came forth a little more and smiled gently at the Fairy to show her how pleased they were at the kind things she was saying to them, and when they smiled a little more green showed.

“The buds opened up a bit more and smiled softly at the Fairy to show her how happy they were with the nice things she was saying to them, and as they smiled a bit more, more green appeared.”

“The grown-ups that day said, ‘How far the buds came out to-day. They’ll soon be leaves if they keep coming out at this rate.’

“The adults that day said, ‘Look how far the buds have opened today. They’ll be leaves soon if they keep growing at this rate.’”

“But the little Fairy knew the secrets of the buds.”

“But the little Fairy knew the secrets of the buds.”


APRIL 3: The Clock and the Watch

“Now when I say,” the watch began, “that I have to hurry and catch up—or rather try to catch up—I mean that my master has a foolish way of trying to hurry me up at the last moment. He waits and fusses and wastes his time, and then he wonders how he can reach somewhere on time—reaching there almost before he starts if he wants to be on time. Then I hurry and try to catch up to him as he seems in such a rush. And the trouble is I’m way ahead of the time he wants me to be. I try to keep up with his hurrying—for after he has wasted a great deal of time he does try to hurry. In fact he runs around all day trying to catch up with himself, and I run around with him. But it’s of no use. He tried putting me way ahead of time one day not long ago, but it was senseless when I disagreed with every other watch, and every one said to my master, ‘Your watch is fast.’ We watches must agree, you know, and so I just get nervous trying to catch up with the lost moments for my master, and the only thing, I think, for him to do is to expect less of me and to start off everything ON TIME!”

“Now when I say,” the watch started, “that I need to hurry and catch up—or rather try to catch up—I mean that my owner has a silly habit of rushing me at the last minute. He waits around, fusses, and wastes a lot of time, and then he wonders how he can get somewhere on time—he’d need to leave almost before he starts if he wants to be punctual. Then I rush to keep up with him, since he always seems to be in a hurry. The problem is I’m already ahead of the time he wants. I try to keep pace with his rush—because after he has wasted so much time, he does try to move quickly. In fact, he runs around all day trying to catch up with himself, and I run around with him. But it’s pointless. He tried setting me ahead of time one day not too long ago, but that was pointless when every other watch disagreed with me, and everyone told my owner, ‘Your watch is fast.’ We watches need to be in sync, you know, so I just get anxious trying to make up for the lost moments for my owner, and honestly, I think the best thing for him to do is expect less from me and to start everything ON TIME!”


APRIL 4: Billie’s Springtime

“I’d like to tell my story,” said Billie to the Fairy Wondrous Secrets. “People are always wondering what babies think about and what they are planning to do when they grow up—if they are planning to do anything or not. They wonder so much about us, and so I’d like to tell my story. I don’t know about other babies. But I would like to tell about myself, if no one minds.”

“I’d like to share my story,” said Billie to the Fairy Wondrous Secrets. “People are always curious about what babies think and what they plan to do when they grow up—if they plan to do anything at all. They’re really fascinated by us, and I want to share my story. I can’t speak for other babies, but I’d love to talk about myself, if that’s okay.”

“I’d like to hear,” said the Fairy Wondrous Secrets.

“I’d like to hear,” said the Fairy Wondrous Secrets.

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Now Billie was in a baby-carriage which was out on the front porch of a little house in the country. Billie’s mother was busy and so was Billie’s daddy, but Billie, they knew, was quite safe in the carriage on the porch where the soft spring air was blowing.

Now Billie was in a stroller that was out on the front porch of a small house in the country. Billie’s mom was busy, and so was Billie’s dad, but they knew Billie was safe in the stroller on the porch where the gentle spring air was blowing.

No one was around but the Fairy Wondrous Secrets and if any one had come around the Fairy Wondrous Secrets would have vanished quickly.

No one was around except for the Fairy Wondrous Secrets, and if anyone had shown up, the Fairy Wondrous Secrets would have disappeared quickly.

“I’m really a little girl,” Billie began, “though my name is something like a boy’s name, I believe. You see my great big daddy’s name is Bill and my mother wanted to name me after him. She couldn’t have my real name Billie, but she had every one call me that, so it’s my daytime every-day name, and my best, dress-up name is Mary Ann, or Marion or some such fine name after my mother.

“I’m really just a little girl,” Billie started, “even though my name sounds like a boy’s name, I think. You see, my big dad’s name is Bill and my mom wanted to name me after him. She couldn’t use my real name Billie, but she had everyone call me that, so it’s my everyday name, and my fancy dress-up name is Mary Ann, or Marion or some nice name like that after my mom.

“I came to the world in December,” said Billie. “You see, Fairy, I thought it would be fun to arrive in the world when everything was so exciting. Christmas was coming on and it was very gay and merry.

“I came into the world in December,” said Billie. “You see, Fairy, I thought it would be fun to arrive at a time when everything was so exciting. Christmas was just around the corner, and it was really festive and cheerful.

“I’ve had a nice winter, but now is the best time I’ve known, for it’s springtime. And I’ll tell you, Fairy Wondrous Secrets, I feel as though it were all my own springtime.

“I’ve had a nice winter, but now is the best time I’ve ever experienced, because it’s spring. And I’ll tell you, Fairy Wondrous Secrets, I feel like it’s my own personal springtime.”

“I feel the soft, warm wind blow over my little pink cheeks which every one admires so much and I smile and I croon and I make soft little singing sounds as the trees do. And I look around to smile at the trees and the bushes, too, and to let them see my blue eyes. I ask them if they think my eyes look like the blue sky, for the bushes and the trees are always looking up at the sky, so they should surely know.

“I feel the gentle, warm breeze brushing against my little pink cheeks that everyone admires so much, and I smile and hum, making soft little singing sounds like the trees. I look around to smile at the trees and bushes too, letting them see my blue eyes. I ask them if they think my eyes resemble the blue sky, since the bushes and trees are always looking up at the sky, so they should definitely know."

“I can see the yellow forsythia upon the bushes, and how gay and lovely it is. The lilacs are in bud, and there are white blossoms on the bushes. Back of our house there are some waterfalls and they laugh and gurgle as they dash over the rocks, something the way I laugh and gurgle.

“I can see the yellow forsythia on the bushes, and how cheerful and beautiful it is. The lilacs are starting to bud, and there are white flowers on the bushes. Behind our house, there are some waterfalls, and they laugh and gurgle as they tumble over the rocks, kind of like how I laugh and gurgle.”

“I believe it is their way of kicking with fun. I kick with fun when my mother puts me in the wash-basin every morning. The wash-basin, Fairy Wondrous Secrets, is my bathtub, and I splash and kick and laugh and have such a good time! I don’t care if the water spills over the floor any more than I imagine the waterfalls care that they spill water over the rocks. They enjoy it! So do I!

“I think it's their way of having fun. I have fun when my mom puts me in the sink every morning. The sink, Fairy Wondrous Secrets, is my bathtub, and I splash and kick and laugh and have such a great time! I don’t mind if the water spills onto the floor any more than I think waterfalls mind spilling water over the rocks. They enjoy it! So do I!

“I can see the ducks and hear them quack, quack. I hear that sometimes they lay seven eggs a day. The chickens and the hens and the roosters walk about and chatter, and one day a lady passed and said ‘Hello,’ to a chicken and the chicken got up from the ground most politely as a mannerly person would do, I’m told.

“I can see the ducks and hear them quack, quack. I hear that sometimes they lay seven eggs a day. The chickens, hens, and roosters roam around and chatter, and one day a lady walked by and said ‘Hello’ to a chicken, and the chicken got up from the ground very politely, just like a well-mannered person would, I’ve heard.”

“The pussy-willows are out and the skunk-cabbage is in bloom. There are red flowers and yellow flowers and little star flowers. The trees are full of buds or little leaves or blossoms of different colors.[78] There is a little turtle who is sunning himself by the brook near-by and who is an interesting creature, I have heard. He wears a shell over his back as I wear a little knitted jacket.

"The pussy willows are out and the skunk cabbage is in bloom. There are red flowers, yellow flowers, and tiny star flowers. The trees are full of buds, small leaves, or blossoms in different colors.[78] There's a little turtle sunbathing by the nearby brook who is quite an interesting creature, or so I've heard. He has a shell on his back just like I wear a little knitted jacket."

“At night I hear the crickets when I wake up for my bottle. And I believe these creatures all like the country, too. The chickens and the ducks say that in the cities they aren’t wanted and they wouldn’t be allowed to wander about, so they wouldn’t leave the country for anything.

“At night, I can hear the crickets when I wake up for my bottle. And I think these creatures love the countryside as much as I do. The chickens and ducks say that in the cities, they aren’t wanted and wouldn’t be allowed to roam around, so they wouldn't leave the country for anything.”

“And one evening I saw a moon in the sky. My daddy told me it was a moon and surely he knows! And over the moon there was a bright gold star, and I made a wish. This was my wish: that other babies might have happy homes as I have, where they don’t want to cry, because there is no reason to cry. I’m well looked after, I’m never spoilt and they love me; so why should I cry? But what I’m thinking about mostly, these days, is of how lucky I am to have such a daddy and mother and to see the beautiful springtime in the country.”

“And one evening I saw the moon in the sky. My dad told me it was the moon, and he definitely knows! And above the moon, there was a bright gold star, and I made a wish. This was my wish: that other babies could have happy homes like mine, where they don’t want to cry because there’s no reason to cry. I’m well taken care of, I’m never spoiled, and they love me; so why should I cry? But what I’m mostly thinking about these days is how lucky I am to have such a great dad and mom and to see the beautiful springtime in the countryside.”


APRIL 5: Brenda’s Easter Visit

“Her name is Brenda,” said daddy, “and when I saw her yesterday she told me that every year at Easter time she went to the head nurse of the big hospital and found out the names of all the children. Then she went shopping, and it took her a long time to pick out things for little sick children. She picked out for each child a big round chocolate egg which rattled, for inside it there were little sugar candies; also a chocolate chicken and a chocolate bunny. She always picked out ones that had lots of expression too. Around the egg she tied a big red ribbon, around the chocolate chicken’s neck she tied a bright green ribbon, and around the bunny’s neck she tied a bright purple ribbon. Then she put them in a little box and wrote on the box the child’s name.

“Her name is Brenda,” Dad said, “and when I saw her yesterday, she told me that every year at Easter, she goes to the head nurse of the big hospital to find out the names of all the kids. Then she goes shopping, and it takes her a long time to pick out gifts for the little sick kids. She chooses a big round chocolate egg that rattles, because inside are little sugar candies; she also gets a chocolate chicken and a chocolate bunny. She always picks ones that have a lot of personality, too. She ties a big red ribbon around the egg, a bright green ribbon around the chocolate chicken’s neck, and a bright purple ribbon around the bunny’s neck. Then she puts them in a little box and writes the child’s name on the box.

“Last year Brenda went to the hospital the day before Easter. It was far from being a pleasant day. There was a cold wind in the air and no sun.

“Last year, Brenda went to the hospital the day before Easter. It was anything but a pleasant day. There was a cold wind in the air and no sun.”

“She arrived at the hospital just as all the little children had had their wounds dressed. They were lying in their little white cots trying to keep back the tears that wanted to come.

“She arrived at the hospital just as all the little kids had their wounds taken care of. They were lying in their small white cots, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to come.”

“Brenda asked the nurse if she could go inside with the gifts.

“Brenda asked the nurse if she could go inside with the gifts.

“‘Yes, indeed!’ said the nurse. ‘The children would love that. The child’s name in the first cot,’ continued the nurse very softly, ‘is Elsa. She has hurt her back, and no one knows how long she will have to lie there.’

“‘Yes, definitely!’ said the nurse. ‘The kids would really enjoy that. The little girl in the first crib,’ the nurse continued softly, ‘is Elsa. She hurt her back, and no one knows how long she’ll have to stay there.’”

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“‘Elsa,’ said Brenda, ‘happy Easter. A little chocolate bunny, a little chocolate chicken and a big chocolate egg all said they wanted to wish you a happy Easter.’

“‘Elsa,’ Brenda said, ‘happy Easter. A little chocolate bunny, a little chocolate chicken, and a big chocolate egg all wanted to wish you a happy Easter.’”

“Elsa opened her half shut eyes and clutched the box. She opened it eagerly. There they all were! And the chocolate bunny did have the funniest expression! He would have made any one laugh, and his purple ribbon bow was sticking way up on one side with such a saucy expression. Elsa burst out laughing. Afterward the nurse told Brenda it was the first time she’d seen Elsa laugh since she’d been brought to the hospital.

“Elsa opened her half-closed eyes and gripped the box. She eagerly opened it. There they all were! And the chocolate bunny had the funniest face! It would have made anyone laugh, and its purple ribbon bow was sticking up on one side with such a cheeky expression. Elsa burst out laughing. Later, the nurse told Brenda it was the first time she’d seen Elsa laugh since she had been brought to the hospital.”

“Then Brenda took the rest of her boxes around to all the other little sick children. And such happiness as there was in the ward!”

“Then Brenda took the rest of her boxes around to all the other little sick kids. And there was so much happiness in the ward!”


APRIL 6: An Uninvited Guest

The children were just finishing their lunches which they had been eating in the school yard and were going back to their classes when what should they see but a bear!

The kids were just finishing their lunches, which they had been eating in the schoolyard, and were heading back to their classes when they spotted a bear!

“Oh, oh, hurry, scurry, run, run,” they all cried.

“Oh, oh, hurry, rush, go, go,” they all shouted.

“Oh, what an escape!” some of them panted, when they were safe in a nice big barn down the road.

“Oh, what a getaway!” some of them gasped, when they were safe in a nice big barn down the road.

But the bear was having the time of his life.

But the bear was having the time of his life.

“Well, well, well,” he growled, “I really don’t understand it at all. Children come to the circus and gaze and gaze at us, and tell their mothers and their daddies how nice they think we are. But how they did run! And I had come to pay them a nice call.

“Well, well, well,” he grumbled, “I really don’t get it at all. Kids come to the circus and stare and stare at us, telling their moms and dads how great they think we are. But how they did run! And I had come to pay them a nice visit.

“Sniff-sniff, what is it I smell?” continued the bear. And then he jumped around for joy. “Goodies! Food! Wonderful, wonderful food! How kind of the dear little children. They really expected me to lunch—for they’ve left lots of food—and when I came they didn’t want to make me uncomfortable by watching me eat.

“Sniff-sniff, what is that smell?” the bear continued. Then he jumped around with excitement. “Yummy! Food! Amazing, amazing food! How thoughtful of those sweet little kids. They really thought I would join them for lunch—since they left so much food—and when I showed up, they didn’t want to make me uncomfortable by staring at me while I ate.

“Ah, now, I have had a fine meal, a luxurious meal, fit for a king—no, fit for a bear!” And the bear rubbed his front paw over his well-filled tummy and again growled delightedly to himself some more, saying over and over again: “Delicious; such a meal!”

“Ah, now, I’ve just had a great meal, a feast fit for a king—no, fit for a bear!” And the bear rubbed his front paw over his full belly and happily growled to himself again and again, saying, “Delicious; what a meal!”

But along came the keeper of the animals of the circus and led the bear back to his cage. For a circus was traveling through the country and when they had stopped for a rest this bear had escaped. But what a tale he had to tell when he got back to the circus again!

But then the circus animal keeper showed up and took the bear back to his cage. A circus was traveling through the country, and when they stopped for a break, this bear had managed to escape. But what a story he had to share when he returned to the circus!


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APRIL 7: The Tired Honeysuckle

“I’m very tired,” said the Honeysuckle, “and I’d really almost rather not come up this spring.”

“I’m really tired,” said the Honeysuckle, “and I’d actually prefer not to come up this spring.”

“But you are supposed to come up every year,” said the Hyacinth. “You are like me, my dear: your roots are good and lasting. We don’t have to be replanted from seeds every spring.”

"But you're supposed to come back every year," said the Hyacinth. "You’re just like me, my dear: your roots are strong and enduring. We don’t have to be replanted from seeds every spring."

“Yes, what you say is perfectly true,” said the Honeysuckle. “But then I am old, so very, very old.”

“Yes, what you’re saying is absolutely true,” said the Honeysuckle. “But I’m old, really, really old.”

“How old are you?” whispered the Hyacinth in a very low voice which the Wind carried on his shoulders.

“How old are you?” whispered the Hyacinth in a really soft voice that the Wind carried on his shoulders.

“I am so many years old I can’t remember. This garden I’ve heard people say has been kept just like this for over a hundred years, and the house near-by is just as old—in fact, it is older. I’ve been here a very large part of that time.”

“I’m so many years old that I can’t remember. This garden, I’ve heard people say, has been maintained like this for over a hundred years, and the house nearby is just as old—in fact, it’s older. I’ve been here for a significant portion of that time.”

“Well,” said the Hyacinth, “then I don’t blame you for feeling tired. I should think you would want to rest. Let them start another Honeysuckle growing. You’ve worked hard enough.”

“Well,” said the Hyacinth, “I don’t blame you for feeling tired. I think you should take a break. Let them start another Honeysuckle growing. You’ve put in enough effort.”

“Ah,” said the Honeysuckle, “that’s just what you don’t understand. I am tired, very tired. But ah, I must blossom because of the people.”

“Ah,” said the Honeysuckle, “that’s exactly what you don’t get. I’m exhausted, really exhausted. But I have to bloom for the people.”

“What people?” asked the Hyacinth.

“What people?” asked the Hyacinth.

“The people in this house. You see, I am just outside a window, growing on my vine, and my sweet fragrance can be carried indoors. Of course yours can, too, dear old Hyacinth, though you aren’t so old, are you? But I last all through the summer, and you are just a glorious spring flower.”

“The people in this house. You see, I'm just outside a window, growing on my vine, and my sweet fragrance can drift inside. Of course yours can too, dear old Hyacinth, though you aren’t really that old, are you? But I bloom all summer long, while you’re just a beautiful spring flower.”

“Then it’s no wonder you get tired out. And you have to give the bumblebees honey. Your honey is very fine, I have heard.”

“Then it’s no surprise you get worn out. And you need to give the bumblebees honey. Your honey is really good, I’ve heard.”

“And don’t forget the humming-birds,” said the Honeysuckle. “They love me every bit as much as the bumblebees do. And I love them too! The little dears! But I must tell you the reason why I come up each year, even though sometimes it seems so hard.

“And don’t forget the hummingbirds,” said the Honeysuckle. “They love me just as much as the bumblebees do. And I love them too! Those little cuties! But I have to tell you why I come back every year, even though it can be so tough sometimes.

“Years and years ago I was planted by a little girl—a little girl, Mary Alice, who loved flowers and who could always make them grow. And above all the flowers she loved her red Honeysuckle best of all. She watched over me. She gave me drinks. She dug up the earth around my roots. She made me so comfortable. And for a very special occasion she would pluck off a spray of my red blossoms and wear them.

“Years ago, I was planted by a little girl—Mary Alice, who loved flowers and had a knack for making them thrive. Above all the flowers, she adored her red honeysuckle the most. She took care of me, watering me and loosening the soil around my roots to make me comfortable. For special occasions, she would pick a bunch of my red blooms to wear."

“Now Mary Alice grew up to be a big lady—though she was never very big. She always seemed like a little girl to me, for she was so dainty, so small and so lovely. Her eyes were very blue and her hair very golden. But as the years went by each spring I noticed that silver[81] was growing in her hair, and then one spring I saw that it was quite white.

“Now Mary Alice grew up to be a tall lady—though she was never really that big. She always seemed like a little girl to me, because she was so delicate, so petite and so beautiful. Her eyes were a bright blue and her hair was a shiny gold. But as the years passed, each spring I noticed that silver[81] was creeping into her hair, and then one spring I saw that it had turned completely white."

“During all this time there were other little children growing up—and now there are some more. And I always saw my little girl—for I thought of her as that even when she was quite, quite old—smiling at all the little faces, and the children would smile at her—never scowls—always smiles. Somehow no one could have scowled at Mary Alice, and I don’t believe she ever scowled at any one. For when her hair was white, her forehead had no wrinkles.

“During all this time, other little kids were growing up—and now there are even more. I always saw my daughter—because I thought of her that way even when she was really old—smiling at all the little faces, and the kids would smile back at her—never frowns—always smiles. Somehow, no one could frown at Mary Alice, and I don’t think she ever frowned at anyone. Even when her hair turned white, her forehead had no wrinkles.”

“Every spring she would be waiting for me. ‘There comes my honeysuckle,’ she would say. The last few years it has been very hard to come up. My roots have lost their strength, but I have come along as best I could, for I have thought of Mary Alice and her smiles.

“Every spring, she would be waiting for me. ‘Here comes my honeysuckle,’ she would say. The last few years, it’s been really tough to grow. My roots have weakened, but I’ve pushed through as best as I could because I’ve thought of Mary Alice and her smiles.”

“Last year she was sitting by her window and looking out at me. ‘That honeysuckle is as old as I am,’ she said.

“Last year she was sitting by her window and looking out at me. ‘That honeysuckle is as old as I am,’ she said.

“And not long after that I missed seeing dear little old-young Mary Alice and her smiles when I wafted my fragrance through her window.

“And not long after that I missed seeing sweet little old-young Mary Alice and her smiles when I sent my scent through her window.

“But one day I saw the other people of the house and the children, too, looking at me. ‘The honeysuckle that she loved,’ they said. ‘Oh we hope it will keep on coming up each year, for it reminds us so of her. But it looks pretty old now.’

“But one day I saw the other people in the house and the kids, too, looking at me. ‘The honeysuckle she loved,’ they said. ‘Oh, we hope it keeps growing back each year because it reminds us of her so much. But it looks pretty old now.’”

“So you see, little Hyacinth, I must come up, even though I am so very tired and old!”

“So you see, little Hyacinth, I have to come up, even though I’m so very tired and old!”


APRIL 8: The Flower Parade

“We’ll tell you a story,” said the white lilac bush while the purple and Persian lilac bushes listened as did the garden flowers.

“We’ll tell you a story,” said the white lilac bush while the purple and Persian lilac bushes listened, along with the garden flowers.

“We’d like to hear a story,” the fairies said.

“We want to hear a story,” the fairies said.

“You see,” said the white lilac bush, “we are all a part of the great Flower Parade. When the snow leaves the ground the crocus flowers appear and take the lead in the parade. They are like the drum-major who leads the procession, but instead of tossing a fancy stick into the air, they lift up their little heads and tell the world that spring has come.

“You see,” said the white lilac bush, “we are all part of the great Flower Parade. When the snow melts away, the crocus flowers emerge and lead the parade. They’re like the drum major that guides the procession, but instead of tossing a fancy stick into the air, they raise their little heads and announce that spring is here.

“Next follow the hyacinths, the tulips, daffodils, narcissus flowers, garden violets, pansies, and little daisies. They all are about in the same part of the parade. And when they come we appear too, as well as the flowering almond shrubs and many others.

“Next come the hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, narcissus flowers, garden violets, pansies, and little daisies. They're all in the same section of the parade. And when they arrive, we show up too, along with the flowering almond shrubs and many others.

“But the pansies, little daisies and garden violets blossom all through[82] the season, so they’re like the small boys who run along by the side of the parade—almost anywhere, at any time.

“But the pansies, little daisies, and garden violets bloom all through[82] the season, so they’re like the little boys who jog along beside the parade—almost anywhere, at any time.

“And after we go the flowers will still keep on parading. The lilies-of-the-valley are marching now, and soon the dear forget-me-nots with their blue, blue eyes will come.

“And after we leave, the flowers will still keep on showing off. The lilies of the valley are blooming now, and soon the lovely forget-me-nots with their bright blue eyes will arrive.

“The rockets, peonies, honeysuckles and roses all will follow along, making a very handsome part of the parade. And later on the phlox, larkspur so blue, and foxglove will follow.

“The rockets, peonies, honeysuckles, and roses will all join in, creating a beautiful part of the parade. Later, the phlox, blue larkspur, and foxglove will come along.”

“These are the flowers that come up year after year and they are the ones which belong to the great Flower Parade. It takes a whole spring and summer and early autumn to see the whole parade. But it’s worth seeing, and though we can’t be here all the time, we’re glad for our part of the parade—we are.”

“These are the flowers that bloom year after year, and they’re part of the amazing Flower Parade. It takes a whole spring, summer, and early fall to experience the entire parade. But it’s definitely worth it, and even though we can’t be here all the time, we’re grateful for our part in the parade—we really are.”

And the fairies knew that the lilac bush was right and a parade of gorgeous garden flowers would continue all summer.

And the fairies knew that the lilac bush was correct and a parade of beautiful garden flowers would go on all summer.


APRIL 9: The Big Parade

“I want to tell you of a parade which took place some time ago,” said daddy.

“I want to tell you about a parade that happened a while ago,” said dad.

“After many bands had gone by, many soldiers, and many sailors, a wagon drawn by four big horses came along, and upon the wagon was an enormous cage. In this cage were homing pigeons.

“After many bands had passed, along with many soldiers and sailors, a wagon pulled by four large horses appeared, and on the wagon was a huge cage. Inside this cage were homing pigeons.”

“On the side of the wagon was written a little story about the pigeons, telling how they had taken messages through all sorts of dangers, how brave they had been, how clever, and how they had thought of their duty and not of themselves.

“On the side of the wagon was written a short story about the pigeons, describing how they had carried messages through all kinds of dangers, how brave they had been, how smart, and how they had focused on their duty rather than on themselves.

“And when that wagon passed along carrying the homing pigeons every one clapped, for here were little dumb creatures who had shown a wonderful understanding and had done all they could for the country, and the little pigeons were so modest that they actually wondered what all this excitement was about!”

“And when that wagon went by carrying the homing pigeons, everyone clapped, because here were these small, quiet animals that had shown incredible understanding and had done everything they could for the country. The little pigeons were so humble that they genuinely wondered what all this excitement was about!”


APRIL 10: The Alphabet Letters

“My story is a very sad and sorrowful one. If I tell it to you it will make you cry,” said the letter Z.

“My story is really sad and tragic. If I share it with you, it will definitely make you cry,” said the letter Z.

“Alphabet letters don’t cry,” said the letter S. “Tears are shed over us, but we don’t cry ourselves. So tell us your sad and sorrowful story, Mr. Z.”

“Alphabet letters don’t cry,” said the letter S. “We may have tears shed over us, but we don’t cry ourselves. So go ahead, tell us your sad and sorrowful story, Mr. Z.”

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“Tell us the sad and sorrowful story,” repeated the other alphabet letters.

“Tell us the sad and sorrowful story,” the other letters of the alphabet echoed.

“It shows I have a good disposition,” said the letter Z. “I’m neither angry nor cross.”

“It shows I have a good attitude,” said the letter Z. “I’m not angry or upset.”

“There, there,” said the letter S. “You used me twice in that last word, which was all very well, but you need not have brought in that word angry, for angry and cross mean the same.”

“There, there,” said the letter S. “You used me twice in that last word, which was all good, but you didn’t have to include that word angry, because angry and cross mean the same thing.”

“All right,” said the letter Z. “I do so little work these days that I really feel as if I didn’t know anything.”

“All right,” said the letter Z. “I do so little work these days that I really feel like I don’t know anything.”

“Poor letter Z,” the other letters all said.

“Poor letter Z,” the other letters all sighed.

“Tell us your story,” said the letter S.

“Tell us your story,” said the letter S.

“I will,” agreed the letter Z.

“I will,” agreed the letter Z.

“Pray do,” the others urged.

"Please do," the others urged.

“It’s the letter S which has caused the trouble,” said the letter Z.

“It’s the letter S that has caused the trouble,” said the letter Z.

The letter S wiggled and wriggled and twisted and turned and said:

The letter S squirmed and twisted and turned and said:

“I beg you pardon, letter Z. I am sure I have meant no harm.”

“I’m really sorry, letter Z. I didn’t mean any harm.”

“None at all,” said the letter Z. “I know you have meant no harm. And you needn’t beg my pardon, for it isn’t your fault. You can’t rule teachers and parents and writers and students. You do what you can for them, that is all.

“None at all,” said the letter Z. “I know you didn’t mean any harm. And you don’t need to apologize, because it’s not your fault. You can’t control teachers and parents and writers and students. You just do what you can for them, that’s all.”

“But think about it, letters, and you will understand. Just think of the number of words which used to need my letter in them and now they have put the letter S in instead.”

“But think about it, letters, and you’ll get it. Just consider how many words used to have my letter in them, and now they’ve replaced it with the letter S instead.”

“Yes,” said the letter M, “that is true, and we can think about these things now, for it is recess time.”

“Yes,” said the letter M, “that’s true, and we can think about these things now because it’s break time.”

“Think of all the words which end with the letters ‘ise.’ They used to end with the letters ‘ize.’”

“Think of all the words that end with the letters ‘ise.’ They used to end with the letters ‘ize.’”

“True,” said the alphabet letters; “perfectly true.”

“True,” said the alphabet letters; “totally true.”

“You’re sure you are not angry with me?” asked the letter S, wriggling nervously.

“You're sure you're not mad at me?” asked the letter S, squirming nervously.

“Quite true,” said the letter Z. “As I said before, it is not your fault. But isn’t my tale a sad and sorrowful one?”

“That's true,” said the letter Z. “Like I mentioned before, it’s not your fault. But isn’t my story a sad and sorrowful one?”

“It is,” said the other letters.

“It is,” said the other letters.

But just then up spoke the letter S and the letter I and the letter E.

But just then, the letters S, I, and E spoke up.

“Letter Z,” they said, “come and join us or we won’t be a word. We need you, letter Z; we must have you.”

“Letter Z,” they said, “come and join us or we won’t be a word. We need you, letter Z; we must have you.”

So the letter Z joined these three letters and they all jumped around as the word SIZE appeared, as you have doubtless already guessed.

So the letter Z joined these three letters, and they all bounced around as the word SIZE showed up, as you probably already figured out.

“You’re all very good to me,” said the letter Z as it played around with the letters S and I and E. Each one kept its own place in the word, but sometimes they made themselves look very big and sometimes they made themselves look very small and sometimes they made themselves look just about medium size. For, as they made up the[84] word size, and as size can be small—small size, you know—or big, they did everything they could and played all the games they could.

“You’re all really nice to me,” said the letter Z as it messed around with the letters S, I, and E. Each one stayed in its spot in the word, but sometimes they made themselves look really big, sometimes really small, and sometimes just about medium size. Because, as they formed the[84] word size, and since size can be small—like small size, you know—or big, they did everything they could and played all the games they could.

Then other letters formed other words and they played around, just as they should have played to show folks what they meant. You can imagine what a wonderful time the letters F and U and N had.

Then other letters made other words and they had fun, just like they were supposed to, to show people what they meant. You can imagine how great a time the letters F, U, and N had.

“Hurry, hurry,” said the letter S. “All the big S letters and all the little S letters. Hurry now to the class rooms.”

“Hurry, hurry,” said the letter S. “All the big S letters and all the little S letters. Hurry now to the classrooms.”

“I don’t have to hurry much,” said the letter Z, “but I will either live to a very old age from being lazy and doing nothing to tire myself, or else I’ll be forgotten entirely.”

“I don’t have to rush,” said the letter Z, “but I’ll either live to a really old age by being lazy and not doing anything to exhaust myself, or I’ll be completely forgotten.”

“Oh, no, you won’t be forgotten,” said the other alphabet letters.

“Oh, no, we won’t forget you,” said the other letters of the alphabet.

“We’ll see to that,” said the letters A and B and C. “We have a great deal to do with schools and lessons, you know, and we will keep you with us, never fear.”

“We’ll take care of that,” said the letters A, B, and C. “We play a big role in schools and lessons, you know, and we’ll make sure you stay with us, don’t worry.”

“Thank you, thank you,” said the letter Z, as it twisted itself slowly back into the school rooms.

“Thanks, thanks,” said the letter Z, as it twisted itself slowly back into the classrooms.

And the letter S said: “Thank you for not being angry with me. You’re a good sport, letter Z.”

And the letter S said: “Thanks for not being mad at me. You’re a good sport, letter Z.”


APRIL 11: The Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher

“The Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher,” said daddy, “is known by such a name because he has a very long tail which is very much the shape of a pair of scissors. In fact, his tail is like two tails which open and shut as one would open and close a pair of scissors.

“The Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher,” Dad said, “gets its name because it has a really long tail that looks a lot like a pair of scissors. In fact, its tail is like two tails that open and close just like a pair of scissors would.”

“He opens and closes his scissor-like tail when he does his marketing just as ladies would open and close their purses after they had bought something.

“He opens and closes his scissor-like tail when he does his marketing just like women would open and close their handbags after making a purchase."

“His home is a very large nest, and it is made of anything at all—grass and bits of cloth and strings and bits of twigs. In fact, he is very good natured.

“His home is a huge nest, and it’s made from all sorts of things—grass, scraps of fabric, strings, and small twigs. In fact, he has a really good temperament.”

“Mrs. Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher has a happy time with such a pleasant mate and she is pleasant herself which makes them both happy.

“Mrs. Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher enjoys a great time with such a nice partner, and she is pleasant herself, which makes both of them happy.

“The event of her life is hatching time. When she is sitting on four whitish-brown eggs which will soon be little scissor-tailed flycatchers she is as happy as a bird can be, and that is pretty happy, as you can imagine.

“The highlight of her life is hatching time. When she’s sitting on four light brownish eggs that will soon become little scissor-tailed flycatchers, she is as happy as a bird can be, and that’s really happy, as you can imagine."

“I am going to tell you now about Mr. Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher and his talk to an insect.

“I’m going to tell you about Mr. Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher and his conversation with an insect.

“‘Little insect,’ said Mr. Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher, ‘I am very well named. I am called a flycatcher and I catch flies. But I don’t only catch flies. I catch other insects as well.’

“‘Little insect,’ said Mr. Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher, ‘I have a fitting name. I’m called a flycatcher because I catch flies. But I don’t just catch flies. I catch other insects too.’”

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“But the insect heard no more for he had scampered away from the Flycatcher.”

“But the insect heard no more because he had run away from the Flycatcher.”


APRIL 12: The Woodpecker Band

“Come on, come on, join the band! Rehearsals to begin this morning! Get in practise! Lose no time! We’re ready, and we hope you’ll be ready too. First practise to start in half an hour.”

“Come on, come on, join the band! Rehearsals start this morning! Get in practice! Don’t waste any time! We’re ready, and we hope you’ll be ready too. The first practice will begin in half an hour.”

Now the woodpeckers were the ones who had been talking. They were already starting to practise by drumming on the bark of the trees. The trees are the drums and the woodpeckers all beat the drums. Of course a great deal of the time they work hard at the trees, burrowing for insects, and they help to destroy many bad ones.

Now the woodpeckers were the ones talking. They were already starting to practice by drumming on the bark of the trees. The trees are the drums, and the woodpeckers all beat the drums. Of course, a lot of the time they work hard at the trees, digging for insects, and they help to get rid of many pests.

But some time before Mr. Hairy Woodpecker had suggested they should start a band. The drums were played by Mr. Hairy Woodpecker, Mr. Red-Headed Woodpecker, Mr. Downy Woodpecker, Mr. Sapsucker, Mr. Crested Woodpecker and Mr. Flicker Woodpecker.

But some time before, Mr. Hairy Woodpecker suggested they start a band. The drums were played by Mr. Hairy Woodpecker, Mr. Red-Headed Woodpecker, Mr. Downy Woodpecker, Mr. Sapsucker, Mr. Crested Woodpecker, and Mr. Flicker Woodpecker.

Those who sang and helped along the chorus and played little mouth-organs and various instruments made out of twigs were the warblers, the vireos, goldfinches, mocking-birds, bobolinks, chickadees, pewees, phoebes, orioles, thrushes, song-sparrows and whippoorwills. And of course, almost the most important of all were the robins!

Those who sang and joined in the chorus, playing small harmonicas and various instruments made from twigs, were the warblers, vireos, goldfinches, mockingbirds, bobolinks, chickadees, pewees, phoebes, orioles, thrushes, song sparrows, and whip-poor-wills. And of course, one of the most important of all were the robins!

Mr. Robin Redbreast was the leader of the band. He waved a little stick in front of the band-stand, which was up in a tree.

Mr. Robin Redbreast was the leader of the group. He waved a small stick in front of the bandstand, which was up in a tree.

How they all did play and sing. Now in a great many bands, in fact in most bands, they do not have singing, but in the woodpecker’s band it is entirely different.

How they all played and sang. Now in a lot of bands, actually in most bands, they don’t have singing, but in the woodpecker’s band, it’s completely different.

What would a band be like in birdland without singing? They would miss all the beautiful songsters who would add so much music, and that would be such a pity.

What would a band be like in birdland without singing? They would miss all the amazing songbirds that would bring so much music, and that would be such a shame.

So the woodpeckers were wise indeed when they asked the song birds to join in the band.

So the woodpeckers were really smart when they invited the songbirds to join the band.

They practised all that day for the coming concert. And before they went to bed that night and before they even thought of putting their heads under their wings, they sent around notices to all the birds to be on hand, and this is how the notices read: “First concert of the season to be given by the Woodpeckers’ Band to-morrow at sunrise. Mr. Robin Redbreast will conduct.”

They practiced all day for the upcoming concert. Before heading to bed that night, and before even considering tucking their heads under their wings, they sent out notices to all the birds to be there, and this is what the notices said: “First concert of the season will be held by the Woodpeckers’ Band tomorrow at sunrise. Mr. Robin Redbreast will be conducting.”

The concert was a huge success and the people said, “It’s really and truly the springtime when we have a concert such as we were given this morning!”

The concert was a huge success, and the people said, “It’s really and truly springtime when we have a concert like the one we had this morning!”


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APRIL 13: The Tease

“Grace,” said daddy, “had a brother named Edward, and Edward was a tease; not a nice, good-natured, funny sort of a tease, but he was the kind who hurt people’s feelings. He would see some one who had a suit on which was not new, or which had been patched, and he would try to make the one who was wearing it feel very uncomfortable.

“Grace,” said Dad, “had a brother named Edward, and Edward was a tease; not a nice, good-natured, funny kind of tease, but the kind that hurt people’s feelings. He would see someone in a suit that wasn’t new or had been patched, and he would try to make the person wearing it feel really uncomfortable.

“Edward would also see boys wearing their older brothers’ suits, and he would say with a mean look: ‘Where did you get that suit?’

“Edward would also see boys wearing their older brothers’ suits, and he would say with a mean look: ‘Where did you get that suit?’"

“And—he also liked to tease Grace by making fun of her doll Gracie and by tossing her up in the air, and playing with her as though she were a ball, and he could bat her in a game of his own mean making.

“And—he also liked to tease Grace by making fun of her doll Gracie, tossing her up in the air, and playing with her like she was a ball, batting her around in a game of his own cruel design.

“Oh, how she would feel when Gracie was lifted up into Edward’s hands, and then he would toss her up and say:

“Oh, how she would feel when Gracie was lifted up into Edward’s hands, and then he would toss her up and say:

“‘What’s the difference? She’s only made of rags. Why do you care? Gracie doesn’t.’ One day he left the doll high up in a tree out in the yard, and Grace was afraid that more snow would come in the night and that it would spoil her beloved Gracie, for there had been a late snow-storm that day.

“‘What’s the difference? She’s just a bunch of rags. Why do you care? Gracie doesn’t.’ One day he left the doll up high in a tree in the yard, and Grace was worried that more snow would come during the night and ruin her beloved Gracie, since there had been a late snowstorm that day.”

“But a boy, a friend of Edward’s, who didn’t think Edward was really much of a boy for teasing Grace in that horrid way, had found Grace crying. He found out what the trouble was, and he got Gracie from the high limb of the tree.

“But a boy, a friend of Edward’s, who didn’t think Edward was really much of a boy for teasing Grace like that, found Grace crying. He learned what the problem was, and he got Gracie down from the high branch of the tree.”

“Edward didn’t know that his friend had brought down the doll, and at night when he slept, lo and behold, Gracie seemed to come and stand at the end of his bed.

“Edward didn’t realize that his friend had taken down the doll, and at night while he slept, suddenly, Gracie appeared to be standing at the foot of his bed.

“But no longer was Gracie a little rag doll. She had grown, oh, she had grown. And she was wearing instead of a painted wig, great icicles which were so heavy and cold looking.

“But no longer was Gracie a little rag doll. She had grown, oh, she had grown. And she was wearing instead of a painted wig, great icicles that were so heavy and cold-looking.”

“Her body seemed very stiff and straight. It seemed very strong, and as if she were made of steel or of iron instead of rags.

“Her body looked really rigid and straight. It felt incredibly strong, as if she were made of steel or iron instead of rags.

“‘Edward,’ she said, and her voice seemed harsh and terrible, ‘Edward,’ she continued, ‘you left me out in the snow to-night, so as to tease your little sister. But now I will show you what it is like to be abused. Even if you don’t actually hurt me, you hurt your sister who loves me. Wait and I will show you.’

“‘Edward,’ she said, and her voice sounded rough and frightening, ‘Edward,’ she went on, ‘you left me out in the snow tonight just to mess with your little sister. But now I’ll show you what it feels like to be mistreated. Even if you don’t actually hurt me, you hurt your sister who cares about me. Just wait, and I’ll show you.’”

“‘Oh, don’t,’ shrieked Edward. He was very cowardly when he was going to be teased, you see. ‘I’ll be good. I promise,’ and his voice sounded thoroughly frightened.

“‘Oh, don’t,’ yelled Edward. He was really scared when he was about to be teased, you know. ‘I’ll behave. I promise,’ and his voice sounded completely terrified.”

“‘I’ll have to show you first,’ said the doll. She took Edward in her arms, which had grown so big and so hard, and she tossed him up in the air and around and about, so that he was frightened any moment he might land on the ground.

“I’ll have to show you first,” said the doll. She picked Edward up in her arms, which had grown so big and strong, and she tossed him up in the air and around, making him nervous that he might land on the ground at any moment.

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“And Edward thought of the doll outside—he thought she still was there, and oh, he was so sorry, but he never again made Grace miserable by teasing Gracie.”

“And Edward thought about the doll outside—he thought she was still there, and oh, he felt so sorry, but he never made Grace unhappy by teasing Gracie again.”


APRIL 14: The Onion’s Speech

“The vegetables were talking in the cellar,” said daddy, “and I must confess that they were boasting a great deal. But still one can forgive a vegetable for boasting very often, for if we lived so near the ground—or in the ground as they do—we’d probably like to pretend we were higher up! The onion was now talking. ‘I came from the Land of the Pyramids originally. My ancient home was in Egypt, far, far across the water, in a wonderful, ancient part of the world that is full of history and interest and beauty.’

“The vegetables were chatting in the cellar,” said Dad, “and I have to admit they were bragging quite a bit. But you can forgive a vegetable for bragging often, because if we lived so close to the ground—or in the ground like they do—we’d probably want to act like we were above it all! The onion was speaking now. ‘I originally come from the Land of the Pyramids. My ancient roots are in Egypt, far across the water, in an amazing, historical part of the world that’s full of stories and beauty.’”

“‘Hear! Hear!’ said all the other vegetables.

“‘Hear! Hear!’ said all the other vegetables.”

“‘I myself have never seen that far land,’ continued the onion, ‘but my family came from there at first, way, way back where the family tree first starts from.’

“‘I’ve never seen that distant land myself,’ the onion continued, ‘but my family originally came from there, long, long ago, at the very beginning of our family tree.’”

“‘How can you have a family tree when you’re an onion and not even a branch?’ asked a very plain little potato.

“‘How can you have a family tree when you’re an onion and not even a branch?’ asked a very ordinary little potato."

“‘People,’ said the onion haughtily, ‘have family trees, and they aren’t branches, nor are they leaves. Family trees mean ancestors, noble grandfathers and aristocratic grandmothers, high-up great aunts, and snobbish great uncles. A family tree is something every one and everything can’t have. Now you, poor potato, haven’t a family tree at all.’

“‘People,’ said the onion with pride, ‘have family trees, and they aren’t branches or leaves. Family trees represent ancestors, distinguished grandfathers and elegant grandmothers, prominent great-aunts and pretentious great-uncles. A family tree is something that not everyone and everything can have. Now you, poor potato, don’t have a family tree at all.’”

“But the potato didn’t seem to mind in the least. However, the onion went on talking. ‘Now my young friend, the radishes came first from China—an interesting history has the Radish family. The Horse-Chestnut family came from Asia, and the Mulberry trees from Persia. The Cucumbers came from the East Indies, and the Spinach family came first from Arabia.’

“But the potato didn’t seem to care at all. Meanwhile, the onion continued speaking. ‘Now, my young friend, radishes originally came from China—there’s quite an interesting history behind the Radish family. The Horse-Chestnut family originated in Asia, and the Mulberry trees came from Persia. Cucumbers came from the East Indies, and the Spinach family first came from Arabia.’”

“‘How very fine,’ said the potato in a very sarcastic tone of voice.

“‘How nice,’ said the potato in a very sarcastic tone.”

“‘You’re right,’ said the onion, not noticing the sarcastic voice; ‘it’s very fine to have a family tree. It’s something, as I said before, that every one can’t have. You never came from afar, Mr. Potato. And neither did the oats, corn, pumpkins and other plain creatures who don’t know what aristocracy and grandeur mean.’

“‘You’re right,’ said the onion, not catching the sarcastic tone; ‘it’s really nice to have a family tree. It’s something, like I mentioned before, that not everyone can have. You never came from far away, Mr. Potato. And neither did the oats, corn, pumpkins, and other ordinary beings who don’t know what aristocracy and luxury feel like.’”

“‘What does it mean?’ asked the potato.

“‘What does it mean?’ asked the potato.”

“‘You weren’t paying attention,’ said the onion. ‘It means a family tree and noble grandparents.’

“You weren’t paying attention,” said the onion. “It means a family tree and noble grandparents.”

“‘Pooh!’ exclaimed the potato. ‘If a vegetable isn’t good itself it[88] makes no difference where it came from nor what its grandparents were. It’s what a vegetable is itself. Suppose I were a bad potato, which I’m not, I’m thankful to say, would it make any difference because my great-great-grandfather had come from some interesting land across the sea? Not in the least. I’m a good useful vegetable and can be cooked in many ways. That’s what counts in this world. To amount to something yourself. Be a real vegetable! Do what you can to nourish the world! Don’t boast!’

“‘Ugh!’ exclaimed the potato. ‘If a vegetable isn’t good on its own, it doesn’t matter where it came from or what its ancestors were. What really matters is what the vegetable is itself. If I were a bad potato—which I'm happy to say I’m not—would it matter that my great-great-grandfather came from some fascinating place across the sea? Not at all. I’m a good, useful vegetable and can be cooked in so many ways. That’s what matters in this world: to make something of yourself. Be a real vegetable! Do what you can to nourish the world! Don’t brag!’”

“The onion felt very badly. It had been so proud of its fine history, and often it was unhappy because it was so unkindly talked about.

“The onion felt really bad. It had been so proud of its great history, and often it was upset because people talked about it so unkindly.”

“‘I try to be good,’ said the onion. ‘I season things and I make many good dishes. I do the best I can.’

“‘I try to be good,’ said the onion. ‘I add flavor to things and I help create many delicious dishes. I do my best.’”

“‘Of course you do, little onion,’ said the potato. ‘But next time you make a speech, tell us all to do our best and not boast about what others have done or have been.’

“‘Of course you do, little onion,’ said the potato. ‘But next time you give a speech, remind us all to do our best and not brag about what others have done or who they were.’”

“And the onion always made speeches after that which were not about family trees, and when it was finally cooked every one said: ‘What a nice onion must have been put in this soup.’”

“And the onion always gave speeches after that which weren’t about family trees, and when it was finally cooked everyone said: ‘What a nice onion must have gone into this soup.’”


APRIL 15: A Bookworm

“I tried cork biting once,” said one bookworm to another bookworm.

“I tried cork biting once,” said one book lover to another book lover.

“And yet,” said the other bookworm, “you are known as ‘The Bookworm’ by some people who don’t know much.”

“And yet,” said the other bookworm, “some people who don’t know much call you ‘The Bookworm.’”

“That is not a great complaint,” said the first bookworm, “to be called ‘The Bookworm’ by people who don’t know much. I love books, but I don’t care for reading. That might sound strange to some folks, but the bookworm families know that being a bookworm doesn’t mean reading words. Once I went through each page of each book along on the shelf in just the very same spot, so that they could have put a ribbon or a string or anything they might have had near at hand through all those many holes and hung the books up instead of standing them on the shelves. I thought they might care to change the books a little, so I did my best to help. That certainly makes me deserve my name!”

"That's not a big deal," said the first bookworm. "Being called 'The Bookworm' by people who don't know much isn’t a bad complaint. I love books, but I'm not really into reading them. That might sound weird to some people, but those in bookworm families understand that being a bookworm doesn’t necessarily mean reading words. One time, I flipped through every page of each book on the shelf in the exact same spot, so they could have strung a ribbon or anything they had through those many holes and hung the books up instead of just leaving them on the shelves. I thought they might want to switch things up a bit, so I tried to help out. I think that definitely earns me my name!"


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APRIL 16: The Wild Black Cherry

“The wild black cherry tree is very handsome,” said daddy.

“The wild black cherry tree looks really beautiful,” Dad said.

“Its foliage is something like that of the willow, drooping and looking very dainty and lovely. Its bark is rich and soft, but best of all, is the fruit which is used for making all sorts of delicious goodies, especially wild cherry juice!

“Its leaves are similar to those of the willow, hanging down and looking very delicate and beautiful. Its bark is rich and soft, but the best part is the fruit, which is used to make all kinds of delicious treats, especially wild cherry juice!”

“Then medicines and tonics have been made from the fruit and bark and roots of the wild black cherry.

“Then medicines and tonics have been prepared from the fruit, bark, and roots of the wild black cherry.”

“Cherry-wood is considered by many people to be almost as handsome as rosewood and mahogany, and the old wild black cherry tree is the tree which is used to make beautiful cherry-wood furniture.

“Cherry wood is seen by many as almost as attractive as rosewood and mahogany, and the old wild black cherry tree is used to create beautiful cherry wood furniture.

“Its cousin, the wild cherry, is greatly enjoyed by birds who simply love to eat the little fruits.

“Its cousin, the wild cherry, is loved by birds who really enjoy eating the small fruits.

“Another cousin, the choke-cherry, is a tree filled with very bitter fruit but the birds like the choke-cherry trees almost as well as any other and flock about any they may find. The fashionable and rich cousin is the sweet cherry which is cultivated in this country. And these are the cherries which we all like to eat best.”

“Another cousin, the chokecherry, is a tree with very bitter fruit, but the birds love the chokecherry trees almost as much as any other and gather around any they can find. The trendy and affluent cousin is the sweet cherry, which is grown in this country. And these are the cherries that we all enjoy eating the most.”


APRIL 17: Spring Blossoms

“How do you feel?” asked the first apple blossom of a pear blossom on one of the other trees in the orchard.

“How do you feel?” asked the first apple blossom of a pear blossom on one of the other trees in the orchard.

“Splendidly,” said the pear blossom. “How about yourself?”

“Splendidly,” said the pear blossom. “And you?”

“Never better,” said the apple blossom. Now when the other pear blossoms and apple blossoms heard these two talking they all wanted to see what was going on.

“Never better,” said the apple blossom. Now, when the other pear blossoms and apple blossoms heard these two chatting, they all wanted to see what was happening.

And before long they were all out talking and chatting while some of them were having games with the Breeze Brothers who blew them to the ground and made it look as if the snow had come again.

And soon, they were all outside, talking and chatting while some of them played games with the Breeze Brothers, who knocked them to the ground and made it seem like snow had fallen again.

“Did your tree have a secret to whisper to you?” asked the first apple blossom.

“Did your tree have a secret to share with you?” asked the first apple blossom.

“Yes,” answered the first pear blossom. “I was just about to ask you the same question.”

“Yes,” replied the first pear blossom. “I was just about to ask you the same thing.”

“It’s this way with us,” said the first apple blossom. “You see the farmhouse is very shabby. It has been needing a coat of paint for so many years. And the people who live inside are so poor they can’t afford anything they don’t actually need.

“It’s like this for us,” said the first apple blossom. “The farmhouse is really rundown. It hasn’t had a coat of paint in years. And the people living inside are so poor they can’t afford anything they don’t absolutely need.

“They feel badly that they cannot afford to have their house painted for it would look so much brighter and prettier.

“They feel bad that they can’t afford to have their house painted because it would look so much brighter and prettier.”

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“Well, it has been this same way for so many, many years, as I said before. And they have had bad luck with the potatoes and the corn every year. Something always happens. Bugs eat up the potatoes and a storm is likely to come and hurt the corn just when it would be growing quite perfect.

“Well, it’s been like this for so many years, like I mentioned before. They’ve had terrible luck with the potatoes and corn every year. Something always goes wrong. Bugs devour the potatoes, and a storm usually hits right when the corn is growing perfectly.”

“All these things my tree whispered and said, ‘Little blossoms, all of you must be beautiful so for one season in the year the people in the farmhouse will think they have the loveliest of homes. Make their dingy home look like a fairyland.’” And once again the blossoms gave joy to the people in the dingy farmhouse, who every year had the most beautiful place owing to the blossoms.

“All these things my tree whispered and said, ‘Little blossoms, you all need to be beautiful so that for one season each year, the people in the farmhouse will think they have the loveliest home. Make their dull place look like a fairyland.’” And once again, the blossoms brought joy to the people in the dull farmhouse, who every year enjoyed the most beautiful scenery thanks to the blossoms.


APRIL 18: The Button Bag

“In a work bag,” said daddy, “there lived a button bag. The button bag was made of blue and white cambric, I believe you call it, and it had a blue silk ribbon around it at the top—I suppose a sort of neck-tie, one might say.

“In a work bag,” said Dad, “there was a button bag. The button bag was made of blue and white fabric, I think you call it, and it had a blue silk ribbon around the top—I guess you could say it was like a necktie.”

“At any rate, in this bag were loads and loads of buttons. The button bag was a very large button bag, and the work bag was a very large work bag.

“At any rate, in this bag were tons of buttons. The button bag was a really big button bag, and the work bag was a really big work bag.”

“Whenever any one wanted a button, or whenever any one said they had lost a button or that a button was off, the work bag was taken out and then a button was found—always a button for everything that needed a button.

“Whenever someone needed a button, or whenever someone said they had lost a button or that a button was missing, the work bag was taken out and then a button was found—always a button for everything that needed a button."

“And when any member of the household wanted to do a little mending, for everything that lacked a button there was always found to be one.

“And when any member of the household wanted to do a little mending, there was always a button available for everything that needed one."

“What did the buttons and the button bag have to say to all this? Were they pleased they were so useful? We shall hear.

“What did the buttons and the button bag think about all this? Were they happy to be so useful? We'll find out.”

“‘When is the party going to be?’ asked the big, white button, with the shining face.

“‘When is the party going to be?’ asked the big, white button with the shiny face.”

“‘Pretty soon,’ said the little green button, ‘pretty soon.’

“‘Soon enough,’ said the little green button, ‘soon enough.’

“‘I’ve been to lots of parties,’ said a button with a funny little face, a face of some old, old knight or lord or something very noble!

“‘I’ve been to a lot of parties,’ said a button with a funny little face, a face of some really old knight or lord or something very noble!”

“He had two sisters and a brother and the four of them were all just alike. They had never been used, as nothing had ever come up that needed their time and their presence. They had been in the button bag for years. But, of course, they were kept, for there might be a time, no one knows when or how soon, when the buttons with the faces might be just the ones wanted.

“He had two sisters and a brother, and the four of them were all exactly the same. They had never been used since nothing ever came up that required their time and presence. They had been in the button bag for years. But, of course, they were kept because there might come a time—no one knows when or how soon—when the buttons with the faces might be exactly what was needed."

“‘It’s so nice,’ said the one who had just spoken, ‘that we are[91] always sure of a home. It’s so nice. Some would throw us away and would say they had no use for a lot of old buttons taking up room when they were about sure we’d never be used.

“‘It’s so nice,’ said the one who had just spoken, ‘that we are[91] always sure of a home. It’s really nice. Some would just get rid of us and say they had no use for a bunch of old buttons taking up space when they were pretty sure we’d never be used.

“‘But we don’t have to worry, for the mistress of the house who owns the work bag and the button bag and all the buttons, always says that we don’t eat or drink, meaning we don’t cost her any money, and we might be useful some time.

“‘But we don’t need to worry, because the lady of the house who owns the work bag and the button bag and all the buttons always says that we don’t eat or drink, meaning we don’t cost her any money, and we might be useful someday.

“‘She’s a sensible lady, yes she is. And we’re sure of a home, quite sure of one.

“‘She’s a reasonable woman, yes she is. And we’re definitely guaranteed a home, absolutely sure of that.

“‘But as I said I have been to a great many parties. Although I have lived in the button bag such a long time, once I lived on a handsome dress, oh, such a handsome dress, and then I went to great balls and parties and all.’

“‘But like I said, I've been to a lot of parties. Even though I've been stuck in this button bag for so long, I once wore a beautiful dress—oh, such a beautiful dress—and then I went to fancy balls and parties and everything.’”

“‘Ah,’ said a big black button, ‘I’ve had a nice life, too. I’ve lived on fur coats. I’ve been on several, and I’ve been out on glorious bracing winter days when the snow came in my face and body all at once!

“‘Ah,’ said a big black button, ‘I've had a nice life, too. I've lived on fur coats. I've been on several, and I've been out on glorious, brisk winter days when the snow hit my face and body all at once!

“‘I’ve been for sleigh-rides where bells jingled and where my button heart leaped for joy!’

"I’ve been on sleigh rides where the bells jingled and where my heart fluttered with joy!"

“‘And I,’ said a little brown button, ‘have on the other hand been about in the summer. I belonged to a lovely bathing suit which belonged to a little girl, and I used to see the sand made into castles and bridges and rivers, and all sorts of marvelous things, and the lovely ocean would go over me—oh, it was so cool and refreshing!

“‘And I,’ said a little brown button, ‘on the other hand, have been out during the summer. I was part of a beautiful bathing suit that belonged to a little girl, and I would watch as the sand was shaped into castles, bridges, and rivers, and all kinds of amazing things, while the lovely ocean passed over me—oh, it was so cool and refreshing!

“‘And all about me were happy, smiling people. Every one was shrieking with delight. If I had known how to shriek I would have called at the top of my voice, if I had a voice:

“‘And all around me were happy, smiling people. Everyone was screaming with joy. If I had known how to scream, I would have called at the top of my lungs, if I had a voice:

“‘“Oh, the button is happy, too, the button is so happy!”’

“‘Oh, the button is happy, too, the button is so happy!’”

“‘Well,’ said the tan button, ‘we must get ready for the party, as we must frolic all night and then be back in our places by morning, so it won’t confuse or mix any one up who may sew in the morning.’

“‘Well,’ said the tan button, ‘we need to get ready for the party since we have to have fun all night and then be back in our spots by morning, so it doesn’t confuse anyone who might sew in the morning.’”

“‘Right,’ said all the buttons.

"Sure," said all the buttons.

“So they all borrowed old pieces of ribbon from the bag and little pieces of thread, and they dressed themselves in fine array, and then they danced and sang in their little button voices, which, of course, aren’t real voices, but only make-believe ones. This was their song:

“So they all borrowed some old ribbons from the bag and bits of thread, and they dressed themselves up nicely, then they danced and sang in their tiny button voices, which, of course, aren’t real voices but just pretend ones. This was their song:

“‘The buttons are we, happy, gleeful and glad;
We are of all kinds and we never are sad.
We love those who use us and even those who do not;
Ah, yes, indeed, we’re a merry, merry lot!’”

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APRIL 19: The Patient Chimpanzee

“Charlie was the name of a chimpanzee in the Zoo,” said daddy, “and he was ill. The keeper went to Charlie with a medicine bottle, carrying a glass and a spoon, too.

“Charlie was the name of a chimpanzee at the zoo,” said daddy, “and he was sick. The keeper went to Charlie with a medicine bottle, carrying a glass and a spoon, too.

“‘I am sorry, Charlie,’ said the keeper, and from the look Charlie gave him he knew he understood.

“‘I’m sorry, Charlie,’ said the keeper, and from the look Charlie gave him, he knew he understood.

“‘Good chimpanzee,’ said the keeper. ‘You fine, patient animal. You teach us all a lesson—all of us—for none of us take medicine well, neither children nor even grown-ups.’

“‘Good chimpanzee,’ said the keeper. ‘You are a fine, patient animal. You teach us all a lesson—all of us—because none of us take medicine well, not children or even adults.’”

“The chimpanzee swallowed the medicine. He tried very hard not to make a face as he did so, but he took it all—every drop—and then he tried to lie quite still. For it was such horrid tasting medicine.

“The chimpanzee swallowed the medicine. He really tried not to make a face while doing it, but he took it all—every drop—and then he tried to lie completely still. Because it was such a horrible-tasting medicine.”

“The keeper still stood by Charlie with the empty glass and bottle in his hand. Then he put them down and took Charlie’s head and stroked it again and again.

“The keeper still stood by Charlie with the empty glass and bottle in his hand. Then he set them down and gently stroked Charlie’s head over and over.”

“Charlie nudged up against the keeper.

“Charlie nudged up against the keeper.

“‘You will make me well, keeper,’ he seemed to say. ‘It is not your fault you had to give me the horrid medicine. Dear keeper, you know that by to-morrow I will be feeling like my old self again.’ For monkeys and chimpanzees are the most patient creatures when they are sick.”

“‘You’re going to make me better, keeper,’ he seemed to say. ‘It’s not your fault you had to give me that awful medicine. Dear keeper, you know that by tomorrow I’ll be back to my old self again.’ Because monkeys and chimpanzees are the most patient animals when they’re sick.”


APRIL 20: The Toad

“A toad,” said daddy, “was once sent all the way in a little box from one side of this continent to the other to be the pet of a little sick boy named Paul.

“A toad,” said Daddy, “was once shipped all the way in a small box from one side of this continent to the other to be the pet of a little sick boy named Paul.

“He was a horned toad, and he was the kind of a toad that needs little else beside air to live on.

“He was a horned toad, and he was the kind of toad that needs little else besides air to survive.”

“Now, the toad seemed to know he must behave on the journey and he was carried in a little box with air holes punched through it. Of course he needed the air more than anything, and wasn’t he happy when at last he arrived, and could have all the air he wanted. And when Paul saw him he knew from the toad’s honest, ugly face he would be loyal and good, and a real pet.”

“Now, the toad seemed to understand that he had to behave during the journey, and he was transported in a small box with air holes punched in it. Naturally, he needed the air more than anything, and he was so happy when he finally arrived and could have all the air he wanted. When Paul saw him, he recognized from the toad’s honest, unattractive face that he would be loyal and good, and a real pet.”


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APRIL 21: The Pine Needles

“I must thread my needle before I begin my work,” said a little girl as she sat under a big pine tree, with another little girl.

“I need to thread my needle before I start my work,” said a little girl as she sat under a big pine tree with another little girl.

“What’s that I hear?” asked one of the pine needles. “She speaks about threading her needle? Am I her needle, or are you her needle, or who in the world is her needle? And what is thread?”

“What’s that I hear?” asked one of the pine needles. “She talks about threading her needle? Am I her needle, or are you her needle, or who in the world is her needle? And what is thread?”

The poor needles were very nervous. And the other little girl spoke next: “I like to knit better than I do to sew because then I can use four needles.”

The poor needles were very nervous. And the other little girl spoke next: “I like knitting more than sewing because then I can use four needles.”

“Oh, dear, oh dear,” said the pine needles. “There’s a child who needs four needles. Do you suppose she threads us too?”

“Oh, no, oh no,” said the pine needles. “There’s a kid who needs four needles. Do you think she threads us too?”

They watched for a long time, trying to move away from the children so they would not be used. They whispered to the pine tree saying:

They watched for a long time, trying to distance themselves from the children so they wouldn't be taken advantage of. They whispered to the pine tree saying:

“Blow about and move us away,
Sway, swing, swing and sway.
For we’ve just this minute heard it said,
That into needles they will put thread.”

And the pine tree whispered to the breeze:

And the pine tree said softly to the breeze:

“Blow, blow, make me sway,
So I can move the needles away.
Please, Mr. Wind, would you mind
Doing this act so very kind?”

So the wind blew the pine tree and the pine tree’s branches swayed and blew about the little pine needles. But no sooner had all this happened than they saw that the children had other things called needles. They hadn’t wanted pine needles at all!

So the wind blew the pine tree, and the branches swayed, sending the little pine needles flying. But just as this was happening, they noticed that the children had different things called needles. They didn’t want pine needles at all!


APRIL 22: The Cat’s Mistake

As I don’t think you will be able to guess right away and as I want to tell you what really happened, I will tell you the place Blackie the cat chose for his nap one Sunday.

As I don't think you'll guess right away and since I want to tell you what really happened, I'll share the spot Blackie the cat picked for his nap one Sunday.

It was in the church organ! Well, he had a fine sleep. And he was still asleep when the organist came in and began to play.

It was in the church organ! Well, he had a good sleep. And he was still asleep when the organist came in and started playing.

Then poor Blackie woke up with a start! At first he didn’t know whether he was having a nightmare or a bad dream, or what was happening.

Then poor Blackie woke up suddenly! At first, he didn’t know if he was having a nightmare or just a bad dream, or what was going on.

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He moved to one side and the organ gave a curious rumble and a very funny sound and the organist looked as if he didn’t know what the trouble could be, and the people stopped singing and then tried to go on singing without any music.

He stepped aside, and the organ made a strange rumble and a funny noise. The organist looked confused, as if he had no idea what was wrong, and the people stopped singing before attempting to continue without any music.

The organist tried to play again and this awfully queer rumble and burr and buzz was heard once more. So the people went on finishing their singing without any organ.

The organist tried to play again, but that strange rumble and buzz was heard once more. So the people continued their singing without any organ.

Of course Blackie tried to move when he felt the pedals moving and he jumped over the inside stops and pedals and made these very strange sounds as he did so.

Of course, Blackie tried to move when he felt the pedals shifting, and he leaped over the inner stops and pedals, making some really odd sounds as he did.

The organist looked inside the organ and saw nothing. Then, suddenly, he saw two big green eyes staring at him.

The organist looked inside the organ and saw nothing. Then, suddenly, he noticed two big green eyes staring at him.

“It’s a cat in there,” he said to himself.

“It’s a cat in there,” he thought to himself.

Poor Blackie was very much frightened. This was altogether too much. He liked adventures and he liked to explore but this was going too far.

Poor Blackie was really scared. This was all way too much. He liked adventures and he liked to explore, but this was going too far.

“Yes, that is a cat,” said the organist to himself, and Blackie’s green eyes shone back at him when he said this.

“Yes, that is a cat,” the organist muttered to himself, and Blackie’s green eyes sparkled back at him when he said this.

“Come, pussy; come, nice pussy,” said the organist in a whisper. Poor Blackie was so frightened he did not know what to do. Still the organist kept on coaxing and begging Blackie to come out. And after a while Blackie felt less frightened and the soft whisper of the organist sounded very kind and Blackie came out from inside of the church organ.

“Come here, kitty; come here, sweet kitty,” said the organist softly. Poor Blackie was so scared he didn’t know what to do. Still, the organist continued to encourage and plead with Blackie to come out. After a while, Blackie felt less afraid, and the gentle whisper of the organist sounded really kind, so Blackie came out from inside the church organ.

Oh, how happy he was when he was out and the organist got a little boy to lift him quietly and take him out of the church.

Oh, how happy he was when he was outside and the organist had a little boy quietly lift him and take him out of the church.

And what joy it was for Blackie to be back home again, to rest and have a nice sleep after his adventure, which had turned out to be such a mistake!

And what a joy it was for Blackie to be back home again, to rest and have a good sleep after his adventure, which had turned out to be such a mistake!


APRIL 23: The Butterfly Who Loved the Sun

“I saw a little boy to-day,” said daddy, “named Robert who has a collection of cocoons. He keeps them on little twigs in a great big box punched full of holes.

“I saw a little boy today,” said dad, “named Robert who has a collection of cocoons. He keeps them on little twigs in a huge box full of holes.

“Then he waits to see the butterflies come out. After they have come out he never kills them or tries to keep them, for he thinks that is dreadfully cruel. He knows well that they love to see the sun and be out in the fresh air among the flowers, and he wouldn’t deprive them of that pleasure for anything.

“Then he waits to see the butterflies emerge. Once they’re out, he never harms them or tries to capture them, because he believes that would be extremely cruel. He understands that they enjoy basking in the sun and being in the fresh air among the flowers, and he wouldn’t take away that joy for anything.”

“THE BUTTERFLY THOUGHT, ‘WELL, THIS MAY BE MY FIRST PARTY, BUT IT CERTAINLY WON’T BE MY LAST.’”—Page 95

“THE BUTTERFLY THOUGHT, ‘WELL, THIS MAY BE MY FIRST PARTY, BUT IT DEFINITELY WON’T BE MY LAST.’”—Page 95

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“But one day about a week ago out from a cocoon came the most beautiful pale blue butterfly Robert had ever seen.

“But one day about a week ago, a beautiful pale blue butterfly emerged from a cocoon, and it was the most stunning one Robert had ever seen."

“He at once took it out of the box, and off it flew into the warm sun’s rays and lighted upon a small bush which was covered with plum-blossoms and the butterfly acted as if it thought, ‘Well, this may be my first party, but it certainly won’t be my last.’”

“He immediately took it out of the box, and off it flew into the warm sunlight and landed on a small bush that was covered with plum blossoms. The butterfly seemed to think, ‘This might be my first party, but it definitely won't be my last.’”


APRIL 24: The Horse-Chestnut

“I’d like to know,” said Fairy Ybab, of a magnificent tree which was one mass of huge blossoms, “why you are called the Horse-Chestnut tree? You aren’t eaten by horses, are you? You don’t look like a horse.”

“I’d like to know,” said Fairy Ybab, pointing to a magnificent tree covered in huge blossoms, “why are you called the Horse-Chestnut tree? Horses don’t eat you, do they? You don’t look like a horse.”

The Horse-Chestnut gave a funny low, whispering laugh.

The Horse-Chestnut let out a strange soft, whispering laugh.

“I will explain,” said the Horse-Chestnut. “You see, there are some creatures who have engagements all the time. They have to meet a friend at such and such a time or they have to be back for dinner at such a time or they must be in bed at such another time.

“I'll explain,” said the Horse-Chestnut. “You see, there are some creatures who are always busy. They have to meet a friend at this time or they need to be back for dinner at that time or they must be in bed by a different time.

“Now, the trees are different. We haven’t any engagements like that. We trees don’t have to go anywhere at all. In fact, we can’t go anywhere. We’re perfectly satisfied, too.

“Now, the trees are different. We don’t have any commitments like that. We trees don’t have to go anywhere at all. In fact, we can’t go anywhere. We’re perfectly happy, too."

“You’ve never heard of a tree pulling itself up by the roots and crying out in a hoarse, leafy way:

“You’ve never heard of a tree uprooting itself and shouting in a rough, leafy voice:

“‘Dear me, I do want to go to a birthday party.’

“‘Oh my, I really want to go to a birthday party.’”

“In the first place of all I am called a Horse-Chestnut tree because I have marks between my leaves and twigs which look like horseshoes with nails in them.

"In the first place, I'm called a Horse-Chestnut tree because I have marks between my leaves and twigs that look like horseshoes with nails in them."

“That is the answer to the first question. And the answer to the second question is this: No, I am not eaten by horses. My nuts are much too bitter. Children like to play with them, for they’re big and handsome, but they’re not good to eat.

"That is the answer to the first question. And the answer to the second question is this: No, I am not eaten by horses. My nuts are much too bitter. Kids like to play with them because they’re big and nice-looking, but they’re not good to eat."

“There are your two questions answered.”

“There are your two questions answered.”


APRIL 25: The Loving Mates

“A little bird had lost her mate,” said daddy, “and was very sad. A sudden storm had come up when she was out, but when the storm blew over she found her way back to the dear mate who was looking for her.

“A little bird had lost her partner,” said daddy, “and was very sad. A sudden storm had come up while she was out, but when the storm passed, she found her way back to the dear partner who was searching for her.

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“‘T-r-i-l-l, t-r-i-l-l,’ her little mate cried, and trembled with joy.

“T-r-i-l-l, t-r-i-l-l,” her little friend shouted, shaking with excitement.

“‘My little mate, my loving little mate,’ she said in her bird language as she gave him a kiss with her little beak.

“‘My little buddy, my sweet little buddy,’ she said in her bird language as she gave him a kiss with her little beak.

“And then such a song! Such a song as has seldom been heard before was sung by that happy bird to his little loving mate.”

"And then what a song! A song like few have ever heard before was sung by that joyful bird to his sweet little partner."


APRIL 26: The Dandelion

“Two children were walking,” said daddy. “One of them stopped to pick some dandelions.

“Two kids were walking,” said dad. “One of them stopped to pick some dandelions.

“‘I love these yellow flowers,’ said the little girl. ‘No one scolds when you pick them. I’ve never owned a garden. But I always get these flowers every spring. And, oh, how I love them! Dear, soft, yellow posies,’ she said.

“‘I love these yellow flowers,’ said the little girl. ‘No one gets mad when you pick them. I’ve never had a garden. But I always get these flowers every spring. And, oh, how I love them! Sweet, soft, yellow blooms,’ she said.

“This was many years ago but from that day the dandelion’s family have always come up in the spring.”

“This was many years ago, but since that day, the dandelion’s family has always appeared in the spring.”


APRIL 27: Butterfly’s Growth

“A butterfly lays an egg on a leaf,” said daddy. “In a little while the egg becomes a caterpillar. And what do you suppose the caterpillar has for its very first meal?”

“A butterfly lays an egg on a leaf,” said Dad. “After a bit, the egg turns into a caterpillar. And what do you think the caterpillar eats for its very first meal?”

Both the children shook their heads.

Both kids shook their heads.

“It eats some of the shell from which it came. It’s a little like moving out of a house and before leaving it entirely, eating it up!

“It eats some of the shell it came from. It’s a bit like moving out of a house and, before leaving completely, eating it up!”

“Then the caterpillar becomes a chrysalis and soon a butterfly. It’s a happy day for the caterpillar when it becomes a beautiful butterfly. No longer will people call it a horrid caterpillar. They will say, ‘Look at the beautiful butterfly!’

“Then the caterpillar turns into a chrysalis and soon becomes a butterfly. It’s a great day for the caterpillar when it transforms into a beautiful butterfly. No longer will people call it a disgusting caterpillar. They will say, ‘Look at the beautiful butterfly!’”

“And as the butterfly sips from the little flowers and enters right into the hearts of many of them, it whispers:

“And as the butterfly drinks from the small flowers and goes deep into the hearts of many of them, it whispers:

“‘I’ve been a long time coming to you, flower, but the hard crawling journey had a wonderful ending.’

“‘I’ve taken a long time to get to you, flower, but the tough journey was worth it in the end.’”

“And though the flower does not altogether understand, it partly does, for it whispers: ‘Eat all of my honey and sip my sweetness, for you are my beautiful butterfly visitor!’”

“And even though the flower doesn’t fully understand, it partially does, because it whispers: ‘Enjoy all my nectar and taste my sweetness, for you are my lovely butterfly visitor!’”


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APRIL 28: The Tack and the Nail

“I heard something far from pleasant about you, little Tack,” said the big Nail.

“I heard something really unflattering about you, little Tack,” said the big Nail.

There were many other tacks in the box, but there were also many nails. They were all together in one big white box, and whichever size was wanted could be picked from the lot.

There were many other tacks in the box, but there were also many nails. They were all together in one big white box, and whichever size was needed could be picked from the lot.

But the Nail which was the biggest of all, or about the biggest, was talking to the Tack which was about the smallest of all the tacks in this big box.

But the Nail, which was the biggest of all, or pretty close to it, was talking to the Tack, which was one of the smallest tacks in this big box.

“Well, I suppose you want me to ask you what it is,” said the Tack, moving a little in the box.

“Well, I guess you want me to ask you what it is,” said the Tack, shifting slightly in the box.

“You needn’t ask me if you don’t want to,” said the Nail haughtily.

"You don’t have to ask me if you don’t want to," said the Nail arrogantly.

“But of course I want to; that is only natural,” said the Tack.

“But of course I want to; that’s only natural,” said the Tack.

“I thought you would want to,” said the Nail, in a hard, metallic voice. Now a metallic voice is a voice which sounds as hard and cold as any metal could be. Of course that was the natural sort of voice for a nail to have—still it was not a very cheerful voice to hear.

“I thought you would want to,” said the Nail, in a harsh, metallic voice. Now a metallic voice sounds as hard and cold as any metal could be. Of course, that was the typical kind of voice for a nail to have—still, it wasn't very cheerful to hear.

“The Master said that he had kept forgetting things all day long. And then he said that he had a head like a tack.”

“The Master said he kept forgetting things all day. Then he said he had a mind like a sieve.”

“Well, what of it?” asked the Tack. “Is that all?”

“Well, what about it?” asked the Tack. “Is that it?”

“That’s all, little Tack,” said the Nail. “Isn’t that enough?”

“That's it, little Tack,” said the Nail. “Isn't that enough?”

“I don’t think that was so dreadful,” said the Tack.

“I don’t think that was so terrible,” said the Tack.

“Perhaps you don’t understand,” said the Nail.

“Maybe you don’t get it,” said the Nail.

“Perhaps not,” the Tack agreed.

"Maybe not," the Tack agreed.

“I’d better make sure you understand and so I will tell you. The Master meant that his head was so small and stupid that he couldn’t remember anything, and when he said that his family told him he mustn’t talk so about himself. There, little Tack, you see you have a little stupid head. No head at all, and because it’s such a poor head they’ve made that sad saying about it. There was never such a thing said of a Nail.”

“I should make sure you get it, so I’ll explain. The Master meant that his head was so small and clueless that he couldn’t remember anything, and when he said that, his family told him he shouldn’t talk about himself like that. Look, little Tack, you see you’ve got a little clueless head. No head at all, and because it’s such a poor head, they’ve made that sad saying about it. There’s never been anything said about a Nail like that.”

“Maybe not,” said the Tack angrily, “but I can hang just as many pictures as you can. Maybe you are used for big pictures but I am used for small ones—nice little favorites, photographs and so forth. I’m just as useful in my way. Just as useful,” the Tack repeated.

“Maybe not,” said the Tack angrily, “but I can hang just as many pictures as you can. Maybe you're used for big pictures, but I'm used for small ones—nice little favorites, photos, and so on. I’m just as useful in my own way. Just as useful,” the Tack repeated.

“But what is more,” the Tack continued, “I have very little use for you in saying such a thing. You are supposed to be a friend of mine. A nail is a sort of relation of a tack. I don’t blame the people for saying such things. In their opinion my head is very small, and quite rightly too, and I have not the things they call brains—neither have you. So I don’t blame them in the least.

“But what’s more,” the Tack continued, “I don’t really need you saying that. You’re supposed to be my friend. A nail is kind of related to a tack. I don’t hold it against people for saying these things. They think my head is really small, and they’re absolutely right. I don’t have what they call brains—neither do you. So I don’t blame them at all.”

“But I blame you, Nail, for coming and telling me something to make me unhappy. It’s not doing me any good. I can’t change my head.[98] You’re just like a creature who wants to be praised because you didn’t say the mean thing yourself; but you did worse than that—you repeated it. Bah!” The Tack moved away disgusted, and the Nail moved far to one side of the box, feeling much ashamed.

“But I blame you, Nail, for coming and telling me something that makes me unhappy. It’s not helping me at all. I can’t change how I feel.[98] You’re just like someone who wants to be celebrated because you didn’t say the hurtful thing yourself; but you did something worse—you repeated it. Ugh!” The Tack moved away in disgust, and the Nail shifted to the far side of the box, feeling very ashamed.


APRIL 29: Moon’s Misunderstanding

“Are you sad, Mr. Moon?” asked the Fairy Queen. “I feel that something is the matter with you. You don’t seem to be yourself to-night. Won’t you tell us the trouble?”

“Are you feeling down, Mr. Moon?” asked the Fairy Queen. “I sense that something’s bothering you. You don’t seem like yourself tonight. Will you share what’s wrong?”

“I heard you say that once in a blue moon, you liked to have a banquet, and I thought perhaps you knew of another moon, and wanted him to shine for you. I’m not blue—that is I’m not really blue, though now I do feel blue, blue and very sad.”

“I heard you say that once in a while, you liked to have a feast, and I wondered if maybe you were thinking of another moon and wanted it to shine for you. I'm not feeling blue—that is, I'm not really upset, but right now I do feel down, down and very sad.”

“Oh, Mr. Moon,” said the Fairy Queen, “I am so glad you told me what the trouble was, for if you hadn’t told me we might have had a very sad misunderstanding.

“Oh, Mr. Moon,” said the Fairy Queen, “I’m so glad you told me what the issue was, because if you hadn’t, we could have ended up with a really sad misunderstanding.

“Of course we didn’t want another moon, and there is no other moon but you, dear Mr. Moon.

“Of course we didn’t want another moon, and there is no other moon but you, dear Mr. Moon.

“When people say, ‘Once in a blue moon,’ they mean ‘Once in a great while.’ They don’t mean that they want a blue moon, and can only give such a party when there is a blue moon, or whatever they are planning to give or do.

“When people say, ‘Once in a blue moon,’ they mean ‘Once in a great while.’ They don’t mean that they want a blue moon and can only throw such a party when there is a blue moon, or whatever they are planning to do.”

“Now we are going to have a banquet, and I meant that I thought it was nice to have a banquet once in a great while. That was a silly saying I used, that’s all.”

“Now we’re going to have a banquet, and I meant that it’s nice to have a banquet every once in a while. That was just a silly saying I used, that’s all.”

“I’m so relieved,” said Mr. Moon, smiling once more. “I never heard of another moon, but of course how was I to be sure? Such wonderful things happen all the time. People fly up in the air in airships, and behave just like birds. So I wasn’t sure whether there was another moon or not, and thought perhaps this fellow was blue, being blue in color and feeling blue in spirits are different—eh?”

“I’m so relieved,” said Mr. Moon, smiling again. “I’ve never heard of another moon, but how could I be sure? Amazing things happen all the time. People soar through the sky in airships and act just like birds. So I wasn’t sure if there was another moon or not, and I thought maybe this guy was blue because being blue in color and feeling blue in spirit are different—right?”

“Quite different,” said the Fairy Queen. “You don’t feel blue now, do you?” And as the moon grinned happily the Fairy Queen knew that everything was all right, and a banquet took place in Fairyland that night.

“Very different,” said the Fairy Queen. “You’re not feeling down now, are you?” And as the moon smiled cheerfully, the Fairy Queen realized that everything was fine, and a feast happened in Fairyland that night.


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APRIL 30: Marion’s Fern Garden

Marion had a little shady flower bed. Every spring at just about this time she would go into the woods with a trowel and basket and pick out the loveliest ferns. These she would carry home in her basket. Then in the shady afternoon she would go to her fernery with a watering pot. First she would dig a little hole, then she would put some water in it to see that the roots of the fern got plenty of moisture, for that is what ferns love. Then she would put the root of the fern in the hole and put soft earth firmly around it. After she had planted her ferns she watered them some more, for she was very careful that her ferns should be planted just right, and that is why she had such good luck with them.

Marion had a small shady flower bed. Every spring around this time, she would head into the woods with a trowel and basket to pick the most beautiful ferns. She would carry them home in her basket. Then, on a quiet afternoon, she would go to her fernery with a watering can. First, she would dig a small hole, then pour some water in it to make sure the roots of the fern got enough moisture, because that’s what ferns love. Next, she would place the root of the fern in the hole and pack soft soil around it. After planting her ferns, she watered them again, as she was very careful to plant them just right, which is why she had such great success with them.

Every spring she would add to her fernery, and the ferns that she had planted the year before came up more beautifully than ever.

Every spring, she would expand her fern collection, and the ferns she had planted the year before grew more stunning than ever.

She would get interesting looking rocks and stones and put them between ferns here and there in the little fernery. It was very delightful to see the plants come up in the spring and then go to the woods and get some more beautiful ones. She was very particular, you may be sure, to get nice young ones, for they are the best to transplant.

She would collect interesting rocks and stones and place them among the ferns throughout the little fern garden. It was really nice to see the plants bloom in the spring, and then she would head to the woods to find even more beautiful ones. She was very careful, you can be sure, to choose nice young ones because they are the easiest to transplant.


MAY 1: The Tree Swallows

“The Mr. Tree Swallows are bluish green above and white underneath. The Mrs. Tree Swallows are gray and white beneath,” said daddy.

“Mr. Tree Swallows have a bluish-green upper body and white underneath. Mrs. Tree Swallows are gray and white underneath,” said Dad.

“Sometimes they build their nests out of grass with feathers for the lining; in fact, that is the way they usually do, but they sometimes like to find bird homes already made for them.

“Sometimes they build their nests out of grass and use feathers for lining; in fact, that’s how they usually do it, but they also like to find birdhouses that are already made for them.”

“They sing or make a little chirping sound as their other swallow cousins do. They usually build their nests in hollow trees and like to sit on old branches, so they have been called the Tree Swallows, for their cousins, the Barn Swallows, build their homes around barns.

“They sing or make a little chirping sound like their other swallow relatives. They typically build their nests in hollow trees and enjoy sitting on old branches, which is why they are called Tree Swallows, while their relatives, the Barn Swallows, build their homes near barns.”

“These swallows like to fly high in the air, and they also love to sit on telegraph wires. They say that they wish to be modern and up-to-date, and that as they can’t answer the telephones or call their friends up, they can sit on the telephone wires and feel they are part of a nice world!”

“These swallows enjoy soaring high in the sky, and they love to perch on telephone wires. They claim they want to be modern and current, and since they can’t answer phones or call their friends, they rest on the phone wires and feel like they’re part of a wonderful world!”


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MAY 2: The Pig Who Took a Walk

“There was once a little fairy, who was named Fairy Sunrise, because every morning she got up just at the same time as Mr. Sun did.

“There was once a little fairy named Fairy Sunrise, because every morning she woke up right when Mr. Sun did.

“She had a great love for nice little pigs, as she thought they were very cunning, and not at all the horrid little creatures some people think they are.

“She had a great love for adorable little pigs, as she thought they were very clever, and not at all the disgusting little creatures that some people believe they are.

“But one little pig worried her a great deal. He put on airs and was very proud of himself. The little pig’s name was ‘Gink,’ and he was the pet pig of a little girl who lived on a farm.

“But one little pig worried her a lot. He acted all high and mighty and was super proud of himself. The little pig's name was ‘Gink,’ and he was the pet pig of a little girl who lived on a farm."

“Gink had overheard some city people who had visited the farm talk about their figures. For a long time he couldn’t imagine what they meant. Then, after listening for some time, he heard one of them say that it was quite all right to eat everything any one wanted to, but every one must exercise, walk and play games so as not to grow fat—for it was so ugly to be fat!

“Gink had overheard some city folks who had visited the farm talking about their bodies. For a long time, he couldn't figure out what they meant. Then, after listening for a while, he heard one of them say that it was perfectly fine to eat whatever anyone wanted, but everyone needed to exercise, walk, and play games so they wouldn't get fat—because being fat was so unattractive!”

“Gink had never thought it was ugly to be fat, but then that was because he had never really thought about it at all. And yet when he did think about it, he decided that he would much rather keep just ‘plump’ as he now was than grow as fat as his mother was. For he said that his mother was a little bit old fashioned, and he wanted to be a very modern pig.

“Gink had never considered being fat to be ugly, but that was mainly because he had never really thought about it before. However, when he finally did think about it, he concluded that he'd rather stay ‘plump’ like he was now than become as overweight as his mom. He believed his mom was a bit old-fashioned, and he wanted to be a very modern pig.”

“The next day he went for a walk. He went through the little village, just managing to escape from under horses’ feet, and the little boys’ bicycles. He went as far as the lake, where he saw some boys starting off on a camping trip.

“The next day he took a walk. He strolled through the small village, narrowly avoiding the horses’ hooves and the little boys’ bicycles. He walked all the way to the lake, where he spotted some boys getting ready for a camping trip.”

“‘Don’t you want to come with us?’ asked one of the boys.

“‘Don’t you want to come with us?’ one of the boys asked.”

“The little pig was just about to start off, thinking in his vain way that the trip would do him good, when he heard a second boy say:

“The little pig was just about to set off, thinking to himself in his self-important way that the trip would benefit him, when he heard another boy say:

“‘Won’t he make wonderful bacon?’

"‘Isn't he going to make great bacon?’"

“Then you should have seen little Gink run home to his mistress. And after that awful fright and narrow escape, Gink stayed on the farm outside the village, and decided fashions were very silly, and apt to be dangerous. He also lost his love of walking!

“Then you should have seen little Gink run home to his owner. After that terrifying scare and close call, Gink stayed on the farm outside the village and decided that fashion was really silly and could be dangerous. He also lost his interest in walking!”

“And little Fairy Sunrise who had been around just in time to whisper to the little boy (though of course he didn’t see her) the word ‘bacon’ which had frightened Gink so much, was delighted that all her schemes had worked out so well, and that she had cured the vain Gink.”

“And little Fairy Sunrise, who had just been there to whisper to the little boy (though he couldn’t see her) the word ‘bacon,’ which had scared Gink so much, was thrilled that all her plans had worked out so well and that she had cured the vain Gink.”


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MAY 3: The Fairy and the Kangaroo

“I must tell you a story to-night,” commenced daddy, “of the sick kangaroo in the Zoo.

“I have to tell you a story tonight,” Dad began, “about the sick kangaroo at the zoo.

“To tell the truth the kangaroo wasn’t sick at all. He simply thought he was but he succeeded in making the keeper think so too. This pleased the kangaroo as all he really wanted was to have a fuss made over him.

“To be honest, the kangaroo wasn’t sick at all. He just thought he was, but he managed to convince the keeper that he was too. This made the kangaroo happy because all he really wanted was some attention.”

“The strange thing about his illness was that the keeper couldn’t imagine what was the matter with the kangaroo. He had a perfectly good appetite for he couldn’t give up eating just to pretend he was sick, for really and truly he knew he was just ‘pretending.’

“The strange thing about his illness was that the keeper couldn’t figure out what was wrong with the kangaroo. He had a perfectly good appetite; he couldn’t just stop eating to pretend he was sick because, deep down, he knew he was just ‘pretending.’”

“Now, this puzzled the keeper, but he thought there must be some kangaroo sickness where the animal could still eat, and yet be far from well.

“Now, this confused the keeper, but he thought there might be some kind of kangaroo illness that allowed the animal to eat but still be unwell.

“The keeper became so worried over the kangaroo’s strange sickness that at night he would get up to see if the kangaroo was asleep. Every time he went to look, the kangaroo was sound, sound asleep, breathing very quietly. The keeper thought to himself that this must be a good sign, for if he happened to be suffering from indigestion he would certainly be moaning and having bad dreams. Finally the keeper decided the kangaroo must have heart failure.

“The keeper became so worried about the kangaroo’s strange illness that at night he would get up to check if the kangaroo was asleep. Every time he looked, the kangaroo was fast asleep, breathing very softly. The keeper thought to himself that this must be a good sign, because if the kangaroo were suffering from indigestion, he would definitely be moaning and having bad dreams. Finally, the keeper concluded that the kangaroo must have heart failure.”

“The next day the keeper sent for the doctor and the doctor examined the kangaroo’s heart. He said that it was one of the strongest hearts that he had ever examined. And the keeper was still more puzzled.

“The next day, the keeper called in the doctor, and the doctor examined the kangaroo’s heart. He said it was one of the strongest hearts he had ever seen. The keeper was even more confused.”

“The kangaroo used to sit for hours and hours just playing with his tail. Sometimes he would think it was time to show how badly he felt by crying. So he would first look as if he just were able to keep back the tears, and then he would act as if he could keep it up no longer and would shake with sobs.

“The kangaroo would spend hours just playing with his tail. Sometimes he thought it was time to show how sad he was by crying. So he would first look like he was trying to hold back the tears, and then he would act like he couldn’t do it anymore and would shake with sobs.”

“Now this kangaroo had always been spoilt by his mother. When he was very, very young he could always have everything he wanted, so nothing was ever really a big treat.

“Now this kangaroo had always been spoiled by his mom. When he was really, really young, he could have anything he wanted, so nothing was ever really a big deal.”

“He always got sick at parties because he ate too much, and his mother would never stop him, and on holidays he always was allowed to turn things topsy-turvy. But one day when the animals were all to be given a special treat, little Fairy Silver Wings, who had heard of the kangaroo’s sickness, whispered to the other animals to leave him behind to twist his tail and moan while they had their game of ball.

“He always got sick at parties because he ate too much, and his mother would never stop him. On holidays, he was always allowed to turn everything upside down. But one day, when the animals were set to receive a special treat, little Fairy Silver Wings, who had heard about the kangaroo’s illness, whispered to the other animals to leave him behind to twist his tail and moan while they enjoyed their game of ball.”

“Then the kangaroo set up a howling such as never had been heard in animal land, for he didn’t want to miss a party—just as Fairy Silver Wings had said; so when they all thought he had learned a good lesson they went back for him. How ashamed he was when the[102] animals at first snubbed him, but he never made a fuss again, for he had had a great fright that he was going to miss a party through his foolishness.”

“Then the kangaroo let out a howl that had never been heard in the animal kingdom because he didn’t want to miss the party—just like Fairy Silver Wings had said; so when everyone thought he had learned his lesson, they went back for him. He felt so embarrassed when the[102] animals initially ignored him, but he never caused a scene again because he was really scared that he would miss a party because of his own foolishness.”


MAY 4: The Maple Tree Talks

“I’ve heard people talking about their family trees,” said the first maple tree. “And I simply don’t understand it. They’ve said that so and so came from that branch of the family and I’ve never seen a few aunts who made up a branch or a few uncles who made up a branch or who looked anything like a branch. I never have.”

“I’ve heard people talking about their family trees,” said the first maple tree. “And I just don’t get it. They’ve said that so-and-so came from that branch of the family, but I’ve never seen a few aunts that formed a branch or a few uncles that formed a branch, or anyone who looked anything like a branch. I never have.”

“I can explain that,” said the second maple tree. “When people speak of their family tree they mean their family and their family’s ancestors or grandmothers and grandfathers. You see a family is like a big tree. There is the root of it all—the first family from which all the different relatives or branches sprung which are related to the family just as branches are all related to and connected with the tree.”

“I can explain that,” said the second maple tree. “When people talk about their family tree, they’re referring to their family and their ancestors, like grandmothers and grandfathers. You see, a family is like a big tree. There’s the root of it all—the first family from which all the different relatives or branches grew, which are all related to the family just like branches are related to and connected with the tree.”

“Oh, now I see, thank you,” said the first maple tree.

“Oh, now I get it, thanks,” said the first maple tree.


MAY 5: The Daisies’ Name

“We know what our name means,” said the Daisies. “We come from the old family of Day’s eye—the eyes of the day—because we’re so bright and wide-awake and strong.”

“We know what our name means,” said the Daisies. “We come from the old family of Day’s eye—the eyes of the day—because we’re so bright and awake and strong.”


MAY 6: The Two Rabbits

“There were two rabbits,” said daddy, “which I want to tell you about. Their names were Clover and Pinky. Clover loved to hear her name. She loved to be called by it very often and she liked it best of all when her name was made very real by getting a lot of clover to eat.

“There were two rabbits,” said dad, “that I want to tell you about. Their names were Clover and Pinky. Clover loved hearing her name. She enjoyed being called it all the time, and she liked it the most when her name felt real by getting a lot of clover to eat.”

“The other rabbit’s name was Pinky. Pinky was so named because of his very bright pink eyes. They were really beautiful pink eyes. Clover had pink eyes, too, but they were not so bright; they were a little bit paler in shade than Pinky’s eyes.

“The other rabbit’s name was Pinky. Pinky was named for his very bright pink eyes. They were really beautiful pink eyes. Clover had pink eyes too, but they weren’t as bright; they were a little bit paler in shade than Pinky’s eyes.”

“Pinky thought they were very fairly named, for, of course, Clover[103] should have the better name of the two, because Clover was Mrs. Rabbit and it was polite and nice to give the lady the nicer name.

“Pinky thought they were pretty well named because, of course, Clover[103] should have the better name of the two, since Clover was Mrs. Rabbit, and it was polite and nice to give the lady the nicer name.”

“Both the rabbits were white without a touch of black. They were very fond of each other, they were very tame and fond of children and they were extremely fond of all the nice green things they were given to eat.

“Both rabbits were white with not a hint of black. They were very affectionate towards each other, quite friendly and lovable with children, and they really enjoyed all the nice green things they were fed.”

“Now the children who owned these rabbits didn’t know that daddy rabbits were all right when their children were big but that when their children were small they weren’t so nice because they were apt to kill them.

“Now the kids who had these rabbits didn’t know that dad rabbits were fine when their babies grew up, but when their babies were small, they weren’t so great because they were likely to kill them.”

“The daddies didn’t care for their babies when they were only little bits of fluff. They didn’t see that they would grow up into nice rabbits later on.

“The dads didn’t care for their babies when they were just little balls of fluff. They didn’t realize that they would grow up to be nice rabbits later on."

“So these two rabbits, Pinky and Clover, were not separated, and Clover, somehow, wasn’t as afraid of Pinky as sometimes a mother rabbit is.

“So these two rabbits, Pinky and Clover, weren’t separated, and Clover, for some reason, wasn’t as scared of Pinky as a mother rabbit sometimes is."

“That is, a mother rabbit is never afraid of a daddy rabbit for herself, for she knows he will never hurt her, but she is afraid for her little ones.

“That is, a mother rabbit is never scared of a daddy rabbit for herself, because she knows he will never harm her, but she is worried for her little ones.

“So when she knows that the little ones are soon to come she hides away from the daddy rabbit.

“So when she knows that the babies are coming soon, she hides away from the daddy rabbit.”

“Clover wasn’t at all nervous. She saw that the children didn’t know that they should be separated. And she somehow thought Pinky would act very nicely about the little ones.

“Clover wasn’t nervous at all. She noticed that the kids didn’t realize they needed to be separated. And she somehow believed Pinky would be really good with the little ones.”

“She made a little hole in the ground and soon there came seven of the sweetest, most cunning little bits of white fluff you ever did see!

“She dug a small hole in the ground, and soon seven of the sweetest, most clever little balls of white fluff appeared!”

“She had quite a hard time naming so many little babies but at last she named them and these were the names she decided upon.

“She had a really tough time coming up with names for so many little babies, but in the end, she named them, and here are the names she chose.”

“Her eldest son was named Bun. Her eldest daughter was named Bunny. Her second son was named Pink after his dad, and the second daughter was named Cloverine after herself. The third son was named Spot, because of a little black spot which he had on his nose, and the third daughter was named Rabbity, while the fourth son was named Baby Bun.

“Her oldest son was named Bun. Her oldest daughter was named Bunny. Her second son was named Pink after his dad, and the second daughter was named Cloverine after herself. The third son was named Spot because of a little black spot he had on his nose, and the third daughter was named Rabbity, while the fourth son was named Baby Bun.

“And do you know that Pinky never touched one of those children so as to hurt them? He didn’t kill them, he didn’t bite them.

“And do you know that Pinky never harmed any of those children? He didn’t kill them, he didn’t bite them."

“But instead he watched Mother Rabbit taking care of them, he saw her giving them their meals. He watched her as she taught them the lessons all rabbits must know.

“But instead, he watched Mother Rabbit taking care of them. He saw her feeding them their meals. He observed her teaching them the lessons all rabbits need to learn."

“And he saw the children pick them up and handle them very gently and kiss them and say how precious they were.

“And he saw the kids pick them up and handle them very gently and kiss them and say how precious they were.”

“After they grew up into bigger rabbits some of them were given away and became the pets of other children and Clover and Pinky were together again once more without the young ones.

“After they grew up into bigger rabbits, some of them were given away and became the pets of other kids, and Clover and Pinky were together again once more without the young ones.

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“‘I miss them,’ said Clover, ‘but I know that children will be good to their rabbit pets, for I have always been treated so kindly and nicely by children.’

“‘I miss them,’ Clover said, ‘but I know that kids will be good to their pet rabbits because I've always been treated so kindly and nicely by children.’”

“‘So have I,’ said Pinky.

“‘Me too,’ said Pinky.”

“And the rabbits sniffed and their little noses wiggled and trembled as they told each other what a nice world it was with children and clover both in it!”

“And the rabbits sniffed, their little noses wiggling and trembling as they told each other what a nice world it was to have both children and clover in it!”


MAY 7: Evelyn Decides Something

“The other day Mrs. Heron was talking to Mrs. Bird of Paradise,” said daddy.

“The other day, Dad was saying that Mrs. Heron was chatting with Mrs. Bird of Paradise.”

“‘Ah,’ Mrs. Heron was saying. ‘It does seem too bad that just when our little ones are born, just then, they shoot us, and leave our little ones to starve.

“‘Ah,’ Mrs. Heron was saying. ‘It really is a shame that just when our little ones are born, right at that moment, they shoot us and leave our little ones to starve.

“‘And all for fashions, too, friend! Think of mothers—wearing mothers on their hats whose little ones have been left behind to die. It’s something I cannot, cannot understand.’

“‘And all for fashion, too, friend! Think about mothers—wearing the images of mothers on their hats whose little ones have been left behind to die. It’s something I just cannot understand.’”

“‘All we can hope for,’ said Mrs. Bird of Paradise, ‘is that lots and lots of children will come to the Zoo and that they will hear from the keeper about us and will go home and tell their mothers.’

“‘All we can hope for,’ said Mrs. Bird of Paradise, ‘is that a ton of kids will come to the Zoo and that they will hear from the keeper about us and go home and tell their moms.’”

“‘Yes,’ said Mrs. Heron, ‘for sometimes I do believe people don’t know or understand or they wouldn’t do such cruel things.’

“‘Yes,’ said Mrs. Heron, ‘because sometimes I really think people don’t know or understand, or they wouldn’t do such cruel things.’”

“‘I am sure a great many must be ignorant, for I don’t believe so many would be cruel, especially just for fashion and style,’ said Mrs. Bird of Paradise.

“‘I’m sure a lot of people must be clueless, because I don’t think so many would be unkind, especially just for the sake of fashion and style,’ said Mrs. Bird of Paradise.”

“‘I hope,’ said Mrs. Heron, ‘that children will remember when they grow up themselves not to wear aigrette feathers which destroy the lives of birds who want to live and care for their little ones.’

“‘I hope,’ said Mrs. Heron, ‘that kids will remember when they grow up not to wear aigrette feathers that ruin the lives of birds who want to live and take care of their young ones.’”

“‘They strike us down when we’re dancing and happy and have chosen our little mates,’ Mrs. Bird of Paradise said sadly.

“‘They bring us down when we’re dancing and happy and have picked our little partners,’ Mrs. Bird of Paradise said sadly.

“‘And mothers wear us on their hats,’ said Mrs. Heron. ‘They wear other mothers whose babies have died of starvation because of a cruel, cruel fashion.’

“‘And moms wear us on their hats,’ said Mrs. Heron. ‘They wear other moms whose babies have died of starvation because of a harsh, harsh trend.’”

“‘Let’s hope for better times ahead for our families,’ Mrs. Bird of Paradise ended.

“‘Let’s hope our families have better times ahead,’ Mrs. Bird of Paradise concluded.

“‘Let’s hope so,’ said Mrs. Heron.”

“‘Let’s hope so,’ Mrs. Heron said.”

“Oh, daddy,” said Evelyn, “I’ve made up my mind, of course, never, never, never in the world to wear feathers of birds where we’re doing cruel, cruel harm. I know and I could never forget. But I’ve made up my mind to start a club of little girls who’ll all promise never to wear the feathers of birds such as the herons or the birds of paradise or[105] any other feathers where the birds have to be killed. We’ll wear ostrich feathers and plumes which come out naturally.

“Oh, Dad,” said Evelyn, “I’ve decided I’m never, ever going to wear feathers from birds if it causes them cruel harm. I understand, and I can never forget that. But I’ve made up my mind to start a club of little girls who will all promise to never wear feathers from birds like herons or birds of paradise or[105] any other feathers that require killing the birds. We’ll wear ostrich feathers and plumes that come naturally.”

“And I’m going to get any number of my friends together and we’ll have meetings and at each meeting every member will tell an interesting story of some bird she has seen. Once a month we’ll have refreshments.

“And I’m going to gather some of my friends and we’ll hold meetings, and at each meeting, every member will share an interesting story about a bird they’ve seen. Once a month, we’ll have snacks.”

“But most of all,” said Evelyn, for she could see Jack smiling over the refreshments, “we’ll never be cruel to birds.”

“But most of all,” said Evelyn, since she could see Jack smiling over the snacks, “we’ll never be unkind to birds.”

“That’s right,” said Jack, “the idea of big creatures such as we are being cruel to little creatures like birds, and I’m going to start a boys’ club where we’ll study birds and take their pictures, but we’ll never steal their eggs.”

"Exactly," said Jack, "the idea of big creatures like us being cruel to little creatures like birds, and I'm going to start a boys' club where we'll study birds and take their pictures, but we’ll never take their eggs."


MAY 8: Bossy White’s Escape

“A little girl named Betty,” said daddy, “once had a pet cow. Now, that may seem a very strange pet to have; but, after all, the cow was a very nice pet, for every morning and every evening she gave Betty delicious warm milk. Betty always milked her own bossy herself and would carry into the house twice a day a bucket of milk. But before she did that she always had to drink a little first, so the cow would be pleased and would look at her softly out of her great big eyes. Betty called her cow Bossy White, for the cow had a round white spot above her right eye.

“A little girl named Betty,” said Dad, “once had a pet cow. Now, that might sound like a really strange pet to have; but, after all, the cow was a great pet, because every morning and every evening she gave Betty delicious warm milk. Betty always milked her own cow by herself and would bring a bucket of milk into the house twice a day. But before she did that, she always had to drink a little first, so the cow would be happy and would look at her gently with her big, soft eyes. Betty named her cow Bossy White, because the cow had a round white spot above her right eye.”

“During the daytime Bossy White stayed in the pasture, and at night-time she came in to a warm, comfortable stall in the barn.

"During the day, Bossy White stayed in the pasture, and at night, she came into a warm, comfy stall in the barn."

“Betty’s home was very near a swamp, where a great many black racer snakes lived. But as the pasture had a wire fence all around it nobody was afraid the snakes could get inside. The black racer snakes adore chasing cows and try their hardest to catch them. Often they succeed.

“Betty’s home was really close to a swamp, where a lot of black racer snakes lived. But since the pasture had a wire fence all around it, no one was worried about the snakes getting in. The black racer snakes love chasing cows and do their best to catch them. Often, they succeed.”

“Nobody had noticed it, but a piece of wire had really broken in a part of the fence, and one of the black racer snakes got in.

“Nobody had noticed it, but a piece of wire had actually broken in one section of the fence, and one of the black racer snakes got in.

“‘Now,’ said the snake to himself, ‘I shall have lots of fun chasing this cow.’ So he began to hurry through the grass, and poor Bossy White ran for all she was worth, almost frightened out of her wits.

“‘Now,’ the snake said to himself, ‘I'm going to have a blast chasing this cow.’ So he started to rush through the grass, and poor Bossy White ran as fast as she could, nearly scared out of her mind.

“A little boy passing by saw the cow running and the grass moving, so he knew that a black racer snake was chasing the cow. He jumped over the fence and called: ‘Bossy White!’ (for he had often heard Betty call her). ‘Come, Bossy White; follow me!’ And he led a wild chase, running first to one side and then to the other until they reached the barn in safety. You see, with the cow following the little boy’s crooked route, the snake could not keep up, but got way behind, for the black[106] racer snakes lose so much time in going from side to side that that is the way to escape them.

A little boy passing by saw the cow running and the grass moving, so he realized that a black racer snake was chasing the cow. He jumped over the fence and called out, "Bossy White!" (because he had often heard Betty call her that). "Come on, Bossy White; follow me!" He led a wild chase, running first to one side and then to the other until they reached the barn safely. You see, with the cow following the little boy’s zigzag path, the snake couldn’t keep up and fell way behind, since black racer snakes lose a lot of time by darting side to side, making that a good way to escape them.

“When the little boy and the cow reached the barn there was Betty waiting to milk Bossy White. She couldn’t understand why Bossy White rushed into the barn nor why the little boy was so breathless.

“When the little boy and the cow reached the barn, Betty was there waiting to milk Bossy White. She couldn’t figure out why Bossy White hurried into the barn or why the little boy was so out of breath."

“As soon as the little boy got his breath, though, he told Betty what had happened. You can imagine how happy Betty was to feel that her beloved Bossy White had been saved, and she told the little boy how grateful she was to him. She also said, ‘Now I know how grateful Bossy White feels, and I’m sure she’d like to give you a bucketful of her delicious milk.’ So the little boy, who was very poor and who had an invalid mother, took home his reward of a bucketful of delicious milk.

“As soon as the little boy caught his breath, he told Betty what had happened. You can imagine how happy she was to find out that her beloved Bossy White had been saved, and she expressed her gratitude to the little boy. She also said, ‘Now I know how grateful Bossy White feels, and I’m sure she’d like to give you a bucketful of her delicious milk.’ So the little boy, who was very poor and had a sick mother, took home his reward of a bucketful of delicious milk.”

“A doubly strong wire fence was put around the pasture, so that Bossy White never again was chased by a black racer snake.”

“A double-strength wire fence was put up around the pasture, so Bossy White would never be chased by a black racer snake again.”


MAY 9: The Spring Snow-storm

“Well,” said the great big stone, “this is fine.” The big stone was big enough so that quite a number of children could get on it at one time. It was away off in the woods, quite far from the nearest village, and it was a fine place to have a picnic.

“Well,” said the big stone, “this is nice.” The stone was large enough for several children to sit on it at once. It was tucked away in the woods, quite far from the closest village, and it was a perfect spot for a picnic.

Some children had decided to give a picnic there and they had asked their daddy to let them have two of the horses and the wagon to take them all to the big stone.

Some kids decided to have a picnic there, and they asked their dad if they could use two of the horses and the wagon to take everyone to the big stone.

The stone was in some woods which belonged to a family in a neighboring farmhouse. They were not very well off, so they made a little money by charging people who wanted to go through their land a small amount to see the stone and have a picnic there.

The stone was located in some woods owned by a family from a nearby farmhouse. They weren't very well off, so they made a bit of money by charging people a small fee to pass through their land to see the stone and have a picnic there.

And the most important thing about the stone has not yet been told. It was a rocky stone. Yes, that great big stone actually rocked when one touched it, just as a rocking-chair will rock.

And the most important thing about the stone hasn't been mentioned yet. It was a rocky stone. Yes, that big stone actually rocked when you touched it, just like a rocking chair does.

All the children who were going to the picnic, went in the wagon and there were five children in all.

All the kids who were going to the picnic rode in the wagon, and there were five kids in total.

They reached the road which was a private one, and they stopped to pay to be allowed to go through to the part where the rocking stone was.

They arrived at the private road and paused to pay the fee to be allowed access to the area where the rocking stone was located.

“How much is it?” they asked of the neighboring farmer’s little boy.

“How much is it?” they asked the little boy from the neighboring farm.

“It’s five cents apiece for children,” he said. “And that lets you look at the stone and stay there as long as you want.”

“It’s five cents each for kids,” he said. “And that lets you check out the stone and hang out there as long as you want.”

“How much will it cost to let the team go through?” the children asked, for they thought it would cost more with the wagon and horses.

“How much will it cost to let the team pass through?” the children asked, since they thought it would be more expensive with the wagon and horses.

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[107]

The little boy thought for a moment and then he said: “There won’t be any charge for them, because I don’t suppose they will look at the stone much!”

The little boy thought for a moment and then he said: “There won’t be any charge for them, because I don’t think they’ll pay much attention to the stone!”

They all laughed, and the children went through to the rocking stone. And it was then the stone said to itself: “This is fine.” How wonderful it seemed! The stone was so big that they had to climb up a ladder in order to reach the top where they were going to have their picnic, and yet they could stand by it and move it so it actually rocked, not using more than one hand.

They all laughed, and the kids went to the rocking stone. That’s when the stone thought to itself, “This is nice.” It felt amazing! The stone was so huge that they had to climb up a ladder to reach the top where they were going to have their picnic. Yet, they could still stand next to it and move it, causing it to rock, using just one hand.

“Let’s eat right away,” some one suggested.

"Let's eat right now," someone suggested.

And it was such a good suggestion that they started in to eat at once. And such good things as they had! They had cocoa which was piping hot, because it had been heated in a kettle on a bonfire which they had made as soon as they had arrived.

And it was such a great idea that they started eating right away. And they had some amazing food! They had cocoa that was steaming hot because it had been heated in a kettle over a bonfire they made as soon as they got there.

They had sandwiches of all kinds, and cakes and bananas and oranges and all sorts of other goodies. And they had a box with hard candies in it which they all had decided was the best kind.

They had sandwiches of all kinds, along with cakes, bananas, oranges, and all sorts of other treats. They also had a box of hard candies that everyone agreed was the best kind.

They had not been eating long when one of the children said: “I do believe I feel a drop of rain—no—it is a flake of snow. Yes, it is snowing!”

They hadn't been eating for long when one of the kids said, “I think I feel a drop of rain—no—it’s a flake of snow. Yes, it’s snowing!”

“It can’t be,” the other children said, “for the spring has come.”

"It can't be," the other kids said, "because spring has arrived."

“But look, there are really snowflakes falling now. And such great big flakes, too!”

“But look, there are actual snowflakes falling now. And they’re really big, too!”

And, true enough, even though it was rather far north and though the spring had come, huge snowflakes fell upon the children as they ate their picnic lunch on top of the big rocking stone.

And, sure enough, even though it was quite far north and spring had arrived, huge snowflakes were falling on the kids as they enjoyed their picnic lunch on top of the big rocking stone.

And they laughed and said: “Well, this is a real picnic and everything is very wonderful.”

And they laughed and said, "Well, this is really a picnic and everything is great."

“Yes,” said another child, “and it is so interesting as everything is a little different from usual. It is not usual to have a picnic on top of a huge stone upon which we have to climb by a ladder if we want to reach the top, and yet which will rock when we touch it, just as though it were a rocking chair. And now the snow is falling though it is spring.”

“Yes,” said another child, “and it's so interesting because everything is a bit different from usual. It’s not normal to have a picnic on top of a massive rock that we have to climb with a ladder if we want to get to the top, and yet it rocks when we touch it, just like a rocking chair. And now the snow is falling even though it’s spring.”

The jolly old King Snow laughed as he heard this and said: “I like to give them a surprise in the spring when they think I’ve left them for good. And I’m glad I’ve given the children a good surprise, for it makes their picnic party all the more fun, for they like me, they do.” And old King Snow chuckled and went to bed for the summer months feeling very happy indeed.

The cheerful old King Snow laughed when he heard this and said, “I enjoy surprising them in the spring when they think I’ve disappeared for good. I’m glad I surprised the kids because it makes their picnic party a lot more fun; they really like me.” Old King Snow chuckled and went to bed for the summer months feeling very happy indeed.


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[108]

MAY 10: A Reward for Mr. Walrus

“This Winter,” said daddy, “a Walrus was the Iceman in a Zoo.

“This winter,” said Dad, “a walrus was the Iceman at a zoo.

“It was this way. The Keeper had noticed that whenever the Walrus’ pond became frozen over on cold, cold nights he was just as happy as happy could be. He would chop up the ice with his sharp tusks—for the Walrus has his ice pick always with him! Then he would leave a clear, open space and down he would dive into his pond and have a lovely icy swim.

“It happened like this. The Keeper observed that whenever the Walrus’ pond froze over on freezing nights, he was as happy as can be. He would break up the ice with his sharp tusks—because the Walrus always carries his ice pick! Then he would leave a clear, open area and dive into his pond for a delightful icy swim.

“The Walrus loved it nice and cold—and how he did love the cold water.

“The Walrus loved it nice and cold—and he really enjoyed the cold water.

“Of course, at first, he simply chopped up the ice because he loved the feeling of working with such a cold substance as ice. But his main object was to get under the water and have a good cold bath.

“Of course, at first, he just chopped up the ice because he loved the feeling of working with such a cold material. But his main goal was to get under the water and take a nice cold bath.”

“When the Keeper noticed that that was what the Walrus seemed to want more than anything, he had the regular Iceman of the Zoo pick up the pieces of ice as fast as the Walrus would break them up. These would go into the Zoo ice-house all ready for the hot days of the Summer.

“When the Keeper saw that the Walrus wanted that more than anything, he had the usual Iceman of the Zoo grab the pieces of ice as quickly as the Walrus broke them apart. These would be stored in the Zoo ice-house, all set for the hot days of Summer.”

“When the Walrus saw that he was doing some real work, and that as soon as he chopped up the ice it was taken away, he was delighted. For, you see, he was very fond of his good, kind Keeper, and he thought it a fine thing to be a regular business Man—or a business Walrus—and work hard each day. He enjoyed his swims more and more because he felt he was doing some daily work.

“When the Walrus saw that he was actually doing some real work, and that as soon as he chopped up the ice it was taken away, he was thrilled. You see, he really liked his good, kind Keeper, and he thought it was great to be a regular business person—or a business Walrus—and work hard every day. He enjoyed his swims more and more because he felt like he was contributing with some daily work.”

“And the Keeper was delighted and said many very kind and flattering things to the Walrus, which pleased him more than I can tell you.

"And the Keeper was thrilled and said many very nice and flattering things to the Walrus, which made him happier than I can explain."

“But alas! All too soon for Mr. Walrus came the warm spring days. The Keeper could not think of anything else for Mr. Walrus to do, and Mr. Walrus felt very sad that all the ice had gone away and that he couldn’t chop any more.

“But unfortunately! All too soon for Mr. Walrus came the warm spring days. The Keeper couldn't think of anything else for Mr. Walrus to do, and Mr. Walrus felt very sad that all the ice had disappeared and that he couldn’t chop anymore.”

“The Keeper really felt very badly that he had let Mr. Walrus do so much work and had nothing now for him to do. But the Queen of the Fairies came along and whispered to the Keeper a fine scheme as a reward for Mr. Walrus—she whispered this when the Keeper was thinking very hard one day about the Walrus.

“The Keeper felt really bad that he had made Mr. Walrus do so much work and now had nothing for him to do. But then the Queen of the Fairies came by and whispered a great idea to the Keeper as a reward for Mr. Walrus—she whispered this while the Keeper was deep in thought one day about the Walrus.”

“This is what she whispered to him.

“This is what she whispered to him.

“‘Mr. Keeper, go to the ice-house every day and pick out a nice big piece of ice for Mr. Walrus. Then have it carried over to his pond, and when you give it to him tell him it is his reward for working so hard all Winter, and it is to cool his water—not to chop up.’

“‘Mr. Keeper, go to the ice house every day and pick out a nice big piece of ice for Mr. Walrus. Then have it carried over to his pond, and when you give it to him, tell him it’s his reward for working so hard all winter, and it’s to cool his water—not to chop up.’”

“Well, the Keeper did as the Fairy Queen had suggested. At first the Walrus did chop up the ice—although it was such a small piece[109] to chop up he did seem a little surprised when it was put in his pond. Then he waited for it to be taken away, but instead, the Keeper came and told him to play with it himself.

“Well, the Keeper did what the Fairy Queen suggested. At first, the Walrus chopped up the ice—though it was such a small piece[109] that he seemed a bit surprised when it was put in his pond. Then he waited for it to be taken away, but instead, the Keeper came and told him to play with it himself.”

“After a few days the Walrus understood it was all for him because it was some of the ice he had chopped in the Winter.

“After a few days, the Walrus realized it was all for him because it was some of the ice he had cut during the Winter.

“So every day when the ice would come he would be so joyful. He would take a rest on the piece of ice first—for he thought it a lovely, cool sort of chair—and then he would dive down into the cold water. And the Fairy Queen was so pleased that the Walrus was getting a good reward for his Winter’s work.”

“So every day when the ice arrived, he would be so happy. He would rest on the piece of ice first—he thought it was a nice, cool kind of chair—and then he would dive into the cold water. And the Fairy Queen was really glad that the Walrus was getting a good reward for his work over the winter.”


MAY 11: Kay and the Trunk

“Kathleen, or Kay, as she was always called for short, lived by the ocean in a little fishing village,” said daddy. “She used to watch the men fishing all day and hauling their nets in at night. And she would watch her mother cook the fish for their meals, for they practically lived on it. One day a big trunk was washed ashore which without a doubt had fallen off one of the big boats passing by.

“Kathleen, or Kay, as everyone called her, lived by the ocean in a small fishing village,” Dad said. “She would watch the men fishing all day and pulling their nets in at night. And she would see her mom cooking the fish for their meals, since they practically lived on it. One day a large trunk washed up on the beach, which had definitely fallen off one of the big boats passing by.

“In the trunk were lots and lots of lovely dresses—a pink dress, a yellow satin dress, a green velvet coat, a hat with soft, big plumes on it, and, oh, so many lovely things! Kay was breathless for a moment, she was so excited—all those gorgeous things for a little girl who had seen little else beside fishing-nets and such things.

“In the trunk were tons of beautiful dresses—a pink dress, a yellow satin dress, a green velvet coat, a hat with soft, big feathers on it, and, oh, so many gorgeous things! Kay was momentarily breathless, she was so excited—all those stunning things for a little girl who had only seen fishing nets and stuff like that.”

“‘Is it for me?’ cried Kay.

“‘Is it for me?’ yelled Kay.

“‘Yes; all for you,’ said her daddy. ‘Nobody else wants these things here in our fishing village, and you can have them to play with.’

“‘Yes; all for you,’ said her dad. ‘Nobody else wants these things here in our fishing village, and you can have them to play with.’”

“‘Oh, how marvelous!’ said Kay. ‘I’ll never be lonely now. I can play I’m a queen when I wear that yellow satin dress and the velvet coat, and I’ll pretend that the fishes are my subjects, and I can play I’m a beautiful lady going to a ball when I wear the pink dress.’

“‘Oh, how amazing!’ said Kay. ‘I’ll never feel lonely again. I can pretend I’m a queen when I wear that yellow satin dress and the velvet coat, and I’ll act like the fish are my subjects, and I can pretend I’m a beautiful lady going to a ball when I wear the pink dress.’”

“She jumped around and around with joy, crying: ‘Oh, what a fine time I’ll have dressing up! Oh, such fun!’”

“She jumped around with joy, shouting, ‘Oh, what a great time I’ll have dressing up! Oh, so much fun!’”


MAY 12: The Sun Talks to Harry

“There was a little boy,” said daddy, “whose name was Harry, and he loved sunsets and everything that had bright colors. But as he had spent all his life in the city, he had not seen half the wild flowers and lovely wood flowers you children can always see.

“There was a little boy,” said daddy, “named Harry, who loved sunsets and anything that had bright colors. But since he had lived his whole life in the city, he hadn’t seen half the wildflowers and beautiful woodland flowers that you kids can always see.”

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[110]

“One day he had been playing very hard as it was his birthday and his mother had given him a party. So he was tired before it was time to go to bed, and he was sitting by the open window looking at the sun just beginning to think about going to bed too.

“One day he had been playing really hard because it was his birthday and his mom had thrown him a party. So he was tired before it was time to go to bed, and he was sitting by the open window, watching the sun, just starting to think about going to bed too.

“But the Fairy Queen was whispering to the sun to tell Harry a story as a special birthday treat, and at the same time Harry was saying ‘Oh, please go to bed, Mr. Sun, for I want to see all your bright colors.’

“But the Fairy Queen was whispering to the sun to tell Harry a story as a special birthday treat, and at the same time Harry was saying, ‘Oh, please go to bed, Mr. Sun, because I want to see all your bright colors.’”

“But the sun had no intention of being hurried. He wanted to go to bed when he was tired and not before. Besides, in the warm weather he liked to stay up longer, and it was only in the cold winter that he cared about going to bed before the afternoon really was over.

“But the sun had no plans to be rushed. He wanted to go to bed when he was tired and not a moment sooner. Plus, in the warm weather, he liked to stay up later, and it was only during the cold winter that he cared about going to bed before the afternoon was truly finished.

“In a moment or two Harry was sound asleep in his chair by the window. And the sun had listened to the Fairy Queen’s whisper, for soon Harry was having the most wonderful talk with Mr. Sun.

“In a moment or two, Harry was fast asleep in his chair by the window. And the sun had heard the Fairy Queen’s whisper, for soon Harry was having the most amazing conversation with Mr. Sun.”

“He came right in the window, and sat on the sill, just as friendly as friendly could be. He told Harry the history of his life, and oh, how very, very old he was. It made Harry feel quite old too, to hear the sun talking, and he said to him, ‘Mr. Sun, don’t you feel very blue when you think how old you are?’

“He came right in through the window and sat on the sill, as friendly as could be. He told Harry the story of his life, and oh, was he old. It made Harry feel old too, hearing the sun talk, and he said to him, ‘Mr. Sun, don’t you feel sad when you think about how old you are?’”

“‘Sometimes to be sure I do. That is only natural. And it is then that you see many blue clouds and pale lavender colors around me as I’m going to bed. But you will agree that isn’t very often. For when I am sensible I say to myself that there is nothing disgraceful about being old. And it is then that I look bright and rosy. For it is very foolish to mind being old when you are as strong and well as I am and have such a wonderful long record.’”

“Sometimes I do, and that's completely normal. It’s during those times that I see a lot of blue clouds and light lavender colors around me as I’m heading to bed. But you have to agree, that doesn't happen very often. When I’m being practical, I remind myself there’s nothing shameful about getting older. That's when I look bright and cheerful. It’s really silly to be upset about aging when you’re as strong and healthy as I am and have such an amazing long history.”


MAY 13: Old Mr. Owl Writes a Book

“Old Mr. Owl wanted to write a book and he asked the fairies how to set about doing it,” commenced daddy.

“Old Mr. Owl wanted to write a book, so he asked the fairies how to go about it,” began Dad.

“‘Well,’ said the fairy queen, ‘it makes a good deal of difference, old Mr. Owl, what you want to write about.’

“‘Well,’ said the fairy queen, ‘it really matters a lot, old Mr. Owl, what you want to write about.’”

“‘What nonsense!’ he said. ‘It’s just that I want to know how to start off with my book. Just think what a marvelous book it will be—for as long as folks can remember I’ve been called the Wise Bird—the bird who’s awake at night and whose eyes are so very bright!’

“‘What nonsense!’ he exclaimed. ‘I just want to figure out how to start my book. Just imagine what an amazing book it will be—for as long as anyone can remember, I've been called the Wise Bird—the bird that's awake at night and has such bright eyes!’”

“‘Before I started saying what a fine book it would be, if I were you, I’d write it and give other people the chance to say so,’ said the fairy queen.

“‘Before I start saying what a great book it would be, if I were you, I’d write it and give others the chance to say so,’ said the fairy queen.

“Mr. Owl began to write with his pen, made out of one of Mr. Turkey Gobbler’s best feathers, on a large, flat stone, which he put in[111] the hollow of his tree. Very late in the night, he awakened his fairies who had been sleeping, and told them to listen to his book. Then he called all the owls from the neighborhood with a loud hoot-hoot. But before he began to read, he said:

“Mr. Owl started writing with his pen made from one of Mr. Turkey Gobbler’s finest feathers on a large, flat stone, which he placed in[111] the hollow of his tree. Very late at night, he woke up his fairies who had been sleeping and told them to listen to his book. Then he called all the owls from the neighborhood with a loud hoot-hoot. But before he began to read, he said:

“‘I’ve not enough light. I will hurt my eyes—my beautiful, wise, big eyes.’

“I don’t have enough light. I’ll hurt my eyes—my beautiful, wise, big eyes.”

“You see he had made a special arrangement to have his own lights, and when he said that he hadn’t enough, from all over came countless little fireflies. They sparkled and gave the most beautiful light all over the woods, and Mr. Owl put his spectacles on his nose, and said:

“You see, he had a special setup for his own lights, and when he mentioned he didn’t have enough, countless little fireflies appeared from everywhere. They sparkled and filled the woods with the most beautiful light, and Mr. Owl put his glasses on his nose and said:

“‘Now I see to perfection—which means quite all right.’ And Mr. Owl commenced reading his book.

“‘Now I see perfectly—which is just fine.’ And Mr. Owl started reading his book.

“It told about the parties, balls and picnics in fairyland, and of the wild adventures and happenings in the woods. The fairies were absolutely delighted that a book had been written with so much about them in it.

“It talked about the parties, dances, and picnics in fairyland, and the wild adventures and events in the woods. The fairies were really thrilled that a book had been written with so much about them in it."

“And the fairy queen was more than happy, for the last chapter was all about her.

“And the fairy queen was really happy because the last chapter was all about her."

“‘Well,’ said Mr. Owl, ‘you made me ashamed of myself for boasting about my book before I had written it, and so the only thing I could do was to write a wise chapter all about you.’

“‘Well,’ said Mr. Owl, ‘you made me feel embarrassed for bragging about my book before I had actually written it, so the only thing I could do was to write a wise chapter all about you.’”

“And the fairy queen smiled with pleasure and also with amusement—for Mr. Owl had certainly thought he could write a wise book—though the next time, perhaps, he wouldn’t say so before he had written it.

“And the fairy queen smiled with pleasure and also with amusement—for Mr. Owl had definitely thought he could write a wise book—though next time, perhaps, he wouldn’t say so before he had actually written it.

“The fireflies had been sparkling and flashing lights all this time, and finally they whispered:

“The fireflies had been sparkling and flashing their lights the whole time, and finally they whispered:

“‘Have a dance, all of you; we’ll give you the light and dance too. It is not well to read books all the time—you must dance.’

“‘Everyone dance; we’ll turn on the lights and dance too. It’s not good to read books all the time—you need to dance.’”

“So they all ended off with a fine dance, and old Mr. Owl, with his book under his wing, danced with the rest of the owls and fairies. But before the evening was over he presented to the fairy queen a copy of his book, which said on the cover, ‘A BOOK, by Wise Mr. Owl.’”

“So they all wrapped up with a great dance, and old Mr. Owl, with his book tucked under his wing, danced along with the other owls and fairies. But before the night came to an end, he gave the fairy queen a copy of his book, which had ‘A BOOK, by Wise Mr. Owl’ written on the cover.”


MAY 14: The Little Turkeys

“When Mrs. Turkey’s little ones were born,” said daddy, “she taught them the things that all good turkey mothers teach their young in the early spring days, especially how they must keep their feet dry for a number of weeks so they will grow up into fine and strong turkeys. And, as Mother Turkey watched her children she said to herself: ‘What a Thanksgiving turkey you will[112] be, my dear,’ as she pointed to one. ‘And what a Christmas turkey you will be. And do not be sad, because you will be used for meals.

“When Mrs. Turkey’s little ones were born,” said daddy, “she taught them the things that all good turkey mothers teach their young in the early spring, especially how they need to keep their feet dry for a few weeks so they can grow up to be strong and healthy turkeys. And as Mother Turkey watched her children, she thought to herself: ‘What a Thanksgiving turkey you will [112] be, my dear,’ as she pointed to one. ‘And what a Christmas turkey you will be. And don’t be sad, because you will be used for meals.

“‘It is a very great honor. A very great honor indeed! Turkeys are especially honored in this way!’”

“‘It’s such a huge honor. A really huge honor, for sure! Turkeys are especially celebrated like this!’”


MAY 15: Billy’s Trip in the Coach

“A little Boy named Billy was sitting in front of a fire,” began daddy. “It was in his own bedroom and he was in a great big armchair toasting his feet before he got into bed.

“A little boy named Billy was sitting in front of a fire,” began Dad. “It was in his own bedroom and he was in a big armchair toasting his feet before he got into bed."

“He began thinking of the picture over the fireplace. It was a most wonderful picture. There was a stage coach and a driver all dressed in red. There were eight white horses with big red plumes standing up from their harnesses, which made them look very fine indeed. And then there were two footmen just climbing upon the coach. They never seemed to reach the top; they always seemed to be in just the same place trying to get there!

“He started thinking about the painting above the fireplace. It was a truly amazing picture. There was a stagecoach and a driver dressed in red. There were eight white horses with large red plumes sticking up from their harnesses, which made them look really impressive. And then there were two footmen just about to climb onto the coach. They never seemed to make it to the top; they always seemed to be in the same spot trying to get there!

“Now Billy wondered if they didn’t get tired of being over the fireplace all the time, hanging up on a silly hook. To him the eight beautiful horses looked as if they needed a good gallop and run, and the little fat coachman in red looked as if he would like to be off for a trip too.

“Now Billy wondered if they ever got tired of being over the fireplace all the time, hanging on a silly hook. To him, the eight beautiful horses looked like they really needed a good gallop and run, and the little fat coachman in red seemed like he would want to be off on a trip too.”

“As Billy was wondering about it, suddenly he saw the coachman wave his arms, flourish his whip and the two footmen jump—actually jump right upon the top of the coach.

“As Billy was thinking about it, suddenly he saw the coachman waving his arms, swinging his whip, and the two footmen actually jumping right onto the top of the coach.

“And then the coach began to fill with passengers. The Fairy Queen was there with all the little Fairies trailing along too. Billy didn’t see how the coach could possibly hold so many passengers, but to his great surprise it began to grow larger and larger. And soon he heard a gruff voice.

“And then the coach started to fill up with passengers. The Fairy Queen was there with all the little Fairies following her. Billy couldn’t understand how the coach could fit so many people, but to his shock, it started to expand more and more. And soon he heard a rough voice.

“‘Well, Billy, do you want to see where we go when we take our trips? You mustn’t think we stay over this fireplace all the time. We have many friends, and we go upon wonderful trips when you’re fast asleep. But this time we will take you with us.’

“‘Well, Billy, do you want to see where we go when we take our trips? You shouldn’t think we just hang out by this fireplace all the time. We have a lot of friends, and we go on amazing adventures while you’re sound asleep. But this time, we’ll take you with us.’”

“Just then a little Gnome came down from the coach and began to help Billy up.

“Just then a little Gnome got down from the coach and started to help Billy up.

“Off they went, with the most dashing and daring speed. Around cliffs they tore, and over the narrowest and most dangerous roads.

"Off they went, at full speed with total swagger. They raced around cliffs and over the narrowest, most treacherous roads."

“Finally they came to the very steepest cliff you can possibly imagine.

“Finally, they reached the steepest cliff you can possibly imagine."

“‘Well,’ said the fat little coachman, ‘here we all get dashed to pieces unless the Tipping Bird comes along.’

“‘Well,’ said the chubby little coachman, ‘we're all going to get smashed unless the Tipping Bird shows up.’”

“‘Dear me,’ said Billy, ‘I do hope he comes. I would hate to be dashed to pieces.’

“‘Oh no,’ said Billy, ‘I really hope he shows up. I would hate to be crushed.’”

“MR. OWL AWAKENED THE FAIRIES AND TOLD THEM TO LISTEN TO HIS BOOK.”—Page 111

“Mr. Owl woke up the fairies and told them to pay attention to his book.”—Page 111

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“‘Oh, that’s just to make it more exciting,’ said one of the Fairies; ‘we won’t really be dashed to pieces. The Tipping Bird is a Bird known only in Fairyland, and he always comes just as the Fairy Queen waves her wand.’

“‘Oh, that’s just to make it more exciting,’ said one of the Fairies; ‘we won’t actually be crushed. The Tipping Bird is a bird that exists only in Fairyland, and he always shows up right when the Fairy Queen waves her wand.’”

“And soon what should Billy see come flying along but a great big black Bird—the biggest Bird Billy had ever seen in all his life. They left the coach on the side of the cliff, and then the horses, coachman, footmen, Fairies, Gnomes, Billy and all, found nice little parts of the Tipping Bird’s wings to rest in. Soon they were flying over the side of the cliff, and then landed in a beautiful valley of soft feathers.

“And soon what should Billy see coming along but a huge black Bird—the biggest Bird Billy had ever seen in his life. They left the coach on the edge of the cliff, and then the horses, coachman, footmen, Fairies, Gnomes, Billy, and everyone else found cozy spots on the Tipping Bird’s wings to relax. Before long, they were soaring over the side of the cliff and then landed in a beautiful valley filled with soft feathers.”

“‘Oh dear,’ said Billy, ‘where are we going now?’

“‘Oh man,’ said Billy, ‘where are we headed now?’”

“‘You must sleep in your good soft bed instead of the chair,’ said Billy’s mother, who had carried him asleep to his bed while he had been dreaming of the trip in the coach.”

“‘You need to sleep in your comfy bed instead of on the chair,’ said Billy’s mom, who had brought him to his bed while he was dreaming about the trip in the carriage.”


MAY 16: Mother Maple Tree

“I am going to tell you,” said the old maple tree, “a little family history. We belong to the Sugar Maple family. Our trees are often used in making furniture, and our sap gives wondrous maple sugar which boys and girls and ladies and gentlemen love so much!

“I’m going to share with you,” said the old maple tree, “a bit of family history. We’re part of the Sugar Maple family. Our trees are often used to make furniture, and our sap produces amazing maple sugar that kids and adults love so much!

“And when autumn comes we all dress up in the most wonderful costumes of red and orange and flaming gold. But we will not talk about autumn quite yet.

“And when fall arrives, we all wear the most amazing costumes of red, orange, and fiery gold. But we won't discuss fall just yet.

“The work for us to do now is to see that each leaf grows to be as big and beautiful as possible. For we have been known as one of the nicest of shade trees. We keep the sun from shining down too hard on people during the hot summer months. We make shady avenues and streets and driveways.

“The task ahead of us is to ensure that every leaf grows as big and beautiful as it can. We are recognized as one of the loveliest shade trees. We block the sun from beating down too harshly on people during the hot summer months. We create shady paths, streets, and driveways.”

“Mr. Sun is a perfectly splendid old chap, but in the summer he gets so excited that he is very warm, indeed, and the people love the shade we can give. So you see, leaves, you must not be lazy!”

“Mr. Sun is a really great old guy, but in the summer he gets so excited that he becomes very warm, and people really appreciate the shade we provide. So, you see, leaves, you can’t be lazy!”

The leaves rustled and shook their heads. “No, Mother Maple, we will not be lazy.”

The leaves rustled and shook their heads. “No, Mother Maple, we won’t be lazy.”

“We have many cousins,” continued Mother Maple. “There is Cousin Sycamore Maple whose family comes from far away. Cousin Sycamore is not very strong and its flowers are late in coming out. Now Cousin Norway Maple is quite different. A fine strong tree Cousin Norway is, and a tree that doesn’t mind soot and dust and smoke or insects. Many of Cousin Norway’s children are planted in city streets where there is a great deal of smoke.

“We have a lot of cousins,” Mother Maple said. “There’s Cousin Sycamore Maple, whose family comes from a long way off. Cousin Sycamore isn’t very strong, and its flowers come out later than most. Now, Cousin Norway Maple is completely different. Cousin Norway is a sturdy tree, and it doesn’t mind soot, dust, smoke, or insects. Many of Cousin Norway’s offspring are planted in city streets where there’s a lot of smoke.”

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“There is Cousin Box Elder which is a relation because it has clusters of ‘keys’ or seeds, which hang on all winter.

“There is Cousin Box Elder, which is a relative because it has clusters of ‘keys’ or seeds that hang on all winter."

“Cousin Striped Maple is very beautiful with its streaked white lines. In the winter oftentimes its bark is used by boys for whistles and in the autumn Cousin Striped Maple is yellow and very handsome.

“Cousin Striped Maple is very beautiful with its streaked white lines. In winter, boys often use its bark for making whistles, and in autumn, Cousin Striped Maple turns yellow and looks really stunning.”

“As for Mr. Mountain Maple—well, Cousin Mountain is so named because upon all mountains the Mountain Maple loves to grow and Cousin Vine Maple is so named because it hasn’t the strength to stand up by itself and its stems are like vines.

“As for Mr. Mountain Maple—well, Cousin Mountain is called that because the Mountain Maple loves to grow on hills, and Cousin Vine Maple is named so because it doesn’t have the strength to stand on its own, and its stems are like vines.”

“Cousin Silver Maple is very beautiful but is not strong enough to stand the city. Cousin Silver likes parks which are given over to trees and greens and plants.

“Cousin Silver Maple is very beautiful but isn’t strong enough to handle city life. Cousin Silver loves parks full of trees, greenery, and plants.”

“And then there are the red maple and the black maple. Cousin Black Maple is almost exactly like us, but its branches are orange colored and its ‘keys’ spread more widely than ours do.

“And then there are the red maple and the black maple. Cousin Black Maple is almost exactly like us, but its branches are orange and its ‘keys’ spread more widely than ours do.

“Cousin Red Maple loves the swamps and is a beautiful tree, as are all his children, but I’m glad we belong to the Sugar Maple family.”

“Cousin Red Maple loves the swamps and is a beautiful tree, as are all his kids, but I’m glad we belong to the Sugar Maple family.”

“So are we, Mother Maple,” said the leaves, as they all promised to be good and beautiful and strong.

“So are we, Mother Maple,” said the leaves, as they all promised to be nice, beautiful, and strong.


MAY 17: The Sport Fish

“At the seashore the other day when it was so warm,” said daddy, “I saw some great things which were made to look like big fish. They were made of rubber, I was told, and pumped up like automobile tires, and then they were covered with canvas.

“At the beach the other day when it was really warm,” dad said, “I saw some awesome things that looked like huge fish. I was told they were made of rubber, pumped up like car tires, and then covered with canvas.”

“Their eyes were painted on the canvas, so were their fins and their tails. They looked like very funny fishes but still they did not look quite right. And people were riding on top of them in the water, and what games they did have with the breakers. The fishes would rush in to the shore when a great wave would come and the people would have a most glorious ride. And children rode them, too. They’re not in the least dangerous, for if any one falls off in the water when he is riding a fish which lies right on top, he has no distance to fall at all, and simply gets a nice, jolly ducking.

“Their eyes were painted on the canvas, just like their fins and tails. They looked like really funny fish, but something about them still seemed off. People were riding on top of them in the water, enjoying themselves with the waves. The fish would rush to the shore when a big wave came, giving the riders an amazing thrill. Children rode them too. They’re not dangerous at all, because if someone falls off while riding a fish that’s right on the surface, they don’t fall far at all and just get a nice, cheerful splash.”

“But by holding on fast no one need fall off—just lie or sit on the fish and the breakers and the fish do the rest.

“But by holding on tightly, no one needs to fall off—just lie or sit on the fish and the waves, and the fish will do the rest."

“Well, such fun as every one was having at the beach. The children were laughing and crying out, ‘Let’s ride the sport fish.’

“Well, everyone was having so much fun at the beach. The kids were laughing and shouting, ‘Let’s ride the sport fish.’”

“Big men and grown-up ladies were saying, ‘Let’s ride the breakers on the sport fish. My, how they go! Aren’t they fun.’

“Big guys and grown-up women were saying, ‘Let’s ride the waves on the sport fish. Wow, look at them go! Aren’t they a blast?’”

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“And I am quite sure that farther out in the ocean real fishes were saying, ‘Well, isn’t it a shame! Here there are make-believe fishes that are thought more of than we are. And we’re real, not just imitations!’

“And I’m pretty sure that farther out in the ocean, real fish were saying, ‘Well, isn’t it a shame! Here there are pretend fish that are valued more than we are. And we’re real, not just copies!’”

“But I also felt sure that old Grandfather Ocean Fish said, ‘Now, look here, we have no right to get mad. We never offered our backs for folks to ride on. And we never rushed in to the shore on the great breakers. So we can’t grumble. For the sport fishes—not real like us, to be sure—will help the grown-ups and children have the kind of fun they like.’”

“But I also felt sure that old Grandfather Ocean Fish said, ‘Now, listen up, we have no reason to get upset. We never let anyone ride on our backs. And we never charged into the shore on the big waves. So we can’t complain. The sport fish—not really like us, that’s for sure—will help the adults and kids have the fun they enjoy.’”


MAY 18: Mother Sheep

“My beautiful baby, Laura Lamb,” said Mother Sheep, “we always follow the leader. We’re gentle and we’re quiet. We’re rather timid, too. We don’t think a great deal for ourselves.

“My beautiful baby, Laura Lamb,” said Mother Sheep, “we always follow the leader. We’re gentle and quiet. We’re also a bit timid. We don’t think for ourselves very much.”

“They say,” Mother Sheep continued, “that when people cannot sleep they make believe they are seeing sheep, and that they are counting them going through a gate. That is because sheep follow each other, and if one were going through a gate the others would be going through, too.

“They say,” Mother Sheep continued, “that when people can’t sleep, they imagine they’re seeing sheep and counting them as they go through a gate. That’s because sheep follow each other, and if one goes through a gate, the others will follow, too."

“Oh, they get tired, you see, of counting the sheep they make believe that they see! And so they go to sleep!

“Oh, they get tired, you see, of counting the sheep they pretend to see! And so they go to sleep!

“And you see what a help we are to people when we do such things, so that they can see us in their minds going through a gate—one after the other.

“And you see how helpful we are to people when we do things like this, so they can visualize us going through a gate—one after the other.”

“You see, my Laura Lamb, if sheep should go different ways then people couldn’t be helped toward sleep by us, and it is nice to think of helping people to sleep, for we’re gentle, kind souls, and it is nice to help.

“You see, my Laura Lamb, if sheep went in different directions, then people couldn’t be helped to sleep by us. It’s nice to think about helping people to sleep because we’re gentle, kind souls, and it feels good to help.”

“So, Laura Lamb, you, too, always follow the leader. Don’t go through one gate yourself and have your cousins going through another and some other cousins through the opening in the fence and the others perhaps going under the fence.

“So, Laura Lamb, you also always follow the leader. Don’t go through one gate by yourself while your cousins go through another, and some other cousins go through the opening in the fence, and others maybe go under the fence.”

“We must all go together, we sheep.”

“We all need to go together, we sheep.”

And Laura Lamb bleated and said: “Ba-aaa-baa-aaa, Mother Sheep! I will do as you say.”

And Laura Lamb bleated and said: “Ba-aaa-baa-aaa, Mother Sheep! I will do what you say.”


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MAY 19: The Monkeys’ Victory

“The Animals in the Zoo were boasting one day,” said daddy.

“The animals at the zoo were bragging one day,” said Dad.

“‘I am the most wonderful of you all,’ said the Black-Footed Penguin. ‘I live in water and on the rocks. My ways are interesting. I have strange habits, and what is more my voice is like a donkey’s. I can bray most beautifully.’

“‘I’m the most amazing of you all,’ said the Black-Footed Penguin. ‘I live in the water and on the rocks. My behaviors are fascinating. I have unusual habits, and what’s more, my voice sounds like a donkey’s. I can bray beautifully.’”

“‘Well,’ laughed the Donkey who was passing along the road. ‘The idea of comparing yourself to me.’ And the Donkey stopped quite still, even though he was pulling a cart in which was a little Girl.

“‘Well,’ laughed the Donkey who was walking down the road. ‘The thought of comparing yourself to me.’ And the Donkey stopped completely, even though he was pulling a cart with a little Girl in it.”

“‘Go on,’ said the little Girl. But the Donkey stood quite still.

“‘Go on,’ said the little girl. But the donkey stayed completely still.

“‘You can’t bray as well as I can,’ said the Donkey.

“‘You can’t bray as well as I can,’ said the Donkey.

“‘I bray just the same way,’ said the Black-Footed Penguin.

“‘I make the same sound,’ said the Black-Footed Penguin.

“‘Well,’ laughed the Hyena, ‘most People and Animals don’t think a Donkey’s voice is anything very fine.’ And the Hyena went on laughing and laughing, almost until his sides burst!

“‘Well,’ laughed the Hyena, ‘most people and animals don’t think a donkey’s voice is anything special.’ And the Hyena kept laughing and laughing, almost until his sides split!”

“‘If you’re going to be rude,’ said the Donkey, ‘I shall leave.’

“‘If you’re going to be rude,’ said the Donkey, ‘I’m out of here.’”

“‘At last,’ said the little Girl in the cart, ‘the Donkey has decided to move. I thought I might have to sit here all day.’

“‘Finally,’ said the little girl in the cart, ‘the donkey has decided to move. I thought I might have to sit here all day.’”

“‘Ah,’ said the Sea Lion, ‘none of you are as fine as I am. I jump into the air to get my food. I don’t get it in any commonplace, ordinary way. No indeed, I jump for it. Each time I do a trick. And they stop and look at me. For I am very interesting.’

“‘Ah,’ said the Sea Lion, ‘none of you are as great as I am. I leap into the air to catch my food. I don’t get it in any ordinary way. No way, I jump for it. Every time I perform a trick. And they pause and watch me. Because I’m really interesting.’”

“‘It’s much nicer,’ said the bushy-tailed Wood-Rat, ‘to be what I am. My tail is the wonder of the world.’

“‘It’s way better,’ said the bushy-tailed Wood-Rat, ‘to be who I am. My tail is the marvel of the world.’”

“‘I never heard that before,’ said the Flying Squirrels. ‘Now with us, it is different. We can fly! We are like Birds. That’s very superior.’

“‘I’ve never heard that before,’ said the Flying Squirrels. ‘But for us, it’s different. We can fly! We are like Birds. That’s way better.’”

“‘But you’re not Birds,’ said a Sparrow, who was flying by the cages, and over the yards of the Animals. ‘At the rate you are talking, I am about as interesting as any of you. I can fly for that matter, and I can pick up food. I fly down for it instead of flying up for it like Mr. Sea Lion.’

“‘But you’re not Birds,’ said a Sparrow, who was flying by the cages and over the yards of the Animals. ‘At the rate you’re talking, I’m just as interesting as any of you. I can fly, and I can find food. I fly down for it instead of flying up for it like Mr. Sea Lion.’”

“‘I don’t fly up for it,’ said Mr. Sea Lion. ‘I jump for it.’

“‘I don’t fly up for it,’ said Mr. Sea Lion. ‘I jump for it.’”

“‘Oh, all right,’ said the Sparrow. ‘I’m sure I don’t care whether you jump or fly. You’re very fussy about words, it seems to me.’

“‘Oh, fine,’ said the Sparrow. ‘I really don’t mind whether you jump or fly. You seem very particular about words, it seems to me.’”

“‘Look at me,’ said the Seal. ‘I come from a wonderful land, and I am a thing of great beauty. My skin is beautiful. And I swim so nicely, and I like the water so much.’

“‘Look at me,’ said the Seal. ‘I come from an amazing place, and I am incredibly beautiful. My skin is stunning. I swim really well, and I love the water so much.’”

“‘You’re no better than I am,’ said the Alligator crossly.

“‘You’re not any better than I am,’ said the Alligator angrily.

“‘Nonsense,’ said the Seal, ‘but I won’t quarrel with you about it, for I know I’m right.’

“‘Nonsense,’ said the Seal, ‘but I’m not going to argue with you about it, because I know I’m right.’”

“‘I have the finest coat,’ said the Zebra. ‘Now, in truth, I am something worth looking at.’

“‘I have the coolest coat,’ said the Zebra. ‘Honestly, I’m something to see.’”

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“‘You’re queer, that’s all,’ said the Rocky Mountain Sheep from his yard.

“‘You’re weird, that’s all,’ said the Rocky Mountain Sheep from his yard.

“The Australian Dog who looked like a Fox also got into the argument, but back in the Zoo house, the Monkeys were saying:

“The Australian Dog that looked like a Fox also joined the argument, but back in the Zoo house, the Monkeys were saying:

“‘Now, to-morrow let us see who gets the most admiration and attention. Then we will see who is the most interesting Animal in the Zoo.’

“‘Now, tomorrow let’s find out who gets the most admiration and attention. Then we’ll see who the most interesting Animal in the Zoo is.’”

“‘All right,’ agreed the other Animals, for each was quite sure he’d win. The word was whispered about the Zoo that the visitors should decide the question.

“‘All right,’ agreed the other Animals, as each was confident they’d win. It was whispered around the Zoo that the visitors should settle the matter.

“The next day the Children began to arrive—and all day long they kept coming. Each Animal had fussed to look his best, and when the Children would pause and stop to admire any Animal the others would look angry.

“The next day the kids started to arrive—and they kept coming all day long. Each animal had put in the effort to look their best, and whenever the kids stopped to admire one animal, the others would get jealous.”

“They stopped before every Animal for a few moments, and would say to each other:

“They paused in front of each Animal for a moment, and would say to each other:

“‘Oh, look at this queer Animal! See what he does!’ But then they would pass on and in front of the Monkey cages they stood. The Monkeys performed tricks, they made faces and they ate peanuts which were given to them, and at the end of the day, alas and alack, every Animal had to admit that the one who received the most attention from the Children was the old Monkey and his family.”

“‘Oh, check out this weird animal! Look at what he’s doing!’ But then they would move on and stop in front of the monkey cages. The monkeys did tricks, made faces, and ate peanuts that were given to them, and by the end of the day, unfortunately, every animal had to agree that the one who got the most attention from the kids was the old monkey and his family.”


MAY 20: The Mosquitoes

“Well, friends,” said the little mosquito, “how about a banquet to-night? It’s the first warm evening of the season, and without a doubt the people will sit out on their porches and enjoy the beautiful air.”

“Well, friends,” said the little mosquito, “how about a party tonight? It’s the first warm evening of the season, and I’m sure people will be sitting out on their porches enjoying the nice weather.”

“They won’t enjoy us,” said the second mosquito.

"They're not going to enjoy us," said the second mosquito.

“Well, I’m sure we wouldn’t be flattered if they did,” said the first mosquito. “If they enjoyed us it would mean that we didn’t bite them, and that would never do.”

“Well, I’m sure we wouldn’t feel flattered if they did,” said the first mosquito. “If they liked us it would mean that we didn’t bite them, and that would never happen.”

“It would never do,” agreed the second mosquito.

“It wouldn’t be right,” agreed the second mosquito.

“Well, let’s be off, for the sun has gone down and the people will have finished their suppers before long.”

“Alright, let’s go, because the sun has set and people will be wrapping up their dinners soon.”

“All right,” said the first mosquito, “I’m ready, and I’ll give a call to the children and to the cousins and to all of the family and relatives.”

“All right,” said the first mosquito, “I’m ready, and I’ll call the kids, the cousins, and the whole family.”

“Buzz-buzz-buzz,” came back the answers, and soon all the mosquito relatives had joined the first two mosquitoes.

“Buzz-buzz-buzz,” came the replies, and soon all the mosquito relatives had joined the first two mosquitoes.

“Is every one ready for a banquet?” asked the first mosquito.

“Is everyone ready for a feast?” asked the first mosquito.

“Every one, without a doubt,” said the mosquitoes.

“Definitely everyone,” said the mosquitoes.

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So they all started forth and buzzed along, talking of people who felt them most.

So they all set off and chatted away, discussing the people who felt their presence the most.

“We don’t want to go to those who’re not properly bitten by mosquitoes,” said the first mosquito.

“We don’t want to go to those who haven’t been properly bitten by mosquitoes,” said the first mosquito.

“I heard some one say, the other day,” said the second mosquito, “that the two creatures she hated most were the flies and the mosquitoes. She said she didn’t like yellow-jackets and hornets, but practically every other creature she liked.

“I heard someone say the other day,” said the second mosquito, “that the two creatures she hated the most were flies and mosquitoes. She said she didn’t like yellow jackets and hornets, but she practically liked every other creature.”

“Now, wasn’t that a nice compliment?”

"Wasn't that a nice compliment?"

“A large one,” said they all.

“A big one,” they all said.

“What do you mean by a large compliment?” asked the second mosquito. “You should say a big compliment. But still what do we care about words except a few choice ones such as bite and bitten and will bite?” So the mosquitoes hurried, and some of them went on one piazza where people were sitting and some on another, and were happy over their mean banquet.

“What do you mean by a large compliment?” asked the second mosquito. “You should say a big compliment. But still, what do we care about words except a few key ones like bite, bitten, and will bite?” So the mosquitoes hurried, and some of them went to one patio where people were sitting and some to another, and were happy with their meager feast.


MAY 21: The Potato Bugs

“Well, it is time we should get started,” said Mrs. Potato Bug.

“Well, it’s time we should get started,” said Mrs. Potato Bug.

“And we must work hard,” said Mr. Potato Bug.

“And we have to work hard,” said Mr. Potato Bug.

“We have such fun working,” said the little potato bugs.

“We have so much fun working,” said the little potato bugs.

The potato bugs had six legs apiece. They had little black feelers and tiny eyes. They were yellow and black on the back, and blue and brown underneath.

The potato bugs each had six legs. They had small black antennae and tiny eyes. Their backs were yellow and black, while their undersides were blue and brown.

They spit a little yellow juice on any one who took hold of them, for they said:

They spat a bit of yellow juice on anyone who handled them, because they said:

“It’s all right for us to treat the potatoes badly, but it is a different thing for people to have the bad manners to pick us up as if we were little creatures of no importance.”

“It’s fine for us to mishandle the potatoes, but it’s a whole different story when people have the bad manners to treat us like we’re tiny beings with no significance.”

There were also brick-red bugs with black dots on either side. These were the little potato bugs, while the others were the daddies and the mothers. They got on the leaves of the first potato crop and fed off them, eating away at the leaves as hard and as fast as such tiny creatures could do.

There were also reddish-brown bugs with black spots on either side. These were the small potato bugs, while the others were the adults. They climbed onto the leaves of the first potato plants and fed on them, munching away at the leaves as quickly as those tiny creatures could.

These little bugs were very anxious to kill the plants and they would have done so if they had made a good headway. That is, they would have done a great deal of harm if they hadn’t been driven away in time.

These little bugs were very eager to destroy the plants, and they would have succeeded if they had gained more ground. In other words, they would have caused a lot of damage if they hadn't been chased off in time.

But these bugs went to other potatoes and they saw some of the potato grubs, so they said to them:

But these bugs went to other potatoes and they saw some of the potato grubs, so they said to them:

“Potato grubs, what are you doing?”

“Potato bugs, what are you up to?”

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“We’re eating holes in the potatoes,” said the grubs. “What are you doing?”

“We're eating holes in the potatoes,” said the grubs. “What are you doing?”

“We were eating leaves of potato plants,” said the potato bugs. “We were driven away from some other plants, but here we are, and the dear little children have come, too.”

“We were eating the leaves of potato plants,” said the potato bugs. “We got chased away from some other plants, but here we are, and the sweet little kids have come, too.”

“Are you going to eat the leaves here?” asked the grubs.

“Are you going to eat the leaves here?” the grubs asked.

“We think they look good,” said the potato bugs.

“We think they look good,” said the potato bugs.

“They do,” said the grubs, “but of course we pay all our compliments to the potatoes themselves. We don’t bother about the leaves.”

“They do,” the grubs said, “but we always show our respect to the potatoes themselves. We don’t pay attention to the leaves.”

“Perhaps,” said the potato bugs, “the potatoes wouldn’t mind it if you didn’t pay them such compliments.”

“Maybe,” said the potato bugs, “the potatoes wouldn’t care if you didn’t give them so many compliments.”

“Perhaps not,” said the grubs, “but we do, just the same. We say to the potatoes:

“Maybe not,” said the grubs, “but we do it anyway. We tell the potatoes:

“‘Dear potatoes, we love you. Let us show you how fond we are of you by eating you.’”

“‘Dear potatoes, we love you. Let us show you how much we care by eating you.’”

“Ha, ha, ha,” laughed the potato bugs, “that is a good joke.”

“Ha, ha, ha,” laughed the potato bugs, “that’s a good joke.”

“The farmers don’t like the jokes, though,” said the grubs. “They think they and their wives and their children and their neighbors and their friends are the ones who should pay such compliments to the potatoes.”

“The farmers aren’t into the jokes, though,” said the grubs. “They believe that they, their wives, their kids, their neighbors, and their friends are the ones who should give those compliments to the potatoes.”

“Absurd,” said the potato bugs.

"Ridiculous," said the potato bugs.

“Of course,” admitted the grubs, “it is not so absurd if we put ourselves in their places, but who in the world ever imagined that a grub would put itself in the place of a person? No one would, so why should we do it? And we don’t.”

“Of course,” admitted the grubs, “it’s not so crazy if we think about it from their perspective, but who in the world would ever imagine that a grub would think like a person? No one would, so why should we do it? And we don’t.”

“That’s so,” said the potato bugs, “and neither do we. If we cared for people we wouldn’t eat the leaves and we wouldn’t try to destroy the plants.”

"That's true," said the potato bugs, "and we don't either. If we actually cared about people, we wouldn't eat the leaves or try to ruin the plants."

“We’re not friendly with farmers even if we do like potato hills,” said the grubs.

“We're not on good terms with farmers, even though we do like potato hills,” said the grubs.

“That’s so,” said the potato bugs, “and why should we be friendly with the farmers? They don’t like us. They ask us to leave. They try to get rid of us.

"That's true," said the potato bugs, "so why should we be friendly with the farmers? They don't like us. They want us to go. They try to get rid of us."

“They never invite us to have some of the leaves of the potatoes, any more than they ask you to bite holes and eat of the potatoes.

“They never invite us to have any of the potato leaves, just like they don’t ask you to take bites out of the potatoes.”

“We have to invite ourselves and look after ourselves. It’s too bad the farmers don’t like us when we like the potatoes they plant.”

“We have to take the initiative and take care of ourselves. It’s a shame the farmers don’t appreciate us when we enjoy the potatoes they grow.”

And so the potato bugs and the grubs tried to do all they could to hurt the farmer’s crop of potatoes. And they didn’t even feel badly, they were so naughty!

And so the potato bugs and the grubs did everything they could to ruin the farmer's potato crop. And they didn't even feel guilty; they were just so mischievous!


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[120]

MAY 22: Meadow Mouse and Mole

“The Meadow Mouse and the Mole,” said daddy, “had become very good friends. They both lived near each other in the field, and they used to visit each other in their holes under the ground.

“The Meadow Mouse and the Mole,” said Dad, “had become very good friends. They both lived close to each other in the field and used to visit one another in their burrows underground.

“‘What do you think of the food this year?’ asked Mr. Meadow Mouse, just as if he were staying at a hotel and wanted things the way he asked for them.

“‘What do you think of the food this year?’ asked Mr. Meadow Mouse, as if he were at a hotel and wanted everything just the way he requested it.”

“‘Well, I think it’s pretty good,’ said Mr. Mole. ‘The farmer planted all the things I like best this year, and so I’ve had a very good time.’ Just then they heard a voice say:

“‘Well, I think it’s pretty good,’ said Mr. Mole. ‘The farmer planted all the things I like best this year, and so I’ve had a really great time.’ Just then they heard a voice say:

“‘I advise you not to stay,
You had better move away.
For, some day when the farmer passes,
He may chop your heads off with the grasses.’

“‘Oh, who could that have been?’ asked Mr. Meadow Mouse. And the voice went on:

“‘Oh, who could that have been?’ asked Mr. Meadow Mouse. And the voice continued:

“‘I cannot be seen,
I’m the Fairy Queen.’

“Pretty soon Mr. Meadow Mouse and Mr. Mole were off for the next meadow, where the Fairy Queen told them they’d be safe, and all their children with them. Mrs. Meadow Mouse and Mrs. Mole didn’t care about moving, but when they were told that their heads would be chopped off if they didn’t, they hurried along!

“Before long, Mr. Meadow Mouse and Mr. Mole were on their way to the next meadow, where the Fairy Queen assured them they’d be safe, along with all their children. Mrs. Meadow Mouse and Mrs. Mole didn’t mind relocating, but when they were warned that their heads would be taken off if they didn’t, they quickly sped up!”

“And when they got to the next meadow, they began to burrow in the ground and dig it up with their little noses. Especially good for such work was Mr. Mole, and his children all copied him, and were a great help.”

“And when they reached the next meadow, they started to dig in the ground with their little noses. Mr. Mole was especially good at this, and his kids followed his lead, providing a lot of help.”


MAY 23: Wishes

“Hello, aprons, gloves, toys, books, games, gold fish, party dresses, gingham dresses,” called Fairy Grant-Your-Wishes to the toys and clothes in the children’s big store.

“Hello, aprons, gloves, toys, books, games, goldfish, party dresses, gingham dresses,” called Fairy Grant-Your-Wishes to the toys and clothes in the kids' big store.

They all called back “Hello.” That is, all those did who were awake this evening and who weren’t so tired that they went to sleep at once.

They all replied, “Hello.” That is, everyone who was awake that evening and wasn’t too tired to fall asleep immediately.

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[121]

“What is this I hear that you want?” she asked.

“What is this I hear that you want?” she asked.

“We all wish we were something else,” said the gingham dress. “I’d like to be a party dress, and the party dress is tired of its ribbons and laces. The gold fish down the aisle wants to be—what is it you want to be, gold fish?”

“We all wish we were something else,” said the checkered dress. “I’d like to be a party dress, and the party dress is tired of its ribbons and laces. The goldfish down the aisle wants to be—what is it you want to be, goldfish?”

“I want to be a toy,” said the gold fish.

“I want to be a toy,” said the goldfish.

“And oh,” said a pair of brown jumpers, “I want to be myself. But I want a playmate. I’d like to have a doll, please, Fairy!”

“And oh,” said a pair of brown jumpers, “I want to be myself. But I want a playmate. I’d like to have a doll, please, Fairy!”

“The doll you shall have,” said the fairy. “I’ll wave my wand.”

“The doll you will have,” said the fairy. “I’ll wave my wand.”

As she did so the whole store began to grow and grow, it seemed. Each counter was now like a store in itself and none of the counters were near each other. There were great, enormous roadways between the counters and the things themselves were all different. The gingham dress was now a party dress. It was wonderful how a party dress had been made out of the gingham one, for the gingham dress saw that there was some of the old dress left.

As she did this, the entire store seemed to expand endlessly. Each counter felt like a separate store, and none of them were close to one another. Massive, wide paths stretched between the counters, and everything was different. The gingham dress had transformed into a party dress. It was amazing how a party dress was created from the gingham one, as the gingham dress noticed that some of its original form remained.

“Oh,” said the gingham dress, now a party dress, “I do want to go to a party now.”

“Oh,” said the gingham dress, now a party dress, “I really want to go to a party now.”

“You shall,” said Fairy-Grant-Your-Wishes, suddenly appearing again. “Every one is to have a complete, whole wish granted this evening. And all of the others will go where they please and be what they please.”

“You will,” said Fairy-Grant-Your-Wishes, suddenly reappearing. “Everyone is going to have one complete wish granted this evening. And all the others will go wherever they want and be whoever they want.”

Such a change as there was. The gingham dress, now a party dress, found herself at a great party. There were many boys and girls and they looked at her as she came in the doorway. Oh, how strange and uncomfortable she felt. It was really a most miserable feeling.

Such a change had happened. The gingham dress, now a party dress, found itself at a big party. There were lots of boys and girls, and they stared at her as she walked in the doorway. Oh, how strange and uncomfortable she felt. It was truly a miserable feeling.

“Do we make mud pies later on?” she asked of another party dress.

“Are we making mud pies later?” she asked about another party dress.

“Ha, Ha,” said the other party dress, “where did you come from that you didn’t know that at parties such as this we don’t do such things. We couldn’t soil our clothes. I do believe your grandmother must have been a gingham. My grandmother,” the other party dress said very proudly, as she walked off tittering and giggling, “was a Lady Lace and she went to court affairs where my grandfather, Lord Velvet, met her.”

“Ha, Ha,” said the other party dress, “where did you come from that you didn’t know we don’t do that at parties like this? We can’t mess up our clothes. I bet your grandmother was a gingham. My grandmother,” the other party dress said proudly, walking off while tittering and giggling, “was a Lady Lace and she went to court events where my grandfather, Lord Velvet, met her.”

“What horrid, snobbish creatures,” said the gingham dress. “Oh, dear, what shall I do? No one will be friendly with me. I wish I were going to a good outdoor garden-playground party where children and clothes did things so I wouldn’t feel so strange.”

“What horrible, snobbish creatures,” said the gingham dress. “Oh, no, what will I do? No one will be friendly with me. I wish I were going to a nice outdoor garden party where kids and clothes did things so I wouldn’t feel so out of place.”

“All right,” said Fairy-Grant-Your-Wishes. “I will make you happy and change you back to what you were.”

“All right,” said Fairy-Grant-Your-Wishes. “I’ll make you happy and turn you back to what you were.”


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[122]

MAY 24: The Tree’s Complaint

“The house near-by is receiving a coat of paint,” began the tree, “and it is trying to pretend it’s the only thing that was ever painted. It is very proud and disagreeable about it.

"The house nearby is getting a fresh coat of paint," the tree said, "and it's acting like it's the only one that's ever been painted. It's really proud and a bit smug about it."

“If the house were receiving any other kind of a coat I wouldn’t be angry with it. I would never expect to have a coat of cloth or rubber for the rain or fur perhaps for the winter, but then I’m not a boy, a girl, a lady or a big man. I’m a tree, and the house is a house.”

“If the house were getting any other kind of coat, I wouldn’t be upset about it. I wouldn’t expect to have a coat of cloth or rubber for the rain, or maybe fur for the winter, but then again, I’m not a boy, a girl, a lady, or a big man. I’m a tree, and the house is just a house.”

“Perfectly true,” said the song sparrow, “I don’t wish to correct a thing you have said.”

“Absolutely right,” said the song sparrow, “I don’t want to change anything you’ve said.”

“But a coat of paint is entirely different.”

“But painting it is a whole different thing.”

“Entirely, chirp, chirp,” agreed the song sparrow. “I don’t suppose a girl or a boy, a lady or a big man would care for a coat of paint.”

“Totally, chirp, chirp,” the song sparrow agreed. “I don’t think a girl or a boy, a woman or a big guy would want a coat of paint.”

“Whiz, whiz, I should say not,” whistled the wind.

“Whoosh, whoosh, I definitely wouldn't say that,” whistled the wind.

“But the house,” continued the tree, “pretends it is very wonderful. It is trying to look so fresh and stuck-up.”

“But the house,” the tree went on, “acts like it’s really amazing. It’s trying to look all new and fancy.”

“You must forgive those things,” said the song sparrow, “as the paint makes the house behave like that.”

“You have to forgive those things,” said the song sparrow, “because the paint makes the house act that way.”

“That’s so,” said the tree. “I suppose I was a bit harsh. But you know my trunk was painted this spring, painted white, to protect me and to look after me. So, I didn’t like seeing the house act in such a proud fashion.”

"That's true," said the tree. "I guess I was a bit too tough. But you know my trunk was painted white this spring, to protect me and take care of me. So, I didn’t like seeing the house behave so arrogantly."


MAY 25: Saving a Tail

Evelyn rushed up to Jack as soon as he came out of school one day.

Evelyn ran up to Jack as soon as he walked out of school one day.

“Oh, Jack,” she said, “something is the matter with Marian. She behaves so queerly. She said she wanted to have me play with the other girls; she had something special to do at home. She really wouldn’t let me go home with her. I would have been mad only she was just too queer for anything. I don’t understand.”

“Oh, Jack,” she said, “something is wrong with Marian. She’s acting really strange. She said she wanted me to hang out with the other girls because she had something special to do at home. She wouldn’t let me go home with her. I would have been upset, but she was just too weird for anything. I don’t get it.”

“Jock was the same way; let’s go back, anyway, and see what is up.” Jock and Marian were cousins who had recently come to town.

“Jock was like that too; let’s go back and see what's going on.” Jock and Marian were cousins who had just moved to town.

They hurried down a street, running most of the way, and then turned down another and ran almost all of five more blocks to reach their cousins’ home.

They rushed down a street, running most of the way, and then turned onto another one and sprinted almost five more blocks to get to their cousins' house.

Jack went half-way down the hall when he bumped straight into Jock coming up from the cellar. He was holding in his arms the little fox terrier Marian had bought just a week before with her birthday[123] money. The dog was only a tiny puppy still, a lovely little soft white puppy with one brown ear and one black one and two black spots on his soft white back.

Jack walked halfway down the hall when he ran straight into Jock coming up from the basement. He was holding in his arms the little fox terrier that Marian had bought just a week earlier with her birthday[123] money. The dog was still just a tiny puppy, a beautiful little soft white puppy with one brown ear, one black ear, and two black spots on his soft white back.

“Oh, did Buster get hurt?” Jack shouted. Buster, of course, was the small, gay, naughty, happy puppy.

“Oh, did Buster get hurt?” Jack shouted. Buster, of course, was the small, cheerful, playful, happy puppy.

“No, he didn’t,” said Jock. “And it’s none of your business, anyway, even if you are our cousins.”

“No, he didn’t,” Jock said. “And it’s not your concern, even if you are our cousins.”

“That’s so,” said Marian, who came up behind Jock. “If we want to have Buster’s tail cut, it’s no one’s business but our own. It was just like you to find out somehow.”

“That’s right,” said Marian, who came up behind Jock. “If we want to get Buster’s tail cut, it’s nobody’s business but ours. It’s just like you to find out somehow.”

“Going to have his tail cut?” gasped Evelyn and burst into tears.

"Is he really going to get his tail cut off?" gasped Evelyn, and she burst into tears.

“Yes, fox terriers look absurd with long tails,” said Jock; “every one says so. And, besides, he’ll be all well in a week, quite well.”

“Yes, fox terriers look ridiculous with long tails,” said Jock; “everyone says so. And besides, he’ll be completely fine in a week, totally fine.”

“And for the sake of a little style,” said Jack, his teeth clenched tightly together, “you’d let that dog suffer for a whole week. I just wish I could cut off a part of your arm, that’s what I do.”

“And for the sake of a little style,” Jack said, his teeth gritted, “you’d let that dog suffer for an entire week. I just wish I could cut off a part of your arm; that’s what I’d do.”

“The bones are soft,” murmured Marian. “He’d look foolish with a tail, so every one says.”

“The bones are soft,” Marian whispered. “He’d look ridiculous with a tail, or so everyone says.”

“What do you care what every one says?” screamed Jack; “you are two horrid, cruel children, and if you don’t let that poor puppy, who has never done you any harm, and who is at your mercy, alone, you’ll never be friends of ours, and we’ll tell others of your cruelty. We mean it, too.”

“What do you care what everyone says?” shouted Jack. “You’re two awful, cruel kids, and if you don’t leave that poor puppy alone—who’s done nothing to you and is completely defenseless—you’ll never be our friends. We mean it.”

And they did mean it, for they didn’t care what any one thought of them so long as they saved the puppy from being hurt.

And they really meant it because they didn’t care what anyone thought of them as long as they saved the puppy from getting hurt.

But after Jack and Evelyn had told Jock and Marian of the suffering it would mean for Buster, of course they didn’t do such a cruel thing. They weren’t really cruel, only they didn’t know that such a thing hurt dreadfully. They had never been told the real truth, and they were glad they had heard it in time!

But after Jack and Evelyn explained to Jock and Marian how much it would hurt Buster, they obviously didn’t go through with that cruel act. They weren’t truly mean; they just didn’t realize that it would cause so much pain. They had never been told the whole truth, and they were relieved to learn it before it was too late!


MAY 26: Life in the Fireplace

“Jamie and Jackie had both fallen asleep in front of the fire,” commenced daddy, “and now instead of the fire they saw huge castles and towers and turrets and bridges and royal people. Far over in a corner, too, they saw a dark gray stone cave in which was sitting an old, old Witch dressed in a scarlet robe, with a tall black hat on her head.

“Jamie and Jackie had both fallen asleep in front of the fire,” Dad started, “and now instead of the fire, they saw huge castles, towers, turrets, bridges, and royal people. Way over in a corner, they also spotted a dark gray stone cave where an old, old witch sat wearing a scarlet robe and a tall black hat.”

“Soon they heard the Kings and Queens and the Princes and Princesses talking. They had low voices, but every little while a sudden gun would go off and for a moment they would all keep very quiet.

“Soon they heard the Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses talking. They spoke in low voices, but every now and then a sudden gun would go off, and for a moment, they would all fall silent.”

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[124]

“‘What do those guns mean?’ asked Jackie and Jamie together.

“‘What do those guns mean?’ Jackie and Jamie asked at the same time.”

“‘It’s the Fireplace clock,’ the Sparks answered.

“‘It's the fireplace clock,’ the Sparks replied.

“‘But it doesn’t seem to keep very good time—I heard the gun go off three times in a hurry and then not for ages,’ said Jamie.

“‘But it doesn’t seem to keep good time—I heard the gun go off three times in a rush and then not again for ages,’ said Jamie."

“‘It keeps as good time as we care about,’ said the Sparks. ‘We’re not so awfully particular. Anyway, our bright colors and our gorgeous castles should be fine enough without hearing from you that our clock doesn’t keep good time.’

“‘It keeps time just as well as we need it to,’ said the Sparks. ‘We’re not that picky. Besides, our bright colors and our beautiful castles should be impressive enough without you telling us that our clock isn’t accurate.’”

“‘Indeed, we do think you’re all beautiful, and we love a cool evening when we can have a fire. We don’t mind if your clock doesn’t keep good time,’ said Jamie.

“‘Honestly, we all think you’re beautiful, and we enjoy a nice evening by the fire. We don’t care if your clock doesn’t keep perfect time,’ said Jamie.”

“‘What are you saying about the time?’ said the Mother of Jackie and Jamie. ‘Bedtime, eh?’ for both Jamie and Jack were being shaken gently and told to trot off to their real bed. But as they both crawled into their nice soft sheets, they found that they’d each had the very same dream—and both had seen the Fireplace castles and heard the Fireplace clock which kept such bad time!”

“‘What are you talking about the time?’ said the Mother of Jackie and Jamie. ‘Bedtime, huh?’ because both Jamie and Jack were being gently shaken and told to head off to their real bed. But as they both climbed into their nice soft sheets, they discovered that they’d each had the same dream—and both had seen the Fireplace castles and heard the Fireplace clock that kept such awful time!”


MAY 27: The Jewelweed’s Visitor

“I am the Jewelweed flower, though I am sometimes known as the Touch-Me-Not flower, too.

“I am the Jewelweed flower, but I’m also sometimes called the Touch-Me-Not flower.”

“I have little seed pods and boys and girls love to pop open these pods, for then my seeds jump forth quite wildly and excitedly. I mean by my name of Touch-Me-Not, that no one must touch me unless he wants to be very much surprised!

“I have little seed pods, and kids love to pop open these pods because then my seeds jump out all over the place, wild and excited. The name Touch-Me-Not means that no one should touch me unless they want to be very surprised!”

“I am orange yellow in color and I have reddish spots upon me. I have also sometimes been called the Wild Lady’s Slipper because I am shaped something like that. And sometimes I’ve been called Lady’s Eardrops because my shape is something like a lady’s eardrop, too.

“I am orange-yellow in color and have reddish spots on me. I have also sometimes been called the Wild Lady’s Slipper because I look a bit like that. And sometimes I’ve been called Lady’s Eardrops because my shape is a lot like a lady’s earring, too."

“I’m hoping I will have a caller to-day. I’m expecting one, I know. And I hope I won’t have to wait long. I haven’t seen this caller for some time.

“I’m hoping I’ll have a visitor today. I’m expecting one, that’s for sure. And I hope I won’t have to wait long. I haven’t seen this visitor in a while.”

“It is most exciting to expect a caller. Very, very exciting!

“It’s really exciting to wait for a caller. Super exciting!”

“They call me Jewelweed because in the early morning when I’ve taken my morning bath, as all good flowers do, in the Magic Dew Water which the Dewdrop Brothers bring around to us, I sparkle like jewelry.

“They call me Jewelweed because in the early morning, after I've taken my morning bath, like all good flowers do, in the Magic Dew Water that the Dewdrop Brothers bring to us, I sparkle like jewelry.”

“Oh, indeed! I always take a morning bath. Sometimes when it showers I take an extra bath.

“Oh, definitely! I always take a morning shower. Sometimes when it rains, I take an extra shower."

“And always, when my bath is over, I look for Mr. Sun and I ask him to make my jewelry look pretty.

“And always, when I’m done with my bath, I look for Mr. Sun and I ask him to make my jewelry shine.”

[125]

[125]

“Then my pretty leaves look so bright and sparkling. Yes, that is one of the reasons for my name.

“Then my beautiful leaves look so bright and sparkling. Yes, that’s one of the reasons for my name.

“I do hope my visitor will be along soon. I asked him to come as soon as he came up this way.

“I really hope my visitor gets here soon. I asked him to come as soon as he was in the area.”

“I sent word by the Breeze Brothers to be sure to let him know that I was waiting for him and that I hoped he would come to see me as soon as he arrived.

“I sent a message with the Breeze Brothers to make sure he knew that I was waiting for him and that I hoped he would come to see me as soon as he got here.

“Ah, I believe I hear my visitor coming. I believe I do.”

“Ah, I think I hear my visitor arriving. I really do.”

“May I come in, buzz-z-z-z-z-z-z-z, may I come in?”

“Can I come in, buzz-z-z-z-z-z-z-z, can I come in?”

“Oh, do,” said the Jewelweed. “I am expecting you.”

“Oh, please do,” said the Jewelweed. “I’m looking forward to seeing you.”

Then appeared Mr. Ruby-Throated Humming Bird who had just arrived from the South.

Then Mr. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird showed up, having just arrived from the South.

“Well,” he said, “how glad I am to see you.”

“Well,” he said, “I’m so happy to see you.”

“And I am so glad to see you,” said the Jewelweed. “You must have a cooling sweet drink. I didn’t let any other visitors take any of it. No indeed! There was the Bee who tried to get me to give him a sweet drink, but I keep it deep down in my very center dining room where even the Bee with his long, thirsty tongue can’t get at it.

“And I’m so happy to see you,” said the Jewelweed. “You have to try my cooling sweet drink. I didn’t let any other visitors have any. No way! There was a Bee who tried to persuade me to share my sweet drink, but I keep it hidden deep down in my very center dining room where even the Bee, with his long, thirsty tongue, can’t reach it.

“I kept it for you, and you, with your tongue which can stretch out farther than your long bill, will be able to get it.

“I saved it for you, and you, with your tongue that can reach farther than your long beak, will be able to get it.

“Dear Mr. Humming Bird, I am so glad you have come. And you will have some refreshment, will you not?”

“Dear Mr. Hummingbird, I’m so glad you’re here. And you’ll have some refreshments, won’t you?”

“Indeed I will, thank you, Jewelweed,” said the Humming Bird, “and it is indeed good of you to save your sweetness for me.”

“Of course I will, thank you, Jewelweed,” said the Hummingbird, “and it’s really kind of you to keep your sweetness just for me.”

“Ah, our families have been friends for so many years,” said the Jewelweed, “and I like to do as my family have always done.”

“Ah, our families have been friends for so long,” said the Jewelweed, “and I like to follow the traditions my family has always upheld.”

“I must be off now,” said the Humming Bird, “for as I have only just arrived I have a good many calls to make. There are a number of my flower friends who are expecting me to call as soon as I arrive. But may I come and see you again?”

“I have to go now,” said the Hummingbird, “because I just got here and I have a lot of visits to make. There are several of my flower friends waiting for me to stop by as soon as I arrive. But can I come and see you again?”

“Oh, indeed yes,” said the Jewelweed, “and you will always be welcome. Make your other calls, but come back again soon.”

“Oh, absolutely,” said the Jewelweed, “and you’ll always be welcome. Make your other visits, but come back again soon.”

“I’ll be back soon,” said Mr. Humming Bird. “I have had such a charming call and it has been such a pleasure to feel that my visit has been so welcome.”

“I’ll be back soon,” said Mr. Hummingbird. “I’ve had such a lovely visit, and it’s been a real pleasure to feel so welcomed during my time here.”

“Your visits are always welcome and always will be,” said the Jewelweed, “just so long as there are Jewelweeds and Humming Birds!”

“Your visits are always welcome and always will be,” said the Jewelweed, “as long as there are Jewelweeds and Hummingbirds!”


MAY 28: Peter’s Birthday Party

“A little dog named Peter Murray,” said daddy, “was just one year old. His Mistress was a little girl named Inez and she was almost fonder of Peter Murray than of anything else in the world. Inez sent out invitations several days in advance to a[126] number of the little boys and girls she knew who owned pet dogs. The invitations read:

“A little dog named Peter Murray,” said Dad, “was just one year old. His owner was a little girl named Inez, and she was probably fonder of Peter Murray than anything else in the world. Inez sent out invitations several days ahead to a[126] number of the little boys and girls she knew who had pet dogs. The invitations read:

‘Mr. Dog Peter Murray,
At Home,
In Honor of his First Birthday.’

‘Mr. Dog Peter Murray,
At Home,
Celebrating his First Birthday.’

“All of the little dogs who were invited accepted and the day of the party came at last. The first thing that Inez did that morning was to rush over to Peter Murray’s basket and say ‘Many happy returns.’ Now, of course, Peter Murray woke right up and was out of his basket with a bound.

“All the little dogs who were invited came, and the day of the party finally arrived. The first thing Inez did that morning was rush over to Peter Murray’s basket and say, ‘Happy Birthday!’ Naturally, Peter Murray woke up immediately and jumped out of his basket.”

“He jumped up and down for Inez, which was his way of saying, ‘Thank you, Missy,’ and he wagged his tail for all he was worth.

“He jumped up and down for Inez, which was his way of saying, ‘Thank you, Missy,’ and he wagged his tail like crazy.”

“‘We have lots to do to-day, Peter Murray,’ said Inez, and Peter Murray knew just what she meant. He put his head first on one side and then on the other. And when he saw Inez take a little purse out of her pocket and jingle some pennies he put his ears up in the air as if to say:

“‘We have a lot to do today, Peter Murray,’ Inez said, and Peter Murray understood exactly what she meant. He tilted his head first to one side and then to the other. When he saw Inez pull a small purse out of her pocket and jingle some pennies, he perked up his ears as if to say:

“‘What do those funny things mean?’

“'What do those strange things mean?'”

“‘They mean,’ said Inez, ‘that we must get goodies for the party, bones and such things.’

“‘What they’re saying,’ Inez said, ‘is that we need to get treats for the party, bones and stuff like that.’”

“Now, when Peter heard the word ‘bones’ he wagged his tail, for he knew perfectly well what bones meant.

“Now, when Peter heard the word ‘bones’ he wagged his tail, because he knew exactly what bones meant.

“At last the time for the party came. And such a time as they did have. Every little dog brought Peter Murray a present. He got wonderful things, too. He was given a great pink bow and a new collar by his Mistress, which, of course, he wore to the party. Then he received a fine hard ball, a stick to play with, a second-best collar and a box of chocolates, for Peter Murray loved candy, too.

“At last, the time for the party arrived. And what a time it was! Every little dog brought Peter Murray a gift. He got some amazing things, too. His Mistress gave him a big pink bow and a new collar, which he, of course, wore to the party. Then he received a nice hard ball, a stick to play with, a second-best collar, and a box of chocolates, because Peter Murray loved candy, too.”

“‘Supper time,’ shouted Inez, and all the little dogs wagged their tails and jumped for the bones that Inez threw up in the air, until every little dog had one.

“‘Dinner time,’ shouted Inez, and all the little dogs wagged their tails and jumped for the bones that Inez tossed into the air, until every little dog had one.

“You see they were not fussy like people, and didn’t sit down to eat their bones, for they had much fun throwing them up in the air and playing with them. And then came the ice-cream, which they ate out of little bowls, and for a surprise they had wonderful sugary cake, with a little dog made in sugar on the top of it! Inez cut the cake, for in each piece she had to take out a little bell which were the presents Peter Murray gave to his guests on his birthday!”

“You see, they weren't picky like people and didn't sit down to eat their bones; instead, they had a great time tossing them in the air and playing with them. Then came the ice cream, which they enjoyed from little bowls, and as a surprise, they had this amazing sugary cake, topped with a little sugar dog! Inez cut the cake because in each piece she had to take out a little bell, which were the gifts Peter Murray gave to his guests on his birthday!”


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MAY 29: The Spring Flowers’ Talk

“Good-by, good-by,” called the trailing arbutus family. “It’s getting a bit too late for us. We will be around next spring, though.”

“Goodbye, goodbye,” called the trailing arbutus family. “It’s getting a bit too late for us. We’ll be back next spring, though.”

“Good-by, good-by,” said the hepatica family. “We will miss you, but we’re going ourselves soon. We’re glad to have seen you. How lovely and pink you were this year.”

“Goodbye, goodbye,” said the hepatica family. “We’re going to miss you, but we’ll be leaving ourselves soon. We’re happy to have seen you. You looked so lovely and pink this year.”

“And how lovely and blue you were!” said the trailing arbutus flowers. “Some of you were the most wonderful shades of lavender and purple and even pink and white!”

“And how lovely and blue you were!” said the trailing arbutus flowers. “Some of you were the most amazing shades of lavender and purple and even pink and white!”

“We like to have different colored frocks,” they said. But then fearing that they might hurt the feelings of the trailing arbutus family they added:

“We like to have different colored dresses,” they said. But then, worried that they might hurt the feelings of the trailing arbutus family, they added:

“We wouldn’t care about it, though, if we had the lovely pink dresses you have!”

“We wouldn’t mind at all if we had those beautiful pink dresses you have!”

“Thank you, thank you,” said the trailing arbutus family. “We’re very grateful to you.”

“Thank you, thank you,” said the trailing arbutus family. “We really appreciate it.”

“Well, good-by,” said the hepatica family.

"Well, goodbye," said the hepatica family.

“Good-by,” said the arbutus family.

"Goodbye," said the arbutus family.

“Next spring, next spring,” added the hepatica family.

“Next spring, next spring,” added the hepatica family.

“Yes, next spring, next spring,” said the arbutus family.

“Yes, next spring, next spring,” said the arbutus family.

“And we’ll come again, too,” said the little wild violets. “We’re early spring flowers, you know.”

“And we’ll be back, too,” said the little wild violets. “We’re early spring flowers, you know.”

“Of course you are, dear little violets,” said the arbutus and hepatica families together. “Next spring, then, little wild violets.”

“Of course you are, dear little violets,” said the arbutus and hepatica families together. “Next spring, then, little wild violets.”

“Next spring,” the violets whispered very softly.

“Next spring,” the violets whispered gently.


MAY 30: Decoration Day

“The soldiers who have fought for their country should indeed be remembered by placing on their graves the flag for which they fought—the flag for which they gave up everything,” said daddy, on Decoration day.

“The soldiers who have fought for their country should definitely be honored by placing the flag they fought for on their graves—the flag for which they sacrificed everything,” said dad, on Memorial Day.

“Not only is Decoration day a memorial to the brave men who have lived and died for their country, but it should help to make us worthy of these men who gave their all,” he ended.

“Decoration Day isn’t just a way to honor the brave men who lived and died for their country; it should inspire us to be worthy of the sacrifices they made,” he concluded.


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MAY 31: What the Flag Said to Fred

“There was once a little boy named Fred,” said daddy. “He was very fond of soldiers and bands. He had a great many little toy soldiers, and he would have the most wonderful drills with them. Last Memorial day his grandfather, who had since died, had given him a little, old, ragged flag. But it was the stars and stripes, and Fred cherished it. His grandfather had fought in the Civil War and all through that war had carried the little flag. Now his grandfather was gone, and yesterday they had put a fresh flag on his grave. But Fred had the little flag that had been through the war.

“There was once a little boy named Fred,” said Dad. “He really loved soldiers and bands. He had a lot of little toy soldiers, and he would hold the most amazing drills with them. Last Memorial Day, his grandfather, who has since passed away, gave him a small, old, tattered flag. But it was the stars and stripes, and Fred treasured it. His grandfather had fought in the Civil War and carried that little flag throughout the war. Now his grandfather was gone, and yesterday they placed a fresh flag on his grave. But Fred had the little flag that had been through the war.”

“That night he was very tired, and he went to bed early. The cool white sheets and soft pillow were delightful to a very sleepy little boy, but soon he seemed to be sitting up on the pillow, and before him was the flag.

“That night he was really tired, so he went to bed early. The cool white sheets and soft pillow felt amazing to a very sleepy little boy, but soon he found himself sitting up on the pillow, and in front of him was the flag.

“‘I have come,’ said the little flag, ‘because I thought you would like me to talk to you. Your grandfather went to the Civil War, as you know.

“‘I’m here,’ said the little flag, ‘because I thought you’d want to talk. Your grandfather went to the Civil War, as you know.

“‘He was so brave in the war, and, oh, I was so proud while I was with him all the time that it was for my sake he was fighting! It’s the most wonderful thing in the world to be a flag even if you’re in rags.’”

“‘He was so brave during the war, and oh, I felt so proud to be with him all the time, knowing he was fighting for me! It's the most amazing thing in the world to be a flag, even if you’re in tatters.’”


JUNE 1: The Robin Parents

“Over a little balcony,” said daddy, “where a lady used to sit and sew, there were several roofs adjoining and going off from different sides of the balcony, and there were eaves running along the balcony. In the spring a Mr. and Mrs. Robin looked about them for their home. ‘How about this?’ asked Mr. Robin. He was pointing to the eaves right over the little balcony.

“Over a small balcony,” said Dad, “where a lady used to sit and sew, several roofs connected from different sides of the balcony, and there were eaves stretching along the balcony. In the spring, a Mr. and Mrs. Robin were looking for a place to settle down. ‘How about this?’ asked Mr. Robin, pointing to the eaves right above the little balcony.

“‘There is some one there,’ said Mrs. Robin, ‘but she looks very nice and as though she wouldn’t hurt a little bird for anything. I think it is perfectly safe. See, she is looking at us and her voice is low, and she is not frightening us. She is speaking to us; listen to what she says.’ And they listened and heard the lady say: ‘Dear little robins, have you come to call on me?’

“'There's someone over there,' Mrs. Robin said, 'but she seems really nice and like she wouldn’t hurt a little bird for anything. I think it's totally safe. Look, she's looking at us, her voice is soft, and she’s not scaring us. She's talking to us; listen to what she says.' And they listened and heard the lady say: 'Dear little robins, have you come to visit me?'”

“‘Ah, her voice is so sweet and so nice, and she really seems to be glad to see us. Let us build our nest here.’

“‘Ah, her voice is so sweet and pleasant, and she truly seems happy to see us. Let’s make our home here.’”

“‘I think it will be a good idea,’ said Mr. Robin.

“‘I think it’s a good idea,’ said Mr. Robin.

“So they built their nest under the eaves, right over the balcony where all day the lady sat, most of the time sewing, some of the time reading.

“So they built their nest under the eaves, right over the balcony where the lady sat all day, mostly sewing and sometimes reading.

“She would have visitors there, too, and sometimes she would tell them of the robins who were so near-by, but she always saw that no one frightened the robins, and that they were well looked after.

“She would have visitors there, too, and sometimes she would tell them about the robins that were so close by, but she always made sure that no one scared the robins and that they were well taken care of."

“She used to put bread-crumbs on the roof near the eaves. And a little pan of water was always there, too, for bathing or for drinking!

“She used to scatter bread crumbs on the roof by the eaves. And there was always a little pan of water there, too, for bathing or drinking!

“Mr. and Mrs. Robin built a lovely big nest, and there Mrs. Robin laid the eggs. After a little while the baby robins came, poor little timid creatures, with scarcely any feathers at all.

“Mr. and Mrs. Robin built a nice big nest, and there Mrs. Robin laid the eggs. After a while, the baby robins hatched, poor little timid creatures, with hardly any feathers at all.”

“But Mr. and Mrs. Robin loved them and thought they were beautiful, just as boys and girls think their little baby brothers and sisters are beautiful, even if they have no hair on their heads—in fact, they like them that way, for then they look so appealing and so cunning and so helpless and yet so glad to be in the world. Usually Mother Robin guarded the nest, while Father Robin went off for food, for he was a very fine robin to go to market and pick out all the best things. He just knew so much about it all and was such a good business robin that he was a very fine provider.

“But Mr. and Mrs. Robin loved them and thought they were beautiful, just like kids think their little baby brothers and sisters are beautiful, even if they have no hair on their heads—in fact, they like them that way, because it makes them look so cute and so innocent and so helpless yet so happy to be in the world. Usually, Mother Robin stayed by the nest while Father Robin went out for food, because he was really good at going to the market and picking out the best stuff. He knew so much about it all and was such a great business robin that he was an excellent provider.”

“And, too, he knew that by helping Mrs. Robin he was sharing in everything, and he shared in doing what was to be done, it was not only fair to Mrs. Robin who would get all tired out alone, but it was also much more fun to help one’s mate.

“And he knew that by helping Mrs. Robin, he was part of everything, and he contributed to what needed to be done. It wasn't just fair to Mrs. Robin, who would get exhausted on her own; it was also way more enjoyable to help out a partner.”

“So the little robins grew up happily and safely in their nest by the little balcony.”

“So the little robins grew up happily and safely in their nest by the small balcony.”


JUNE 2: The Robins Come to the Rescue

“I am going to tell you,” said daddy, “about the mother humming-bird whose little ones were about to be attacked by a snake when they were rescued by some brave robins.

“I’m going to tell you,” said Dad, “about the mother hummingbird whose babies were about to be attacked by a snake when some brave robins came to their rescue.

“The snake had come over from the vacant field and had crawled up the honeysuckle vine as the mother humming-bird had gone off for some food. Some robins hovering near had seen the snake. They had cried out in terror and had flown over to the nest.

“The snake had slithered over from the empty field and climbed up the honeysuckle vine while the mother hummingbird went off to find food. Some robins nearby had spotted the snake. They had shrieked in fear and flown over to the nest.

“The mother humming-bird heard the cries and hurried back, but the robins had frightened off the snake. The snake was not a very large one, and really he had been frightened by all the noise the robins had made, and when he saw so many birds flying toward him he got away very quickly.

“The mother hummingbird heard the cries and rushed back, but the robins had scared off the snake. The snake wasn’t very big, and honestly, he had been frightened by all the noise the robins were making, and when he saw so many birds flying toward him, he got away really fast.”

“The mother humming-bird got back just as the snake was leaving the nest.

“The mother hummingbird returned just as the snake was leaving the nest.

“She couldn’t thank the robins enough for flying to the rescue and saving her beloved little ones, but the robins didn’t want any thanks. They were thankful, too, that the dear little birds had been saved, for birds are very loyal to one another and will risk any danger to save each other.”

“She couldn’t thank the robins enough for coming to the rescue and saving her beloved little ones, but the robins didn’t want any thanks. They were grateful, too, that the dear little birds had been saved, because birds are very loyal to each other and will risk anything to help one another.”


JUNE 3: The Persian Lilacs

“You know,” said one of the flowering almonds, “I think a special vote of thanks should be given to the Persian lilacs. Every year they come out, and after they go their lovely bushes are still so pretty with their green leaves.

“You know,” said one of the flowering almonds, “I think we should give a special shout-out to the Persian lilacs. Every year they bloom, and even after they’re gone, their beautiful bushes still look great with their green leaves.

“But best of all is the visit they pay us every single spring. They are so small and dainty a lilac, their color is such a soft shade of lavender, they are so beautiful and so flowery and so soft and sweet, and they are so very, very fragrant that we should tell them how much we love them and how glad we are each year to see them.

“But the best part is the visit they make to us every spring. They are such small and delicate lilacs, their color a gentle shade of lavender, they are beautiful, flowery, soft, and sweet, and they smell so wonderfully fragrant that we should let them know how much we love them and how happy we are to see them each year.”

“It is only right to tell nice creatures and things that we like them. It would be quite unfair any other way at all, and so we should tell the Persian lilacs that we love them and that we welcome them and that we are looking forward to seeing them next year.

“It’s only fair to let nice creatures and things know that we appreciate them. It would be really unfair any other way, so we should tell the Persian lilacs that we love them, that we welcome them, and that we look forward to seeing them next year.”

“We know how the people love them; we know that for years they have looked forward to seeing the Persian lilacs in the spring and enjoying them right through the spring, too. We know how, after the other lilacs have come out, the Persian lilacs bloom and then they last longer than the others, because they have come later.”

“We know how much people adore them; we know that for years they have eagerly anticipated the arrival of Persian lilacs in the spring and enjoyed them throughout the season. We know that, after the other lilacs have already bloomed, the Persian lilacs appear and last longer than the rest because they come in later.”

“Ah,” the Persian lilacs said, “it is good of you all to be so kind to us. Our bushes are all very grateful. But you know we couldn’t help but come out each spring. Beneath our bushes are beds of lilies of the valley, the sweet, fragrant lilies of the valley, that nestle in among their green leaves, and they always talk softly to us and send us their sweet greetings.

“Ah,” the Persian lilacs said, “it’s so nice of all of you to be so kind to us. Our bushes are really grateful. But you know we can’t help but bloom every spring. Under our bushes are beds of lilies of the valley, the sweet, fragrant lilies of the valley, that nestle among their green leaves, and they always whisper to us and send us their sweet greetings.

“Then the people are so fond of us; they love their Persian lilacs so, and all the flowers are so kind to us and help us add to the fragrance of the spring garden. There is no jealousy, and every one is trying to add his sweetness to the whole. We will always come out, never fear!” they ended.

“Then the people really like us; they love their Persian lilacs so much, and all the flowers are so nice to us and help us make the spring garden even more fragrant. There’s no jealousy, and everyone is trying to contribute their sweetness to the whole. We’ll always come out, don’t worry!” they concluded.

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“THE MOTHER HUMMING-BIRD HURRIED BACK.”—Page 129

“The mother hummingbird rushed back.”—__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

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JUNE 4: How a Wish Saved the Raccoons

“One day Mother Raccoon was just about to start telling one of her stories,” said daddy, “when Daddy Raccoon saw all the children around her.

“One day Mother Raccoon was about to start telling one of her stories,” said Daddy, “when Daddy Raccoon noticed all the kids gathered around her.

“‘Now this afternoon,’ said Daddy Raccoon, ‘I want to take all those silly little ’Coons and show them how they can become brave big ’Coons such as I am.’ And he thrust his tail this way and that with an air which said, ‘I’m certainly one of the finest, bravest Animals any one could hope to be like.’

“‘Now this afternoon,’ said Daddy Raccoon, ‘I want to take all those silly little Raccoons and show them how they can become brave big Raccoons like me.’ And he waved his tail around with a vibe that said, ‘I’m definitely one of the finest, bravest animals anyone could hope to be like.’”

“All the little ’Coons looked very mournful when they heard that they were to be taken off to learn how to hunt in the swamp near-by. They were always very much frightened when they went near the swamp, for they had often heard the sound of a big gun, or had seen a dangerous Man with a gun over his shoulder getting in behind the bushes.

“All the little raccoons looked really sad when they found out they were going to be taken to learn how to hunt in the nearby swamp. They always felt very scared when they got close to the swamp because they had often heard the sound of a big gun or seen a dangerous man with a gun slung over his shoulder hiding behind the bushes.”

“They began to wail and yell, but Daddy Raccoon was firm and as he was the head of the house—or rather the big tree without any leaves—Mother Raccoon had to let them all go.

“They started to cry and shout, but Daddy Raccoon was determined, and since he was the head of the house—or, more accurately, the big tree without any leaves—Mother Raccoon had to let them all go.”

“But as they were following Daddy Raccoon, she called out to them, ‘If anything happens to you wish very hard that you will be all right and the Fairy Queen may possibly be near-by and will grant you the wish.’

"But as they were following Daddy Raccoon, she called out to them, 'If anything happens to you, wish really hard that you’ll be okay, and the Fairy Queen might be nearby and will grant your wish.'"

“Daddy Raccoon sniffed with scorn at such a remark, but he said that Mother Raccoon was such a sweet old dear she even thought well of the Rabbit family—and so she was apt to think so much of the Fairies in the same way.

“Daddy Raccoon scoffed at such a comment, but he said that Mother Raccoon was such a sweet old dear that she even thought highly of the Rabbit family—and so she was likely to think positively of the Fairies as well.”

“And off they all started. Some of the little ’Coons were rather proud at going off to hunt in the swamp and really pretended they were tired of Fairy Stories and were glad that Daddy Raccoon had thought it was time for them to grow up.

“And off they all went. Some of the little raccoons were pretty proud to be heading out to hunt in the swamp and actually pretended they were tired of fairy tales, feeling glad that Daddy Raccoon thought it was time for them to grow up.”

“Soon they reached the swamp and in they went to hunt for food to last them many days, as Daddy Raccoon had said.

“Soon they reached the swamp and went in to look for food that would last them for many days, just like Daddy Raccoon had said.

“They did just as they were told and were beginning to be very good hunters and were learning just how to pick out the best parts of the swamp—when suddenly—an awful bang was heard near-by.

“They did exactly what they were instructed and were starting to become very good hunters, learning how to identify the best parts of the swamp—when suddenly—an awful bang was heard nearby.”

“‘Oh, dear; oh, dear,’ shouted the little ’Coons.

“‘Oh no; oh no,’ shouted the little ’Coons.

“‘Do be quiet, or they’ll know where we are,’ said Daddy Raccoon.

“‘Please be quiet, or they’ll figure out where we are,’ said Daddy Raccoon.

“The second bang sounded very much nearer and they all trembled, when one little ’Coon said, ‘Oh, if any little Fairy is hovering near—please tell the horrid man with the gun to go away.’ And, would you believe it, that man was heard to say:

“The second bang sounded much closer and they all shivered, when one little raccoon said, ‘Oh, if any little fairy is nearby—please tell the awful man with the gun to leave.’ And, would you believe it, that man was heard to say:

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“‘Well, I guess they’re all away for the day and I won’t try to catch Raccoons until to-morrow.’ Then Daddy Raccoon took all the little ones back to the old tree where Mother Raccoon was sitting curled up, shaking with fear while waiting.

“‘Well, I guess they’re all gone for the day, and I won’t try to catch Raccoons until tomorrow.’ Then Daddy Raccoon brought all the little ones back to the old tree where Mother Raccoon was curled up, trembling with fear while she waited.”

“‘Tell them all the stories you want to,’ said Daddy Raccoon, ‘for one of your Fairy friends saved all our lives and whispered to the man with the gun to go home!’”

“‘Tell them all the stories you want,’ said Daddy Raccoon, ‘because one of your Fairy friends saved all our lives and told the man with the gun to go home!’”


JUNE 5: The New Mole Home

“Mr. Mole was going to get married,” said daddy, “and he wanted to build a fine, fine home for the new Mrs. Mole. So he went forth into the nicest meadow he could find, and there, just at the end of it, near an old fence, Mr. Mole started to burrow into the ground.

“Mr. Mole was going to get married,” said Dad, “and he wanted to build a lovely home for the new Mrs. Mole. So he set out to the nicest meadow he could find, and there, right at the end of it, near an old fence, Mr. Mole began to dig into the ground.

“You know the Moles live underground almost all of the time, and there make their homes. Just near the fence Mr. Mole began to dig and dig. First of all he made a long, long tunnel, a funny underground passage which he called the Drive-Way of his Home!

“You know the Moles live underground pretty much all the time, and that’s where they create their homes. Right by the fence, Mr. Mole started to dig and dig. First, he made a really long tunnel, a funny underground passage that he called the Drive-Way of his Home!

“Of course the callers of Mr. and Mrs. Mole could hardly drive along this tunnel, but they could run and scamper along, and they liked to call it by a big name like Drive-Way.

“Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Mole's visitors couldn’t really drive through this tunnel, but they could run and scurry along, and they liked to call it something fancy like Drive-Way."

“And after the long, long tunnel Mr. Mole started in to make a fine house out of the earth. He made lovely rooms, one for Mrs. Mole, one for himself, one for the little Mole who was to do the cooking and housekeeping and several guest rooms. For, as you can imagine, Mr. Mole was very fond of company. In addition to all this Mr. Mole built a very fine picture gallery—made in tiers of earth and mud—long rows and rows of it. On these he put pictures of his family which he made out of earth, too. Of course, Mr. Mole made every member of his family look just alike, but that didn’t make any difference. The Moles are not very fussy if their pictures aren’t very well taken, for they can’t bother to look at pictures much of the time.

“And after the long, long tunnel, Mr. Mole started to build a nice house out of the earth. He created lovely rooms—one for Mrs. Mole, one for himself, one for the little Mole who would take care of cooking and housekeeping, and several guest rooms. As you can imagine, Mr. Mole loved having company. On top of all this, Mr. Mole built a beautiful picture gallery—layered with earth and mud—long rows and rows of it. He filled it with pictures of his family made from earth as well. Of course, Mr. Mole made every member of his family look exactly the same, but that didn’t really matter. The Moles aren’t very picky if their pictures aren’t great since they can’t be bothered to look at pictures most of the time.

“You see their eyes are very small and they like to look at things more worth while—such as food and corn starting to grow in the ground and all the things the farmers plant. They love farms, you know, where wonderful vegetables are planted deep down in the earth. They are very apt to burrow along and make paths so they can walk to a farmland and have a feast.

“You see their eyes are really small, and they prefer to focus on things that matter more—like food and corn beginning to sprout in the ground, along with everything else that farmers grow. They absolutely love farms, where amazing vegetables are rooted deep in the earth. They often dig around and create paths so they can head to a farm and enjoy a feast.”

“But I must tell you more about Mr. Mole’s new home. The very last thing he did was to build a beautiful throne in the picture-gallery for Mrs. Mole.

“But I have to tell you more about Mr. Mole’s new home. The very last thing he did was build a beautiful throne in the picture gallery for Mrs. Mole."

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“At last it was time for her to come to her new home and Mr. Mole had invited their friends and cousins, the Mole-Crickets, to come, too. These cousins have very strangely shaped front legs with which they burrow homes just like the regular Moles, and so they are considered relations.

“At last it was time for her to come to her new home, and Mr. Mole had invited their friends and cousins, the Mole-Crickets, to join them. These cousins have oddly shaped front legs they use to dig homes just like regular moles, which is why they are considered family.”

“‘Here we all are,’ said Mrs. Mole, and she blinked her very small eyes, while all the other Moles blinked their tiny eyes, too, and looked about them. Through the Drive-Way they ran until they came to the house with all the beautiful rooms.

“‘Here we all are,’ said Mrs. Mole, blinking her very small eyes, while all the other Moles blinked their tiny eyes, too, and looked around. They ran through the Drive-Way until they reached the house with all the beautiful rooms.

“The room Mr. Mole took them to last was the picture-gallery, where Mrs. Mole sat on the throne in honor of her wedding day, and the little Mole, who cooked, brought out some of the delicious stewed vegetables she had made for the wedding feast.

“The room Mr. Mole took them to last was the picture gallery, where Mrs. Mole sat on her throne celebrating her wedding day, and the little Mole, who cooked, brought out some of the delicious stewed vegetables she had prepared for the wedding feast."

“You should have heard the Moles as they looked at the pictures. They thought every picture was one of their own relatives.

“You should have heard the moles as they looked at the pictures. They thought every picture was a relative of theirs.”

“One Mole would say:

"One Mole would say:"

“‘Why, there’s Mama,’ and another would say:

“‘Look, there’s Mom,’ and another would say:

“‘Why, no, that’s not your Mama, that’s my Papa.’ However, they didn’t get in the least angry about the pictures—in fact, they thought it very clever of Mr. Mole to make pictures which looked like all their relations at the same time.

“‘No, that’s not your mom, that’s my dad.’ However, they didn’t get the least bit angry about the pictures—in fact, they thought it was really clever of Mr. Mole to create pictures that looked like all their relatives at the same time.”

“‘But you haven’t noticed my wedding dress,’ said Mrs. Mole. ‘I think my new Home is S-C-R-U-M-P-T-I-O-U-S, which means beautiful in case any of you little Moles don’t understand the word I’ve said in honor of the day. And now that you’ve all admired my home, please admire my dress.’

“‘But you haven’t noticed my wedding dress,’ said Mrs. Mole. ‘I think my new home is S-C-R-U-M-P-T-I-O-U-S, which means beautiful in case any of you little Moles don’t understand the word I’ve used for this special occasion. And now that you’ve all admired my home, please admire my dress.’”

“For the first time the Moles noticed that Mrs. Mole had attached to her tiny ears little earrings made of mud with a red berry in each, and she wore a necklace to match. Her dress was of dull oak leaves which Mrs. Mole had saved for a whole year to wear on her wedding day.

“For the first time, the Moles noticed that Mrs. Mole had little earrings made of mud with a red berry in each attached to her tiny ears, and she wore a matching necklace. Her dress was made of dull oak leaves that Mrs. Mole had saved for a whole year to wear on her wedding day.”

“‘You’re a handsome Mole,’ said Mr. Mole, ‘and I’m so proud you’re to share this home I’ve made,’ and all the other Moles grinned and ate more and more of the vegetable wedding feast to show what a good time they were having.”

“‘You’re a good-looking Mole,’ said Mr. Mole, ‘and I’m so proud you’re going to share this home I’ve made,’ and all the other Moles smiled and ate more and more of the vegetable wedding feast to show how much fun they were having.”


JUNE 6: The Green Canoe

“I think I will tell you about a very lucky little girl who once received a canoe from her big brother,” said daddy.

“I think I’ll tell you about a very lucky little girl who once got a canoe from her big brother,” said Dad.

“This little girl loved the water. She had always lived near a lake, and she could swim and row.

“This little girl loved the water. She had always lived by a lake, and she could swim and row.

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[134]

“Now, this little girl had a great big brother who worked in an office in the big city. He had only a short holiday every year—just two weeks—but during those two weeks he would come home and teach her new strokes in swimming and new ways of diving, for he was very anxious that no one should be able to excel his sister as a swimmer.

“Now, this little girl had a big brother who worked in an office in the big city. He only got a short holiday each year—just two weeks—but during those two weeks he would come home and teach her new swimming strokes and diving techniques, because he really wanted to make sure no one could outshine his sister as a swimmer.”

“And secretly he longed to give his sister a canoe so she could go on the water just as much as she wanted to, and, as she was such a good swimmer, he felt it would be perfectly safe for her to own one.

“And secretly he wished he could give his sister a canoe so she could spend as much time on the water as she wanted, and since she was such a good swimmer, he thought it would be totally safe for her to have one."

“But, of course, a canoe is quite expensive, and the heads of offices in the big city do not consider that the big brothers may want to buy their little sisters canoes with the money they earn. Perhaps they think it is very silly to even dream of such things as canoes. But slowly during the winter the big brother had saved just as much money as a canoe would cost, and in June he wrote his sister a little note.

“But, of course, a canoe is pretty pricey, and the executives in the big city don’t think about how big brothers might want to buy canoes for their little sisters with the money they make. Maybe they think it’s ridiculous to even dream of something like canoes. But slowly throughout the winter, the big brother managed to save enough money to buy a canoe, and in June, he wrote his sister a little note.”

“In the note he said that he had a ‘little present’ for her which he had had put in the cellar and that she would find it there if she went and looked.

“In the note he said that he had a ‘little present’ for her that he had put in the cellar and that she would find it there if she went and looked.”

“Now, the little girl could not for a moment imagine what kind of a present would be put in the cellar. But she hurried down to see.

“Now, the little girl couldn’t picture for even a second what kind of gift could be placed in the cellar. But she rushed down to find out.”

“And there—right before her eyes—was a lovely big green canoe—just the very nicest shade of green—and there beside it were the two paddles. Well, she could hardly speak. She had never dreamed that she would own a canoe, or, anyway, not for years and years and years.

“And there—right before her eyes—was a beautiful big green canoe—exactly the nicest shade of green—and right next to it were the two paddles. Well, she could barely speak. She had never imagined that she would own a canoe, at least not for many, many years.”

“On the canoe was printed ‘Indian Girl,’ but she at once named it Papoose, which means, you know, a little Indian baby.

“On the canoe was printed ‘Indian Girl,’ but she immediately named it Papoose, which means, you know, a little Indian baby.”

“You see, her big brother had arranged that the canoe should be taken down into the cellar when the little girl was asleep, so the surprise would be perfect. And it certainly was!

“You see, her big brother had planned to take the canoe down into the basement while the little girl was sleeping, so the surprise would be flawless. And it really was!

“In another week the big brother came up from the city, and they spent all their time in the green canoe on the lake.”

“In a week, the older brother came up from the city, and they spent all their time in the green canoe on the lake.”


JUNE 7: The Bunnie and the Fox

“In the woods,” said daddy, “there lived a mother Rabbit and all her little children. They had a beautiful home—as nice as could be, in one of the finest brier patches ever known. Mother Rabbit was really extremely proud of her home and used to give many fine receptions there for the animals. Especially wonderful were her carrot receptions. The thing that worried Mother Rabbit most of all was that little Bunnie Bonnie, her youngest son, was very, very curious. Of course, Rabbits are always inclined to be curious, but Bunnie[135] Bonnie was even more so than most of his family. And he was sociable. Entirely too sociable his mother thought.

“In the woods,” said Daddy, “there lived a mother Rabbit and all her little kids. They had a beautiful home—just as nice as could be, in one of the finest brier patches ever. Mother Rabbit was really very proud of her home and often hosted lovely gatherings for the animals. Her carrot gatherings were especially amazing. The thing that worried Mother Rabbit the most was that her youngest son, Bunnie Bonnie, was very, very curious. Of course, Rabbits are always a bit curious, but Bunnie Bonnie was even more curious than most of his family. And he was social. Too social, as his mother thought.”

“He liked to go to every party that was given in the woods—even if the parties were not given by his friends.

He enjoyed attending every party held in the woods—even if the parties weren't hosted by his friends.

“Now, one day a black fox moved to the woods to live. None of the animals were pleased to hear that he’d come to stay, for that meant they would have to think of getting out of his way, and doing as he said. Many of the animals left food at the entrance to his home so he wouldn’t eat them up instead!

“Now, one day a black fox moved into the woods to live. None of the animals were happy to hear that he’d come to stay, because that meant they would have to figure out how to avoid him and do what he said. Many of the animals left food at the entrance to his home so he wouldn’t eat them instead!

“Mr. Black Fox looked all about the neighborhood and he noticed Bunnie Bonnie scampering around more than any of the others. So one day he spoke to him and this is what he said:

“Mr. Black Fox looked around the neighborhood and noticed Bunnie Bonnie running around more than anyone else. So one day, he spoke to him and this is what he said:

“‘I’m glad to see you’re a brave Rabbit, and that you’re not afraid of me. Some of these other silly Rabbits tremble when they see me and leave me good things to eat—but I know why they do that. They want me to get all through my meals at home, and not go looking near their homes for extra delicacies—such as their small children.

“‘I’m glad to see you’re a brave Rabbit and that you’re not afraid of me. Some of these other silly Rabbits shake when they see me and leave behind tasty treats for me—but I know why they do that. They want me to finish all my meals at home and not go searching near their homes for extra goodies—like their little kids.

“‘But it’s so absurd. They’re abusing me. Just because I’m black it doesn’t mean that I’m cruel and bad. In fact, I’m very kind and very good.’

“‘But it’s so ridiculous. They’re mistreating me. Just because I’m black doesn’t mean that I’m cruel or bad. In fact, I’m really kind and really good.’”

“Of course, Bunnie Bonnie should have known that if Mr. Black Fox was so good he wouldn’t have found it necessary to talk about it. But Bunnie Bonnie never thought of that—and he forgot—completely forgot—that the Fox family is known to be very sly.

“Of course, Bunnie Bonnie should have realized that if Mr. Black Fox was as great as he claimed, he wouldn’t have felt the need to brag about it. But Bunnie Bonnie never considered that—and he completely forgot—that the Fox family is known to be very cunning."

“‘And,’ continued Mr. Black Fox, ‘I’d be greatly honored if you’d come to supper with me this evening.’

“‘And,’ continued Mr. Black Fox, ‘I’d be really honored if you’d come to dinner with me this evening.’”

“‘I’d be pleased to,’ said Bunnie Bonnie.

“I’d be happy to,” said Bunnie Bonnie.

“Now, Bunnie Bonnie’s mother was giving one of her receptions that afternoon so she told the children to play in the little garden she had back of her home in the brier patch. And Bunnie Bonnie left his little sisters and brothers to have supper with Mr. Black Fox.

“Now, Bunnie Bonnie’s mom was hosting a gathering that afternoon, so she told the kids to play in the small garden behind her house in the brier patch. And Bunnie Bonnie left his little siblings to have dinner with Mr. Black Fox.”

“Mr. Black Fox was sitting outside his front door waiting for Bunnie Bonnie. He was chuckling to himself, and his eyes looked very wicked and cruel. But when he saw Bunnie Bonnie running up his path-way, he began to smile and called out in the pleasantest tone he could use:

“Mr. Black Fox was sitting outside his front door, waiting for Bunnie Bonnie. He was chuckling to himself, and his eyes looked very wicked and cruel. But when he saw Bunnie Bonnie running up his pathway, he started to smile and called out in the nicest tone he could manage:

“‘Hello, Bunnie Bonnie.’

“‘Hey, Bunnie Bonnie.’”

“‘Hello, Mr. Black Fox. Here I am, and, oh, I’m so hungry, too. I didn’t stop to get any of my Mother’s carrots as they were being fixed for her party, but came right along!’

“‘Hi, Mr. Black Fox. I’m here, and wow, I’m really hungry, too. I didn’t grab any of my mom’s carrots while they were being cooked for her party, but I came straight over!’”

“‘I’m going to have something better than carrots for my supper.’

“I’m going to have something better than carrots for dinner.”

“‘What?’ said Bunnie Bonnie in a cheery tone, for little did he suspect the old Fox.

“‘What?’ asked Bunnie Bonnie in a cheerful tone, for he had no idea what the old Fox was up to.”

“‘I’m going to have you, you little stupid,’ roared Mr. Black Fox,[136] but Bunnie gave one bound and ran for the brier patch. He just reached there ahead of Mr. Black Fox, and never again did he leave his family for new friends.”

“‘I’m going to catch you, you little fool,’ shouted Mr. Black Fox,[136] but Bunnie leaped away and raced for the bramble patch. He just made it there before Mr. Black Fox, and from then on, he never left his family for new friends again.”


JUNE 8: The Homebody Bee

“Ah,” said Queen Bee, “I do not work, but I lay the eggs, and so I am called the Queen Bee, for all the little eggs are my subjects and all around me do everything they can to help me and to wait on me.

“Ah,” said Queen Bee, “I don't work, but I lay the eggs, and that's why I'm called the Queen Bee. All the little eggs are my subjects, and everyone around me does everything they can to help me and wait on me.

“When I tell you how many eggs a day I lay during the time when I feel in the mood for laying, you will be surprised. The number amounts to from two to three thousand eggs.

“When I tell you how many eggs a day I lay when I’m in the mood for it, you’ll be surprised. The number is between two to three thousand eggs.”

“You see, buzz buzz, I don’t like to do anything that is small. I don’t care about doing little bits of work. I like to do a lot. That is why I’m a queen; I am an important creature, and not just like all the rest!

“You see, buzz buzz, I don’t like to do anything that's small. I don’t care about doing little bits of work. I like to do a lot. That’s why I’m a queen; I’m an important being, not just like everyone else!”

“And I am waited on by my helpers who digest the food, the pollen which I eat.

“And my helpers are here to digest the food, the pollen that I eat.

“I am fed royal jelly, a most deliciously sweet food made only and served only to a Queen Bee who has been brought up in the Queen’s royal chambers, or in the Queen Bee cell, as it is usually known.

“I am fed royal jelly, a super sweet food that's made specifically for and served only to a Queen Bee that has been raised in the Queen’s royal chambers, or in the Queen Bee cell, as it’s commonly called.”

“My workers have better eyesight than I have, and so they go in search of the honey. During the summer I go from one cell to another laying my eggs.

“My workers have better eyesight than I do, so they go looking for the honey. During the summer, I move from one cell to another laying my eggs.

“But I never leave the hive, though I may live to be several years old. Sometimes it is true I go off upon a flight with my mate or with a swarm of bees, but Queen Bee is a homebody.”

“But I never leave the hive, even though I might live for several years. It’s true that sometimes I take a flight with my mate or with a swarm of bees, but Queen Bee is a homebody.”


JUNE 9: Ladybug’s Lecture

“Dear little Ladybugs, gather around me,” said Ladybug, “for I am going to give a lecture.

“Hey there, little Ladybugs, come gather around,” said Ladybug, “because I’m about to give a talk.

“It will be a free lecture, and pray, Ladybugs, do not think that on that account it will be poor. Too many folks have the idea that nothing is good that is free.

“It will be a free lecture, and please, Ladybugs, don’t think that means it will be of low quality. Too many people believe that nothing good is ever free.”

“They don’t bother to find out how many nice things are free, and they don’t stop to think about them. Take birds and their concerts—quite free.

“They don’t take the time to discover how many great things are free, and they don’t pause to think about them. Think about birds and their songs—completely free.”

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[137]

“And lovely wild flowers—quite free. And the woods and lakes and rivers and ponds—practically all of them free. And many free concerts and oh, so many things that if I go on talking about them I will never have time for my lecture.

“And beautiful wildflowers—totally free. And the woods, lakes, rivers, and ponds—almost all of them free. And many free concerts and so many things that if I keep talking about them, I won’t have time for my lecture.

“So I shall begin my lecture if all the Ladybugs are ready, and if the Ladybug who has charge of this hall (for I must call this place where I am lecturing a hall) will kindly bring me an acorn filled with water I shall be much obliged. Lecturers should always have such things by them, and oh yes, a light and a pointer to point to my maps and my pictures. But on second thought they won’t be necessary for I have no maps and no pictures. Well, then, are we all ready?”

“So, I’ll start my lecture if all the Ladybugs are ready, and if the Ladybug in charge of this hall (since I have to call this place where I’m lecturing a hall) could please bring me an acorn filled with water, I’d appreciate it. Lecturers should always have these things handy, and oh, yes, a light and a pointer to show my maps and pictures. But on second thought, those won’t be necessary because I don’t have any maps or pictures. Well, then, is everyone ready?”

A little Ladybug came hurrying up with the acorn filled with water and said in a low tone, “If you want any more I’ll bring it in to you.”

A little ladybug hurried over with the acorn filled with water and said softly, “If you need more, I’ll bring it to you.”

“Thanks,” said the Ladybug, who was about to lecture.

“Thanks,” said the Ladybug, who was about to give a speech.

“Now, friends,” she began, “Mrs. President, Lady Chairman, I greet you.”

“Now, friends,” she started, “Mrs. President, Lady Chairman, I welcome you.”

There was no Mrs. President and no Lady Chairman, but that didn’t make any difference.

There was no Mrs. President and no Lady Chairman, but that didn’t matter.

“I have something very fine to tell you. Something very fine upon a subject which strikes close to the heart of all of us.”

“I have something really great to tell you. Something really great about a topic that hits close to the heart of all of us.”

Ladybug, the lecturer, placed one of her legs in the direction of her heart and looked very fine indeed doing so.

Ladybug, the lecturer, elegantly positioned one of her legs toward her heart, looking quite striking while doing so.

In a moment or two she went on: “I have heard, and it is quite true, that we have all been paid a very great compliment. We have been paid one of the greatest of compliments.

In a minute or two, she continued: “I’ve heard, and it’s true, that we’ve all received a huge compliment. We’ve been given one of the biggest compliments.”

“It has been both expensive and a bit difficult to get to Europe of late—especially has it been too expensive, and I don’t believe any of the Ladybugs have enough money in the Ladybugs’ bank to use that to go to Europe.

“It has been really pricey and somewhat challenging to travel to Europe recently—especially too pricey, and I don't think any of the Ladybugs have enough money in their bank to afford a trip to Europe.”

“It’s a fine bank and it is nice to go to a bank where ladies are especially looked after and all of that.

“It’s a great bank, and it’s nice to go to a bank where women are especially taken care of and all of that."

“But we haven’t enough money in the bank. Dear me no, not nearly enough.

“But we don’t have enough money in the bank. Oh no, not even close.”

“However, those of our family who were chosen to go weren’t asked how much money they had at all. They weren’t even asked if they had any money.

“However, the family members who were selected to go weren't asked how much money they had at all. They weren't even asked if they had any money."

“They weren’t even asked if they would pay for their laundry and their own food.

“They weren’t even asked if they would pay for their laundry and their own food.

“They were just invited to go and were told the work they would do would be enough thanks for the opportunity they were having to travel.

“They were simply invited to go and told that the work they would do would be a sufficient thank you for the chance they were getting to travel.

“Yes,” said Ladybug, “many, many, many Ladybugs have been shipped to France to destroy bad insects.

“Yes,” said Ladybug, “lots and lots of Ladybugs have been sent to France to get rid of harmful insects.

“Of course, I’m not sure whether the Ladybugs can talk French or[138] not, but they can work anyway and make the whole Ladybug world proud of them.

“Of course, I’m not sure if the Ladybugs can speak French or[138] not, but they can still work hard and make the whole Ladybug community proud of them.

“But I think it would be interesting if we all studied a little French so that we would be able to say how-do-you-do and good-by and pleased-to-meet-you in French, in case we’re called upon next. And my lecture is not only free. It is quite, quite true.”

“But I think it would be interesting if we all learned a bit of French so we could say hello, goodbye, and nice to meet you in French, in case we need to next time. And my lecture isn’t just free. It’s completely true.”

“Ah,” said all the Ladybugs when they had finished cheering the speaker, “we will all study a little French and be ready. Ah, what an honor for the Ladybugs of this land!”

“Ah,” said all the Ladybugs when they had finished cheering the speaker, “we will all study a bit of French and be prepared. Ah, what an honor for the Ladybugs of this land!”

“Gorgeous,” said Ladybug, the lecturer.

“Gorgeous,” said Ladybug, the professor.


JUNE 10: The Waves’ Wishes

“We are mad, Mother Ocean,” said some of the waves. “We’ve never been given a fair chance. We’ve always been here—your children; we’ve had to do just as you said. We’ve been allowed to play when you’ve been perfectly willing we should play and when you’ve been willing to ask the Wind to play with us. But we’ve had to do as you and the Wind said.

“We're upset, Mother Ocean,” said some of the waves. “We've never had a fair shot. We've always been here—your children; we’ve had to follow your rules. We could only play when you were okay with it and when you asked the Wind to join us. But we've always had to do what you and the Wind wanted.”

“And we’ve had to sleep when you’ve told us to. It’s not fair. Just because we’re only some of the drops of water which belong to you we haven’t any say of our own.”

“And we’ve had to sleep when you told us to. It’s not fair. Just because we’re just a few drops of water that belong to you, we don’t have a voice of our own.”

“What is it you would like to do?” asked Mother Ocean in her deep, great voice.

“What do you want to do?” asked Mother Ocean in her deep, powerful voice.

“We’d like to see more of the world,” they said.

“We want to explore more of the world,” they said.

“We’d like to go traveling. We’d like to see what the cities and forests are like; we’d like to see some other creatures beside fishes and people swimming in us. We’re tired of an ocean life.

“We want to go traveling. We want to see what the cities and forests are like; we want to see some other creatures besides fish and people swimming around us. We’re tired of ocean life.”

“We want to live on the land. We want to do great things—what do we do here that ever amounts to anything?”

“We want to live on the land. We want to achieve amazing things—what are we doing here that actually matters?”

“So you’d like to see the world?” asked Mother Ocean. “Well, Waves, go forth; I won’t stop you. And may you come back to me with stories of adventures!”

“So you want to see the world?” asked Mother Ocean. “Well, Waves, go ahead; I won’t stop you. And may you return to me with stories of your adventures!”


JUNE 11: The Waves’ Adventures

When the waves were told they could leave Mother Ocean they weren’t so happy as they had expected to be.

When the waves were told they could leave Mother Ocean, they weren’t as happy as they thought they would be.

They had really expected Mother Ocean to forbid them to go—then they could continue grumbling, which they were quite enjoying.[139] Now they felt they must start at once to show that they were really anxious to see the world. They didn’t want to let Mother Ocean see that they would rather stay where they were quite comfortable and where they could grumble! Mother Ocean was sighing a little.

They actually thought Mother Ocean would stop them from going—then they could keep complaining, which they were really enjoying. [139] Now they felt they had to start immediately to prove that they genuinely wanted to see the world. They didn’t want Mother Ocean to know that they would prefer to stay where they were comfortable and could keep complaining! Mother Ocean was sighing a bit.

“I’m sorry to see you go,” she said. “It’s the first time any of my children or grandchildren have wanted to leave me.”

“I’m sorry to see you go,” she said. “It’s the first time any of my kids or grandkids have wanted to leave me.”

The Waves didn’t look at Mother Ocean. Instead, they pulled their beautiful white caps down over their heads and shed a salt water tear or two. Then they picked up their shell suit-cases from Mother Ocean’s ground floor, packed in their sea-weed nighties and their best sea-green suits and sea-blue party dresses and were off.

The Waves didn’t glance at Mother Ocean. Instead, they pulled their beautiful white caps down over their heads and shed a tear or two of saltwater. Then they grabbed their shell suitcases from Mother Ocean’s ground floor, packed their seaweed nighties, best sea-green suits, and sea-blue party dresses, and were off.

They ran over the beach and rudely went right over the feet of some people who were sitting down on the beach reading books. Then they scrambled on, stumbled and scrambled on a little farther.

They ran across the beach and carelessly ran right over the feet of some people who were sitting on the sand reading books. Then they hurried on, tripped, and scrambled a bit further.

“Oh dear,” said one of the waves; “oh dear, the sun makes me feel so dizzy.”

“Oh man,” said one of the waves; “oh man, the sun makes me feel so dizzy.”

“And I feel so hot and dry,” said another. “Oh dear, oh dear! I must weep.” But not even any salt tears would come to the wave’s dry eyes.

“And I feel so hot and dry,” said another. “Oh no, oh no! I must cry.” But not even a single salty tear would come to the wave’s dry eyes.

“Are you ready to have adventures?” asked a little creature who suddenly came up to the waves. He looked like a little brownie and he seemed quite amused at meeting the waves. “I’ve heard you wanted to see the world and to do great things,” he continued. They wanted to tell him he would look far better in a cool green suit than in his warm-looking brown one, but suddenly they realized that they could only speak the language of the ocean and that he couldn’t understand them, though they could understand him, for they had so often heard people speak.

“Are you ready for some adventures?” asked a small creature who suddenly approached the waves. He looked like a little brownie and seemed quite entertained to meet the waves. “I’ve heard you want to see the world and do amazing things,” he continued. They wanted to tell him he would look much better in a cool green suit than in his cozy brown one, but then they realized they could only speak the language of the ocean and that he wouldn’t understand them, although they could understand him, since they had often listened to people talk.

“I don’t know what you’re trying to say,” he grinned, “but I suppose you mean to say ‘Yes,’ as I’ve been told you’ve come to see the world.

“I’m not sure what you’re trying to say,” he smiled, “but I guess you mean to say ‘Yes,’ since I’ve heard you’ve come to explore the world."

“Well, first we shall take a trip through some forests.”

“Well, first we’ll take a trip through some forests.”

They tried to follow the brownie, and found it was very hard work. He led them along so fast, and they couldn’t make him understand that they’d like a drink of water and a cooling bath.

They tried to keep up with the brownie but found it really difficult. He was moving so quickly, and they couldn't get him to understand that they needed a drink of water and a refreshing bath.

Pretty soon they found themselves in some very dark forests. All around them were strange birds calling to each other and singing songs about juicy worms. The waves trembled, for they thought the birds might sing soon about juicy waves, and then might swallow them down!

Pretty soon, they found themselves in some very dark forests. All around them were strange birds calling to each other and singing songs about juicy worms. The waves trembled, thinking the birds might soon sing about juicy waves, and then swallow them down!

And they saw strange animals, rabbits and woodchucks and squirrels, all quite small but very terrifying to the waves.

And they saw strange animals—rabbits, groundhogs, and squirrels—small but very intimidating to the waves.

They saw some little red lizards and small snakes which wriggled along and which didn’t seem in the least friendly like fishes.

They saw some small red lizards and little snakes that slithered by and didn’t seem friendly at all like fish.

After they had passed through the forests and had been frightened[140] almost out of their wits the brownie hurried them along to the edge of a city and then right into the city.

After they made their way through the forests and were nearly scared out of their minds, the brownie rushed them to the outskirts of a city and then right into the city.


JUNE 12: The Waves’ Story

The Waves begged the brownie to take them back to the ocean for they said they had had adventures enough. And the night they got back Mother Ocean gave a great ball. The wind came and danced and sang, the waves all danced, the sea-shells laughed and sang and through it all Mother Ocean kept smiling and singing to herself:

The Waves pleaded with the brownie to take them back to the ocean because they said they had enough adventures. That night when they returned, Mother Ocean threw a big party. The wind came to dance and sing, the waves all joined in, the sea-shells laughed and sang, and throughout it all, Mother Ocean kept smiling and singing to herself:

“Away from home.
They wanted to roam,
Away from the ocean deep.
And I did not say ‘No,’
But I let them go,
Though many salt tears did I weep.
But now they are home,
They no longer will roam,
Away from the ocean deep.
And they will say ‘No,’
If I suggest that they go,
So now I can sing and not weep.”

And ever since that day none of the Waves have ever wanted to leave their Mother Ocean to adventure over the earth.

And ever since that day, none of the Waves have wanted to leave their Mother Ocean to explore the land.


JUNE 13: A Poor Weed

“Somehow,” said the yarrow weed, “I have been left here and only a little of the hay is left. It has all been cut down to feed to the animals. The animals don’t like to eat me. They say I am so bitter. Ah, poor me, I cannot help it if I am bitter.”

“Somehow,” said the yarrow weed, “I’ve been left here and there’s just a bit of hay left. Everything else has been cut down to feed the animals. The animals don’t want to eat me. They say I taste too bitter. Ah, poor me, I can’t help it if I’m bitter.”

“Do not be so sad,” said Old Hay. “It isn’t so wonderful to be eaten. Aren’t you happier above the earth, having the sun look down upon you and the wind rustle by you, than to be inside a cow or a horse or a sheep?

“Don’t be so sad,” said Old Hay. “It’s not that great to be eaten. Aren’t you happier above the ground, with the sun shining down on you and the wind rustling past you, than being inside a cow or a horse or a sheep?

“The farmer does not like you because you take up the room which might be used by some grass which would be good for his animals.”

“The farmer doesn’t like you because you take up space that could be used for grass that would be good for his animals.”

“Yes, I’m like an unwelcome visitor, a guest who isn’t welcome.”

“Yes, I’m like an unwanted guest, someone who just doesn’t belong here.”

“My dear Yarrow,” said Old Hay, “you mustn’t mind it if some creatures don’t like you. There will always be some creatures who don’t like something or some one. It is a waste of time worrying about it.”

“My dear Yarrow,” said Old Hay, “you shouldn’t take it personally if some creatures don’t like you. There will always be some creatures who dislike something or someone. It’s a waste of time to worry about it.”

“I won’t worry about it any more,” said the yarrow weed, “but I do wish that I didn’t look so ragged and shabby all the time. I am such an ugly gray color. My leaves look old as though I were very poor.”

“I won’t stress about it anymore,” said the yarrow weed, “but I do wish I didn’t look so worn out and shabby all the time. I’m such a dull gray color. My leaves look old like I’m really struggling.”

“Oh dear,” sighed Old Hay, “I no sooner get rid of one worry for you than you think up another. It’s all right to wear old things if you want to. I have heard of people who wear their last year’s clothes so they can do fine things with their money.”

“Oh dear,” sighed Old Hay, “as soon as I help you with one worry, you come up with another. It’s totally fine to wear old things if that’s what you want. I’ve heard of people who wear last year’s clothes so they can do great things with their money.”

“But I haven’t money,” said the yarrow weed.

“But I don’t have any money,” said the yarrow weed.

“Dear me,” said Old Hay, “please cheer up. Of course you haven’t money. You’re a weed, and as you say, you are a poor and rather unpopular weed.

“Dear me,” said Old Hay, “please cheer up. Of course you don’t have money. You’re a weed, and as you said, you’re a poor and rather unpopular weed.

“But you mustn’t be discouraged, for I’ve heard you were often used as a charm. You are supposed to bring good luck and a long, happy and prosperous life. So some people save a bit of you to keep for luck.”

“But you shouldn’t be discouraged, because I’ve heard you’re often used as a charm. You’re supposed to bring good luck and a long, happy, and prosperous life. So some people save a bit of you to keep for good fortune.”

“Ah, yes,” said the yarrow weed, “even though I am a poor weed I have something to make me very proud and glad.”

“Ah, yes,” said the yarrow weed, “even though I’m just a humble weed, I have something that makes me very proud and happy.”


JUNE 14: The Bicycle’s Joy

“I remember a story of my grandfather,” said the bicycle. “He was given as a surprise to a little girl by her brother. She didn’t know what she was going to have, only her brother told her she was going to have a great and enormous surprise. I think my grandfather has often told the story.

“I remember a story about my grandfather,” said the bicycle. “He was given as a surprise to a little girl by her brother. She had no idea what she was getting, only that her brother told her it would be a great and massive surprise. I think my grandfather has told this story many times.”

“The brother made up puzzles to help the sister guess what her surprise was going to be but she simply couldn’t guess anything so wonderful as a bicycle.

The brother created puzzles to help his sister figure out what her surprise was, but she just couldn't guess something as amazing as a bicycle.

“The brother had saved up for ages and ages to give it to her—all paid for out of money he had earned himself.

“The brother had saved up for a long time to give it to her—all paid for with money he had earned himself.

“Well, when my grandfather was given to her, he said that the little girl just said, ‘Oh, brother,’ and put her arms around her brother’s neck and the tears came to her eyes for very joy of the great, great surprise.

“Well, when my grandfather was handed to her, he said that the little girl just said, ‘Oh, brother,’ and wrapped her arms around her brother’s neck, and tears filled her eyes from the overwhelming joy of the big surprise."

“I was afraid such days had gone. But at last I was sold and I find there are lots of bicycles around and that children still do enjoy them.”

“I was worried those days were behind us. But finally, I was sold, and I see there are plenty of bicycles around, and kids still really enjoy them.”

“Oh yes, indeed they do,” said the second bicycle.

“Oh yes, they really do,” said the second bicycle.

“Oh,” said the first bicycle, “I am so joyous. My tires are full of joy and air. My bell rings merrily. Oh, I’m a happy, happy bicycle.

“Oh,” said the first bicycle, “I am so happy. My tires are filled with joy and air. My bell rings cheerfully. Oh, I’m a really, really happy bicycle.

“Now I don’t care if children do love airships and automobiles and all sorts of modern toys and if they like kites because they fly so high in the air and are so lovely, for they still have room in their hearts for the loyal old bicycle friend.

“Now I don’t care if kids love airships and cars and all kinds of modern toys, or if they like kites because they fly so high and look so beautiful, because they still have space in their hearts for the faithful old bicycle friend.”

“It’s a great joy to be a bicycle after all.”

“It’s a great joy to be a bike after all.”


JUNE 15: The Best Apple Tree of All

“Of all the trees in the orchard,” began daddy, “every spring this old apple tree I am going to tell you about had the most beautiful of blossoms. And when midsummer came the apples that came out on that tree had, somehow, a better taste than the apples from any other tree. And one day I found out the reason.

“Of all the trees in the orchard,” Dad started, “every spring this old apple tree I’m going to tell you about had the most beautiful blossoms. And when midsummer arrived, the apples from that tree somehow tasted better than the apples from any other tree. And one day I discovered why.”

“I thought the hammock, which hung under the apple tree, looked very comfortable, and so I made myself most cozy and happy. It was not long before I dozed off into a nice little nap, and then I heard what the apple tree was saying to the little unripe apples on the boughs.

“I thought the hammock hanging under the apple tree looked really comfortable, so I made myself cozy and relaxed. Before long, I dozed off for a nice little nap, and then I heard what the apple tree was saying to the little unripe apples on the branches.

“‘You must grow to be fine and ripe, and you must keep all the little apple-seeds good and warm so they can be just as brown as brown can be. That will mean that little boys and little girls can eat all they want, for so long as the seeds are brown they can never do any harm. And, you apples, you must be very sure that you turn around and have the sun warm you and make you bright and red.’

“‘You need to grow strong and ripe, and you have to keep all the little apple seeds warm so they can turn as brown as possible. That way, boys and girls can eat as much as they want; as long as the seeds are brown, they won't cause any harm. And, apples, you have to make sure you turn around to let the sun warm you and make you bright and red.’”

“As the old apple tree was talking, I noticed that the apples just grew a little bit bigger, and redder and fatter, and looked as they were—oh, so juicy and wonderful inside. I was certain, too, that the little seeds were growing browner every minute.

“As the old apple tree was speaking, I noticed that the apples were getting a little bigger, redder, and plumper, looking oh so juicy and amazing inside. I was also sure that the little seeds were turning browner every minute.”

“‘You see,’ he continued, ‘it’s such an honor for us. You know that on the day we’re ripe the fairy queen brings all the little fairies to admire us, and they sit on the boughs and wave about with us. And more than that—you know the apple that is ripe first goes to the fairy queen and then some more go to the little fairies.’

“‘You see,’ he continued, ‘it’s such an honor for us. You know that on the day we’re ripe, the fairy queen brings all the little fairies to admire us, and they sit on the branches and dance around with us. And more than that—you know the first apple that ripens goes to the fairy queen, and then a few more go to the little fairies.’”

“The fairies are too kind to take away the apples that real people like to eat—and so the old apple tree has arranged to have a great many more that we can’t see—they’re called the apples of fairyland.

“The fairies are too nice to take away the apples that real people love to eat—and so the old apple tree has made sure to have a lot more that we can’t see—they're called the apples of fairyland.”

“And the tree still went on talking:

"And the tree kept speaking:

“‘I, too, am working hard. I am practising my best bow to make to the fairy queen when she arrives the first day all the apples are ripe. So she is to come very, very early in the morning while every[143] one else is sleeping. And when the children get up and find the apples are ripe so quickly, won’t they be delighted!

“I’m working hard too. I’m practicing my best bow to greet the fairy queen when she comes on the first day all the apples are ripe. She’s supposed to arrive super early in the morning while everyone else is still sleeping. And when the kids wake up and see that the apples are ripe so quickly, won’t they be thrilled!

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“‘THE FAIRY QUEEN BRINGS ALL THE LITTLE FAIRIES TO ADMIRE US.’”—Page 142

“‘THE FAIRY QUEEN BRINGS ALL THE LITTLE FAIRIES TO ADMIRE US.’”—Page 142

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“‘Now, get around so Mr. Sun will help you along. He’s the greatest help in the world to us—such a dear old soul.’

“‘Now, make sure to face Mr. Sun so he can help you out. He’s the best friend we could have—such a lovable old guy.’”

“Of course that flattered Mr. Sun so he helped still more, and just as I could feel him shining down with all his might—I woke up.

“Of course that flattered Mr. Sun so he helped even more, and just as I could feel him shining down with all his might—I woke up.

“I moved away from the apple tree then, for it was no longer shady; the sun had come around and told me to get up! But as I walked away and saw the apple tree waving around I knew it was practising for its bow and making the little apples hurry up and ripen.”

“I moved away from the apple tree then, because it was no longer shady; the sun had shifted and told me to get up! But as I walked away and saw the apple tree swaying, I realized it was practicing for its bow and urging the little apples to hurry up and ripen.”


JUNE 16: An Elephant’s Wanderings

“There was once an elephant who got tired of the circus and wandered off one night when nobody was noticing,” commenced daddy.

“There was once an elephant who got tired of the circus and wandered off one night when nobody was paying attention,” began daddy.

“You see the circus was getting ready to go on to another village to give a performance and it was late at night. They never thought of an elephant getting away, but they hadn’t heard Jumbo telling the elephants of late how exceedingly tired he was of circus life and circus food and circus parades. He was not only tired of it all but he said he wanted to be a gentleman.

“You see, the circus was getting ready to move on to another village for a performance, and it was late at night. They never considered that an elephant might escape, but they hadn’t heard Jumbo recently telling the other elephants how incredibly tired he was of circus life, circus food, and circus parades. He wasn’t just tired of it all; he said he wanted to be a gentleman.”

“The other elephants had asked him what a gentleman was, and this is what he told them:

“The other elephants had asked him what a gentleman was, and this is what he told them:

“‘I heard two little boys talking of what they were going to be when they grew up,’ said Jumbo, ‘and one of them said he was going to be an engineer and build bridges. The other little boy had said he was going to be a gentleman and do nothing. The first boy thought he was quite wrong and very silly, but then and there I decided that it would be beautiful to do nothing.’

“I heard two little boys talking about what they wanted to be when they grew up,” said Jumbo. “One of them said he wanted to be an engineer and build bridges. The other boy said he wanted to be a gentleman and do nothing. The first boy thought he was completely wrong and quite silly, but in that moment, I decided that it would be wonderful to do nothing.”

“The other elephants had asked Jumbo how an elephant could be a gentleman, any more than a gentleman could be an elephant, but Jumbo was determined to lead a lazy life. And you see neither Jumbo nor the little boy knew what being a gentleman really meant.

“The other elephants had asked Jumbo how an elephant could be a gentleman, just like a gentleman couldn't be an elephant, but Jumbo was set on living a laid-back life. And neither Jumbo nor the little boy understood what being a gentleman truly meant.”

“So Jumbo escaped and the next morning Jumbo was in a barnyard, and as you will never be able to guess the friends he had chosen I’ll have to tell you. He was playing with a big brown dog, a mother hen and a whole lot of little chickens.

“So Jumbo escaped and the next morning Jumbo was in a barnyard, and since you’ll never guess the friends he had chosen, I’ll have to tell you. He was playing with a big brown dog, a mother hen, and a bunch of little chicks.”

“Of course, he had to be very careful not to move so as to step on his new friends, for he knew it would be most impolite and not at all gentlemanly to step on a friend and crush him! But as he had wanted to stay quiet and do nothing he was very happy.

“Of course, he had to be very careful not to move in a way that would step on his new friends, because he knew it would be extremely rude and not at all gentlemanly to step on a friend and crush him! But since he wanted to stay quiet and do nothing, he was very happy.

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“The hen sat proudly on one of his ears, while the little chickens all sat on his head, and ran races up and down his marvelous trunk. The dog got up on his back and jumped off and on again and again. Meantime the elephant was sitting down in the barnyard looking very enormous and very much out of place.

“The hen sat proudly on one of his ears, while the little chicks all perched on his head and raced up and down his amazing trunk. The dog jumped up on his back and kept leaping off and on again and again. Meanwhile, the elephant was sitting in the barnyard, looking very big and definitely out of place.

“Soon the little girl, whose name was Betty, and who lived in the house beyond the barnyard came running out to give her pets their breakfast.

“Soon the little girl, named Betty, who lived in the house beyond the barnyard, came running out to feed her pets their breakfast.

“At first Betty was somewhat frightened at seeing the big elephant, but then she felt that if the little chickens were so friendly with him, he must certainly be friendly.

“At first, Betty was a little scared seeing the big elephant, but then she thought that if the little chickens were so friendly with him, he had to be friendly too.”

“The elephant stayed some time with the animals of the barnyard and with Betty. But one morning bright and early she found Jumbo with an old ball and bat in his great trunk. He was practising baseball so he would not be put off the team when he got back to the circus for he had been planning for some time to return to his first friends.

“The elephant spent some time with the barnyard animals and Betty. But one bright and early morning, she discovered Jumbo with an old ball and bat in his large trunk. He was practicing baseball so he wouldn’t get kicked off the team when he returned to the circus, as he had been planning for a while to go back to his old friends.”

“Well, this morning he had decided to leave. For late the night before he had heard the circus he belonged to arriving in the village where Betty lived.

“Well, this morning he had decided to leave. Late the night before, he had heard the circus he was part of arriving in the village where Betty lived.

“‘I’ve had a powerful good time,’ said Jumbo to Betty, ‘but I must be off. I haven’t done a thing for weeks and if this is what it means to be a gentleman I’d rather be an elephant—which, of course, is very easy for me to be—as I am one, don’t you see?’

“‘I’ve had a great time,’ Jumbo told Betty, ‘but I have to go. I haven't done anything for weeks, and if this is what it means to be a gentleman, I’d rather be an elephant—which, of course, is easy for me since I am one, don’t you see?’”

“Now Betty didn’t understand what the elephant was really saying, but that afternoon when she went to the circus there she saw Jumbo in the baseball game, and doing all the tricks better than any other elephant. He was so delighted at having something to do again that though Betty missed him, still she was glad he was back where he was happiest.”

“Now Betty didn’t get what the elephant really meant, but that afternoon when she went to the circus, she saw Jumbo in the baseball game, doing all the tricks better than any other elephant. He was so happy to have something to do again that even though Betty missed him, she was glad he was back where he felt happiest.”


JUNE 17: The Story the Oak Tree Told

A soft breeze of early summer had been blowing all day. The leaves were looking so fresh and green and having a beautiful time in the warm sunshine.

A gentle breeze of early summer had been blowing all day. The leaves looked so fresh and green, enjoying the beautiful warm sunshine.

“Well,” began daddy, “I must tell you the story the oak told to the other trees today.

“Well,” started Dad, “I have to share the story that the oak told to the other trees today.

“The other trees would sometimes sigh, ‘How nice!’ or something like that, but for the most part they let the oak tree do all the talking.

“The other trees would occasionally sigh, ‘How nice!’ or something similar, but mostly they let the oak tree do all the talking.”

“It was a very young tree, but it looked as if some day it would be a fine big oak with spreading branches and great strong roots which nothing could shake.

“It was a very young tree, but it seemed like someday it would grow into a big oak with wide branches and strong roots that nothing could disturb.”

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“‘I was one day picked up as a little acorn by a small boy,’ said the tree.

“‘One day, a little boy picked me up as a tiny acorn,’ said the tree.

“‘He carried me around in his pocket for days and days. I spent all my time sleeping, for his pocket was very dark and I could not stay awake in it.

“‘He carried me around in his pocket for days and days. I spent all my time sleeping because his pocket was really dark and I couldn’t stay awake in it.

“‘One day he happened to notice me especially. He wondered why he had been carrying me around for so long, for he himself couldn’t think of any reason why he should want me.

“‘One day he particularly noticed me. He wondered why he had been holding onto me for so long, since he couldn’t figure out any reason why he would want me.

“‘And then he thought he would plant me. So he put me in the ground and covered me over carefully. He watched to see when I would come up. When first he saw me sprouting above the ground I thought he would go mad with delight, for he had really been very much worried about me. After having planted me he was very anxious that I should grow up right away. So he was a very happy little boy when he saw that I was really going to become a tree.

“‘And then he thought he would plant me. So he put me in the ground and covered me up carefully. He watched to see when I would come up. When he first saw me sprouting above the ground, I thought he would go crazy with joy, because he had really been quite worried about me. After planting me, he was very anxious for me to grow right away. So he was a really happy little boy when he saw that I was actually going to become a tree.

“‘Now he comes every day to look at me and has done so ever since I was born.

“Now he comes every day to look at me and has done so ever since I was born.

“‘You see it will make me a fine tree to have the pride of that little boy centered in me.

“‘You see, it will make me a great tree to have that little boy's pride focused on me.

“‘And what is more, it will make him, I think, grow up to be a fine man, brave and strong like his tree, for that is what he calls me.

“‘And what’s more, I believe it will help him grow up to be a fine man, brave and strong like his tree, because that’s what he calls me.”

“‘So I feel that we will both help one another, and perhaps some day when he is an old man he will lead some little boy by the hand and will tell him of how he planted me and how he tried to grow up to be strong like his tree, and that will help the little boy, too.

“‘I believe we’ll support each other, and maybe one day, when he’s an old man, he’ll take a little boy by the hand and share the story of how he planted me and how he tried to grow strong like his tree, and that will inspire the little boy as well.

“‘We trees can do a lot of good if we want to. Just think how nice it will sound to be called a fine old oak, and when we feel proud of ourselves we can think it is even better that we have helped little boys to be stronger too.’”

“‘We trees can do a lot of good if we choose to. Just imagine how great it will sound to be called a beautiful old oak, and when we feel proud of ourselves, we can think it’s even better that we’ve helped little boys become stronger too.’”


JUNE 18: The Weeds and the Flowers

“The Elves,” commenced daddy, “were playing in a garden one morning just at the break of day when all the flowers were opening their sleepy heads, and the ones which had not been sleeping were looking about them more brightly than ever.

“The Elves,” Dad began, “were playing in a garden one morning just as dawn was breaking, when all the flowers were waking up, and the ones that had been awake were looking around more brightly than ever.

“‘Good morning, Flowers,’ said the Elves. The flowers nodded their heads and smiled and waved about in the warm breeze. But the Elves heard some very strange sounds—not quite like the talk of the flowers—for to the Elves and Fairies, you know, there is a Flower language, and a Flower’s way of talking.

“‘Good morning, Flowers,’ said the Elves. The flowers nodded their heads and smiled, waving in the warm breeze. But the Elves heard some very strange sounds—not exactly like the chatter of the flowers—because, for the Elves and Fairies, there is a Flower language and a Flower’s way of speaking.

“‘What could these other sounds mean?’ they asked each other.

“What could these other sounds mean?” they asked each other.

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“‘We’ll tell you,’ said these voices. ‘We’re the Weeds. And some of us are beautiful, but all of us are strong. Yes, we’re so strong that no matter how they try to dig us up and throw us away we’re up again in no time. We’re little fighters—yes, we are. We have our Army headquarters. Indeed we do! And our Generals are very fine. They’re the great, tall Weeds you often see, and my, but it’s hard to get them out of the earth. If they are beaten more Generals take their places, for the motto of the Weeds is, “We’ll always be strong—there will always be Weeds.”

“We’ll tell you,” said the voices. “We’re the Weeds. Some of us are beautiful, but all of us are strong. Yes, we’re so strong that no matter how hard they try to dig us up and toss us away, we’re back before you know it. We’re little fighters—yes, we are. We have our Army headquarters. Indeed, we do! And our Generals are great. They’re the tall, impressive Weeds you often see, and wow, it’s tough to get them out of the ground. If they’re defeated, more Generals take their place because the motto of the Weeds is, ‘We’ll always be strong—there will always be Weeds.’”

“And so they chatted on. The Elves were very much interested, but still they couldn’t quite see, when the Weeds were doing so much talking and bragging, how the flowers could smile so happily.

“And so they chatted on. The Elves were really interested, but they still couldn’t understand how the flowers could smile so happily when the Weeds were doing all that talking and bragging.”

“So they whispered to the Flowers very gently:

“So they whispered to the Flowers very gently:

“‘Tell us, Flowers, why are you so happy?’

“‘Tell us, Flowers, why are you so happy?’”

“Then in lovely, soft rustling voices the Flowers said:

“Then in sweet, gentle whispers, the Flowers said:

“‘We are going to have a Book written about us to-day. Yes, a real Book, and our pictures are going to be painted. We’re very proud and happy. We have a Mistress who comes out every morning and most of the day she is with us. She bends over us and digs up the earth around us so it is nice and soft and comfortable. And every evening after Mr. Sun has gone to bed she gives us cool drinks of water.

“‘We’re going to have a book written about us today. Yes, a real book, and our pictures are going to be painted. We’re really proud and happy. We have a caretaker who comes out every morning and spends most of the day with us. She leans over us and digs up the earth around us so it’s nice, soft, and comfortable. And every evening after the sun goes down, she gives us cool drinks of water.

“‘It was only yesterday she told us that some Noble Grownup was going to write a Book about us and call it “The Ideal Garden.” We think that ideal means something like perfect—anyway it’s something extremely nice. And she has been making us ready for the Book. Oh, we’re very proud indeed.’ And then the queer sounds came again, and the Weeds spoke up:

“‘It was just yesterday she told us that some fancy adult was going to write a book about us and call it “The Ideal Garden.” We think ideal means something like perfect—anyway, it’s something really great. And she has been getting us ready for the book. Oh, we’re really proud indeed.’ And then the strange sounds came again, and the Weeds spoke up:

“‘Yes, and we’re going to have a Chapter about us. We don’t quite understand yet what a Chapter is—but it’s a great deal—we’re sure of that. The Grownup told our Mistress that she was going to say something about pretty Weeds in a garden.’

“‘Yeah, and we’re going to have a chapter about us. We don’t really get what a chapter is yet—but it’s a big deal—we're sure of that. The adult told our Mistress that she was going to say something about pretty weeds in a garden.’”

“‘Well, we like you all—Flowers and Weeds,’ said the Elves.”

“‘Well, we like you all—Flowers and Weeds,’ said the Elves.”


JUNE 19: The Insulted Flowers

“I do feel insulted,” said Mr. Orchid.

"I feel insulted," said Mr. Orchid.

“It’s too absurd,” said Miss Lily of the Valley. For a lady was wearing a bunch of orchids and lilies of the valley and one of the orchids and one of the lilies of the valley were talking to each other. They felt very much hurt that they had been crushed and forced into such a great big bouquet to be worn, when a smaller one would have been so much prettier and nicer.

“It’s so ridiculous,” said Miss Lily of the Valley. A lady was wearing a bunch of orchids and lilies of the valley, and one of the orchids and one of the lilies of the valley were talking to each other. They felt really hurt that they had been crushed and forced into such a big bouquet to be worn, when a smaller one would have been so much prettier and nicer.

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“Yes, we are being insulted,” said Mr. Orchid. “She doesn’t care one scrap for flowers. She just wants to look rich and so she bought us—and plenty of us, and that is what we call insulting.”

“Yes, we are being insulted,” said Mr. Orchid. “She doesn’t care at all about flowers. She just wants to look wealthy, so she bought us—and a lot of us, and that’s what we consider insulting.”

“It most certainly is,” said Miss Lily of the Valley. “No one who cared for flowers would wear as many as she is crushing together; no, indeed.”

"It definitely is," said Miss Lily of the Valley. "No one who truly cares for flowers would wear as many as she’s cramming together; no, for sure."


JUNE 20: The Colored Bags

“Since Melly had been a little girl her Auntie had been very fond of her,” said daddy.

“Since Melly was a little girl, her Auntie had really liked her,” said dad.

“One day Melly’s aunt was looking over a great box she had with pieces in it when Melly saw all the odd pieces of silk. ‘I wonder,’ said Melly’s Auntie, ‘if you would like to have me make you little bags, so you can carry your purse and your handkerchief in one when you go shopping, and your handkerchief and other odds and ends you carry around at other times in other bags? I could make you so many bags of so many different colors. Some, you see, could be yellow, some blue, some pink, some gray, some orange, some purple, some tan, some rose, some green, some white.’

“One day, Melly’s aunt was looking through a big box full of pieces when Melly noticed all the different pieces of silk. ‘I wonder,’ said Melly’s Auntie, ‘if you’d like me to make you little bags so you can carry your purse and your handkerchief together when you go shopping, and use other bags for your handkerchief and the other little things you carry around at different times? I could make you so many bags in so many different colors. Some could be yellow, some blue, some pink, some gray, some orange, some purple, some tan, some rose, some green, some white.’”

“So that was the way Melly’s bags came about, and her Auntie on her birthday and Christmas always gave her a few new bags made from the old silk.

“So that’s how Melly got her bags, and her Auntie would always give her a few new bags made from the old silk for her birthday and Christmas.”

“How gay and pretty they were and how Melly loved them.

“How happy and beautiful they were and how much Melly loved them.

“Now one evening Melly had gone to sleep and the bags were talking.

“Now one evening, Melly had gone to sleep, and the bags were chatting.”

“‘Ah,’ said the bag of pale blue, ‘I’m but a baby. I am only a few years old.’

“‘Ah,’ said the bag of pale blue, ‘I’m just a baby. I’m only a few years old.’”

“‘And I’m very old,’ said a little plaid bag. ‘I belonged to her grandmother!’

“‘And I’m really old,’ said a little plaid bag. ‘I belonged to her grandmother!’”

“‘Well,’ said a purple bag, ‘it does seem funny to see the world again. It’s nice to be young once more. Why, I was getting so used to the darkness of the piece box that I blinked, actually blinked—at least as much as a bag can blink—when I first got out again.’

“‘Well,’ said a purple bag, ‘it does feel weird to see the world again. It’s nice to be young once more. I was getting so used to the darkness of the box that I actually blinked—at least as much as a bag can blink—when I first got out again.’”

“‘And isn’t it fun,’ said the green bag, ‘to see so many things? I went on a picnic yesterday, and a piece of bacon got into me in some way or other, a nice little crumby piece. Well, I did feel funny. I felt like a person having breakfast. I must say I didn’t eat it up—I’m not fond of eating—mostly because I’m without a mouth and a stomach, but it is fun to go to so many different places and to see what is going on in different places.’

“‘And isn’t it fun,’ said the green bag, ‘to see so many things? I went on a picnic yesterday, and somehow a piece of bacon ended up in me, a nice little crumby piece. Well, I did feel strange. I felt like a person having breakfast. I have to say I didn’t eat it—I’m not really into eating—mostly because I don’t have a mouth or a stomach, but it’s fun to go to so many different places and see what’s happening everywhere.’”

“‘I’m so glad I was made,’ said the rose bag. ‘I’m going to a dancing party this afternoon. They’ll have ice-cream there and I’ll[148] hear all the children play and laugh and I’ll hear them say, “Oh, Melly, which bag have you got with you to-day?” And then I will be shown.’

“‘I’m so happy I was created,’ said the rose bag. ‘I’m going to a dance party this afternoon. There will be ice cream, and I’ll[148] hear all the kids playing and laughing, and I’ll hear them say, “Oh, Melly, which bag did you bring today?” And then I will be shown.’”

“‘We’re the lucky little pieces of silk who are seeing the world for a second time,’ ended the yellow bag.”

“‘We’re the lucky little pieces of silk getting to see the world for the second time,’ finished the yellow bag.”


JUNE 21: A Spider’s Curiosity

“They may not think the spider is a curious creature, though again they may think so,” said Mr. Spider, “for I am sure I cannot keep track of what they think.

“They might not see the spider as an interesting creature, but then again, they might,” said Mr. Spider, “because I’m sure I can't keep up with what they're thinking.”

“But last summer I was attracted to a house which looked rather cool and comfortable and as though the people who lived in it had gone away and left the blinds down.

“But last summer I was drawn to a house that seemed pretty cool and comfy, as if the people living there had gone away and left the blinds closed.”

“Now when I say I was attracted to the house I mean that the house looked attractive to me and so I went there. I went in first through a crack under the door. I looked about me when I got inside and I thought to myself: ‘Dear me, I have the whole place to myself.’ But I found that a number of spider friends and cousins had come to the house too.

“Now when I say I was drawn to the house, I mean that it looked appealing to me, so I decided to go there. I entered first through a crack under the door. Once I got inside, I looked around and thought to myself, ‘Wow, I have the whole place to myself.’ But I discovered that quite a few spider friends and relatives had made their way to the house as well.”

“‘Well,’ they said, upon seeing me, ‘have you come to this hotel to board? It’s really quite good. Meals are fine. We’ve found a number of delicious little creatures to nibble at.’

“‘Well,’ they said when they saw me, ‘have you come to stay at this hotel? It’s actually really nice. The food is great. We’ve discovered a lot of tasty little snacks to munch on.’”

“‘Yes,’ I said, ‘I’ve come to this hotel to board, but I won’t pay my board.’

“‘Yes,’ I said, ‘I’ve come to stay at this hotel, but I won’t be paying for my stay.’”

“‘Oh, won’t you?’ said they.

“‘Oh, won’t you?’ they asked.”

“‘I will not,’ I answered. ‘I do not pay board. It’s a foolish thing to do, a waste of time, and besides I haven’t the money. I wouldn’t pay board for anything, for it spoils people.’

“I won’t,” I replied. “I don’t pay rent. It’s a silly thing to do, a waste of time, and anyway, I don’t have the money. I wouldn’t pay for anything like that, because it just makes people spoiled.”

“Yes, they think they can do anything when they charge board. They can be rude and only give you so much of this and so much of that, and they have to watch over you to see that you don’t eat more than you are allowed. At least that is my idea of boarding, though I suppose for those who have plenty of money it is all right.

“Yes, they think they can do anything when they run the boarding house. They can be disrespectful and only serve you a little of this and a little of that, and they have to keep an eye on you to make sure you don’t eat more than you’re allowed. At least that’s my view of boarding, though I guess for those who have a lot of money it works out fine.”

“But I have no money, none at all.”

"But I don't have any money, not a single penny."

“Neither have I,” said the spider who was listening.

“Me neither,” said the spider who was listening.

“Therefore I cannot board,” said Mr. Spider.

“That's why I can't get on board,” said Mr. Spider.

“Well, as I was saying, my relatives and friends talked to me and when I said that I wouldn’t pay my board they said: ‘Oh, that is quite all right, Mr. Spider. None of us do. Besides, we feel sure the people who have gone away will be glad if they hear that some of the Spider family are watching over their house in their absence.’

“Well, like I was saying, my relatives and friends talked to me, and when I said that I wouldn’t pay my rent, they said: ‘Oh, that’s totally fine, Mr. Spider. None of us do. Plus, we’re sure the people who have left will be happy to know that some of the Spider family are keeping an eye on their house while they’re gone.’”

“So I settled down, but after a time I began to feel as though I would like to be busy. Every one around me was working.

“So I settled down, but after a while, I started to feel like I wanted to be busy. Everyone around me was working.

[149]

[149]

“And one day one of the other spiders said to me: ‘Mr. Spider, did you bring your work?’

“And one day one of the other spiders said to me, ‘Mr. Spider, did you bring your work?’”

“‘Yes indeed,’ I answered, ‘I have it here with me.’

“‘Yes, I do,’ I replied, ‘I have it right here with me.’”

“Then, of course, I thought I would choose a good spinning table or spinning chair, or some place where I would be comfortable and cozy a-spinning.

“Then, of course, I figured I'd pick a nice spinning table or a spinning chair, or somewhere where I'd be comfortable and cozy while spinning.”

“Just as I was thinking about it I happened to take a look at a telephone upon a table.

“Just as I was thinking about it, I happened to glance at a phone on the table.

“‘There will I go,’ I said to the others.

“‘That's where I’m going,’ I said to the others.

“‘But,’ they told me, ‘the telephone is a modern thing and spinning is an old, old thing to do.’

“‘But,’ they told me, ‘the telephone is a modern invention, and spinning is an ancient activity.’”

“‘Well,’ I answered, ‘I will mix the old and the new, I will work around the modern telephone. I will spin a web so when the people come back they will have to talk through Spiderland in order to talk to their friends.’”

“‘Well,’ I replied, ‘I’ll blend the old with the new. I’ll incorporate the modern telephone. I’ll create a system so when people return, they’ll have to communicate through Spiderland to connect with their friends.’”


JUNE 22: The Sun Dial

“I follow you so that people can tell the time by me,” said the sun-dial. “And how am I able to tell time for them? All owing to you. I depend upon you to help me tell the time, for you cast your shadow over me, and people know just the hour of the day it is. There is the sun-flower which is named after you,” continued the sun-dial. “It is so called because it is so bright and golden and it is big too!”

“I follow you so people can tell the time by me,” said the sun-dial. “And how can I tell time for them? It's all because of you. I rely on you to help me keep time, since you cast your shadow over me, allowing people to know exactly what time it is. There’s the sunflower that's named after you,” continued the sun-dial. “It's named that because it's so bright and golden, and it's big too!”

“That is so,” said the sun. “I am very fond of the sun-flower.”

"That's true," said the sun. "I really love the sunflower."

“And think of all the flowers, like the marigold and the morning-glories, which open when you arise, and go to sleep, closing their eyes, when you go to bed.

“And think of all the flowers, like the marigold and the morning glories, which bloom when you wake up and shut their eyes when you go to sleep.

“Then there is the sunfish, so named because he is round and fat and supposed to be slightly like the sun in shape.”

“Then there's the sunfish, named for being round and chubby and thought to be somewhat similar in shape to the sun.”

“I had never heard the reason for his name before,” said Mr. Sun. “Thanks for telling me.”

“I had never heard why he was called that before,” said Mr. Sun. “Thanks for letting me know.”

The sun-dial moved a little and so did Mr. Sun, for the time was going on.

The sundial shifted slightly, and so did Mr. Sun, as time passed.

“Then there is the sun-gem,” continued the sun-dial. “He is the humming-bird, you know, and he has such glorious bright colors that they have named him after you.”

“Then there’s the sun-gem,” the sun-dial continued. “He’s the hummingbird, you know, and he has such vibrant, brilliant colors that they named him after you.”

“I never knew that before,” said Mr. Sun. “How very interesting. Pray go on.”

"I never knew that before," Mr. Sun said. "That's really interesting. Please continue."

“There are the sun opals—beautiful stones—and sun perch—like the sunfish family. There are sun plants and sun ferns.”

“There are sun opals—beautiful gems—and sun perch—similar to the sunfish family. There are sun plants and sun ferns.”

[150]

[150]

“Indeed,” beamed the sun.

"Definitely," beamed the sun.

“And there are sun shades,” continued the sun-dial.

“And there are sun shades,” continued the sun-dial.

“Oh dear,” said the sun, “people use those to keep me out of their eyes, don’t they?”

“Oh no,” said the sun, “people use those to shield their eyes from me, right?”

“Yes, that is so,” said the sun-dial. “Dear me, I didn’t mean to say anything about sun-shades. And there is sun fever and sun stroke.”

“Yes, that’s true,” said the sun-dial. “Oh my, I didn’t mean to mention anything about sun-shades. And there’s sun fever and sunstroke.”

“Oh dear, dear, dear,” said the sun, growing very red and angry. “They are horrible things people get when their heads ache and they feel quite miserable.”

“Oh no, no, no,” said the sun, getting very red and upset. “They are terrible things people get when they have headaches and feel really miserable.”

The sun was very red and very mad now, and the sun-dial knew it had said too much. “I am so sorry,” said the sun-dial. “I grew a little careless in what I was saying.”

The sun was incredibly red and very angry now, and the sundial realized it had gone too far. “I’m really sorry,” said the sundial. “I got a bit careless with my words.”

“Yes, you did,” agreed the sun. “But no matter; I shall sleep and forget about it now.”

“Yes, you did,” agreed the sun. “But it doesn’t matter; I’ll sleep and forget about it now.”

And the big red sun went to bed behind the hill and the sun-dial said to itself it would never make such mistakes again!

And the big red sun set behind the hill, and the sun-dial thought to itself that it would never make those mistakes again!


JUNE 23: Shoes and Stockings

“It seems so funny,” said Mrs. Cow. “Really, the fuss that children make about going around without any shoes or stockings.

“It seems so funny,” said Mrs. Cow. “Honestly, the fuss that kids make about going around without any shoes or socks.

“I don’t mean they make a fuss about going without. Gracious, no, they love not to wear shoes and stockings.

"I don't mean they complain about going without. Of course not, they actually prefer not to wear shoes and stockings."

“It’s very funny, though, the way they think it is such a treat to go without.

“It’s pretty amusing, though, how they believe it’s such a privilege to go without."

“Now, we never wear shoes and stockings. We think that would be ridiculous.

“Now, we never wear shoes and socks. We think that would be silly."

“We would never say to our mothers, ‘Oh, mother, can’t I please go without any shoes or stockings all afternoon?’

“We would never say to our moms, ‘Oh, mom, can’t I please go without any shoes or socks all afternoon?’”

“No young cow or calf would say such a thing. But children are always asking if they can’t go without as a great treat. How funny they really are!”

“No young cow or calf would say something like that. But kids are always asking if they can skip out on things as if it's a huge treat. They are really funny!”


JUNE 24: Mosquitoes and Snails

“Well, are you here again?” said the Snails to the Mosquitoes.

“Well, are you back again?” said the Snails to the Mosquitoes.

“We are indeed,” buzzed the Mosquitoes. “But you don’t say that as if you were pleased. In fact, we don’t like your[151] manner at all. We think a little nip and a wee bite might help you. It might make you more polite.”

“We really are,” buzzed the Mosquitoes. “But you don’t sound pleased. Actually, we don’t like your[151] attitude at all. We think a small sting and a tiny bite might do you some good. It might make you nicer.”

“Ah, there you are wrong,” said the Snails. “To be sure, our manner was not so very polite. But we don’t feel so polite toward your family. And as for teaching us manners with the aid of a little nip and a wee bite—well, that is absurd, as we have shells and we can go right back into them. We may be slow, but we can get into our shells quickly enough.”

“Ah, you’re mistaken,” said the Snails. “Sure, we weren't exactly polite. But we don't feel very friendly toward your family. And trying to teach us manners with a little nip and a tiny bite—well, that’s ridiculous because we have shells and can just retreat into them. We might be slow, but we can get into our shells pretty fast.”

“Yes, cowards,” hissed the Mosquitoes.

“Yes, cowards,” hissed the Mosquitos.

“Not at all,” said the Snails. “It’s not cowardly to avoid being bitten. It wouldn’t help any one if we were bitten. There would be no good done because of it. We simply do not wish to be bitten and give you a chance to say:

“Not at all,” said the Snails. “It’s not cowardly to avoid being bitten. It wouldn’t help anyone if we were bitten. There wouldn’t be any benefit from it. We just don’t want to get bitten and give you a chance to say:

“‘We bit the Snails to-day. That was part of our pleasure.’ For it is a pleasure to you to bite, and we don’t intend to help along such selfish, mean, cross creatures.”

“‘We bit the Snails today. That was part of our fun.’ Because it’s fun for you to bite, and we won’t support such selfish, nasty, mean creatures.”

“Then why are you talking to us?” asked the Mosquitoes.

“Then why are you talking to us?” asked the Mosquitoes.

“Because,” said the Snails, “you have just missed a picnic party that went by here a little time ago. A nice picnic party of children. We won’t tell you where they went—no, indeed. And you’ve lost them now. We only talked to you because we wanted you to miss one horrid adventure. We wouldn’t have wasted our time otherwise. And we talked slowly to give the children more time.” The Snails wiggled and squirmed a little. They were very much pleased with themselves.

“Because,” said the Snails, “you just missed a picnic party that passed by here a little while ago. A lovely picnic party with kids. We won’t tell you where they went—no way. And now you’ve lost them. We only talked to you because we wanted you to avoid a terrible adventure. We wouldn’t have bothered otherwise. And we spoke slowly to give the children more time.” The Snails wiggled and squirmed a bit. They were really pleased with themselves.

But, oh, how mad the mosquitoes were! They buzzed and sang their ugly little songs. They tried to bite the snails, but they had gone inside their shells.

But, oh, how angry the mosquitoes were! They buzzed and sang their annoying little songs. They tried to bite the snails, but the snails had retreated into their shells.

They were so furious that they had wasted all that time. But the snails were happy! They knew that the children were far away by this time, and they had been saved from having the horrid, uninvited mosquitoes go along, too.

They were so angry about wasting all that time. But the snails were happy! They knew that the kids were far away by then, and they had been spared from having those nasty, uninvited mosquitoes tagging along, too.

As the mosquitoes flew away they said: “Never again will we talk to those slow snails. They make us lose time.”

As the mosquitoes flew off, they said, “We’re never talking to those slow snails again. They waste our time.”

And the Snails were delighted that their slowness had helped.

And the Snails were happy that their slowness had made a difference.


JUNE 25: The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

“The rose-breasted grosbeak,” said daddy, “is a very useful bird, and at the same time an extremely beautiful bird.

“The rose-breasted grosbeak,” Dad said, “is a really helpful bird and also a very beautiful one.”

“Mr. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak wears black and white, with a handsome vest of rose color and under his wings he has the same decoration. Mrs. Grosbeak is not so handsome. She wears a brown frock, and looks not unlike her cousin, Mrs. Sparrow.

“Mr. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak is dressed in black and white, with a stylish rose-colored vest and the same decoration under his wings. Mrs. Grosbeak isn’t as striking. She wears a brown dress and resembles her cousin, Mrs. Sparrow, quite a bit.”

[152]

[152]

“They have some fine relations, too—there are Mr. and Mrs. Blue Grosbeak, and there again Mr. Grosbeak is very beautiful. He wears a deep blue suit and his shoulders are trimmed with chestnut-colored feathers. Mrs. Grosbeak is of grayish brown and grayish white, having the top side of the first color, and the bottom side of the second color.

“They have some great relatives, too—there are Mr. and Mrs. Blue Grosbeak, and once again, Mr. Grosbeak is really stunning. He wears a deep blue suit, and his shoulders are lined with chestnut-colored feathers. Mrs. Grosbeak has a grayish-brown and grayish-white appearance, with the top side being the first color and the bottom side the second color.”

“Then there are the Evening Grosbeak family. Mrs. Evening Grosbeak is paler than her husband but their coloring is not so different from each other as in the other members of the Grosbeak family. The Evening Grosbeaks are of brown and yellow with touches of very dark brown and white-tipped wings.

“Then there are the Evening Grosbeak family. Mrs. Evening Grosbeak is lighter in color than her husband, but their coloring is not so different from each other as it is in other members of the Grosbeak family. The Evening Grosbeaks are primarily brown and yellow, with hints of very dark brown and white-tipped wings.”

“And we mustn’t forget the Pine Grosbeak family. Mr. Pine Grosbeak is of a wonderful shade of red, while Mrs. Grosbeak is yellow and gray in her coloring.

“And we mustn’t forget the Pine Grosbeak family. Mr. Pine Grosbeak is a lovely shade of red, while Mrs. Grosbeak is yellow and gray in her coloring.

“The Pine Grosbeaks are fond of the winter; they are not afraid of the cold. In fact, they are not afraid of anything and they trust people and let them come close to them. They have low, warbling voices and whistle in a beautiful, clear fashion.

“The Pine Grosbeaks enjoy the winter; they aren’t scared of the cold. In fact, they aren’t scared of anything and they trust people, allowing them to get close. They have soft, melodic voices and whistle in a beautiful, clear way.

“The Evening Grosbeaks have very large bills and eat many seeds, berries and insects, as you may imagine. But they can sing and whistle, too.

“The Evening Grosbeaks have really big beaks and eat a lot of seeds, berries, and insects, as you can guess. But they can sing and whistle, too.”

“The Blue Grosbeak family sing, too, in a nice warbling fashion of their own, which is a little like the song Mr. Indigo Bunting sings, but Mr. Grosbeak’s is a little stronger and louder—a little more of a song. They probably like to sing songs that are somewhat the same, as they are both blue birds and so have the same taste in color and in music.

“The Blue Grosbeak family sings too, in a nice warbling style of their own, which is similar to the song Mr. Indigo Bunting sings, but Mr. Grosbeak’s is a bit stronger and louder—a bit more like a song. They probably enjoy singing songs that are somewhat similar, as they are both blue birds and have the same taste in color and music.”

“But it is of Mr. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak that I want to tell you, for he is not only beautiful, but, as I said, he is very useful.

“But I want to tell you about Mr. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak because he is not only beautiful, but, as I mentioned, he is also very helpful.”

“And he can sing, too! Oh, how Mr. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak can sing! He chirps in low, deep and lovely tones and he sings from morning to night in the most glorious manner.

“And he can sing, too! Oh, how Mr. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak can sing! He chirps in low, deep, and beautiful tones, and he sings from morning to night in the most amazing way.

“But he does a great deal else beside singing. He helps the farmer and the owner of the orchard.

“But he does a lot more than just singing. He assists the farmer and the orchard owner."

“‘Yes,’ said a Mr. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak to his mate, many, many years ago, ‘I am not going to be satisfied just to be beautiful and to have a nice voice.’

“‘Yes,’ said Mr. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak to his mate, many years ago, ‘I’m not going to settle for just being beautiful and having a nice voice.’”

“‘What is it you want to do?’ asked Mrs. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak.

“‘What do you want to do?’ asked Mrs. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak.”

“‘I will have to think about it a little,’ he answered. And then after he had thought a time he said,

“I need to think about it for a bit,” he replied. After he had thought for a while, he said,

“‘I have it.’

"I've got it."

“‘Tell me,’ chirped Mrs. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak.

“‘Tell me,’ said Mrs. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak cheerfully.

“‘We will help the farmer and the owner of the orchard. We will destroy bad bugs and insects which would hurt the crop. We can easily change our diet so that these things will taste delicious to us. And we[153] will be doing some good work, too. It’s horrible to be lazy and beautiful and rich and superior. It’s much more interesting to be busy and see things finished that we’ve done ourselves.’

“‘We will help the farmer and the owner of the orchard. We will get rid of the pests that could harm the crops. We can easily adjust our diets so that these things will taste great to us. And we[153] will be doing some good work, too. It’s terrible to be lazy and beautiful and wealthy and think you’re better than everyone else. It’s much more fulfilling to stay busy and see the things we’ve finished ourselves.’”

“Mrs. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak agreed, and thought they would enjoy life a great deal more by being busy.

“Mrs. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak agreed and thought they would enjoy life a lot more by staying busy.

“‘It would be so tiresome,’ Mrs. Grosbeak told her mate some time after this, ‘if we did nothing all day but sing. Why, we’d have nothing to sing about after a time, no joyous news to tell the world!’

“‘It would be so boring,’ Mrs. Grosbeak told her partner some time later, ‘if we just sang all day. We’d run out of things to sing about eventually, no happy news to share with the world!’”

“And so from that day to this, the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak family have been a great help. They eat caterpillars which would destroy trees, many moths, bugs, worms, and insects which would hurt growing vegetables and trees bearing fruits.

“And so from that day to today, the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak family has been a great help. They eat caterpillars that would destroy trees, many moths, bugs, worms, and insects that would harm growing vegetables and fruit-bearing trees."

“They eat cucumber beetles, too, but mostly they eat potato-bugs. And so they are a great, great help, and are often called ‘Those dear little Grosbeak birds!’”

“They eat cucumber beetles as well, but mostly they eat potato bugs. So they are a huge help and are often called ‘Those adorable little Grosbeak birds!’”


JUNE 26: The Goldfishes

“I am pretty mad,” said one of the goldfishes in the bowl, whose name was Mr. Tokio Jones.

“I’m really angry,” said one of the goldfish in the bowl, whose name was Mr. Tokio Jones.

“I’m mad, too,” said Mr. Pekin Baxter, the other goldfish.

“I’m mad, too,” said Mr. Pekin Baxter, the other goldfish.

“That little girl said, you remember,” continued Mr. Pekin Baxter, “‘Oh, look at the wings on the fishes.’ Such ignorance! Of course, she meant fins, but it made me pretty mad to think there was a person who knew so little about fishes.”

“That little girl said, you remember,” continued Mr. Pekin Baxter, “‘Oh, look at the wings on the fish.’ Such ignorance! Of course, she meant fins, but it really annoyed me to think there was a person who knew so little about fish.”

“And what made me mad was when her playmate said to her: ‘Why, Marion, those aren’t wings, those are fins,’ and Marion said: ‘Well, what is the difference which I say, wings or fins?’

“And what made me mad was when her playmate said to her: ‘Why, Marion, those aren’t wings, those are fins,’ and Marion said: ‘Well, what’s the difference whether I call them wings or fins?’"

“That certainly made me mad.”

"That really made me mad."

“It did me,” said Mr. Tokio Jones, “but let’s not excite ourselves any more; let’s be like the lazy snails, who are really sensible not to get angry, for it does no good at all.”

“It did me,” said Mr. Tokio Jones, “but let’s not get overly excited; let’s be like the lazy snails, who are actually smart for not getting angry, because it doesn’t help at all.”


JUNE 27: The Pigeons’ Bath

“Now the four pigeons I want to tell you about were a daddy and mother pigeon, and their little pigeon children whose names were Peter Pigeon and Polly Pigeon,” said daddy. “And I saw them to-day.

“Now the four pigeons I want to tell you about were a dad and mom pigeon, and their little pigeon kids whose names were Peter Pigeon and Polly Pigeon,” said dad. “And I saw them today.

[154]

[154]

“‘Polly,’ said her mother, ‘be sure you wet your feathers. Now a good shake! There, that’s the way!’ And then the mother pigeon would give herself a good shaking in the water to explain.

“‘Polly,’ her mom said, ‘make sure you get your feathers wet. Now give yourself a good shake! There, that’s how it’s done!’ And then the mother pigeon would shake herself in the water to show her.”

“And Daddy Pigeon was saying to Peter, ‘There, Peter! That’s the way. Don’t be afraid of the water. A bath will do you good. And the day is warm, the sun is shining, and we’ll get good and warm after this. Our feathers will be warm in no time!’

“And Daddy Pigeon was telling Peter, ‘Look, Peter! That’s it. Don’t be scared of the water. A bath will be good for you. It’s a warm day, the sun is shining, and we’ll warm up nicely afterward. Our feathers will be toasty in no time!’”

“Now, Peter and Polly Pigeon were being told just how to bathe in the best way by their fond parents. But it was not hard for them to learn. They had lots of fun spattering each other, and they played all sorts of games. And after they were really through bathing and had shaken their feathers they began to get dry in the hot sun.

“Now, Peter and Polly Pigeon were being taught by their loving parents how to bathe properly. But it wasn’t difficult for them to pick it up. They had a blast splashing each other and played all kinds of games. After they were done bathing and had shaken off their feathers, they started to dry off in the warm sun."

“Polly and Peter Pigeon were quite sleepy, after their playing, bathing, splashing and spattering, and they began to coo very softly before going to sleep. But as they were just dozing off Mother Pigeon said:

“Polly and Peter Pigeon were feeling pretty sleepy after all their playing, bathing, splashing, and making a mess, and they started to coo very softly before drifting off. But just as they were dozing off, Mother Pigeon said:

“‘If we’re all good pigeons, the Fairy Queen, who looks after pigeons, too, will come and whisper in the ears of children to give us bread crumbs. She will tell them that in the hot days of summer we like little cooling drinks which they can put in pans and saucers around their yards and on their porches. Yes, the Fairy Queen will tell them all that, if we’re good pigeons.’

“‘If we all behave, the Fairy Queen, who takes care of pigeons too, will come and whisper in the ears of children to give us bread crumbs. She’ll let them know that during the hot summer days, we enjoy little cool drinks that they can pour into pans and saucers around their yards and on their porches. Yes, the Fairy Queen will tell them all of this, if we’re good pigeons.’”

“Of course Polly and Peter made up their minds they would be very good indeed so as to receive the rewards about which the Fairy Queen would whisper to the children. And in case she hasn’t already told you I want to let you know that it will make her happy to think of children all over the world, when the warm weather comes, thinking of the little creatures who can’t turn on the faucet and get a good cool drink of water, but who must wait for the rain or kind people.”

"Of course, Polly and Peter decided they would be really good so they could earn the rewards the Fairy Queen would tell them about. Just in case she hasn't mentioned it yet, I want you to know that it makes her happy to think of kids all over the world, when the warm weather arrives, remembering the little creatures who can't just turn on a tap for a refreshing drink of water, but have to wait for the rain or for kind people."


JUNE 28: The Man in the Moon’s Party

“It had been the first hot day. Even the sun felt tired. That may sound very strange, to think of the sun feeling tired,” said daddy. “But still can’t you imagine that on the first hot day that comes, when the sun has been shining with all his might and main he gets a little bit tired and is glad when it is time to go to bed? Many strong people may get tired at night.

“It was the first hot day. Even the sun seemed exhausted. I know that sounds weird, to think of the sun being tired,” Dad said. “But can’t you picture it? On the first really hot day, after the sun has been shining as hard as it can, it might get a little worn out and be happy when it's time to set. Lots of strong people get tired at night too.

“As the sun went to bed, the moon began to peep up and laugh. He grinned from ear to ear, for he said to himself:

“As the sun went down, the moon started to rise and smile. He beamed widely, thinking to himself:

“‘To-night I really will be appreciated, for the sun has overworked to-day and no one ever gets any thanks for overworking. It is as bad as not working enough.’

“‘Tonight I will actually be appreciated, because the sun has really overdone it today, and no one ever gets any gratitude for overworking. It’s just as bad as not working hard enough.’”

“THE FAIRY QUEEN WAS DRESSED IN GLITTERING GOLD.”—Page 155

“THE FAIRY QUEEN WAS DRESSED IN GLITTERING GOLD.”—Page 155

[155]

[155]

“Of course, the moon was the very sort to talk that way. For, can you imagine that jolly old man whom you see grinning at you so often as ever really working very hard?

“Of course, the moon was just the kind to talk that way. Can you really picture that jolly old man who’s always grinning at you actually working very hard?”

“Just then the moon began sending out his invitations for a party.

“Just then the moon started sending out invitations for a party.”

“He sent them in this way: he whispered to the tall pines that he wanted to have a party and to invite all the little fairies. Also he added that they must wear their very best clothes, for when he gave a party he liked to see folks in their party clothes.

“He sent them like this: he whispered to the tall pines that he wanted to throw a party and invite all the little fairies. He also said they should wear their very best clothes, because when he hosted a party, he liked to see everyone dressed up.”

“The fairy queen was dressed in glittering gold. She wore a gold crown on her head and carried a gold wand with gold stars glittering from it.

“The fairy queen was dressed in shimmering gold. She wore a gold crown on her head and carried a gold wand with gold stars sparkling from it.

“All the other fairies were dressed in silvery costumes, for the man in the moon is very fond of silver. You will sometimes notice that he puts on a silver robe himself, and he is very friendly with the silver clouds that float in the sky at night.

"All the other fairies wore silver costumes because the man in the moon really loves silver. You might sometimes see him wearing a silver robe himself, and he gets along well with the silver clouds that drift in the night sky."

“They did have the very best time, and they all enjoyed the party so, so much. The man in the moon laughed his head off—at least the fairies were afraid he would—as he said he had never before seen the pine trees behave so like silly little trees, instead of like big, dignified trees they had always prided themselves on being.

“They had the absolute best time, and everyone really enjoyed the party. The man in the moon laughed hysterically—at least the fairies were worried he might—as he said he had never seen the pine trees act so childish, instead of the big, dignified trees they had always been proud to be.”

“But the pine trees didn’t care, for they were having a beautiful time waving and singing. They sang for lots of the lovely dances the fairies did. As for the fairies, they felt it was a very great honor for them to be given a party by the wonderful old man in the moon, who had such splendid guests as the pine trees!”

“But the pine trees didn’t mind at all; they were enjoying themselves, waving and singing. They sang for many of the lovely dances the fairies performed. The fairies felt it was a tremendous honor to be thrown a party by the amazing old man in the moon, who had such fantastic guests as the pine trees!”


JUNE 29: Billy and the Dragon

“Billy was very, very fat, and, oh, so lazy! The reason he was so fat was because he ate everything he wanted. He used to spend every penny he ever got all on himself, and he always bought candy.

“Billy was really, really overweight, and, oh, so lazy! The reason he got so big was that he ate whatever he wanted. He spent every penny he ever got on himself, and he always bought candy."

“When supper time came he really made himself very sick over jam, for he always persisted in eating loads and loads of jam and would not even spread it on his toast, but would eat it plain out of a spoon.

“When dinner time came, he seriously made himself sick from eating too much jam, because he always insisted on having tons of jam and wouldn’t even spread it on his toast; he would just eat it straight from the spoon."

“One afternoon he went to a party. He was very disagreeable and wouldn’t play any games at all. He simply sat in a corner and waited until supper time came. Then he ate all the ice-cream, all the candy and all the cake that he could get hold of. None of the other children went near him, for they didn’t care about a little boy who only cared about eating all the time.

“One afternoon he went to a party. He was really unpleasant and wouldn’t join in any games. He just sat in a corner and waited until it was time for dinner. Then he ate all the ice cream, all the candy, and all the cake that he could get his hands on. None of the other kids wanted to be around him because they didn’t care for a boy who only seemed interested in eating all the time.”

“That night Billy felt very sick when he went to bed. But he soon[156] fell asleep. In his sleep, though, a great horned dragon appeared and said to him:

“That night Billy felt very sick when he went to bed. But he soon[156] fell asleep. In his sleep, though, a great horned dragon appeared and said to him:

“‘Billy, it’s for your sake I’m coming here tonight. We dragons aren’t nearly so dreadful as we’re made out to be. We take a great interest in children, and I am going to take a great interest in you.

“‘Billy, I'm coming here tonight for your sake. We dragons aren't nearly as scary as people say. We care a lot about children, and I'm going to care a lot about you.”

“‘Before you made such a little—yes, I must say it—a little piggie-wig of yourself you were a very nice little boy. But now you’re fat and lazy. So every night I shall chase you around in your dreams until you give up eating so much jam and candy and until you once more enjoy playing around with the other little boys and girls.’

“‘Before you turned into such a—yes, I have to say it—a little pig, you were a really nice little boy. But now you're chubby and lazy. So every night I’ll chase you in your dreams until you stop eating so much jam and candy and start enjoying playing with the other kids again.’”

“‘Oh, please don’t!’ said Billy, who was terrified.

“‘Oh, please don’t!’ said Billy, who was scared out of his mind."

“‘Yes,’ said the dragon; ‘I’m a good friend of yours, and I shall make you a real boy again. In a few weeks you really won’t know yourself.’

“‘Yes,’ said the dragon; ‘I’m a good friend of yours, and I’ll turn you back into a real boy. In a few weeks, you really won’t recognize yourself.’”

“With that he was gone, but he kept his word, and every night chased Billy around in his dreams until he gave up eating so many sweets and played games and became a real boy again.”

"With that, he was gone, but he kept his promise. Every night he chased Billy around in his dreams until Billy stopped eating so many sweets, started playing games, and became a real boy again."


JUNE 30: Cozy Balsam Flowers

“I am sure,” said daddy, “that the scarlet flowers known as the Balsam flowers love the very coziness of a fireplace. For they always thrive better in a room where there is an open fire than they do with Mr. Sun’s rays shining down upon them.

“I’m sure,” said Dad, “that the red flowers called Balsam flowers love the warmth of a fireplace. They always do better in a room with an open fire than they do under the sunlight.”

“And perhaps they can read stories in the fireplace. Perhaps they can see fairy-tales being acted in the blue and red and orange flames.

“And maybe they can read stories in the fireplace. Maybe they can see fairy tales being acted out in the blue, red, and orange flames.

“Anyway, they love the open fires, and so I think we ought to call them the cozy Balsam Flowers!”

“Anyway, they love the open fires, so I think we should call them the cozy Balsam Flowers!”


JULY 1: A Brother’s Plan

“There was once,” said daddy, “a boy whose name was Worthington, and for short they called him Worthy.

“There was once,” said Dad, “a boy named Worthington, and for short, they called him Worthy.

“He had a sister whom he called Mimmie, and it is a story of these two I want to tell you this evening.”

“He had a sister named Mimmie, and it's their story I want to share with you this evening.”

Jack and Evelyn looked very much pleased. They loved to hear about other children, especially of boys and girls about their own ages.

Jack and Evelyn looked really happy. They loved hearing about other kids, especially boys and girls their own age.

“Worthington was unlike some brothers, but he was like you in this way, Jack; he liked to play with his sister. His sister liked, too, to[157] play with him. He never frightened her, but he showed her how to do things, and she was never afraid when she was with him. In the fall he took her for rides in her express-cart, and he made a high seat in the cart for her when he took her for slower and more stylish rides.

“Worthington was different from some brothers, but he was similar to you in this way, Jack; he enjoyed playing with his sister. His sister liked playing with him too. He never scared her, but he showed her how to do things, and she was always comfortable when she was with him. In the fall, he would take her for rides in her express cart, and he built a high seat in the cart for her when he took her for slower and fancier rides.”

“He taught her to climb trees and to swim and to do tricks on the trapeze. And she, too, used to play in the snowball fights, back in the forts which he and the other boys would make.

“He taught her how to climb trees, swim, and perform tricks on the trapeze. She also used to join in the snowball fights, back in the forts that he and the other boys would build."

“Well, it was summer, and Worthington was not going to school. He thought and he thought and he thought, and finally he said:

“Well, it was summer, and Worthington wasn’t going to school. He thought and thought and thought, and finally he said:

“‘I wonder if it couldn’t be done. I will try anyway.’ He worked out the whole scheme in his head, and the next day he went to his aunt who owned a garden, and he said:

“‘I wonder if this could actually work. I’ll give it a shot anyway.’ He figured out the entire plan in his mind, and the next day he visited his aunt who had a garden, and he said:

“‘Auntie, I have been thinking about something.’

“‘Auntie, I've been thinking about something.’”

“‘This summer,’ he began, ‘I could hoe the beans in your garden, and I could weed the garden paths. I could water the flowers every night, and do all the weeding, in fact. You wouldn’t need to have a man do the work, except one day a week to do the heavy things. And then I thought I could give Mimmie a present of skates and boots out of my own money in the fall.’ And Auntie engaged him as an assistant gardener then and there.”

“‘This summer,’ he started, ‘I can help with the beans in your garden, and I can weed the paths. I can water the flowers every night and handle all the weeding, really. You wouldn’t need a guy for the work, except one day a week for the heavy stuff. Then I thought I could buy Mimmie a pair of skates and boots with my own money in the fall.’ And Auntie hired him as an assistant gardener right then and there.”


JULY 2: The Best Dream

“Some children,” said daddy, “were playing.

“Some kids,” said Dad, “were playing.

“‘Let’s pretend we’re awfully rich,’ said two of the children. ‘We shall have motor-cars and we shall have airplanes to fly in. We shall have quantities of people to give orders to. We’ll never have to tidy our rooms, and we’ll never have to run errands.’ So they began to play.

“‘Let’s pretend we’re super wealthy,’ said two of the kids. ‘We’ll have fancy cars and airplanes to fly in. We’ll have tons of people to boss around. We’ll never have to clean our rooms, and we’ll never have to do chores.’ Then they started to play.

“Three other children said, ‘Let’s be very famous. We shall have all the people in the world swarm around us as the bees do around the flowers for the honey. They shall say how fine we are, how brave we are, and how noble. They’ll put up monuments to us.’

Three other kids said, “Let’s become super famous. People from all over the world will crowd around us like bees flocking to flowers for honey. They’ll praise how great we are, how brave we are, and how noble. They’ll build monuments for us.”

“And still three other children wanted to play. ‘We want to play that we have a few animals. They are such fun! More fun than anything. And if we treat them right we’ll be loved so much. Yes, we shall play we have two dogs and a little pony.’

“And still three other kids wanted to play. ‘We want to pretend we have some animals. They’re so much fun! More fun than anything. And if we take good care of them, we’ll be loved a lot. Yes, let’s play that we have two dogs and a little pony.’”

“Now the Dream-King was sitting on a throne made of silver threads so beautifully woven that they held together and gave him the most wonderful of thrones. Over his head were little boys and girls flying about, and there were Fairies, Gnomes, Elves, Brownies. And that night the Dream-King sent dreams to these children. They all had[158] their play-games made real in their dreams. The two children who wanted to play they were very rich, dreamed they were rich, but oh, how they hated it! All around them were butlers and servants in wonderful liveries. And they had great motor-cars which were driven by quiet, stiff persons who wouldn’t answer questions. They felt as if they owned absolutely nothing at all, for everything was taken care of by some one else. They weren’t allowed to play and get the least little scrap dirty, for they had to wear such wonderful clothes! Oh, it was a very miserable dream.

“Now the Dream-King was sitting on a throne made of silver threads so beautifully woven that they held together and created the most wonderful throne. Above him were little boys and girls flying around, along with Fairies, Gnomes, Elves, and Brownies. That night, the Dream-King sent dreams to these children. They all had their play-games made real in their dreams. The two children who wanted to play were very wealthy, dreaming they were rich, but oh, how they hated it! All around them were butlers and servants in fantastic outfits. They had great cars driven by quiet, rigid people who wouldn’t answer questions. They felt like they owned absolutely nothing at all, as everything was handled by someone else. They weren’t allowed to play and get the slightest bit dirty because they had to wear such wonderful clothes! Oh, it was a very miserable dream.”

“The children who wanted to be very famous dreamed they were surrounded by people who never let them move so they could play. They saw a monument put up in a park with their names written in stone. But the monument was too big to play with.

“The kids who wanted to be super famous imagined they were surrounded by people who wouldn’t let them move so they could play. They envisioned a monument in a park with their names engraved in stone. But the monument was way too big to play with.”

“The children with the dogs and the pony were having the most gorgeous dream. They were taking such care of their pets and the animals loved them so.

The kids with the dogs and the pony were having the most amazing dream. They were taking great care of their pets, and the animals loved them deeply.

“But at last the Dream-King left them, and they awoke suddenly.

“But finally, the Dream-King left them, and they woke up suddenly.”

“And one and all agreed that animals and games were fun, but that riches and fame were very, very dull.”

“And everyone agreed that animals and games were fun, but that wealth and fame were really, really boring.”


JULY 3: The Hash and the Watermelon

The hash was talking to the watermelon. “I must tell you what the lady of the house said. ‘Well, we’ll have to have some hash, I fear. I know every one will be furious, but still one can’t waste food. And I’ll have watermelon as a great treat for dessert to make up for having hash first.’

The hash was chatting with the watermelon. “I need to tell you what the lady of the house said. ‘Well, I guess we’ll have to eat some hash, unfortunately. I know everyone will be really upset, but we can’t waste food. And I’ll have watermelon as a nice treat for dessert to make up for having hash first.’”

“Oh, dear,” said the watermelon, “that was too bad. I should think you would hate me as a result.”

“Oh no,” said the watermelon, “that's a shame. I thought you might hate me because of that.”

“Well, I don’t,” said the hash, “for I haven’t a jealous disposition. I know that I’ve got to be made and so have the members of my family all over the country, right down through history, I believe, for things must not be wasted. But it doesn’t seem as if I were so dreadful as they make me out to be. I think that if cooks bothered a little bit more about me and put in some nice seasoning people might get so they’d say, ‘Oh, we’re going to have hash to-night; goodie, goodie!’ That would certainly rejoice the family of hash if such a thing ever happened.”

"Well, I don’t," said the hash, "because I'm not a jealous type. I know I have to be made, and so do all my family members all over the country, going way back in history, I think, because nothing should go to waste. But it doesn’t seem like I’m as terrible as they say I am. I really think that if cooks paid a little more attention to me and added some nice seasoning, people might actually say, 'Oh, we're having hash tonight; yay!' That would definitely make the hash family happy if that ever happened."

“I do believe some day people will come to see your true worth,” said the watermelon.

“I really believe that one day people will recognize your true value,” said the watermelon.

“Ah, that’s it,” said the hash. “I have so much true worth and no[159] charm! I wish I had a little charm, so people would relish me and enjoy me. But I do send out an entreaty to cooks to please season us and make us as nice as possible, for hash is getting tired of insults and would like to be liked just for a change.”

“Ah, that’s it,” said the hash. “I have so much real value and no[159] charm! I wish I had a little charm, so people would savor me and enjoy me. But I do plea to cooks to please season us and make us as appealing as possible, because hash is getting fed up with insults and would like to be appreciated just for a change.”


JULY 4: Independence Day

“The bird,” said daddy, “which has been chosen as the emblem of this country—the bald eagle—has very wonderful and amazing vision or eye-sight, which seems so particularly splendid.

“The bird,” said Dad, “which has been chosen as the symbol of this country—the bald eagle—has really incredible and amazing eyesight, which seems especially impressive.

“And doesn’t it seem fine to think that our national bird is not only so powerful and free and so much a part of the whole country—for his range is not limited to one part—but that he can see so far?

“And doesn’t it seem great to think that our national bird is not only powerful and free and a part of the entire country—since his range isn’t confined to just one area—but that he can also see so far?

“For when our national bird can see so far surely it must make us try to see far ahead too and to see clearly and to see truly so that we can all do our best to march on along the paths set for us that July 4th, 1776, in Independence Hall, Philadelphia.”

“For when our national bird can see so far, it surely inspires us to look ahead as well, to see clearly and truly, so we can all do our best to move forward along the paths laid out for us on July 4th, 1776, in Independence Hall, Philadelphia.”


JULY 5: The Sun and the Thunder

“Now Mr. Sun was feeling lazy,” said daddy, “and besides this was his day for playing tag with the King of the Clouds and old King Thunder. For (would you believe it?) Mr. Sun is very fond of a good old-fashioned game of tag once in a while, and he began now trying to catch King Thunder.

“Now Mr. Sun was feeling lazy,” said Dad, “and besides, today was his day to play tag with the King of the Clouds and old King Thunder. Believe it or not, Mr. Sun really enjoys a good old-fashioned game of tag every now and then, and he started trying to catch King Thunder.

“As he did so he got back of one of the clouds and it became quite dark on the earth. ‘Here,’ he said, ‘old King Thunder, come here! Those people down on the earth said they were glad you had stopped making such a noise! I wouldn’t stand it if I were you. Go back and tell them what you think of them! Roar your hardest!’

“As he did this, he moved behind one of the clouds and it became pretty dark on Earth. ‘Hey,’ he said, ‘old King Thunder, come over here! Those people down on Earth said they were happy you had stopped making so much noise! I wouldn’t take that if I were you. Go back and show them what you really think! Roar as loud as you can!’”

“And sure enough the Thunder and Rain began again, and the Earth People said: ‘We’re having one of those days when one moment the sun is shining and the next it is thundering and raining.’”

“And sure enough, the Thunder and Rain started up again, and the Earth People said: ‘We’re having one of those days when one moment the sun is shining and the next it's thundering and pouring.’”


JULY 6: The True Story of a Dog

The Fourth of July had passed and Jack and Evelyn were still very tired, but daddy had a story to tell them, a really true story, and, of course, they were very eager to hear it.

The Fourth of July was over, and Jack and Evelyn were still really tired, but Dad had a story to share with them, a genuine one, and, of course, they were excited to hear it.

“There was a dog once named Dash. He was an Irish setter, and[160] he belonged to an army family. His master was a young lieutenant in the army, and his master’s father was a general.

“There was a dog once named Dash. He was an Irish setter, and[160] he belonged to a military family. His owner was a young lieutenant in the army, and his owner's father was a general.

“Now, this dog was quite old, but he had led an active life which had agreed with him splendidly, and he didn’t behave as if he were old at all. There were several young children in the family, and he was made a great pet. What he liked above everything was the sound of guns.

“Now, this dog was pretty old, but he had lived an active life that suited him really well, and he didn’t act like he was old at all. There were a few young kids in the family, and he was a big favorite. What he loved more than anything was the sound of guns.”

“He had been to numerous army posts, and each one seemed to him to be quite perfect, especially on the days of target practise or when the salutes were fired.

“He had been to many army posts, and each one seemed perfect to him, especially on target practice days or when the salutes were fired.

“But, alas, one summer the family went to live in a stupid, quiet little village, where there was absolutely no life at all.

“But, sadly, one summer the family moved to a dull, quiet little village, where there was really no life at all.

“Dash seemed to be pining away in the village. Quiet country life didn’t agree with this dog of the army. The family thought that maybe Dash was going to die of old age until one day came—the day of joy to so many thousands of people! And it was the day for Dash. ‘Could it be true?’ he thought to himself when he first heard the sound of a huge dynamite cracker. Then came another. With a bound Dash was out of his corner, wide awake and barking furiously. There was no more sleep for that household that night, but little did they care, for all wished to enter into the celebration.

“Dash seemed to be wasting away in the village. Quiet country life didn’t suit this army dog. The family worried that Dash might die of old age, until one day came—the day of joy for thousands of people! And it was Dash’s day. 'Could it really be true?' he thought when he first heard the sound of a huge dynamite cracker. Then came another. With a leap, Dash was out of his corner, wide awake and barking loudly. There was no more sleep for that household that night, but they didn’t mind, as everyone wanted to join in the celebration.

“Late in the day the young lieutenant said to a friend of his: ‘Let’s go off to the river. I have several cannon fire-crackers to send off. I didn’t dare to fire them to-day, as I was afraid they might break the windows. But we can throw them over the bridge. Dash has gone to have his supper and is somewhat calmed down.’

“Late in the day, the young lieutenant said to a friend, ‘Let’s go to the river. I have some firecrackers to set off. I didn’t dare to light them today because I was worried they might break the windows. But we can toss them over the bridge. Dash has gone to have his dinner and has calmed down a bit.’”

“So off they started for the river, and over the bridge they threw a lighted cannon cracker. Just before it landed in the water off it went with a terrific report.

“So they headed off to the river, and they tossed a lit firecracker over the bridge. Just before it hit the water, it went off with a huge bang.”

“They had lighted the other and thrown it into the water when Dash went bounding into the river, swimming toward the awful firecracker. These crackers had been recommended as ‘sure to go off,’ and there was the beloved Dash going for it.

“They had lit the other one and tossed it into the water when Dash jumped into the river, swimming toward the dangerous firecracker. These firecrackers were suggested as ‘guaranteed to go off,’ and there was the beloved Dash going after it.

“But the firecracker did not go off! Dash sniffed at it disgustedly, while his master breathed the biggest sigh of relief and thanks of his life.”

“But the firecracker didn’t go off! Dash sniffed at it in disgust, while his owner let out the biggest sigh of relief and gratitude of his life.”


JULY 7: The Rabbit Named Pigeon

“Why, what is the trouble, Mrs. Pouter Pigeon?” said Mother Rabbit.

“What's the problem, Mrs. Pouter Pigeon?” said Mother Rabbit.

“Oh,” sobbed Mrs. Pouter Pigeon, “I have fallen and hurt myself terribly! I won’t be able to get out of reach of bigger[161] animals who may want to eat me up, and I don’t want to be eaten up.”

“Oh,” cried Mrs. Pouter Pigeon, “I’ve fallen and hurt myself really badly! I won't be able to escape from larger animals that might want to eat me, and I don’t want to be eaten!”

At that she burst into more sobs.

At that, she broke into more sobs.

“Well, to tell you the truth,” said Mother Rabbit, “I don’t believe there is a creature living who wants to be eaten up. But you come and live with us, and I will see that you are protected.”

“Well, to be honest,” said Mother Rabbit, “I don’t think there’s a creature alive that wants to be eaten. But you can come live with us, and I’ll make sure you’re safe.”

So Mrs. Pouter Pigeon went to live with Mother Rabbit. They became very friendly and attached to one another.

So Mrs. Pouter Pigeon moved in with Mother Rabbit. They became really close and formed a strong bond.

And then when the next little bunny rabbit was born his mother said, “Now I shall name him Pigeon after you, Mrs. Pouter Pigeon.”

And then when the next little bunny rabbit was born, his mother said, “Now I’m going to name him Pigeon after you, Mrs. Pouter Pigeon.”

And Mrs. Pouter Pigeon strutted about and said, “You have not only saved my life by having me come and live with you, but now you are paying me a fine compliment.”

And Mrs. Pouter Pigeon walked around proudly and said, “You not only saved my life by bringing me to live with you, but now you’re giving me a wonderful compliment.”


JULY 8: The Big Tent

“This story,” said daddy, “is to be about Peter Gnome’s circus.

“This story,” said Dad, “is about Peter Gnome’s circus.

“‘This way to the Big Tent! This way to the Big Tent!’ he called. Over and over again he kept saying it until finally he had enough little creatures following him to fill as big a Tent as ever you’ve seen.

“‘This way to the Big Tent! This way to the Big Tent!’ he shouted. He repeated it again and again until he finally had enough little creatures following him to fill the biggest Tent you’ve ever seen.”

“At last he stopped, and there every one saw an enormous tent made out of birch bark and moss. Inside there were seats made of old trees, and there were also Reserved Seats of old pieces of trees covered with moss. Most of the Fairies took Reserved Seats.

“At last he stopped, and there everyone saw an enormous tent made of birch bark and moss. Inside, there were seats made of old trees, and there were also Reserved Seats made from old pieces of trees covered with moss. Most of the Fairies took Reserved Seats."

“And there were poles to keep the tent up. Some of the Spiders and Caterpillars who had followed along climbed up the poles. For they said they might miss a great many sights if they stayed on the ground, but if they were high up they would see everything that was going on.

“And there were poles to hold the tent up. Some of the Spiders and Caterpillars who had followed along climbed up the poles. They said they might miss a lot of sights if they stayed on the ground, but if they were up high, they would see everything that was happening.

“Then the circus began. And such a circus as it was. The Gnomes had certainly practised some very fine tricks, and the way they dashed about the ring in the center of the tent, and the way they turned somersaults and did tricks, made the Brownies and Elves and Fairies delighted beyond words that they had been invited.

“Then the circus started. And what a circus it was! The Gnomes had clearly practiced some amazing tricks, and the way they raced around the ring in the center of the tent, flipping and performing stunts, made the Brownies, Elves, and Fairies incredibly happy to have been invited.”

“But when all the tricks were over, and all the little creatures thought it was time to leave, out came Peter Gnome and stood on the platform made of a toadstool in the center of the ring.

“But when all the tricks were done, and all the little creatures thought it was time to leave, Peter Gnome came out and stood on the platform made of a toadstool in the center of the ring."

“‘Ladies and Gentlemen,’ said Peter Gnome—for he had heard that was what they were called in the real circus tents—‘I want to take up a few minutes of your time.’

“‘Ladies and Gentlemen,’ said Peter Gnome—for he had heard that was what they were called in the real circus tents—‘I want to take up a few minutes of your time.’”

“‘It’s not our time any more than any one else’s,’ interrupted one of the Snails who had come in late.

“‘It’s not our time any more than anyone else’s,’ interrupted one of the Snails who had come in late.

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“‘Well,’ continued Peter Gnome, ‘for a little while I wish to talk to you. And this is what I want to say. After this circus there will be a concert—one of the finest concerts ever heard. And in addition to that there will be a Side Show where will be seen the Bearded Lady and the Tallest Man living. All keep your seats and one of the Gnomes will be around to collect from you the extra payment of two stems of grass.’

“‘Well,’ continued Peter Gnome, ‘I’d like to talk to you for a minute. Here’s what I want to say. After this circus, there will be a concert—one of the best concerts you’ve ever heard. On top of that, there will be a Side Show featuring the Bearded Lady and the Tallest Man alive. Please stay in your seats, and one of the Gnomes will come around to collect an extra payment of two stems of grass.’”

“All of the Fairies and the rest of the audience laughed when Peter Gnome said that. For well they knew he didn’t want any payment for the concert and Side Show, but that he thought it would be so much more fun to have a Gnome go around and make believe to collect it.”

“All the Fairies and the rest of the audience laughed when Peter Gnome said that. They knew he didn’t want any payment for the concert and Side Show; he just thought it would be way more fun to have a Gnome go around pretending to collect it.”

“Who was the tallest man?” asked Jack.

“Who was the tallest guy?” asked Jack.

“Old Mr. Giant,” said daddy. “He had been made to come just this once, and he did enjoy being made such a fuss of. The only thing he didn’t like so much was when some of the Spiders crawled up his great long legs and tickled him a little. But soon they stopped when they saw he didn’t like it and began weaving webs instead.

“Old Mr. Giant,” said Dad. “He had to come just this once, and he really enjoyed all the attention. The only thing he didn’t like so much was when some of the Spiders crawled up his long legs and tickled him a bit. But they stopped soon enough when they realized he wasn’t into it and started weaving webs instead.”

“‘All right,’ said Mr. Giant. ‘Make all the homes you like. I’ll carry you to my Cave when I go, and you can have your homes there.’ The Spiders, of course, were delighted.

“‘Okay,’ said Mr. Giant. ‘Build as many homes as you want. I’ll take you to my Cave when I leave, and you can have your homes there.’ The Spiders, of course, were thrilled.”

“And the Bearded Lady turned out to be none other than Peter Gnome himself—dressed in a fine gown of oak leaves and wearing over his face a mask made out of the roots of trees!”

“And the Bearded Lady turned out to be none other than Peter Gnome himself—dressed in a beautiful gown made of oak leaves and wearing a mask made from the roots of trees!”


JULY 9: Mrs. Hippopotamus

“Ladies,” said Mrs. Hippopotamus, “are often very vain. They care about their figures and about their looks and about their hats and about their shoes. They care about their dresses and they care about the styles, while I, the fine Mrs. Hippopotamus, am above such things.

“Ladies,” said Mrs. Hippopotamus, “are often really vain. They care about their figures, their looks, their hats, and their shoes. They care about their dresses and the latest styles, while I, the fabulous Mrs. Hippopotamus, am above such things.

“I do not care if my legs are short and my body enormous and all out of proportion to my legs.

“I don’t care if my legs are short and my body is huge and all out of proportion to my legs.

“I do not care if my mouth is like a cavern—it is so large. I do not mind it that my skin is so queer, of a funny dark brown color with all sorts of little holes and marks and such all over me.

“I don’t care if my mouth is huge—it's like a cavern. I don’t mind that my skin is unusual, a strange dark brown color with all sorts of little holes and marks all over me.

“I have horribly oily stuff over me too, but I do not mind. What is more, there is great sense to that. That keeps me from getting ill when I go about rivers in Africa where there are all kinds of fevers and much sickness.

“I have really oily stuff all over me too, but I don’t mind. What’s more, there’s a lot of sense to that. It helps protect me from getting sick when I’m near rivers in Africa where there are all kinds of fevers and diseases.”

“I have great teeth, teeth such as no lady would like, I’m sure. They like little white even teeth, silly little things.

"I have really nice teeth, teeth that no lady would appreciate, I'm sure. They prefer small, white, even teeth, those silly little things."

“‘YOU ARE PAYING ME A FINE COMPLIMENT’”—Page 161

“‘YOU ARE PAYING ME A NICE COMPLIMENT’”—Page 161

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“I’m above such things. I’m not ashamed of my teeth. I like them. They’re good sensible, strong teeth. And I’m not going to worry because they’re irregular. I’m not so vain as to long for regular teeth.

“I’m above such things. I’m not ashamed of my teeth. I like them. They’re good, sensible, strong teeth. And I’m not going to worry because they’re irregular. I’m not so vain as to long for regular teeth.

“My teeth and tusks can act like scissors for they’re shaped so as to act that way. That’s better than having white even teeth.

“My teeth and tusks can work like scissors because they’re shaped that way. That’s even better than having straight, white teeth."

“I live in the water and there I go and look for my food. I don’t go into silly shops and to market as ladies do.

“I live in the water and there I go to find my food. I don’t go into silly shops or to the market like ladies do."

“But there is just one thing I feel in sympathy with ladies about—at least all ladies who are loving mothers—I can understand what it means to have a baby look at its mother out of its lovely baby eyes which are as beautiful as anything in the world. And I can see its love for its mother, and oh, my whole heart goes out with love for it.

“But there’s one thing I really relate to when it comes to women—at least all women who are devoted mothers—I get what it feels like to have a baby gaze at its mother with those adorable eyes that are as beautiful as anything in the world. And I can see the love in its eyes for its mother, and oh, my whole heart fills with love for that child.”

“Yes, sometimes when you see the great old ugly hippopotamus you must not only think of the ugliness but you must say, ‘Back of that thick hide, behind that awful jaw and those hideous features, deep down in the heart of a mother hippopotamus there is love and devotion and the beautiful joy of giving of that love to one’s own baby.’

“Yes, sometimes when you see the great old ugly hippopotamus you must not only think of the ugliness but you must say, ‘Behind that thick hide, behind that awful jaw and those hideous features, deep down in the heart of a mother hippopotamus there is love and devotion and the beautiful joy of giving that love to her own baby.’”

“For a baby hippopotamus is a baby to be loved by a mother hippopotamus.”

“For a baby hippo is a baby to be loved by a mother hippo.”


JULY 10: The Papoose

“IN a quaint old city,” said daddy, “Indians come into town every Saturday morning with bright-colored baskets and beaded moccasins. They make these things and they make beaded bags and purses and little ornaments.

“IN a charming old city,” said dad, “Indians come into town every Saturday morning with brightly colored baskets and beaded moccasins. They create these items, along with beaded bags, purses, and small ornaments.

“They drive oxen instead of horses and the oxen move as slowly as if they did not care in the least if they ever got anywhere at all!

“They use oxen instead of horses, and the oxen move as slowly as if they couldn’t care less whether they ever reach their destination!”

“The Indian women, or squaws as they are called, carry large baskets upon their heads in which are the things they have to sell, smaller baskets, purses and moccasins.

“The Indian women, or squaws as they are referred to, carry large baskets on their heads filled with items they have for sale, including smaller baskets, purses, and moccasins."

“Sometimes, too, they bring into the town flowers in the summer and in the autumn red berries—for they have a little village of their own out in the country. They are not wild at all and they would not dream of hurting any one.

“Sometimes, they also bring flowers into town in the summer and red berries in the autumn—since they have a small village of their own out in the countryside. They aren’t wild at all, and they wouldn’t dream of hurting anyone.”

“One day a little girl named Olive was sitting in her room reading when she heard the front door bell ring. She went downstairs and there was a little Indian girl, not any older than herself.

“One day, a little girl named Olive was sitting in her room reading when she heard the front doorbell ring. She went downstairs, and there was a little Indian girl, no older than she was.”

“‘Will the beautiful lady buy pretty basket?’ asked the little Indian girl.

“‘Will the beautiful lady buy a pretty basket?’ asked the little Indian girl.

“Olive was so pleased! She was not nearly big enough to be called[164] ‘lady,’ for she was still very young, and she knew quite well that she was not beautiful at all. She had freckles and a very big mouth, and she had only a little hair which was quite straight. And she was tall for her age and much too thin. But she had never been called beautiful before and though she knew the little Indian girl was quite wrong, still she was delighted.

Olive was so happy! She was definitely not big enough to be called 'lady,' since she was still very young, and she knew that she wasn’t beautiful at all. She had freckles and a huge mouth, and her hair was pretty straight and very thin. Plus, she was tall for her age and way too skinny. But she had never been called beautiful before, and even though she knew the little Indian girl was totally mistaken, she was still thrilled.

“‘You are beautiful yourself,’ said Olive. For the Indian girl had long black hair and enormous dark eyes, wonderful dark skin with quite a good deal of color.

“‘You’re beautiful yourself,’ said Olive. The Indian girl had long black hair, huge dark eyes, and gorgeous dark skin with a lot of color.”

“‘Me beautiful?’ she asked. ‘Oh no, me not beautiful at all.’

“‘Am I beautiful?’ she asked. ‘Oh no, I’m not beautiful at all.’”

“They each thought the other beautiful because each was so different.

“They both found each other beautiful because they were so different.”

“Olive bought some baskets for her mother and a little beaded purse for herself and then she said to the little Indian girl:

“Olive bought some baskets for her mom and a little beaded purse for herself, and then she said to the little Indian girl:

“‘Won’t you have some cocoa with me?’ The little Indian girl nodded her head and said: ‘Me like goodies!’

“‘Won’t you have some cocoa with me?’ The little Indian girl nodded and said: ‘I like treats!’”

“So Olive and the little Indian girl went into Olive’s room and had a fine feast, using blue cups and saucers and eating bread and butter from little blue plates.

“So Olive and the little Indian girl went into Olive’s room and had a nice feast, using blue cups and saucers and eating bread and butter from small blue plates.

“‘Me tell you story?’ asked the little Indian girl. Olive was delighted.

“‘Can I tell you a story?’ asked the little Indian girl. Olive was thrilled.

“‘Please,’ she said. And the little Indian girl began:

“‘Please,’ she said. And the little Indian girl started:

“‘My brudder, he very big man. He tall and strong and plenty muscle he has.’ She bent her arms to show what she meant by muscle and she stood up with her arms above her to show how tall he was. ‘He build a boat,’ she went on, ‘a red boat—a canoe—and he take it along water so it never make a sound. He know how to paddle so! Never a sound!

“‘My brother is a really big guy. He’s tall and strong and has a lot of muscles.’ She flexed her arms to demonstrate what she meant by muscles and stood up with her arms raised to show how tall he was. ‘He built a boat,’ she continued, ‘a red boat—a canoe—and he takes it on the water so it never makes a sound. He knows how to paddle it quietly! Never a sound!

“‘We have a river by our hut and he keep the boat by the bank, tied to an old tree. He take us all out in it, but what do you suppose he call that boat?’

“‘We have a river by our hut and he keeps the boat by the bank, tied to an old tree. He takes us all out in it, but what do you think he calls that boat?’”

“Olive couldn’t guess. She tried many names she thought the boat might be called, but they were all wrong. ‘Tell me,’ she begged.

“Olive couldn’t figure it out. She tried a bunch of names she thought the boat might be called, but none of them were right. ‘Please tell me,’ she pleaded.

“‘My brudder, he not call his boat after great strong man, or after warrior or hero; no, he call boat after our little baby brudder—what mudder call the little wee one. He call his boat the Papoose which mean an Indian baby—and he mean our baby. His boat which can go out into the big waves and not upset—which is so strong, like my brudder—it is named the Papoose after the baby!’ Her eyes were dancing with joy but it was time for her to be off.

“‘My brother doesn’t name his boat after some strong man, or a warrior or hero; no, he names it after our little baby brother–the one our mother calls the little wee one. He calls his boat the Papoose, which means an Indian baby—and it represents our baby. His boat can handle the big waves and doesn’t tip over—which is as strong as my brother—it’s named the Papoose after the baby!’ Her eyes were shining with joy, but it was time for her to go.”

“She put her basket on top of her head and started off. ‘Will your fadder bring you to see the big Papoose and the little Papoose?’ she asked as she left, and to Olive’s great delight her mother called out:

“She put her basket on her head and started off. ‘Is your dad going to take you to see the big Papoose and the little Papoose?’ she asked as she left, and to Olive’s great delight, her mom called out:

“‘We will take you some time.’ And both little girls left each other smiling and happy.”

“‘We’ll take some time.’ And both little girls left each other smiling and happy.”


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JULY 11: A Feast for the Mice

“I am going to tell you about Mr. Gray Mouse’s feast,” said daddy. “There were biscuits of all sorts and soft cream cheese—such cheese as mice had never had before. Their mouths and paws were covered with it, and one of the little children mice said:

“I’m going to tell you about Mr. Gray Mouse’s feast,” said daddy. “There were all kinds of biscuits and soft cream cheese—cheese that mice had never tasted before. Their mouths and paws were covered in it, and one of the little mouse kids said:

“‘Let’s not wipe off our whiskers. We can do that later on when we may be getting hungry again—perhaps after we’re in bed.’ So all the children mice had very sticky mouths and whiskers. But the big mice said:

“‘Let’s not clean our whiskers. We can do that later when we might be hungry again—maybe after we’re in bed.’ So all the little mice had very sticky mouths and whiskers. But the big mice said:

“‘Let the children have a good time, for this is a real party.’ And Mr. Gray Mouse was very much pleased that all his guests were having such a good time.

“‘Let the kids enjoy themselves, because this is a real party.’ And Mr. Gray Mouse was really happy that all his guests were having such a great time."

“When the party was over and it was time to go home, Mr. LongTail Mouse said: ‘I’m getting tired of our present home. Let’s all have a change. I have been looking at new homes for a little time to be ready in case we ever wanted to move, and I know of a fine one.’

“When the party was over and it was time to go home, Mr. LongTail Mouse said: ‘I’m getting tired of our current home. Let’s all change things up. I’ve been checking out new homes for a little while to be prepared in case we ever want to move, and I know of a great one.’”

“‘Let’s go,’ said Grandpa Gray Mouse. ‘I never believe in living in one home too long. That’s why I’m such an old mouse, and have lived so much longer than most. I keep changing homes—and I fool the cats!’

“‘Let’s go,’ said Grandpa Gray Mouse. ‘I’ve never believed in staying in one place for too long. That’s why I’m such an old mouse and have lived a lot longer than most. I keep moving to different homes—and I outsmart the cats!’”

“So all the mice went to a new home—for they knew in a short time after the feast they had just had that a cat would be invited to the house to live!”

“So all the mice went to a new home—because they knew that shortly after the feast they had just enjoyed, a cat would be invited to live in the house!”


JULY 12: Knowing How to Swim

“In a shallow river was a deep hole,” said daddy. “Two little girls were wading in the shallow part. Only one of them could swim, and swimming I think is not only good fun but is something every one should be able to do. Alas, the little girl who could not swim slipped on a stone and fell into the deep water. And had it not been for the one who could swim a little girl would have lost her life.”

“In a shallow river, there was a deep hole,” said dad. “Two little girls were playing in the shallow part. Only one of them could swim, and I believe swimming is not only a lot of fun but is something everyone should know how to do. Unfortunately, the little girl who couldn’t swim slipped on a rock and fell into the deep water. If it hadn't been for the one who could swim, a little girl would have lost her life.”


JULY 13: Flower Dreams

“The Fairy Queen,” said daddy, “gives sweet dreams to all the flowers. It is part of her work. That is why the flowers are happy and rested and beautiful everywhere. Even out on country roads where there is dust, hard ground and rough[166] places, lovely flowers grow up and are proud and happy as they hear people going by in their automobiles or carriages or walking, exclaiming how wonderful they are.

“The Fairy Queen,” said Dad, “gives sweet dreams to all the flowers. It’s part of her job. That’s why the flowers are happy, rested, and beautiful everywhere. Even out on country roads where there’s dust, hard ground, and rough places, lovely flowers grow up and are proud and happy as they hear people passing by in their cars or carriages or walking, exclaiming how wonderful they are.”

“Now and again, some little flower turns to one side in the wrong way and it has a bad dream, and then when it wakes up it is not lovely like its brothers or sisters. But that seldom happens. And so, you see, flowers know about sweet dreams—all owing to the Fairy Queen.”

“Every now and then, a little flower tilts to the side in a strange way and has a bad dream, and when it wakes up, it doesn’t look as nice as its siblings. But that rarely happens. So, you see, flowers are aware of sweet dreams—all thanks to the Fairy Queen.”


JULY 14: The Naughty Breezes

“One day old Mr. North Wind had been very busy,” commenced daddy. “He had told the Breeze Children that they must be very good because he had so much work to do.

“One day, old Mr. North Wind was super busy,” started Daddy. “He had told the Breeze Children that they needed to behave because he had a lot of work to do.

“‘What have you to do?’ they asked him.

“What do you need?” they asked him.

“‘I have to go to the woods and knock down all the old branches so they won’t fall on people’s heads! I must attend to many things.’

“I need to head to the woods and take down all the old branches so they don’t fall on anyone’s head! I have a lot to take care of.”

“Now the Breeze Children were very apt to be naughty. ‘Let’s do some work too,’ they said.

“Now the Breeze Children were often mischievous. 'Let’s do some work too,' they said.”

“‘What shall we do?’ one of them asked.

“‘What should we do?’ one of them asked.

“‘Well, let’s blow about a little and find something.’

“‘Well, let’s wander around a bit and find something.’”

“Pretty soon they passed by a window of an office. There were a great many papers lying about on the desks and as one of the little Breeze Children said:

“Pretty soon they passed by a window of an office. There were a lot of papers scattered on the desks, and as one of the little Breeze Children said:

“‘There doesn’t seem to be much to do here,’ the papers began to blow this way and that.

“‘There doesn’t seem to be much to do here,’ the papers started to blow around in all directions.”

“‘Oh, let’s blow papers,’ they shouted as they saw what had happened. And all that day they went about from window to window blowing all the papers they could find. Such a time they had!

“Oh, let’s blow papers,” they shouted when they saw what had happened. And all day long they went from window to window blowing all the papers they could find. They had such a great time!

“That is why there are paper weights—all because of the Breeze Children who are almost too fond of fun.”

"That's why we have paperweights—all because of the Breeze. Kids who love to have fun a bit too much."


JULY 15: The Coral Families

“Why aren’t we called coral insects any more, mother?” asked the small coral polyp. Coral is a hard substance used for jewelry and ornaments, you know.

“Why aren’t we called coral insects anymore, mom?” asked the small coral polyp. Coral is a hard material used for jewelry and decorations, you know.

“Because, my dear,” said the mother, “you are a kind of animal, and not insect. It is incorrect to call you an insect, just as it would be wrong to call me one.”

“Because, my dear,” said the mother, “you are a type of animal, not an insect. It’s wrong to call you an insect, just like it would be wrong to call me one.”

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“But somehow,” said the coral polyp, “I would rather be called an insect than a polyp. A polyp doesn’t seem to mean much.”

“But somehow,” said the coral polyp, “I’d rather be called an insect than a polyp. A polyp doesn’t really mean anything.”

“It means what you are,” said his mother. “But perhaps that doesn’t mean much. We aren’t big enough to think of what we are called. We just belong to a big group and you and I have grown friendly. That is why you call me mother polyp. But maybe I am your mother polyp after all. It really is too much trouble to think about. We have beautiful homes and so have all the members of our family. Just think, we have an island named after our homes. It is called Coral Island.

“It means what you are,” said his mother. “But maybe that doesn’t mean much. We’re not big enough to care about what we’re called. We just belong to a large group, and you and I have become close. That’s why you call me mother polyp. But maybe I am your mother polyp after all. It honestly takes too much effort to think about. We have beautiful homes, and so does everyone in our family. Just think, we have an island named after our homes. It’s called Coral Island.

“Oh, I do feel so sorry for those who live in wooden houses and in brick houses. How ugly their homes are. Think of wood and brick compared to coral. Now we live and get all our support from our coral homes. And think how wonderful they are? Some are of red coral and some of pink, but all are beautiful.

“Oh, I really feel sorry for those who live in wooden and brick houses. Their homes are so ugly. Just think about wood and brick compared to coral. We live and thrive in our coral homes. And just think how amazing they are! Some are red coral, and some are pink, but all are beautiful.

“Yes, the more I think of it, the more I’m sorry for the creatures who live in houses of wood or brick, ground holes or rough nests.

“Yes, the more I think about it, the more I feel sorry for the creatures that live in wooden or brick houses, burrow in the ground, or make rough nests.

“Besides, it is so much finer to have a home on the water—a coast home is far nicer than an inland home.”

“Besides, it's so much better to have a home by the water—a coastal home is way nicer than one inland.”

“Well, I suppose,” said the young polyp, “that it all depends on how one looks at it.”

“Well, I guess,” said the young polyp, “that it all depends on how you look at it.”

“I look at it from the standpoint of a polyp,” said the mother polyp proudly.

“I see it from the perspective of a polyp,” said the mother polyp proudly.

“To be sure we are wonderful to have such homes,” said the young polyp. “And still finer than that is the fact that we have a shoemaker in the family.”

“To be sure we are lucky to have such homes,” said the young polyp. “And even better than that is the fact that we have a shoemaker in the family.”

“What?” asked mother polyp.

“What?” asked Mom polyp.

“To be sure,” said the young polyp. “There is the coral shoemaker, and he is a relation.”

“To be sure,” said the young polyp. “There’s the coral shoemaker, and he’s a relative.”

“That’s so, that’s so,” said the mother polyp. “But of course we don’t wear shoes, and so he isn’t of much use.”

"That's true, that's true," said the mother polyp. "But of course we don't wear shoes, so he isn't really helpful."

“That’s true,” said the young polyp, “but it is always useful to have one in the family. And it sounds so businesslike to speak of Cousin Coral Shoemaker.”

"That's true," said the young polyp, "but it's always good to have one in the family. And it sounds so professional to talk about Cousin Coral Shoemaker."

For there is a little creature with just that name and he is a cousin of our friends who live in the coral reefs.

For there is a little creature with that name, and he is a relative of our friends living in the coral reefs.

And no wonder the coral families boast and brag of the homes they live in, for very few of us could even dream of living in a jeweled home. But after all, for people and animals a coral reef would be very uncomfortable, and besides people and animals have so very much more sense!

And it's no surprise that coral families show off about the homes they live in, because very few of us could even imagine living in a jeweled home. But really, for people and animals, a coral reef would be quite uncomfortable, and besides, people and animals have so much more common sense!


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JULY 16: The Garden Tools

“It’s great fun to be a rake,” said the rake, “and to make everything look nice and tidy. And in the autumn it is such fun raking up all the leaves and getting ready for the big bonfires.

“It’s great fun to be a rake,” said the rake, “and to make everything look nice and tidy. And in the fall, it’s such a good time raking up all the leaves and getting ready for the big bonfires.

“It is fun, too, to rake the freshly mown grass and to make everything smooth and nice.”

“It’s also enjoyable to rake the freshly cut grass and make everything look neat and tidy.”

“Ah, but it is such fun to be a trowel,” said the trowel, “and to dig around the garden flowers and to make them grow. They like to be made all nice and comfy, to have the dirt loosened about them to give them a little breathing space.

“Ah, but being a trowel is so much fun,” said the trowel, “digging around the garden flowers and helping them grow. They love to be made all nice and cozy, with the dirt loosened around them to give them a bit of breathing room.

“They don’t like too much! They want to be held in the earth firmly but with soft, nicely pressed earth about them. And our family attends to that.”

“They don’t like it too tight! They want to be held in the ground firmly but with soft, well-pressed soil around them. And our family takes care of that.”

“Ah, but it is nice to be a hoe,” said the hoe, “for I can do such a great deal of work. Just take the work I do with string-beans alone.

“Ah, but it feels good to be a hoe,” said the hoe, “because I can accomplish so much. Just look at the work I do with string beans alone.

“I don’t suppose there could be any string-beans if it weren’t for me. I do such a great deal with the string-beans. I keep them cheerful. I pay them some attention. I make them feel like growing up into nice vegetables. I hoe all about them.”

“I don’t think there would be any string beans if it weren’t for me. I do a lot for the string beans. I keep them happy. I pay attention to them. I make them feel like they can grow up to be nice vegetables. I hoe all around them.”

“But think of all the help I am when any one wants to transplant anything,” said the trowel. “I can dig up the root so that plenty of its dirt comes up with it. Plants don’t like to leave all their soil behind; they like to take a little of it along with them, just as people do when they’re going away for the summer—they like to take along with them some of their photographs and little odds and ends, some of the things near and dear to them.”

“But think of all the help I provide when someone wants to transplant something,” said the trowel. “I can dig up the root so that plenty of dirt comes with it. Plants don’t like leaving all their soil behind; they want to take some of it with them, just like people do when they’re heading off for the summer—they want to bring along some of their photos and little keepsakes, some of the things that are special to them.”

“It is the same way with the plants and I help to make that possible.”

“It’s the same with the plants, and I help make that happen.”

“Well,” said the lawn-mower, “I like to make the lawn and the terraces look nice and I do make them look so neat. I’m the lawn’s barber, I am!”

“Well,” said the lawnmower, “I like to make the lawn and the terraces look nice, and I do make them look so neat. I’m the lawn’s barber, I am!”

All the other garden tools moved about and laughed in their funny tool way at the joke the lawn-mower had tried to crack.

All the other garden tools moved around and chuckled in their quirky tool way at the joke the lawn mower attempted to tell.

“Pretty good, pretty good,” they said.

“Pretty good, pretty good,” they said.

“And a garden fork like me,” said the garden fork, “can do a good deal of work too. I like to do my share.”

“And a garden fork like me,” said the garden fork, “can do a lot of work too. I enjoy doing my part.”

“We can do a good deal,” said several balls of string. “We keep things from falling down and we give them a little help and encouragement.”

“We can do a lot,” said several balls of string. “We prevent things from falling apart and we provide a bit of assistance and support.”

“So do we,” said some little sticks up which some plants were climbing.

“So do we,” said the small sticks that some plants were climbing.

“We try to do our part,” said a little two-pronged fork and a shovel together.

“We do our part,” said a little two-pronged fork and a shovel together.

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A two-pronged fork is a fork with two prongs instead of three or four as a fork usually has, you will notice.

A two-pronged fork is a fork with two prongs instead of three or four like most forks have, as you might notice.

“But I feel as if I were a great deal of help these days,” said the hoe, “just when those string-beans need so much attention.”

“But I feel like I’m really helpful these days,” said the hoe, “especially when those string beans need so much care.”

“And I must thin out some of the flowers,” said the trowel. “Some of them are growing so closely together that they won’t live that way and so I am going to separate them and put them in other beds.”

“And I need to thin out some of the flowers,” said the trowel. “Some of them are growing so closely together that they won’t survive like that, so I’m going to separate them and plant them in different beds.”

“And you will need my help, too,” said the watering pot, “not to mention the water!”

“And you'll need my help, too,” said the watering can, “not to mention the water!”

“That is so,” said the trowel. “But I have a great deal of important weeding to do.”

“That’s true,” said the trowel. “But I have a lot of important weeding to take care of.”

“And I will have to rake up the weeds that you have dug up in the garden path,” said the rake, “or things won’t look tidy and neat.”

“And I will have to gather up the weeds that you’ve pulled out from the garden path,” said the rake, “or else things won’t look tidy and neat.”

“And I must water all the flowers for there hasn’t been any rain in some time and it’s up to me to do a great deal of work,” said the watering pot.

“And I have to water all the flowers because it hasn’t rained in a while, and it’s my responsibility to do a lot of work,” said the watering can.

“I really think,” said the rake, “that we are all useful. We all help the one who owns the garden. Yes, every one of us helps.

“I really think,” said the rake, “that we’re all useful. We each help the person who owns the garden. Yes, every one of us contributes.

“We must all work, each do his part, for each one is needed for something or other.”

“We all need to contribute and do our part because everyone is important for something.”

“You’re right,” said the hoe; “none of us should boast alone. We should all work together for the good of the garden and for the good of the flowers. Then we will each be doing more, for when creatures and things work together and don’t waste time boasting and arguing then a lot gets finished.”

“You’re right,” said the hoe; “none of us should brag by ourselves. We should all collaborate for the benefit of the garden and the flowers. That way, we’ll each accomplish more, because when beings and objects work together and avoid wasting time showing off and arguing, a lot gets done.”


JULY 17: The Jolly Dust Brothers

“All the dust in the world belongs to the Family of the Dust Brothers—just as every little Toad or Frog belongs to the Toad or Frog family,” said daddy. “One day not long ago, a group of the Dust Brothers had moved to all the window sills in a little house they thought was very nice. Some of them had chosen to hide behind pictures, and under chairs, and on the glass mirrors. The ones who hid on the glass mirrors thought they would have lots of fun because folks could not see themselves so plainly—and then they would see the new-comers to the mirrors. Not, of course, that it was the first time any of them had ever made mirrors their homes—but they hadn’t been back since the last dusting day.

“All the dust in the world belongs to the Dust Brothers' Family—just like every little Toad or Frog belongs to the Toad or Frog family,” said Dad. “Not long ago, a group of the Dust Brothers moved into all the window sills of a little house they thought was really nice. Some of them chose to hide behind pictures, under chairs, and on the glass mirrors. The ones hiding on the glass mirrors thought they would have a blast because people couldn’t see themselves so clearly—and then they would see the newcomers in the mirrors. It’s not like it was the first time any of them had made mirrors their home—but they hadn’t been back since the last dusting day.

“The best friend of the Dust Brothers when they are wide awake is old Mr. Sun. Then they can all be seen by the lady of the house and what fun it is for them to be scolded at and to dash off again—only to come back whenever they feel like it.

“The best friend of the Dust Brothers when they're awake is old Mr. Sun. Then they can all be seen by the lady of the house, and it’s so much fun for them to get scolded and then dash off again—only to return whenever they feel like it."

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“When they have moved to a new home and are tired and sleepy the dark clouds are their friends, and Mr. Rain; for then it is so dark they can’t be seen and they have a good old sleep.

“When they’ve moved to a new home and are tired and sleepy, the dark clouds are their friends, along with Mr. Rain; because then it’s so dark they can’t be seen, and they can enjoy a good old sleep.”

“But yesterday when the Dust Brothers were having such a frolic it was a beautiful day. Mr. Sun had just decided it was getting up time—and he had dressed slowly and with great care so he would look very fine and stylish.

“But yesterday when the Dust Brothers were having such a good time, it was a beautiful day. Mr. Sun had just decided it was time to get up—and he had dressed slowly and with great care so he would look really nice and stylish.”

“As he was ready to peep in the windows to see what was going on he saw a lot of little Gnomes perched all around talking to the Dust Brothers.

“As he was about to peek in the windows to see what was happening, he noticed a bunch of little Gnomes sitting around chatting with the Dust Brothers.

“‘Why is it,’ asked Peter Gnome, ‘that you are so anxious to live where you know you’ll be sent away again? Why don’t you choose some home where you can stay?’

“‘Why is it,’ asked Peter Gnome, ‘that you’re so eager to live in a place where you know you’ll be sent away again? Why don’t you pick a home where you can stay for good?’”

“‘Oh, Peter,’ they cried in shocked whispers, ‘you don’t understand us. You truly don’t.’ And if they could have cried without drowning themselves I am sure they would have—for they sounded very sad for a minute. But then they became happy again for they explained it all to Peter Gnome.

“‘Oh, Peter,’ they said in shocked whispers, ‘you don’t get us. You really don’t.’ And if they could have cried without overwhelming themselves, I’m sure they would have—because they sounded really sad for a moment. But then they cheered up again as they explained everything to Peter Gnome.

“‘You see,’ they continued, ‘if we live somewhere and are not driven away too many of the Family come to join us—and it’s more fun to have lots and lots of homes than a few big ones for all of us. It would make us have a life like a hotel—ah no, we must have a home life—just a few of us living together at a time. Of course, we don’t take up much room, so more of us can live together than most folks.

“‘You see,’ they continued, ‘if we settle down somewhere and aren’t forced to leave, a lot of the Family will come to join us—and it’s way more fun to have plenty of smaller homes than just a few big ones for all of us. It would feel like living in a hotel—oh no, we need a real home life—just a few of us living together at once. Of course, we don’t take up much space, so more of us can live together than most people.’

“‘And as for wanting to have our adventures any different—dear me—we wouldn’t change for all the world. We can tease and tease and tease those big grown-ups with their brooms and dusters. Hurrah, hurrah, what merry lives we lead.

“‘And as for wanting our adventures to be any different—oh my—we wouldn’t change a thing for anything. We can playfully tease those big grown-ups with their brooms and dusters. Hooray, hooray, what joyful lives we lead.

“‘And now, Mr. Sun,’ they said, ‘shine for all you’re worth—so the grown-ups will see us. Then we’ll be off for a scamper.’

“‘And now, Mr. Sun,’ they said, ‘shine as bright as you can—so the adults will notice us. Then we’ll be off for a run.’”

“Sure enough, Mr. Sun did just as the Dust Brothers had asked him to, and as the Gnomes were rushing off to call on their old friend Mr. Giant, they heard the Dust Brothers laughing and saying,

“Sure enough, Mr. Sun did exactly what the Dust Brothers asked him to, and as the Gnomes hurried off to visit their old friend Mr. Giant, they heard the Dust Brothers laughing and saying,

“‘They drive us away, but we always come back,
We say Hurrah, but they say Alack!’”

JULY 18: The Bad Poison Ivy

“The little white berries of Poison Ivy,” said daddy, “are clustered quite near together on the stem, that is, they are all near each other, and then from the little part of the stem which is the fattest goes up a longer, slimmer stem from which branch[171] out three leaves, all of them pointed somewhat and very clearly and evenly marked with veins.

“The small white berries of Poison Ivy,” said dad, “are grouped closely together on the stem, meaning they’re all near each other, and then from the thicker part of the stem, a longer, thinner stem extends that branches out into three leaves, all of which are somewhat pointed and clearly and evenly marked with veins.”

“Now, sometimes Poison Ivy is to be found in swamps and in ponds and along the sides of the brooks and in the woods, too.

“Now, sometimes Poison Ivy can be found in swamps, ponds, along the banks of streams, and in the woods, too.

“Keep away from it and from what you think is Poison Ivy.

“Stay away from it and from what you think might be Poison Ivy.

“A very good way to do each summer is to go to a library and get hold of a big nature book or ask the librarian what book one shall look at in order to see a picture of Poison Ivy. And then remember what it looks like. For the Poison Ivy family is a mean one.”

“A great way to spend each summer is to go to the library and grab a big nature book or ask the librarian which book to check out to see a picture of Poison Ivy. Then remember what it looks like. The Poison Ivy family is pretty nasty.”


JULY 19: The Sun Fairies

“Mr. Sun slowly went behind a hill—but what should remain in the sky after he had left but wonderful spots and dots of red—bright, bright red—just the color Mr. Sun had been before he went behind his hill for his night’s sleep,” said daddy.

“Mr. Sun slowly went behind a hill—but what should remain in the sky after he left but amazing spots and dots of red—bright, bright red—just the color Mr. Sun had been before he went behind his hill for his night’s sleep,” said daddy.

“‘They must be the Fairies of the Sun,’ said the Fairy Queen. And that is what they were!”

“‘They must be the Sun Fairies,’ said the Fairy Queen. And that’s exactly what they were!”


JULY 20: The Meadow Fritillary Family

“I must tell you this evening,” commenced daddy, “a story about the meadow fritillary family.”

“I need to tell you tonight,” dad started, “a story about the meadow fritillary family.”

“Oh, gracious, daddy!” exclaimed Jack. “Now really!”

“Oh, come on, Dad!” exclaimed Jack. “Seriously!”

“Well,” said Evelyn, “at least I understand it has something to do with a meadow, but it may be a flower, fruit, animal or bird for all I know.”

“Well,” said Evelyn, “at least I get that it has something to do with a meadow, but for all I know, it could be a flower, fruit, animal, or bird.”

“None of those,” said daddy laughing. “Guess again.”

“Not any of those,” Dad said, laughing. “Try again.”

“Well, it might be the name of a big rock,” said Jack.

“Well, it could be the name of a huge rock,” Jack said.

“Wrong,” said daddy. Both the children laughed and started to think of some other creatures and objects which might be in a meadow.

“Wrong,” said Dad. Both kids laughed and started to think of other creatures and things that might be in a meadow.

“Of course,” said Evelyn, “there are the meadow larks, but they are birds, and daddy said these fritillaries aren’t birds.” Evelyn had a very hard time calling them by their name and Jack said admiringly: “Well, Evelyn, I wouldn’t dare try that!”

“Of course,” said Evelyn, “there are the meadowlarks, but they’re birds, and Dad said these fritillaries aren’t birds.” Evelyn had a hard time calling them by their name, and Jack said admiringly, “Well, Evelyn, I wouldn’t even try that!”

“There are meadow crickets,” said Evelyn.

“There are meadow crickets,” Evelyn said.

“Now, we’re coming a little bit closer,” said daddy.

“Now, we’re getting a little bit closer,” said Dad.

“Oh, do tell us,” urged Jack.

“Oh, please tell us,” urged Jack.

“The meadow fritillaries,” said daddy, “are butterflies!”

“The meadow fritillaries,” Dad said, “are butterflies!”

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“Gracious,” said Evelyn, “that’s a pretty hard name for a little butterfly to carry.”

“Wow,” said Evelyn, “that’s a pretty tough name for a little butterfly to have.”

“They have cousins named the Silver-Spot Fritillary family and the Gulf Fritillary family, but it is of the meadow ones I am going to tell you, and I think it would be easier for us to speak of them as the Meadow family and leave out their long last name.

“They have cousins called the Silver-Spot Fritillary family and the Gulf Fritillary family, but I’m going to tell you about the meadow ones, and I think it would be easier for us to refer to them as the Meadow family and skip their long last name.”

“Mother Meadow had become a butterfly in June and after four weeks had gone by she laid her little eggs, and in another week there were little caterpillars. After that Mother Meadow knew there would be butterflies; and it would take a month for them to become chrysalides and another week for them to become full-fledged butterflies. So Mother Meadow was much excited.

“Mother Meadow had turned into a butterfly in June, and after four weeks, she laid her tiny eggs. In another week, there were little caterpillars. After that, Mother Meadow knew there would be butterflies; it would take a month for them to turn into chrysalides and another week for them to become fully developed butterflies. So, Mother Meadow was very excited.”

“And after a time there would be more butterflies and she would be a grandmother, and still more and she would be a great-grandmother. All that would happen in a summer. And there would be still others but they wouldn’t become full-grown until another spring came around. They would stop feeding and sleep throughout the winter as many butterflies will do.

“And eventually, there would be more butterflies, and she would be a grandmother, and then even more, and she would be a great-grandmother. All of that would happen in one summer. There would be others too, but they wouldn’t grow up until another spring arrived. They would stop feeding and sleep through the winter like many butterflies do.”

“The latest children of the Meadow Fritillary family in September feed upon the leaves of violets which they think are particularly delicious.

“The latest kids of the Meadow Fritillary family in September munch on the leaves of violets, which they find especially tasty.

“When it gets cold ahead of time in the autumn the little half-grown butterflies go right to sleep and don’t bother about food, but when the next spring comes they make up for it and eat twice as much.

“When it gets cold early in the autumn, the little half-grown butterflies go right to sleep and don’t worry about food, but when spring comes around again, they make up for it and eat twice as much.”

“Mother Meadow lives in the lowland meadows and near swamps. She loves a home near the spots where blue and white and purple violets grow, for she knows her children love the sweet leaves.

“Mother Meadow lives in the lowland meadows and near swamps. She loves her home close to where blue, white, and purple violets grow, because she knows her children love the sweet leaves.”

“The Meadow family also takes honey from mint and other plants that grow near the swamps.

“The Meadow family also gathers honey from mint and other plants that grow near the swamps.

“‘Our cousins,’ said Mother Meadow to her brood one day, ‘are very much like us except for the row of silver spots which line their wings. That is why they are called the Silver-Bordered Fritillary family. But we are nice brown speckled butterflies and are as happy as our handsome cousins.’

“‘Our cousins,’ Mother Meadow said to her kids one day, ‘are a lot like us except for the row of silver spots on their wings. That’s why they’re called the Silver-Bordered Fritillary family. But we’re nice brown speckled butterflies and just as happy as our good-looking cousins.’”

“‘Have we any more cousins?’ asked the Meadow children butterflies.

“‘Do we have any more cousins?’ asked the Meadow children butterflies.

“‘Oh, yes,’ said Mother Meadow, ‘there are the Silver-Spot Fritillaries, the Great Spangled Fritillaries and the Regal Fritillaries as well as different kinds of the silver variety. But we are just as happy and contented as any of them, even if we are rather plain and dull and brown for butterflies.

“‘Oh, yes,’ said Mother Meadow, ‘there are the Silver-Spot Fritillaries, the Great Spangled Fritillaries, and the Regal Fritillaries, along with various types of the silver variety. But we’re just as happy and content as any of them, even if we are a bit plain and dull and brown for butterflies.

“‘And, my children, you rested on violet leaves when you were little eggs. Some of you rested on the stems of the violet plants, but most of you were right on the beautiful green leaves.

“‘And, my children, you rested on violet leaves when you were little eggs. Some of you rested on the stems of the violet plants, but most of you were right on the beautiful green leaves.

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“‘So though we’re rather simple little butterflies, we mothers gave you beds fit for princesses.’

“‘So even though we’re just simple little butterflies, we mothers provided you with beds that are fit for princesses.’”

“‘Ah, we’re happy,’ said the little butterflies, as they flew about in the warm summer sunshine.”

“‘Ah, we’re so happy,’ said the little butterflies, as they fluttered around in the warm summer sunshine.”


JULY 21: George and the Goblin

“A little boy named George,” said daddy, “was very ill. He had not told his mother he felt sick and wretched because he was afraid she might give him some horrid medicine, so he went to bed without saying a word.

“A little boy named George,” said dad, “was really sick. He hadn’t told his mom he felt bad and miserable because he was scared she might give him some awful medicine, so he went to bed without saying anything.”

“He felt as though he had been in bed for hours and as if he would never go to sleep when suddenly a little Goblin hopped on his window sill, peeped around the curtain, and said:

“He felt like he had been in bed for hours and that he would never fall asleep when suddenly a little Goblin hopped onto his window sill, peeked around the curtain, and said:

“‘Good evening. May I come in?’

“‘Good evening. Can I come in?’”

“‘Who are you?’ asked George.

“‘Who are you?’ George asked.”

“‘I am the Goblin who looks after little sick boys—when they have your kind of sickness. The only trouble is that I can’t see half the little boys I want to—for I can only go at night-time when they’re sleeping, and there isn’t time for my rounds. I do believe I shall have to get some Assistant Workers,’ and the Goblin looked puzzled.

“‘I’m the Goblin who takes care of little sick boys—when they have your kind of illness. The only problem is that I can’t see half the little boys I want to—since I can only go at night when they’re sleeping, and there’s not enough time for my rounds. I really think I’m going to need some Assistant Workers,’ and the Goblin looked confused."

“‘You’re a Goblin?’ gasped George.

“‘You’re a goblin?’ gasped George.

“‘To be sure,’ said the Goblin.

“‘Of course,’ said the Goblin.”

“‘Why,’ continued George, ‘I thought they were terrible looking creatures.’

“‘Why,’ George went on, ‘I thought they looked awful.’”

“‘Ha, ha,’ laughed the Goblin. ‘You make just the same mistake that so many boys and girls do. You see I am not terrible at all. In fact, I am very nice and I cure little boys and girls of their pains.’

“‘Ha, ha,’ laughed the Goblin. ‘You're making the same mistake that so many kids do. You see, I'm not scary at all. In fact, I'm really nice and I help little boys and girls feel better.’”

“‘Are you a Doctor Goblin, then?’ laughed George.

“‘So, are you a Doctor Goblin now?’ chuckled George.

“‘No,’ smiled the Goblin. ‘Doctors and I really need have nothing to do with each other. Doctors should only be called in when little girls and boys are really, really sick and not when they’re only pretending.’

“‘No,’ smiled the Goblin. ‘Doctors and I really don’t have anything to do with each other. Doctors should only be called in when little girls and boys are truly, really sick and not when they’re just pretending.’”

“‘I’m not pretending,’ said George, almost in tears. ‘I feel just as sick as can be.’

“‘I’m not pretending,’ George said, almost crying. ‘I feel really sick.’”

“‘Nothing to brag about, is it?’ asked the Goblin.

“‘Not exactly something to show off, is it?’ asked the Goblin.

“‘No-o,’ said George.

'No,' George said.

“‘And why are you sick?’ asked the Goblin.

“‘And why are you feeling unwell?’ asked the Goblin.

“‘I don’t know,’ said George. For surely, he thought to himself, the Goblin couldn’t know what he had been doing in the daytime—and George did know, perfectly well, why he was sick.

“‘I don’t know,’ said George. For surely, he thought to himself, the Goblin couldn’t know what he had been doing during the day—and George did know, very well, why he was sick.

“‘Did you enjoy those candies?’ asked the Goblin, and George looked quite uneasy.

“‘Did you like those candies?’ asked the Goblin, and George looked pretty uncomfortable.

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“‘I don’t know,’ said George.

"I don't know," George said.

“‘I suppose it is hard to make up your mind now whether you liked them or not—since they have made you sick.’

“‘I guess it’s tough to decide now if you liked them or not—since they’ve made you sick.’”

“‘Oh dear, oh dear,’ cried George, who had thought he was going to have fun with the Goblin, and he hid his head under the bedclothes in shame.

“‘Oh no, oh no,’ cried George, who had thought he was going to have fun with the Goblin, and he hid his head under the bedcovers in embarrassment.

“‘You see,’ continued the Goblin, ‘you were getting into the habit of really making a little piggie of yourself! You were getting too fat and lazy. You didn’t like to play ball with the boys nearly so much as you once did. Isn’t that true?’ And George, who had stuck his head out of the bedclothes again, nodded.

“‘You see,’ continued the Goblin, ‘you were starting to become little piggy! You were getting too heavy and lazy. You didn't enjoy playing ball with the boys nearly as much as you used to. Isn't that right?’ And George, who had poked his head out from under the blankets again, nodded.

“‘And some of the boys were beginning to call you “Roly-poly George,” weren’t they? And they were telling you that soon you’d be able to join the circus as the fat boy? It wasn’t very kind of them perhaps, but it was true, eh?’ And the Goblin grinned.

“‘And some of the guys were starting to call you “Roly-poly George,” right? And they were saying that soon you'd be able to join the circus as the fat kid? It wasn’t very nice of them, but it was true, huh?’ And the Goblin grinned.”

“‘Yes,’ was all George could say.

“‘Yes,’ was all George could say.

“‘And last of all, you ate that whole layer of chocolates in the box that was hidden in the pantry; you thought you were having a great feast. Until—until—until—’

“‘And finally, you devoured that entire layer of chocolates in the box that was stashed in the pantry; you thought you were having an amazing feast. Until—until—until—’”

“‘Oh I know,’ said George. ‘I felt dreadfully sick—but I’m better now. Don’t scold me any more, please.’

“‘Oh, I know,’ George said. ‘I felt really sick—but I’m fine now. Please don’t scold me anymore.’”

“‘I won’t,’ said the Goblin. ‘I visit little boys and girls like you because I know you don’t want to get sick—and half the time you don’t know that so many sweeties are very, very bad for you—and that you’ll grow fat and lazy and no one will care for you when it comes play time.’

“‘I won’t,’ said the Goblin. ‘I visit little boys and girls like you because I know you don’t want to get sick—and half the time you don’t realize that so many treats are really bad for you—and that you’ll become chubby and lazy and no one will want to play with you when it’s time for fun.’”

“‘I’ll be good—and not a piggie any more!’ said George. ‘I did feel so sick—and I don’t want to be the fat boy in the circus. I want to stay at home and play with my friends!’

“‘I’ll be good—and not a piggy anymore!’ said George. ‘I felt so sick—and I don’t want to be the chubby kid in the circus. I want to stay home and play with my friends!’”

“‘And you will!’ said the Goblin. ‘To-morrow morning you’ll be all right—but first of all—to-night we’re going to take you for a sail in our airboat just to show you that Goblins are really nice creatures after all!’

“‘And you will!’ said the Goblin. ‘Tomorrow morning you'll be all right—but first, tonight we're going to take you for a sail in our airboat just to show you that Goblins are actually really nice creatures after all!’”

“And several weeks later, George was so well and so strong and quick in the games that he was made Captain of his Baseball Team!”

“And a few weeks later, George was so healthy and so strong and quick in the games that he was named Captain of his Baseball Team!”


JULY 22: Jack-in-the-Pulpit

“I am Jack-in-the-pulpit,” announced a wild flower one day.

“I am Jack-in-the-pulpit,” announced a wildflower one day.

“Are you?” asked the gnats and flies walking and flying about.

“Are you?” asked the gnats and flies that were walking and flying around.

“I am indeed,” said Jack. “If you don’t believe me, you can have a look.”

“I really am,” said Jack. “If you don’t believe me, you can take a look.”

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“We are invited to have a look,” said the gnats to each other and the flies said: “We can call upon him, and he looks very fine, too.”

“We're invited to take a look,” said the gnats to each other, and the flies added, “We can pay him a visit, and he looks really great, too.”

“In the spring,” said Jack, for he thought it was the correct thing to preach a little sermon as he was in a pulpit, “in the spring,” he continued, “I have many bright red berries. Years and years ago the Indians used to boil these berries and found them very good to eat.

“In the spring,” said Jack, since he thought it was the right thing to give a little sermon while in a pulpit, “in the spring,” he continued, “I have many bright red berries. Years ago, the Native Americans used to boil these berries and found them very tasty to eat.

“But at this time of the year, I am simply at my best. Oh, yes, I feel so jolly and well, so happy and gay.”

“But at this time of year, I am truly at my best. Oh, yes, I feel so cheerful and healthy, so happy and bright.”

And Jack smiled at the little creatures around him.

And Jack smiled at the small creatures around him.

“You would be surprised, no doubt,” he went on, “if I should tell you a few things about my family history. Some I will leave unsaid, however,” he added with a roguish look.

“You would be surprised, no doubt,” he continued, “if I told you some things about my family history. Some I’ll keep to myself, though,” he added with a playful grin.

Now, over Jack’s head was a part of the flower which looked like the sounding-board of a pulpit. He stood very straight in his pulpit, which was very handsome, striped in greenish-yellow, white and orange-yellow colored decorations.

Now, above Jack’s head was a part of the flower that resembled the soundboard of a pulpit. He stood tall and straight in his pulpit, which was quite beautiful, adorned with striped decorations in greenish-yellow, white, and orange-yellow.

“I have a fine cousin,” he said, “and this is the part of my family history I want to tell you. My cousin is the Calla-lily and she has a beautiful white gown which she wears. But she is striped as I am, and she is a cousin, though she cares more for dress than I do, and looks very stately and fine.

“I have a great cousin,” he said, “and this is the part of my family history I want to share with you. My cousin is the Calla lily and she wears a beautiful white gown. But she is striped like me, and she is a cousin, even though she cares more about fashion than I do, and looks very elegant and impressive.”

“I am more natural,” said Jack. “I’m a good sort of a chap. I like to talk to my little friends and give them advice because I am very fond of preaching.”

“I’m more down-to-earth,” Jack said. “I’m a decent guy. I enjoy chatting with my little friends and giving them advice because I really like sharing my thoughts.”

“He must be very fine,” the gnats said.

“He must be really impressive,” the gnats said.

“How beautiful to give us advice,” the flies added.

“How nice of you to give us advice,” the flies chimed in.

And to himself Jack was saying: “The poor little insects, little do they know me. I am not as fine as I make myself out to be. I should just say I’m not.

And to himself, Jack was saying: “The poor little insects, they have no idea who I really am. I’m not as great as I pretend to be. I should just admit that I’m not.”

“For I do not practice what I preach. I don’t believe in doing such a foolish thing. That is, I preach to the little creatures and then I let them come and see my pulpit—and then, it’s very, very seldom that I ever let them out again.” Then Jack began to preach once more and gathered about him more stupid and innocent little gnats and flies! But, of course, as he is only a flower we can’t blame him too much.

“For I don’t practice what I preach. I don’t think it’s wise to do something so silly. I mean, I preach to the little creatures and then I let them come see my pulpit—and then, it’s very, very rare that I ever let them go again.” Then Jack started to preach again and gathered around him more naive and innocent little gnats and flies! But, of course, since he’s just a flower, we can’t really blame him too much.


JULY 23: The Tide

“Billie Brownie was talking to the High Tide as it came up over the beach,” said daddy. “‘Don’t you ever work any faster or any slower?’ asked Billie Brownie.

“Billie Brownie was chatting with the High Tide as it rolled in over the beach,” said daddy. “‘Don’t you ever move any faster or any slower?’ asked Billie Brownie.

“‘Certainly not,’ said the Tide. ‘Why should we?’

“‘Definitely not,’ said the Tide. ‘Why would we?’

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“‘It would be nice, I should think, to change some day and rush in very suddenly, and then some other day stay way out on the beach and not come in for hours and hours—long after you are due.’

“‘I think it would be nice to change things up one day and come rushing in unexpectedly, and then another day just stay out on the beach and not come in for hours and hours—long after you’re supposed to.’”

“‘That would be very wrong,’ said the Tide. ‘We are helped in what we do by two very noble creatures.’ And all the time the Tide was talking its voice would get louder and louder, for all the waves were roaring and making such a racket.

“‘That would be very wrong,’ said the Tide. ‘We are supported in our actions by two very noble creatures.’ And as the Tide spoke, its voice grew louder and louder, as all the waves were crashing and creating such a commotion.

“‘Who are they?’ asked Billie Brownie.

“‘Who are they?’ asked Billie Brownie.

“‘The Sun and the Moon,’ roared the Tide. ‘The Moon is three times more important than the Sun—but the Sun is mighty helpful too. We do as they say, you see. Twice every twenty-four hours of your time we come in and go out. And we do this at such hours as the Sun and Moon wish. So if people ask the Sun and Moon, or watch them for a time, they will be able to tell just what we are going to do. And we never change the time they’ve given us—never—NEVER!’ And the Tide bellowed this for all it was worth.

“The Sun and the Moon,” the Tide roared. “The Moon is three times more important than the Sun—but the Sun is pretty useful too. We follow their lead, you see. Twice every twenty-four hours in your time, we come in and go out. And we do this at the times the Sun and Moon choose. So if people ask the Sun and Moon, or watch them for a while, they’ll be able to figure out exactly what we’re going to do. And we never change the times they’ve set for us—never—NEVER!” And the Tide bellowed this with all its might.

“‘I wouldn’t keep such good time,’ said Billie Brownie, ‘no, not for any creature—not even Mr. Sun or Mr. Moon. And yet I’m a great friend of both.’

“‘I wouldn’t stick to such a schedule,’ said Billie Brownie, ‘not for anyone—not even Mr. Sun or Mr. Moon. And still, I’m good friends with both.’”

“‘Ah, you’re not such a friend as we are,’ said the Tide. ‘We have always done as Mr. Moon said for years and years and years—too many for me to remember.’

“‘Oh, you’re not as good a friend as we are,’ said the Tide. ‘We’ve always followed what Mr. Moon said for years and years—too many for me to count.’”

“‘But you might just as well be a clock and get wound up if you’re going to keep such good time and do things just exactly when you’re supposed to. It seems very foolish to me,’ and Billie Brownie put his head to one side as he thought about it.

“‘But you might as well be a clock and get wound up if you’re going to keep such good time and do things exactly when you’re supposed to. That seems really foolish to me,’ Billie Brownie said, tilting his head as he considered it.”

“‘Ah,’ said the Tide, ‘that’s just where you’re so wrong. A clock has to be looked after. Some one has to wind it up. No one has to wind us up. And a clock often gets out of order and goes to the clock-maker to be mended. You never heard of the Tide going to a Tide Mender to be mended, did you?’

“‘Oh,’ said the Tide, ‘that’s exactly where you’re mistaken. A clock needs to be maintained. Someone has to wind it up. No one has to wind us up. And a clock often breaks and goes to the clockmaker to be fixed. You’ve never heard of the Tide going to a Tide Fixer to be repaired, have you?’”

“‘I never knew there was such a thing as a Tide Mender,’ said Billie Brownie.

“‘I never knew there was something called a Tide Mender,’ said Billie Brownie.

“‘There isn’t!’ said the Tide. ‘That’s just it. We don’t need one—for we never get out of order. And no one has to worry about us or fuss about us. We just do as Mr. Sun and Mr. Moon say—especially Mr. Moon, as I’ve told you, for somehow,’ and the voice of the Tide grew lower, ‘Mr. Moon has better judgment. I can whisper this to you now, for Mr. Sun has gone to bed and won’t feel hurt! And now I must go out to the ocean again—for I’ve been talking to you for hours.’”

“‘There isn’t!’ said the Tide. ‘That’s the point. We don’t need one—because we’re always in sync. No one has to worry about us or fuss over us. We just follow what Mr. Sun and Mr. Moon tell us—especially Mr. Moon, as I’ve mentioned, because, somehow,’ and the voice of the Tide lowered, ‘Mr. Moon has better judgment. I can share this with you now, since Mr. Sun has gone to bed and won’t be upset! And now I have to go back out to the ocean again—because I’ve been talking to you for hours.’”


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JULY 24: Little Edith’s Garden

“‘Whatever shall I do?’ said little Edith to herself,” commenced daddy, “‘I do want to have a garden so much and yet the snails eat it up!’

“‘What am I going to do?’ little Edith said to herself,” started daddy, “‘I really want to have a garden, but the snails just eat it all up!’”

“While she was wondering like this a little voice whispered in her ear:

“While she was wondering like this, a little voice whispered in her ear:

“‘Edith, Edith,’ it said.

“‘Edith, Edith,’ it said.”

“‘Yes,’ answered Edith looking about her. And then, seeing no one, said:

“‘Yes,’ answered Edith, glancing around. And then, noticing no one, said:

“‘Who are you? Where are you?’

“‘Who are you? Where are you?’”

“‘I’m the Fairy Queen,’ said the voice, ‘and you can’t see me because I’ve put on my invisible robe—which no one can see but a Fairy. I’ve come to talk to you. I know how you love your garden and that you’ve not been able to make anything grow this summer. Listen!’ And a queer swishing sound passed through the air.

“‘I’m the Fairy Queen,’ said the voice, ‘and you can’t see me because I’m wearing my invisible robe—which only a Fairy can see. I’ve come to talk to you. I know how much you love your garden and that you haven’t been able to make anything grow this summer. Listen!’ And a strange swishing sound floated through the air.

“‘There!’ continued the Fairy Queen, ‘I have waved my invisible wand and it will bring you luck. Do not plant any seeds for a week—then the snails will think you have decided not to have any garden at all! It will be a joke on them—but they have had enough feasts and now it is time for you to have a garden!’

“‘There!’ continued the Fairy Queen, ‘I have waved my invisible wand, and it will bring you luck. Don’t plant any seeds for a week—then the snails will think you’ve decided not to have a garden at all! It’ll be a joke on them—but they have had enough feasts, and now it’s time for you to have a garden!’”

“In a short time Edith had real flowers, and her garden was more beautiful than ever it had been, and often when she was working among the flowers, she said half aloud:

“In no time, Edith had real flowers, and her garden was more beautiful than it had ever been. Often, when she was working among the flowers, she would say half aloud:

“‘If the Fairy Queen is around me in her invisible robe, I want to thank her, oh, so much, for my lovely garden.’”

“‘If the Fairy Queen is nearby in her invisible cloak, I want to thank her so much for my beautiful garden.’”


JULY 25: The Earth Visits the Moon

“When Mr. Moon is ‘eclipsed,’ as they say, it means the earth gets in the way, and when Mr. Sun is ‘eclipsed’ it means that Mr. Moon is in the way. And that makes it dark—for an Eclipse is a shadow,” explained daddy.

“When Mr. Moon is ‘eclipsed,’ as they say, it means the earth gets in the way, and when Mr. Sun is ‘eclipsed’ it means that Mr. Moon is in the way. And that makes it dark—for an Eclipse is a shadow,” explained daddy.

“Mr. Moon was shining hard. He was very bright and the sky seemed to be lighted up by him. All the stars were out and were twinkling with joy and fun, for well they knew what was going to happen.

“Mr. Moon was shining brightly. He was very bright, and the sky seemed to glow because of him. All the stars were out, twinkling with joy and excitement, as they knew what was about to happen.”

“Mr. Moon was also looking very fat and well! Goodness! but he was round and big and jolly! He blinked one eye and then he winked with the other, and he said to himself:

“Mr. Moon was looking really big and healthy! Wow! He was round, large, and cheerful! He blinked one eye and then winked with the other, and he said to himself:

“‘The Earth is going to pay me a visit to-night. I am highly[178] honored. It’s not often that the earth comes my way—and that’s why I am all dressed up in my best.’

“‘The Earth is coming to visit me tonight. I feel really honored. It’s not every day that the Earth shows up—and that’s why I’m all dressed up in my best.’”

“Pretty soon the grown-ups on the Earth saw a shadow come over part of Mr. Moon’s face. Very, very slowly he grew darker, and the Earth people all came out of doors to watch what was going to happen.

“Before long, the adults on Earth noticed a shadow covering part of Mr. Moon’s face. Very slowly, he became darker, and everyone outside came to see what was about to happen.”

“‘I’m pretty important, I am,’ said Mr. Moon to two very tall pine trees. And the pine trees whispered back in the slight, rustling breeze:

“‘I’m quite important, I really am,’ said Mr. Moon to two very tall pine trees. And the pine trees whispered back in the gentle, rustling breeze:

“‘Yes, Mr. Moon, you’re very important. And you show us off too. We look handsome, and dark, and tall, when you throw your light over us.’

“‘Yes, Mr. Moon, you’re really important. And you make us look good too. We appear handsome, dark, and tall when you shine your light on us.’”

“‘Hush—’ said Mr. Moon. ‘The Earth is on its way.’

“‘Hush—’ said Mr. Moon. ‘The Earth is on its way.’”

“And only half of Mr. Moon could be seen now. The other half was covered up by a dark shadow.

“And now, only half of Mr. Moon was visible. The other half was concealed by a dark shadow.”

“‘That’s the earth throwing its shadow on the moon,’ said the grownups to each other. But up in the sky the Moon was saying:

“‘That’s the earth casting its shadow on the moon,’ the adults said to one another. But up in the sky, the Moon was saying:

“‘Well, how do you do, Mr. Earth? It’s a long time since I’ve seen you. And how have you been all this time?’

“‘Well, how's it going, Mr. Earth? It's been a while since I last saw you. How have you been all this time?’”

“‘Well,’ said the Earth, as it cast its shadow over Mr. Moon still more, ‘I’ve been in my usual good health. I still am a pretty good and solid soul, you know. I stand for so much too! I let folks walk all over me, and still I never murmur in the least. I let the King of the Clouds pour down on me—and Mr. Sun warms me up with his rays so that I begin to grow thirsty again.

"‘Well,’ said the Earth, as it cast its shadow over Mr. Moon even more, ‘I've been doing just fine. I'm still a pretty solid entity, you know. I represent so much too! I let people walk all over me, and I never complain at all. I let the King of the Clouds rain on me—and Mr. Sun warms me up with his rays so that I start to get thirsty again.

“‘And,’ the Earth continued, ‘sometimes the children dig me up—and I don’t mind in the very least. It’s just my nature, I suppose!’

“‘And,’ the Earth continued, ‘sometimes kids dig me up—and I don’t mind at all. It’s just in my nature, I guess!’

“‘Yes,’ said Mr. Moon, ‘you are a good-natured old soul.’

“‘Yes,’ said Mr. Moon, ‘you’re a kind-hearted old soul.’”

“‘Old?’ asked the Earth. ‘Why, every spring I am just as young and fresh again as if I were not a minute old. Whatever do you mean, Mr. Moon?’

“‘Old?’ asked the Earth. ‘Every spring, I feel as young and fresh as if I were only a minute old. What do you mean, Mr. Moon?’”

“‘That’s true,’ said Mr. Moon. ‘You certainly do come up younger every spring—but you have been around a great many years.’

“‘That’s true,’ said Mr. Moon. ‘You definitely seem younger every spring—but you have been around for quite a long time.’”

“‘It’s a good thing I have,’ laughed the Earth; ‘and now tell me how you have been?’

“‘I’m glad I do,’ laughed the Earth; ‘now tell me how you’ve been?’”

“Mr. Moon was almost entirely covered by the Earth’s shadow as he began his talk:

“Mr. Moon was nearly completely obscured by the Earth's shadow as he started his talk:

“‘I am shining as brightly as ever, and I still change my suit several times a month. In fact, there’s not much difference in me—or in my life. I do much the same things always. I’m what you might call a very sensible old fellow. I do everything right on time, and enjoy myself hugely.’

“‘I’m shining as brightly as ever, and I still change my outfit several times a month. Honestly, there’s not much different about me—or my life. I pretty much do the same things all the time. I’m what you could call a very sensible old guy. I get everything done on time and have a great time doing it.’”

“‘There, there,’ said the Earth. ‘I must be going again.’

“‘There, there,’ said the Earth. ‘I have to go again.’”

“‘What short visits you pay,’ said Mr. Moon as he began to show his brightness again.

“‘You make such quick visits,’ Mr. Moon said as he started to shine brightly again.

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“‘Do you know why I do that?’ whispered the Earth.

“‘Do you know why I do that?’ whispered the Earth.

“‘No,’ said Mr. Moon, and he took a little walk along the sky.

“‘No,’ said Mr. Moon, and he took a short stroll across the sky.

“‘Because,’ said the Earth, ‘grown-ups think it’s a wonderful thing when I call on you. I don’t let them get used to it—and so they think that it’s very, very m-a-r-v-e-l-o-u-s! Look at all the Earth people, and then you’ll agree with me.’

“‘Because,’ said the Earth, ‘adults think it’s amazing when I come to see you. I don’t let them get accustomed to it—and so they believe it’s really, really m-a-r-v-e-l-o-u-s! Look at all the Earth people, and you’ll see I’m right.’”

“And of course, true enough, down on the Earth, every one was looking at the Eclipse.”

“And of course, that’s true, down on Earth, everyone was watching the Eclipse.”


JULY 26: The Elephant’s Toothache

“The Elephant’s mouth was very much swollen,” said daddy, “and the Zoo dentist said, ‘He has a very bad tooth, but we’ll fix this right away, so he won’t have any more pain.’

“The elephant’s mouth was really swollen,” said Dad, “and the zoo dentist said, ‘He has a really bad tooth, but we’ll fix it right away, so he won’t feel pain anymore.’”

“So they put something in the tooth and all around it so the elephant wouldn’t feel any pain at all. It made it feel quite dull and the throbbing which he had felt for two weeks went away.

“So they put something in the tooth and all around it so the elephant wouldn’t feel any pain at all. It made it feel pretty numb and the throbbing he had experienced for two weeks disappeared."

“In a very few minutes, with the help of an instrument which made the elephant shake a little nervously as he saw it (for he couldn’t imagine what it might be), out came the tooth.

“In just a few minutes, with the help of a tool that made the elephant shake a bit nervously when he saw it (since he couldn’t imagine what it could be), the tooth came out.”

“‘There,’ said the Zoo dentist, ‘you will have no more pain.’

“‘There,’ said the zoo dentist, ‘you won’t feel any more pain.’

“In a few days the elephant was himself again. The soreness had all gone away and he was eating once more—and eating the most delicious of dishes, for the keeper said:

“In a few days, the elephant was back to normal. The soreness had completely faded, and he was eating again—and enjoying the most delicious meals, because the keeper said:

“‘I want to reward you all I can, as you’re the bravest creature I’ve ever known, for you’ve had this toothache for some time and we never knew it until your mouth became so swollen. Yet you never complained. And that was why you haven’t been eating well lately.’”

“‘I want to reward you as much as I can, because you’re the bravest being I’ve ever met. You’ve been dealing with this toothache for a while, and we only found out when your face got so swollen. Yet, you never complained. That’s why you haven’t been eating well lately.’”


JULY 27: The Potato Skins

“The potato skin is receiving fair treatment and justice at last,” said the second potato skin to the first potato skin.

“The potato skin is finally getting the fair treatment and justice it deserves,” said the second potato skin to the first potato skin.

“What is justice?” asked the first potato skin.

“What is justice?” asked the first potato skin.

“Justice,” said the second potato skin, “is being just and to be just is to be fair. Now do you understand?”

“Justice,” said the second potato skin, “is about being fair, and being fair means being just. Do you get it now?”

“I do,” said the first potato skin. “Please go on with your story, and forgive me for the interruption. I don’t know much about manners. I haven’t been up in the world enough. The ground is no place[180] for manners, you know; at least I didn’t think so. And then our chief callers and friends were the potato bugs. They’re not overly mannerly.”

“I do,” said the first potato skin. “Please continue with your story, and forgive me for interrupting. I don’t know much about manners. I haven’t experienced much of the outside world. The ground isn’t really a place for manners, you know; at least, that’s what I thought. Plus, our main visitors and friends were the potato bugs. They’re not exactly known for their manners.”

“I will forgive you,” said the second potato skin. “For I don’t know that I am mannerly myself.” The second potato skin had been trying to tell a story.

“I'll forgive you,” said the second potato skin. “Because I’m not sure I’m very polite myself.” The second potato skin had been trying to tell a story.

“A great professor made a study of us and he decided we were not poisonous, as some people have tried to make out, but that we were healthful and good, and that for people who didn’t care much for the taste of the skins, we could be ground very fine and cooked with cream,” continued the second potato skin.

“A great professor studied us and concluded that we weren’t poisonous, as some have claimed, but instead we were healthy and good. For those who didn’t care much for the taste of the skins, we could be ground very fine and cooked with cream,” continued the second potato skin.

“Fine, fine,” said the first potato skin. “To be cooked with cream sounds very nice indeed.”

“Okay, okay,” said the first potato skin. “Getting cooked with cream sounds really nice.”

“That is the way we’re going to be used,” said the second potato skin. “And isn’t it wonderful to think professors study us and our good points?”

“That’s how we’re going to be seen,” said the second potato skin. “And isn’t it amazing to think professors study us and our strengths?”

“It does sound mighty fine,” said the first potato skin. “Somehow one doesn’t think of the two together—professors and potatoes—but it is nice to think that we are high enough up to be the companions of professors.”

“It does sound really great,” said the first potato skin. “Somehow you don’t usually think of the two together—professors and potatoes—but it’s nice to think that we’re important enough to be the companions of professors.”


JULY 28: The Traveling Flowers

“A great, great, great many years ago, oh, so many, many, many years ago, there were not so many big cities as there are now,” said Mother Nature one day to her children.

“A long, long time ago, way back in the day, there weren't nearly as many big cities as there are now,” Mother Nature said one day to her children.

“There was more room everywhere and people almost all had gardens and flowers and could walk just a little distance and gather all the wild flowers they wanted.

“There was more space everywhere, and almost everyone had gardens and flowers. They could walk a short distance and pick all the wildflowers they wanted.

“But the cities grew up and somehow, without meaning to, I’m sure, they pushed the flowers out of the way.

“But the cities grew up and somehow, without intending to, I’m sure, they pushed the flowers aside."

“Many of the people missed the flowers and the ferns and the shrubs and the Nature children. But they couldn’t do the work they had to in the city and have gardens, too, for there wasn’t any room in the city for the gardens.

“Many people missed the flowers, ferns, shrubs, and the Nature children. But they couldn’t manage their city work and have gardens, too, because there just wasn’t any space for gardens in the city.”

“Well, when the spring-time came along one year, after so many cities had grown bigger and bigger and so many people had gone to live in the cities, the Nature children called and said:

“Well, when spring came one year, after so many cities had expanded and so many people had moved into the cities, the Nature children called and said:

“‘Mother Nature, the Dream King has told us that many, many people from the cities will be out in the country places for holidays and for week-ends this spring.

“‘Mother Nature, the Dream King has told us that a lot of people from the cities will be in the countryside for holidays and weekends this spring.

“‘So we have thought up a plan. You see, the Dream King tells[181] us that every once in a while the people get very tired from all the business they must do and all the studying they must do, too.

“‘So we’ve come up with a plan. You see, the Dream King tells[181] us that every now and then, people get really worn out from all the work they have to do and all the studying they have to do, too.

“‘So we’ve decided we would look our very best all the time, so that when the people from the cities come out to see us they may pick some of us and take us home with them so we’ll cheer them up.’

“‘So we’ve decided we would always look our best, so that when the people from the cities come to see us, they might choose some of us to take home and cheer them up.’”

“I told them I thought their idea was wonderful. And ever since then the flowers have all looked their best and the shrubs have all looked their best and the ferns have all looked their best, so they could cheer up the city people when they were taken back after holidays.

“I told them I thought their idea was great. And ever since then, the flowers have looked amazing, the shrubs have looked impressive, and the ferns have looked fantastic, so they could brighten up the city folks when they were brought back after the holidays.”

“So when any of you are picked and carried to the cities, keep your prettiest and freshest smiles on your faces.”

“So when any of you are chosen and taken to the cities, make sure to keep your brightest and freshest smiles on your faces.”

And they all promised Mother Nature they would.

And they all promised Mother Nature they would.


JULY 29: The Visitors

“A little girl named Lillian,” said daddy, “had a very sore throat and could only swallow soft foods.

“A little girl named Lillian,” said Daddy, “had a really sore throat and could only eat soft foods.

“‘I think I will call my desserts my visitors,’ she said one day, ‘for I will have to have some make-believe games now that I have to be in bed a little while longer.’

“‘I think I’ll call my desserts my visitors,’ she said one day, ‘because I need to have some pretend games now that I have to stay in bed a little longer.’”

“So when lunch time came and there was cornstarch on her tray, she would say: ‘Welcome, Lord Cornstarch! How is Your Highness to-day? Of course you can’t talk to me. But I can talk to you, and I will do you the great honor due one of your rank and station—that is, I will eat you!’ Then she would eat her dessert of cornstarch until it was all gone.

“So when lunch time came and there was cornstarch on her tray, she would say: ‘Welcome, Lord Cornstarch! How are you today? Of course you can’t talk to me. But I can talk to you, and I will do you the great honor that’s due to someone of your rank—that is, I will eat you!’ Then she would eat her dessert of cornstarch until it was all gone.”

“When supper time came and she had cornstarch again, she would say: ‘Well, I am glad to see you, Lady Cornstarch. How is Your Highness this fine evening? I don’t suppose Your Ladyship cares to have a little chat, but I am sure Your Ladyship wouldn’t mind being eaten, eh?’ And so Lady Cornstarch would disappear.

“When dinner time came and she had cornstarch again, she would say: ‘Well, I’m glad to see you, Lady Cornstarch. How are you this lovely evening? I don’t think you’d like to chat, but I’m sure you wouldn’t mind being eaten, right?’ And so Lady Cornstarch would vanish.”

“On jelly day she would greet her lunch time jelly by saying: ‘Glad to see you, Prince Jelly. It’s nice that you are such a pleasant prince and will slip down so easily. I wouldn’t like it at all if you were horrid and stiff, as I imagine some princes might be.’

“On jelly day she would greet her lunchtime jelly by saying: ‘Glad to see you, Prince Jelly. It’s nice that you’re such a pleasant prince and will slide down so easily. I wouldn’t like it at all if you were horrible and stiff, like I imagine some princes might be.’”

“Her supper jelly she would greet in this fashion:

“Her supper jelly she would greet like this:

“‘Good evening, Princess Jelly, how are you this evening? I hope your taste is very fine and that I will enjoy you.’ And then she would eat Princess Jelly.

“‘Good evening, Princess Jelly, how are you tonight? I hope your flavor is delightful and that I will enjoy you.’ And then she would eat Princess Jelly.”

“And it made the time she had to spend in bed pass much more quickly this way.”

“And this made the time she had to spend in bed go by much faster.”


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JULY 30: The Little Bumblebee’s Mistake

“The fairies had a fancy-dress ball last night,” commenced daddy.

“The fairies had a costume party last night,” started daddy.

“They all went as different flowers. One little fairy was dressed so she looked like a bright red nasturtium, another was dressed as a pink rambler rose, another as a yellow golden-glow, another as a pansy, another as a little forget-me-not, and all of them, in short, in lovely costumes like flowers.

“They all went as different flowers. One little fairy was dressed to look like a bright red nasturtium, another was dressed as a pink rambler rose, another as a yellow golden-glow, another as a pansy, another as a little forget-me-not, and all of them, in short, in beautiful costumes like flowers.”

“The Fairy Queen wore the costume of the American Beauty Rose, and her wand was one tall, tall rose, very full and big and splendid.

“The Fairy Queen wore a costume inspired by the American Beauty Rose, and her wand was a long, elegant rose, very full, big, and magnificent.”

“They had dancing and games and all the elves, the brownies and many of the wood creatures had been invited. But one of the funniest things happened you can imagine. Some of the fairies had dressed themselves as honey-suckles. They kept together and danced together so they would look like a vine. Others had dressed as a vine of morning-glories.

“They had dancing and games, and all the elves, the brownies, and many of the woodland creatures were invited. But one of the funniest things happened that you can imagine. Some of the fairies dressed up as honeysuckles. They stayed close together and danced in sync so they would look like a vine. Others dressed as a vine of morning glories.”

“Pretty soon a buzzing was heard. It was louder than the band of crickets they had engaged for the music; it was louder than the sounds that came from the laughter of the fairies.

“Before long, a buzzing was heard. It was louder than the group of crickets they had hired for the music; it was louder than the sounds coming from the laughter of the fairies.”

“You see, nobody had thought of such a thing happening. The bumble-bees and the humming birds, who had all gone to sleep, had in their dreams imagined they saw lovely morning glories still awake and lovely honey-suckles all over the vines.

“You see, nobody had imagined something like this happening. The bumblebees and hummingbirds, who had all gone to sleep, had dreamed they saw beautiful morning glories still awake and lovely honeysuckles all over the vines."

“One little bumble-bee went to his smaller brother and nudged him, saying,

“One little bumblebee went to his little brother and nudged him, saying,

“‘Oh, look over there; morning-glories!’

“‘Oh, look over there; morning glories!’”

“The other little bumble-bee was about to turn over and go to sleep, for he had scarcely so much as peeped to see, when he, too, suddenly noticed all the morning-glories. They awoke all the bumble-bees far and near and made so much fuss and noise that they woke up the humming-birds, who always notice what the bumble-bees are up to.

“The other little bumblebee was about to roll over and go to sleep, since he hadn’t even glanced around yet, when he suddenly spotted all the morning glories. They stirred up all the bumblebees nearby and made so much fuss and noise that they woke up the hummingbirds, who always pay attention to what the bumblebees are doing.”

“Of course the humming-birds immediately spied the honey-suckles, and you should have seen them scamper.

“Of course the hummingbirds immediately spotted the honeysuckles, and you should have seen them rush over.”

“When the fairies realized what had happened they almost lost their balance in the dances, for they shook all over with laughter.

“When the fairies realized what had happened, they nearly lost their balance in the dances because they were shaking with laughter.”

“As the bumble-bees and the humming-birds got nearer they, too, saw that they had made a mistake, but the fairies at once called out,

“As the bumblebees and the hummingbirds got closer, they realized they had made a mistake as well, but the fairies immediately shouted,

“‘Come to the party and dance, too, and we will give you honey, for we are having it for supper. We couldn’t give a ball and dress like flowers without having flower-honey for supper.’

“‘Come to the party and dance, too, and we’ll give you honey, because we’re having it for dinner. We couldn’t throw a ball and dress like flowers without having flower-honey for dinner.’”

“And this delighted them all.”

“And this made them all happy.”

“AS THE BUMBLE-BEES GOT NEARER THEY, TOO, SAW THEY HAD MADE A MISTAKE”—Page 182

“AS THE BUMBLE-BEES GOT CLOSER, THEY REALIZED THEY HAD MADE A MISTAKE”—Page 182


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[183]

JULY 31: Ripe Raspberries

“Did you hear the great news?” asked one of the raspberry bushes of another bush.

“Did you hear the amazing news?” asked one of the raspberry bushes to another bush.

“No, what is the great news?” asked the other raspberry bush.

“No, what’s the big news?” asked the other raspberry bush.

“There is going to be a great raspberry hunt to-day,” the first raspberry bush said.

“There’s going to be a big raspberry hunt today,” the first raspberry bush said.

“Well, if they see us they won’t have to hunt very far,” the second raspberry bush said.

“Well, if they see us, they won’t have to look too hard,” the second raspberry bush said.

“That is so,” answered the first raspberry bush, “and they know we’re here. We let some of our messengers tell them. The only thing is they are not sure whether or not we are ripe, and so they will be delighted when they find how easily we come off the bushes. For when we’re ripe we come off easily and when we’re not ripe we stick on and show we aren’t ripe enough to come off.”

“That’s true,” replied the first raspberry bush, “and they know we’re around. We had some of our messengers let them know. The only issue is they’re not sure if we’re ripe yet, so they’ll be thrilled when they see how easily we come off the bushes. When we’re ripe, we come off easily, but when we’re not, we stick on and make it clear that we’re not ripe enough to be picked.”


AUGUST 1: The Brave Mocking Bird

“I have a true story to tell you this evening, children,” said daddy, “of a mocking bird.

“I have a real story to share with you this evening, kids,” said Dad, “about a mockingbird.

“Mr. Mitchell Mocking Bird was his name and he was a pet in a large family of children. They all loved him and he could speak a good many words, and he could sing like ever so many birds. He was allowed out of his cage, too. One night Mitchell began to scream. How he did yell! Piercing yells went all through the house! And he hurried from one bedroom to another. He awoke the mother and daddy of the children first and then he woke up the children.

“Mr. Mitchell Mocking Bird was his name, and he was a pet in a big family with lots of kids. They all loved him, and he could say quite a few words and sing like so many birds. He was allowed out of his cage, too. One night, Mitchell started to scream. He yelled so loud! Piercing screams echoed throughout the house! He rushed from one bedroom to another. He first woke up the kids' mom and dad, and then he woke up the children.”

“‘Come!’ he called. It was a word he could say, and he kept repeating it over and over again.

“‘Come!’ he called. It was a word he could say, and he kept repeating it over and over again.

“‘Come! Come! Come!’ And they all hurried, one after the other, and followed the mocking bird downstairs.

“‘Come! Come! Come!’ They all rushed, one after the other, and followed the mockingbird downstairs.

“What should they see but a tiny blaze, which every few minutes seemed to grow and splutter and burst into a bigger flame.

“What should they see but a small fire, which every few minutes appeared to grow, sputter, and erupt into a larger flame.

“‘Water! Every one get water!’ shouted the children’s daddy, and the mocking bird kept calling:

“‘Water! Everyone, get water!’ yelled the children’s dad, and the mockingbird kept calling:

“‘Come!’

“‘Come on!’”

“They were all thoroughly frightened but they kept their wits about them and kept filling buckets and jugs with water which they poured over the flame.

“They were all really scared, but they stayed calm and kept filling buckets and jugs with water, which they poured over the flames."

“After a little while it was out. The Mocking Bird looked very tired.[184] His eyes blinked as if he could hardly keep awake, and it was just then that every one of them noticed him.

“After a little while it was out. The Mocking Bird looked really tired.[184] His eyes blinked like he could barely stay awake, and it was just then that everyone noticed him.”

“‘Mitchell, you have saved the house and our lives. That fire would have spread and goodness knows what would have happened,’ said their daddy. ‘What a fine, brave bird you are.’

“‘Mitchell, you saved the house and our lives. That fire could have spread, and who knows what could have happened,’ their dad said. ‘What a great, brave kid you are.’”

“And the children stroked Mitchell and said:

“And the children pet Mitchell and said:

“‘Fine, brave bird. Daddy says so, too! Our lovely Mitchell Mocking Bird.’

“‘Okay, brave bird. Dad says so, too! Our beautiful Mitchell Mocking Bird.’”

“Mitchell was almost asleep. The fire was out. He had finished his work. He was ready to rest now. He didn’t care about praise. But he was happy that they all loved him so. And how he cared for them. He had saved them and they knew it. He was very happy. And in his own bird way he had thought all this out.

“Mitchell was almost asleep. The fire was out. He had finished his work. He was ready to rest now. He didn’t care about praise. But he was happy that they all loved him so much. And he truly cared for them. He had saved them, and they knew it. He was very happy. And in his own unique way, he had thought all this through.”

“But to the great surprise of them all, Mitchell said a word they had never known he could say, but it was just the right one. ‘Safe, all safe,’ said Mitchell, as he went to sleep.”

“But to everyone's great surprise, Mitchell said a word they had never known he could say, but it was exactly the right one. ‘Safe, all safe,’ Mitchell said as he went to sleep.”


AUGUST 2: The Milkweed Plants

Now the milkweed plant is rather thick with a hollow center and through this center the white milk goes which gives the plant its food. The milk doesn’t care for the air and so that is why the milk stains our hands when we pick the plants.

Now the milkweed plant is quite thick with a hollow center, and through this center, the white milky substance flows, providing the plant with its nourishment. The milk doesn’t like the air, which is why it leaves stains on our hands when we pick the plants.

The leaves are large and of a yellow, gray-green color, while the flowers which grow in clusters are of a pink-lavender shade.

The leaves are big and a yellow-gray-green color, while the flowers that grow in clusters are a pink-lavender shade.

But the little pods filled with seeds are the things the children like and if you see a milkweed plant just look at the little pods.

But the small pods filled with seeds are what the kids enjoy, and if you come across a milkweed plant, just check out the little pods.

“I must have milk to drink and to make me strong,” said Milly Milkweed.

“I need milk to drink and to make me strong,” said Milly Milkweed.

“So must I,” said Mamie Milkweed.

“So must I,” said Mamie Milkweed.

“And not only does it make us strong,” said Milly, “but it gives strength to the butterflies which feast upon us, for if we are strong and delicious it makes them strong and beautiful.

“And not only does it make us strong,” Milly said, “but it gives strength to the butterflies that feed on us, because if we are strong and tasty, it makes them strong and beautiful.”

“Ah,” said Mamie, “it’s fine to have butterflies and children for friends, and to have our very own milkman always with us. We’re never forgotten in the early mornings by any possible accident. No, we always have our milkman and we have friends.”

“Ah,” Mamie said, “it’s great to have butterflies and kids as friends, and to always have our own milkman around. We’re never overlooked in the early mornings by any chance. No, we always have our milkman and we have friends.”


AUGUST 3: Telephone Peas

“Hello, Telephone Peas and String-Beans,” said Lord Lettuce. “Lady Lettuce and the Lettuce youngsters are coming up, too, and there are going to be lots of crops of us. We make a fine salad, we’re so young and tender and fresh. Seems to me,[185] Telephone Peas, you hurried me up. You know this is our second crop. We’ve been here before. But I do believe it was your very name that hurried me.

“Hello, Telephone Peas and String-Beans,” said Lord Lettuce. “Lady Lettuce and the Lettuce kids are coming up too, and there are going to be a lot of us. We make a great salad; we’re so young, tender, and fresh. It seems to me, [185] Telephone Peas, you rushed me. You know this is our second crop. We’ve been here before. But I really think it was your name that pushed me along.”

“I heard you say it and I acted as my relatives say people do when they hear the telephone. I’ve even heard that they’ve left the salad on their plates and have answered the telephone before they ate their salad. Yes, your very name and saying it must have hurried us.”

“I heard you say it, and I acted like my relatives do when they hear the telephone. I’ve even heard that they leave the salad on their plates and answer the phone before finishing their meal. Yes, just saying your name must have rushed us.”

“Well,” said the Telephone Peas, “we feel up to date. We don’t know that there is any special reason for our name, but we have grown to like it mighty well. We’re supposed to be a large, good kind, too; in fact, one of the best there are.”

“Well,” said the Telephone Peas, “we feel modern. We don’t really know why we have this name, but we’ve come to like it a lot. We’re meant to be a large, good variety, too; in fact, one of the best there is.”

“Dear me,” said one of the String-Beans, “I wish some one would call our family the Airplane String-Beans or something like that. Or perhaps we might be called the Submarine String-Beans.”

“Wow,” said one of the String-Beans, “I wish someone would call our family the Airplane String-Beans or something like that. Or maybe we could be called the Submarine String-Beans.”

“There wouldn’t be much sense to that,” said the Potato, almost ready to eat, “for you are up on vines. Now we might have that name because we’re in the ground, though it is true we are not under the water.”

“There wouldn’t be much point to that,” said the Potato, almost ready to eat, “because you’re up on vines. We might have that name since we’re in the ground, although it’s true we’re not under the water.”

And the garden vegetables all agreed that that was true but that the Telephone Peas had a fine family name in reality.

And the garden vegetables all agreed that was true, but the Telephone Peas actually had a good family name.


AUGUST 4: The Harebell Umbrellas

“The musk-ox,” said daddy, “is prepared for the rain by the coarse hair which grows on top of his nice, soft hair. This coarse hair, as you know, catches the rain and then he shakes it all off so that his body doesn’t get wet.

“The musk-ox,” said dad, “is ready for the rain because of the rough hair that grows over its nice, soft fur. This rough hair, as you know, traps the rain, and then it shakes it all off so that its body doesn’t get wet.

“The umbrella bird can put up some of his feathers just as people put up their umbrellas and that protects him from the rain.

“The umbrella bird can raise some of its feathers just like people raise their umbrellas, and that keeps it dry in the rain.”

“Both the great big musk-ox and the little umbrella bird are very proud that they always have their rain protectors with them, and they have very little use for people who forget their umbrellas and borrow other people’s and then forget to return them.

“Both the huge musk-ox and the tiny umbrella bird are really proud that they always have their rain gear with them, and they have little patience for people who forget their umbrellas, borrow others', and then forget to return them.”

“Of course the musk-ox and the umbrella bird can’t very well lend their umbrellas because they don’t carry them around by the beak or front paw, but instead have their umbrellas attached to them.

“Of course the musk ox and the umbrella bird can’t really lend their umbrellas because they don’t carry them around in their beaks or front paws; instead, their umbrellas are attached to them.”

“But they aren’t the only creatures to be so careful about the rain, that is, there are some flowers who are just as careful, and the harebell, of which I am going to tell you, sees that none of its family will ever drown.

“But they’re not the only creatures that are so cautious about the rain; there are some flowers that are just as careful, and the harebell, which I’m going to tell you about, makes sure that none of its family will ever drown.

“Now, the harebell family of flowers are blue in color. The flowers grow on thin, rather tall stems, and when the flowers are in bud they[186] grow very straight and stand right up. When the tiny buds burst into flowers, if they stayed straight up, as they stand when they are buds, every time the rain came it would fill the little flowers and completely drown them, and make them droop forever.

“Now, the harebell family of flowers is blue. The flowers grow on thin, fairly tall stems, and when they are in bud, they[186] grow very straight and stand tall. When the tiny buds bloom into flowers, if they stayed upright like they do when they are buds, every time it rained, it would fill the little flowers and completely drown them, causing them to droop forever."

“The little blue petals aren’t strong enough to stand the rain, and the flowers are shaped so the rain would come right into them and fill them up—for the harebells are like little bells. So they drop their little heads just before they open and then the rain can’t hurt them.”

“The little blue petals aren’t sturdy enough to handle the rain, and the flowers are designed so that the rain pours right into them and fills them up—because harebells are like little bells. So they bow their little heads just before they bloom, and then the rain can't harm them.”


AUGUST 5: A Children’s Circus

“This way to the big show,” some children were shouting. “Come right along,” they said. “This is the way to see all the wonders of the age. Look at the Frog-Child, the Snake-Lady, the Toad-Man, the Turtle Babies.”

“This way to the big show,” some kids were shouting. “Come on over,” they said. “This is how you can see all the amazing wonders of the time. Check out the Frog-Kid, the Snake-Lady, the Toad-Man, and the Turtle Babies.”

All the children went in the direction from which the shouts and orders were given.

All the kids headed toward the source of the shouts and commands.

The children who were shouting were very much excited. “Admission to the show, ten cents,” they kept saying. “It’s the most wonderful show in the world.”

The kids who were yelling were really excited. “Entry to the show is ten cents,” they kept saying. “It’s the best show in the world.”

There were a dozen children giving a play-circus which was supposed to be very much like a real one. They had asked all their friends and the money they received was to go to a children’s ward in a hospital. Every one of their friends came and soon the circus began. First of all there was a long parade while some of the children beat drums and others played tunes on combs covered with tissue paper.

There were a dozen kids putting on a play-circus that was meant to be just like the real thing. They had invited all their friends, and the money they raised was going to a children's ward in a hospital. All their friends showed up, and soon the circus started. First, there was a long parade with some of the kids banging drums while others played tunes on combs wrapped in tissue paper.

Two little girls rode ponies and on the heads of the ponies sat two monkeys made of cloth! They had bead eyes!

Two little girls rode ponies, and on the ponies' heads sat two cloth monkeys! They had bead eyes!

A boy did a lot of fine tricks on a rocking horse, and there were all the usual circus tricks, although perhaps not some of the more difficult ones.

A boy did a lot of cool tricks on a rocking horse, and there were all the typical circus tricks, although maybe not some of the more challenging ones.

After a little while a boy came out on the platform and said,

After a short while, a boy came out onto the platform and said,

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Cats and Dogs, we have now to offer a fine performance—a side show. We have shown you the regular acts of the circus and we trust that you are pleased.” Here followed a great deal of clapping and shouting.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Cats and Dogs, we are excited to present a fantastic performance—a side show. We’ve showcased the usual circus acts and we hope you enjoyed it.” There was then a lot of clapping and cheering.

“And,” the boy continued, “we are now to have the great privilege of seeing the Frog-Child, the Snake-Lady, the Toad-Man, the Turtle-Babies. Step this way, Ladies, Gentlemen, Boys, Girls, Cats and Dogs. Come right inside the tent at your left and there you will see these things. There is no extra charge for admission.”

“And,” the boy continued, “we now have the amazing chance to see the Frog-Child, the Snake-Lady, the Toad-Man, and the Turtle-Babies. Step this way, Ladies, Gentlemen, Boys, Girls, Cats, and Dogs. Come right inside the tent on your left, and you’ll see all of them. There’s no extra charge for entry.”

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[187]

All the children at once began to troop to their left through the side tent.

All the kids immediately started to walk to their left through the side tent.

“What could it mean?” they asked each other. What surprises they were getting!

“What could it mean?” they asked one another. What surprises they were experiencing!

When they were inside the tent how they did laugh! One of the children was in just such a green suit as Mr. Frog would wear and really looked quite a good deal like a grandson of Grandpa Frog. He was hopping about singing in a queer croaking voice,

When they were inside the tent, they couldn't stop laughing! One of the kids was wearing a bright green suit like Mr. Frog would wear and actually looked a lot like a grandson of Grandpa Frog. He was hopping around, singing in a funny croaking voice,

“Galloo, Galloo, Goog-a-room, Goog-a-room.”

“Galloo, Galloo, Goog-a-room, Goog-a-room.”

Another child who looked like a snake, because she wore an imitation snakeskin, said, “Come and see the Snake-Lady. I eat things whole.” And as she said this she swallowed a tiny crumb.

Another kid who looked like a snake because she was wearing snakeskin-like fabric said, “Come and check out the Snake-Lady. I eat things whole.” And as she said this, she swallowed a tiny crumb.

“I am the Toad-Man, come and see me,” grunted the Toad—or rather the child who was dressed like one.

“I am the Toad-Man, come and see me,” grunted the Toad—or rather the kid who was dressed like one.

“We are the Turtle Babies. We snap, we play, we draw in our heads under our shells!” And sure enough they were doing all these tricks.

“We're the Turtle Babies. We snap, we play, we imagine things inside our shells!” And sure enough, they were doing all these tricks.

Their costumes were really quite wonderful, although they had been made mostly out of paper.

Their costumes were actually quite amazing, even though they were mostly made of paper.

All the children who were looking on were quite delighted and said,

All the kids watching were really happy and said,

“We think you are marvelous!” And all the children dressed like animals made bows and said thank you in voices that sounded a great deal like the voices of snakes, toads, frogs and turtles.

“We think you are amazing!” And all the kids dressed as animals made bows and said thank you in voices that sounded a lot like the voices of snakes, toads, frogs, and turtles.


AUGUST 6: The Bank Swallow

“Won’t you tell me what your name means?” asked Effie Elf of Mr. Bank Swallow. “Really, you have such a curious name and I’ve always been anxious to find out what it means.”

“Will you tell me what your name means?” asked Effie Elf of Mr. Bank Swallow. “Honestly, you have such an interesting name and I’ve always been eager to know what it means.”

“My name is Bank Swallow because I and my family build our nests in holes in banks. By banks I mean the banks out of doors and not the banks where one saves one’s money.

“My name is Bank Swallow because my family and I build our nests in holes in riverbanks. By banks, I mean the outdoor banks, not the places where people save their money.”

“We are very friendly with one another, and we have big towns and villages and cities of nests of Bank Swallows.

“We get along really well, and we have large towns and villages and cities filled with nests of Bank Swallows.

“We’re the very smallest of the Swallow family, I believe. And we can always be known by our neck bands which we wear on our gray throats. Our neck bands are much darker and show very clearly.

“We're the tiniest of the Swallow family, I think. And you can always recognize us by the neck bands we wear on our gray throats. Our neck bands are much darker and stand out clearly.”

“We dress in simple brown and gray, though our throats are white.

“We wear plain brown and gray, even though our throats are white.

“We have tunnels and long entrances to our homes, and at the end of our tunnels we build the nest. Yes, we’re rather unusual, I believe.”

“We have tunnels and long pathways to our homes, and at the end of these tunnels, we build our nests. Yes, we’re quite unique, I think.”

“Very unusual,” said Effie Elf. “Fancy nesting in a hole in a bank rather than in a tree. That is quite odd, quite different from most of the birds.

“Very unusual,” said Effie Elf. “Can you believe nesting in a hole in a bank instead of a tree? That’s really strange, definitely different from what most birds do.

[188]

[188]

“So your name has nothing to do with banks where they have money?” she asked.

"So your name isn't related to banks that handle money?" she asked.

“Nothing at all,” said the Bank Swallow. “We haven’t any need of money. Of course if we needed it we’d probably save some for the bad days and spend the rest on good insects to eat and other delicacies. But we don’t have to pay for what we eat, so we don’t need any money.

“Nothing at all,” said the Bank Swallow. “We don’t need any money. If we did, we’d probably save some for tough times and spend the rest on tasty insects and other treats. But we don’t have to pay for our food, so we don’t need any money.”

“Besides, we’d be ashamed to open bank accounts for the banks are used to so much money that they’d laugh at us.”

“Besides, we’d be embarrassed to open bank accounts because the banks are so used to handling large sums of money that they would just laugh at us.”

“Oh, nonsense!” said Effie Elf, “the good ones wouldn’t do that, for no one who amounts to anything makes fun of any one else not having so much.

“Oh, nonsense!” said Effie Elf, “the good ones wouldn’t do that, because no one who is worth anything makes fun of someone who doesn’t have as much.”

“People who don’t amount to much put on airs.”

“People who don’t have much going for them act superior.”

“Then I’ll always be able to tell,” said the Bank Swallow.

“Then I’ll always be able to tell,” said the Bank Swallow.


AUGUST 7: The Cuckoo-Clock

Julius was very sleepy and he could hardly keep his eyes open. The whole trouble was that he hated to do things on time. He did not like to go to bed at the hour he was supposed to and he never, never wanted to get up in the morning when his mother said, “Time to get up, Julius.”

Julius was super sleepy and could barely keep his eyes open. The whole issue was that he hated doing things on schedule. He didn’t like going to bed when he was supposed to, and he never, ever wanted to get up in the morning when his mom said, “Time to get up, Julius.”

And now he was sleepy, now in the middle of the afternoon. It was raining hard outside and in the big library where he was sitting a large open fire was burning merrily. Near the fireplace was a cuckoo-clock and Julius always loved to watch the little cuckoo come out and tell any one who happened to be listening just what time it was.

And now he was feeling drowsy, right in the middle of the afternoon. It was raining heavily outside, and in the big library where he was sitting, a large fire was crackling cheerfully. Next to the fireplace was a cuckoo clock, and Julius always enjoyed watching the little cuckoo come out and announce the time to anyone who happened to be listening.

“It’s almost time for the cuckoo to come out,” said Julius. “But oh gracious, how sleepy I am. I know I was late in going to bed last night but I don’t see why I should be so dreadfully sleepy. I do hope I will stay awake until the cuckoo says five o’clock. It is so much nicer to hear him on the hour than at other times, because he only says ‘cuckoo’ once when the hand is at the half hour.”

“It’s almost time for the cuckoo to come out,” said Julius. “But wow, I’m so sleepy. I know I went to bed late last night, but I don’t understand why I feel this tired. I really hope I can stay awake until the cuckoo chimes five o’clock. It’s so much better to hear him on the hour than at other times, because he only says ‘cuckoo’ once when the minute hand is on the half hour.”

“Cuckoo,” said the cuckoo bird in the clock. And then he said it four times more. Each time he made a little bow as he spoke and when he had said “cuckoo” for the fifth time, Julius was waiting to watch the little door close.

“Cuckoo,” called the cuckoo bird in the clock. Then he said it four more times. Each time, he took a little bow as he spoke, and when he said “cuckoo” for the fifth time, Julius was there, ready to watch the tiny door close.

The cuckoo in the clock always lives behind a little door over the face of the clock, and when he is not telling the time he is in there.

The cuckoo in the clock always stays behind a small door over the face of the clock, and when he’s not telling the time, he’s in there.

But this time the door did not close. And the cuckoo stayed out of his little home bobbing and saying “cuckoo” many times over, until at last it sounded like “Julius, Julius, Julius.”

But this time the door didn’t close. And the cuckoo stayed out of his little home, bobbing and saying “cuckoo” over and over, until it finally sounded like “Julius, Julius, Julius.”

“Yes,” said Julius, “you are calling me by my right name. How are you, Mr. Cuckoo Bird of the clock?”

“Yes,” said Julius, “you’re calling me by my real name. How are you, Mr. Cuckoo Bird of the clock?”

[189]

[189]

The little bird was made of wood, to be sure, but he seemed so certain of himself and so well satisfied that Julius felt he must be alive.

The little bird was definitely made of wood, but he seemed so confident and content that Julius felt he had to be alive.

“I am well, I thank you kindly,” said the cuckoo bird. “But I don’t have to ask you.”

“I’m doing well, thank you,” said the cuckoo bird. “But I don’t need to ask you.”

“Why not?” asked Julius.

"Why not?" Julius asked.

“Because I know,” said the cuckoo bird. “You are sleepy, and it’s not the time to sleep. Ha, ha, ha. Whatever would you do if you were a clock, or if your home was at the top of one?”

“Because I know,” said the cuckoo bird. “You’re sleepy, and it’s not the time to sleep. Ha, ha, ha. What would you do if you were a clock, or if your home was at the top of one?”

“Well, I am not a clock,” said Julius, “and I am jolly glad of it.”

“Well, I’m not a clock,” Julius said, “and I’m really glad about that.”

“Tut, tut,” said the cuckoo bird. “You are getting quite cross, Master Julius. Too little sleep. Well, well, I suppose I must forgive you. But it’s a shame you couldn’t live in a clock for a time.”

“Tut, tut,” said the cuckoo bird. “You’re getting pretty grumpy, Master Julius. Not enough sleep. Well, I guess I’ll let it slide. But it’s too bad you couldn’t spend some time living in a clock.”

“What do you mean?” asked Julius, who was quite frightened now. He felt the little cuckoo bird would hop down and pick him right up and put him in the clock.

“What do you mean?” asked Julius, who was pretty scared now. He felt like the little cuckoo bird would hop down and pick him up and put him in the clock.

“If you could live in a clock and take my place you would have to be on time. Six o’clock would mean six o’clock and not half-past! Seven-thirty in the morning would not mean a quarter past eight! Ah no, in the clock we keep good time. We live on the moment and on the hour and half-hours we come out to tell people to remember that the time is going by and they mustn’t waste it for it is so extremely precious.”

“If you could live in a clock and take my place, you would have to be punctual. Six o’clock would mean six o’clock and not half-past! Seven-thirty in the morning wouldn’t mean a quarter past eight! Oh no, in the clock we keep perfect time. We live in the moment, and at the hour and half-hours, we come out to remind people that time is passing and they shouldn’t waste it because it’s incredibly valuable.”

“Don’t you believe in people sleeping?” asked Julius.

“Don’t you believe in people sleeping?” Julius asked.

“To be sure, to be sure,” said the cuckoo, “but I believe they should sleep at the right time. They should not choose another time for it, such as the middle of the afternoon, because they sat up too late the night before.”

“To be sure, to be sure,” said the cuckoo, “but I think they should sleep at the right time. They shouldn’t pick another time for it, like the middle of the afternoon, just because they stayed up too late the night before.”

Julius was very much ashamed. He felt the cuckoo bird knew that he had been doing all that and he wished the bird would go back in his little home and shut the door. He was getting more afraid every second that he would be taken back there. And oh dear, how he would hate to live in a clock.

Julius was really ashamed. He felt like the cuckoo bird knew everything he had done, and he wished the bird would go back to its little home and close the door. With every passing second, he became more afraid that he would be taken back there. And oh man, how he would hate to live in a clock.

“Just suppose,” said the cuckoo bird, “that I did things at the wrong time. Suppose I should come out at six o’clock and tell every one it was eight? You can’t imagine it, can you? And why not? Because I have had the training of a clock. I have been an assistant in keeping the time and if I don’t notice that you think more of the time I will put you back of the clock.” The cuckoo bird banged his little door, and Julius, awaking with a start, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and said,

“Just imagine,” said the cuckoo bird, “if I did things at the wrong time. What if I came out at six o’clock and told everyone it was eight? You can’t picture that, can you? And why not? Because I’ve been trained like a clock. I’ve helped keep the time, and if I don’t pay attention to what you think about the time, I’ll set you back on the clock.” The cuckoo bird slammed his little door, and Julius, waking up suddenly, rubbed his sleepy eyes and said,

“I shall always do things on time from now on for how dreadful it must be to live back of a clock and have the hours depend so much on you.”

“I’ll make sure to do things on time from now on because it must be terrible to live by the clock and have your hours depend so much on you.”


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AUGUST 8: Zuzeppa, the Monkey

“Zuzeppa,” said daddy, “was a monkey who had come from Africa and he was going to give a special performance of his acting. The special performance was to be given on a day set aside by the keeper. Of course it couldn’t be advertised all around as a circus could, but the keeper told all his special children friends who came to the zoo very often and they told their friends, and it got around so that for the day of the performance the monkey house was filled with children.

“Zuzeppa,” said Dad, “was a monkey who had come from Africa, and he was going to put on a special show. The performance was scheduled for a day chosen by the keeper. It couldn’t be advertised like a circus would, but the keeper told all his special kids who visited the zoo often, and they told their friends. So, by the day of the show, the monkey house was packed with children.

“‘Let me shake hands with the performer,’ the keeper said, and he shook hands with Zuzeppa. Then they each bowed, and the keeper said, ‘Now Zuzeppa will show you his circus tricks.’

“‘Let me shake hands with the performer,’ the keeper said, and he shook hands with Zuzeppa. Then they each bowed, and the keeper said, ‘Now Zuzeppa will show you his circus tricks.’

“So Zuzeppa hung by his tail and turned many somersaults; he swung back and forth and jumped and twisted and turned. He did the most marvelous of circus tricks and all the children clapped their hands and the other monkeys yelled and screamed, ‘Well done, Zuzeppa.’

“So Zuzeppa hung by his tail and did all sorts of flips; he swung back and forth, jumped, twisted, and turned. He performed the most incredible circus tricks, and all the kids clapped their hands while the other monkeys cheered and shouted, ‘Great job, Zuzeppa.’”

“No one else knew what the monkeys meant but every one knew they were excited. They weren’t jealous of Zuzeppa, for they knew he wanted to learn tricks and be a trick-performing monkey. Besides he had worked hard enough to have a whole monkey house to himself for all afternoon.

“No one else understood what the monkeys were saying, but everyone could tell they were excited. They weren’t jealous of Zuzeppa because they knew he wanted to learn tricks and become a trick-performing monkey. Besides, he had worked hard enough to have an entire monkey house all to himself for the whole afternoon.

“‘Now,’ said the keeper, ‘Zuzeppa will do his special trick. It has been done before by monkeys but Zuzeppa never did it before, and he has been practising it so he could do it beautifully for this performance.’

“‘Now,’ said the keeper, ‘Zuzeppa is going to do his special trick. Monkeys have done it before, but Zuzeppa has never done it until now, and he’s been practicing so he can do it perfectly for this performance.’”

“The keeper took out a little wooden table and put a napkin upon it and a cloth. Then Zuzeppa spread the cloth over the table, reached down in a box the keeper had, and took out a knife and a fork and a spoon. He put all these on the table and then tied the napkin around his neck.

“The keeper took out a small wooden table and put a napkin on it along with a cloth. Then Zuzeppa spread the cloth over the table, reached down into a box the keeper had, and took out a knife, fork, and spoon. He placed all these items on the table and then tied the napkin around his neck.

“Next he took a little broken chair which was in his cage and sat upon it.

“Next, he took a small broken chair that was in his cage and sat on it.

“The keeper acted as the waiter, and passed things to Zuzeppa. And what do you suppose Zuzeppa did?”

“The keeper acted like the waiter and handed things to Zuzeppa. And what do you think Zuzeppa did?”

“What?” asked the children.

“What?” asked the kids.

“Zuzeppa behaved at the table just as though he were a real person. He ate with his fork and he cut with his knife. He peeled his banana which he had for dessert and then he ate it, wiping his mouth with his napkin.

“Zuzeppa acted at the table just like a real person. He ate with his fork and cut with his knife. He peeled his banana that he had for dessert and then ate it, wiping his mouth with his napkin.

“But when he was all through his meal and had put his hands in a finger bowl to make them nice and clean, he took a pipe, which the keeper handed to him, struck a match and lighted the pipe. He only smoked for a second or two, blowing the smoke out, as he didn’t especially care[191] for it. But oh, how happy he was when the children laughed and clapped their hands! And this is a true story!”

“But when he finished his meal and washed his hands in the finger bowl to clean them up, he took a pipe that the keeper handed him, struck a match, and lit the pipe. He only smoked for a second or two, blowing the smoke out, since he didn't really care for it. But oh, how happy he was when the kids laughed and clapped their hands! And this is a true story!”


AUGUST 9: Mr. Bullfrog

“I am the king of this pond,” said Mr. Bullfrog. “If any one comes here I don’t like, I swallow him! That is the way to get rid of creatures you don’t like!

“I’m the king of this pond,” said Mr. Bullfrog. “If anyone shows up here that I don’t like, I just swallow them! That’s how you deal with creatures you’re not fond of!"

“Just swallow them!

"Just take them!"

“I’ve heard people talking who were rowing on the pond and who were gathering pond lilies, and I’ve heard them say how they were interrupted by other people when they had some important work to do.

“I’ve heard people chatting while they were rowing on the pond and picking pond lilies, and I’ve heard them talk about how they were interrupted by others when they had some important tasks to finish."

“And that the people didn’t care in the least if they were interrupting!

“And that the people didn’t care at all if they were interrupting!

“Goog-a-room, goog-a-room, I can imagine nothing more annoying.

“Goog-a-room, goog-a-room, I can't think of anything more irritating.”

“But I cannot understand why people do not swallow these other people who come and annoy them and interrupt them.

"But I can't understand why people don't just ignore these others who come and bother them and interrupt them."

“Just suppose an insect hops on my nose and says:

“Just imagine an insect hopping onto my nose and saying:

“‘Sorry, Mr. Bullfrog, but I do hope I’m not annoying you.’ I don’t pay any attention to that speech. I know it’s not so. If he cared about not annoying me he wouldn’t land on my nose.

“‘Sorry, Mr. Bullfrog, but I really hope I’m not bothering you.’ I ignore that talk. I know it’s not true. If he actually cared about not bothering me, he wouldn’t be landing on my nose.

“But I don’t bother to answer him back, for that would be beneath my dignity. So I just swallow him!”

"But I don’t bother to respond to him, because that would be beneath my dignity. So I just swallow him!"


AUGUST 10: Allie Baa’s Letter

“Allie Baa,” said daddy, “is a rag doll. Her real name is Alice Gustava Ariel Star Jewel Bright Carol Carmen Cucumber-Green.

“Allie Baa,” Dad said, “is a rag doll. Her real name is Alice Gustava Ariel Star Jewel Bright Carol Carmen Cucumber-Green.

“Mrs. Cucumber-Green is her mother’s make-believe name, or I should say it was her mother’s make-believe name.

“Mrs. Cucumber-Green is her mother’s pretend name, or I should say it was her mother’s pretend name.

“Her mother is a grown-up lady now, but still she has kept Allie Baa, and when little girls go to call on her she brings out Allie Baa and Allie at once makes friends.

“Her mother is an adult now, but she still has Allie Baa, and when little girls come to visit her, she brings out Allie Baa, and Allie immediately makes friends.”

“Now, this summer Allie’s mother went to the seashore. She left Allie in charge of the city apartment. She told Allie to keep watch over the apartment and to see that all was safe. Allie was the name she was always called by for short, as you know.

“Now, this summer Allie’s mom went to the beach. She left Allie in charge of the city apartment. She told Allie to keep an eye on the apartment and make sure everything was safe. Allie was the name she was always called for short, as you know.”

“Now, when Allie’s great-aunt’s birthday came she wanted to send her a present as she had always done. So she sent some pillows for the porch where her great-aunt loved to sit.

“Now, when Allie’s great-aunt’s birthday came, she wanted to send her a present like she always did. So, she sent some pillows for the porch where her great-aunt loved to relax.”

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[192]

“On the day of the birthday in the excitement Allie’s great-aunt did not see the little card which said:

“On the day of the birthday in the excitement, Allie’s great-aunt didn’t see the little card that said:

“‘To Dear Great-Aunt Mary, with love and many happy returns from Allie Baa.’

“‘To Dear Great-Aunt Mary, with love and many happy returns from Allie Baa.’”

“But the next day when Allie’s great-aunt was looking over her presents she found the little card and knew that it belonged with the present of the pillows which she had opened and which she had thought some one else had given to her.

“But the next day when Allie’s great-aunt was going through her presents, she found the little card and realized that it belonged with the pillows she had opened and had thought someone else had given her.”

“Well, she sat right down and she wrote Allie Baa this letter and sent it to be given to Allie Baa, care of Allie’s mother, who was at the seashore, as I have told you.

“Well, she sat right down and wrote Allie Baa this letter and sent it to be given to Allie Baa, care of Allie’s mom, who was at the seashore, as I told you.

“This was the letter Allie received, and because she thought it was such a nice letter she wanted to let Jack and Evelyn and their friends hear it, too.

“This was the letter Allie received, and since she thought it was such a nice letter, she wanted to share it with Jack, Evelyn, and their friends, too.

“‘My dear Allie Baa,’ the letter commenced.

“‘Dear Allie Baa,’ the letter began.

“‘I find this morning on reading over my birthday cards that the pillows are from you, so will you please accept my thanks for your sensible, most useful, pretty gift. When I received my presents yesterday it was a distinct loss not to find a gift from you, and I thought perhaps you were too hot to shop or had some other good reason. But I am glad I thought wrongly and you did remember me as of old.

“‘This morning, as I went through my birthday cards, I noticed that the pillows are from you, so thank you for your thoughtful, useful, and beautiful gift. When I opened my presents yesterday, it felt like a real loss not to find a gift from you. I thought maybe you were too busy to shop or had some other good reason. But I'm so glad I was wrong, and you remembered me like you always do.

“‘I shall think of you as I lie, sit, or “back up” against these pillows.

“I'll think of you while I lie down, sit, or lean back against these pillows.”

“‘I suppose you are in the city this summer, as I have not heard of any “ocean dips” on your part.

“‘I guess you're in the city this summer since I haven't heard about any 'ocean dips' from you.

“‘Perhaps salt water might not agree with you. It is well to be cautious, which means careful, and run no risks! You might feel a responsibility with guarding the apartment but you have a calm, brave, quiet nature which will keep you from a nervous breakdown, I feel sure.

“'Maybe salt water isn't good for you. It's smart to be cautious, which means careful, and to avoid taking risks! You might feel responsible for looking after the apartment, but you have a calm, brave, and steady nature that I believe will keep you from getting overwhelmed.'”

“‘With love and thanks,

"With love and gratitude,"

“‘Affectionately,

"Lovingly,"

“‘GREAT-AUNT MARY.’

“‘Great-Aunt Mary.’”

“Wasn’t that a nice letter. Well, Allie’s mother, on a trip up to town took the letter to Allie, for she couldn’t very well go to the door and get it from the postman if her mother had sent it on by mail. But oh, she was so pleased to have a letter from Great-Aunt Mary.

“Wasn’t that a nice letter? Well, Allie’s mom took the letter to Allie during a trip to town since she couldn’t just go to the door and get it from the postman if her mom had sent it by mail. But oh, she was so happy to receive a letter from Great-Aunt Mary."

“And she smiled in her rag doll way, and the paint on her face cracked just a little with joy, for she loved Aunt Mary, who had often let her sit near her and draw up close as an affectionate, loving doll likes to do.

"And she smiled in her rag doll way, and the paint on her face cracked just a little with joy, because she loved Aunt Mary, who had often let her sit nearby and draw close like a caring, loving doll likes to do."

“And she told her mother to tell Great-Aunt Mary that she was so happy with her letter, and that she hoped Great-Aunt Mary would have many, many happy returns of her birthday, for she was the best Great-Aunt Mary that ever lived!”

“And she asked her mom to tell Great-Aunt Mary that she loved her letter, and that she hoped Great-Aunt Mary would have lots of happy birthdays, because she was the best Great-Aunt Mary ever!”


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AUGUST 11: Chickadee

“I can’t understand,” said Mrs. Chickadee, “how creatures can live together and quarrel all the time. It is such waste of perfectly good time in the first place.

“I can’t understand,” said Mrs. Chickadee, “how beings can live together and argue all the time. It’s such a waste of perfectly good time in the first place.

“In the second place it isn’t any fun. Now, singing and chirping and worm hunting and bread-crumb parties are all lots of fun.

“In the second place, it's not fun at all. Now, singing, chirping, hunting for worms, and having bread-crumb parties are all really enjoyable.”

“But quarreling isn’t any fun at all. It makes creatures unhappy and it makes them very often quite sad. Even if they get the best of a quarrel they don’t feel all happy and excited as they do after a fine party.

“But fighting isn’t any fun at all. It makes people unhappy and often quite sad. Even if they win an argument, they don’t feel all happy and excited like they do after a great party."

“Now, the Sparrows fight all the time. But no one would ever describe the Sparrow as a merry, happy little bird.

“Now, the Sparrows are always fighting. But no one would ever call the Sparrow a cheerful, happy little bird.”

“There is the Starling. No one would describe him as a happy bird. And the Starling is a fighter, too.

“There is the Starling. No one would call him a happy bird. And the Starling is a fighter, too.

“We scold in fun, nice chuckling, scolding notes we give, but we are famous for our good spirits. Chick-a-dee-dee-dee.

“We tease each other playfully, giving lighthearted scoldings, but we’re known for our cheerful vibes. Chick-a-dee-dee-dee.”

“I’m sure most people know what we look like with our little black-capped heads and the patch of black right under our beaks.

“I’m sure most people know what we look like with our little black-capped heads and the black patch right under our beaks.

“We have pretty throats, we’re told. The black patches are soft looking and rather smart, too.

“We’ve been told we have attractive necks. The dark spots look soft and pretty stylish, too.

“We wear simple gray suits and have white touches on our wings.

“We wear plain gray suits and have white accents on our wings.

“In the winter time we like to be about, too. And nothing upsets us. We never grumble over the weather. We can’t understand how people can grumble over the weather.

“In the winter, we like to be outside, too. And nothing bothers us. We never complain about the weather. We can’t understand how people can complain about the weather.”

“To us it is so foolish. The weather is going to do just what it wants to, in the first place, and isn’t going to pay attention to any one, nor is it going to pay any attention to what any one thinks. And yet how few seem to realize that!”

“To us, it seems so silly. The weather is going to do exactly what it wants, first of all, and it’s not going to pay attention to anyone, nor will it care about what anyone thinks. And yet, how few seem to realize that!”


AUGUST 12: The Little Caterpillars

“Did our mother receive this leaf as a gift?” asked the first little brown caterpillar.

“Did our mom get this leaf as a gift?” asked the first little brown caterpillar.

“Oh no,” said the second little brown caterpillar. “She just liked the looks of it or thought the taste of it would be good for us and so she just took it and left it here.”

“Oh no,” said the second little brown caterpillar. “She just liked how it looked or thought it would taste good for us, so she just took it and left it here.”

“Gracious,” said the third little brown caterpillar, “you know caterpillars can’t wait until they’re asked to have their meals.”

“Wow,” said the third little brown caterpillar, “you know caterpillars can’t wait until someone invites them to eat.”

“They can’t wait to be given leaves,” said the fourth little brown caterpillar.

“They can’t wait to get their leaves,” said the fourth little brown caterpillar.

“They’d never get them if they did,” said the fifth little brown caterpillar.

“They’d never get them if they did,” said the fifth little brown caterpillar.

[194]

[194]

“And we must have leaves in our lives,” said the sixth little brown caterpillar.

“And we need to have leaves in our lives,” said the sixth little brown caterpillar.

“How handsome we will be when we become Blue Swallow-tail Butterflies,” said the seventh little brown caterpillar.

“How handsome we’ll be when we turn into Blue Swallow-tail Butterflies,” said the seventh little brown caterpillar.

“I greatly look forward to that day,” said the eighth little brown caterpillar.

“I really look forward to that day,” said the eighth little brown caterpillar.

“And then we shall fly about and drink honey,” said the ninth little brown caterpillar.

“And then we’ll fly around and drink honey,” said the ninth little brown caterpillar.

“And people will forget that we were caterpillars and will say,

“And people will forget that we were caterpillars and will say,

“‘Look at those beautiful butterflies with their blue markings,’” added the tenth little brown caterpillar.

“‘Check out those gorgeous butterflies with their blue patterns,’” added the tenth little brown caterpillar.

“We will pretend not to hear them but it will please us,” said the eleventh little brown caterpillar.

“We'll act like we don’t hear them, but it will make us happy,” said the eleventh little brown caterpillar.

“Of course it will please us,” said the twelfth little brown caterpillar.

“Of course it will make us happy,” said the twelfth little brown caterpillar.

“We will eat and grow strong so we will be very beautiful,” said the thirteenth little brown caterpillar.

“We'll eat and get strong so we'll be really beautiful,” said the thirteenth little brown caterpillar.

“And eat, too, because it is so pleasant to eat,” said the fourteenth little brown caterpillar as he took an extra large nibble at their leaf dining-room.

“And eat, too, because it’s so nice to eat,” said the fourteenth little brown caterpillar as he took a big bite of their leaf dining room.

So they ate until they were a little bigger and then they went off, each one alone, to look for more food and adventures.

So they ate until they felt a bit bigger, and then they set off, each by themselves, to find more food and adventures.


AUGUST 13: The Catbird

“Tell me what happened, Mr. Catbird,” said Billie Brownie.

“Tell me what happened, Mr. Catbird,” Billie Brownie said.

“Well, I was sitting on the fence, this very same fence upon which I’m now sitting, and some children were playing in the yard near-by.

“Well, I was sitting on the fence, this very same fence upon which I’m now sitting, and some kids were playing in the yard nearby.

“While they were playing I made all sorts of queer sounds just like a cat.

“While they were playing, I made all kinds of strange sounds just like a cat."

“You know how I can take off the various sounds of a cat?”

“You know how I can turn off the different sounds a cat makes?”

“I most certainly do that,” said Billie Brownie.

“I definitely do that,” said Billie Brownie.

“They didn’t know where the cat could be, and they began to look for the cat.

“They didn’t know where the cat was, so they started searching for it.

“I almost fell off the fence laughing when they started to look for the cat.

“I almost fell off the fence laughing when they started looking for the cat.

“Then when they were looking by the cellar stairs and under the old tree yonder I took great chances that they might see that I was not the cat, and I made the same sounds again.

“Then when they were looking by the cellar stairs and under the old tree over there, I took big risks that they might realize I wasn't the cat, and I made the same sounds again.”

“They kept saying to each other:

“They kept saying to each other:

“‘Well, I’m sure I heard a cat that time.’

“‘Well, I’m pretty sure I heard a cat that time.’”

“I really and truly almost fell off the fence laughing. Then they[195] came back and went on with their games. They saw me sitting here and I had my beak tight and looked as though I hadn’t made a sound.”

“I seriously almost fell off the fence laughing. Then they[195] came back and continued their games. They saw me sitting here with my beak shut tight, looking like I hadn’t made a sound.”

“I know,” said Billie Brownie.

“I know,” said Billie.

“Then I sat very still, of course, and one of them said:

“Then I sat really still, of course, and one of them said:”

“‘Well, all I can see is that gray bird with the black cap.’

‘Well, all I can see is that gray bird with the black cap.’

“Of course they meant they could see me, and I was the one making all the sounds like a cat.

“Of course they meant they could see me, and I was the one making all the sounds like a cat.

“They finished playing after a time and began to dig in the garden, transplanting the lettuce and hoeing the beans and watering the vegetables.

“They finished playing after a while and started working in the garden, transplanting the lettuce, hoeing the beans, and watering the vegetables."

“Then I began to make sounds like the different birds and they would turn to one another and say:

“Then I started making sounds like the different birds, and they would look at each other and say:

“‘What song is that? Whose voice was that? Do you know what bird that could have been?’

“‘What song is that? Who was singing? Do you know what bird that might have been?’”

“And they’d look about and not see any of the other birds, for hardly any birds were around then, and I sat, looking so quiet and meek.

“And they’d look around and not see any of the other birds, because there were hardly any birds around then, and I sat there, looking so quiet and meek.

“And then I heard one of them say:

“And then I heard one of them say:

“‘I still don’t see any other creature but that gray bird.’

“I still don’t see any other creature except that gray bird.”

“I thought surely then that they knew I was fooling them, but I found out they didn’t know I could make sounds like a cat and sing like the other birds and sometimes like a mocking-bird, too.

“I thought for sure that they knew I was tricking them, but I found out they didn’t realize I could make sounds like a cat and sing like the other birds, and sometimes like a mockingbird, too.

“But they didn’t know. And they’ve all gone off now. And still they’re wondering where the cat could have been which they thought they heard, and where all the birds were they were unable to see.

“But they didn’t know. And they’ve all gone off now. And still they’re wondering where the cat could have been that they thought they heard, and where all the birds were that they couldn’t see.

“Ha, ha, ha, that is the greatest joke—to think I fooled them all.”

“Ha, ha, ha, that's the best joke—to think I tricked them all.”

“Well, you’re a smart bird, there is no mistake about that,” said Billie Brownie, “and I can tell you I admire your smartness.”

“Well, you’re a clever bird, no doubt about that,” said Billie Brownie, “and I can honestly say I admire your cleverness.”

“I fooled them, I fooled them,” chirped Mr. Catbird. “They didn’t know the catbird when they saw him, nor did they know him when they heard him at his little jokes!”

“I tricked them, I tricked them,” chirped Mr. Catbird. “They didn’t recognize the catbird when they saw him, nor did they know him when they heard him telling his little jokes!”


AUGUST 14: The Fairy Queen’s Story

This was the story the Fairy Queen told before her banquet the other evening.

This was the story the Fairy Queen shared before her banquet the other evening.

“An old lady had a little cabin home just off these woods. Her only companion was a cat. The cat was black but two paws were white, and the old lady thought they were very wonderful.

“An old lady had a small cabin home just outside these woods. Her only companion was a cat. The cat was black, but two of its paws were white, and the old lady thought they were really special.

“Now and again the old lady had to go into the village to buy food. Sometimes the cat would follow, wearing a little jingling bell, for the old lady wanted to be sure that the cat had lots to eat, but that he would never get a bird.

“Now and then the old lady had to go into the village to buy food. Sometimes the cat would follow, wearing a little jingling bell, because the old lady wanted to make sure that the cat had plenty to eat, but that he would never catch a bird.”

[196]

[196]

“That was why she had him wear the collar with the little bell. The bell warned the birds he was coming, so they could get away. He could be heard coming along by the sound of the tingling bell.

“That was why she had him wear the collar with the little bell. The bell warned the birds he was coming, so they could get away. He could be heard coming along by the sound of the jingling bell.

“But this time, when the old lady went into the village the cat was sleepy and sat on the porch in the sunshine.

“But this time, when the old lady went into the village, the cat was sleepy and sat on the porch in the sun.”

“‘Will you come, pussy?’ she asked. But the pussy blinked his eyes as though to say, ‘I am sleepy.’ So she went off.

“‘Are you coming, kitty?’ she asked. But the kitty blinked his eyes as if to say, ‘I’m sleepy.’ So she left.

“When she came back she found to her horror that the cottage had been burned down. Some one had left a match lighted in the woods, and a fire had started which had spread. But even though the house had burned down the cat sat in front of where the house should be trying to say, ‘I am sorry, but at least I am here to welcome you.’ And the old lady hugged her cat and said:

“When she returned, she was horrified to find that the cottage had burned down. Someone had left a match lit in the woods, and a fire had started and spread. But even though the house was gone, the cat sat where the house used to be, trying to say, ‘I’m sorry, but at least I’m here to welcome you.’ And the old lady hugged her cat and said:

“‘You are always glad to welcome me, and with you here I do not feel so badly about the house.’

“‘You’re always happy to have me over, and with you here, I don’t feel as bad about the house.’”

“But,” said the Fairy Queen, “I used my magic wand, and in three minutes and four seconds and two quarter-seconds the house was up again—and the old lady had both her home and her cat.”

“But,” said the Fairy Queen, “I used my magic wand, and in three minutes and four seconds and two quarter-seconds, the house was up again—and the old lady had both her home and her cat.”

“That was a real fairy tale,” the fairies and their friends all said.

"That was a real fairy tale," the fairies and their friends all said.

“It was indeed,” said the Fairy Queen. “It was about make-believe characters for a make-believe story, but that makes it a real Fairy Tale, eh?” And then they all enjoyed the Fairy Queen’s fine banquet.

“It really was,” said the Fairy Queen. “It was about imaginary characters for an imaginary story, but that makes it a real Fairy Tale, right?” And then they all enjoyed the Fairy Queen’s wonderful banquet.


AUGUST 15: A Hospital Circus

“The circus was in the city,” said daddy, “and every day the circus people and the animals had performed for thousands and thousands of children and many, many grown-ups. ‘You know,’ said one of the clowns, ‘that I think it would be a good idea some morning when we haven’t any performance and no parade and no practice performance, if a good many of us went to one of the hospital yards and performed for the children who can’t get out and see us.’ And they did! Every little child was either in a balcony bed or in a wheeled chair when through the big doors of the large hospital yard there came a parade—a real circus parade.

“The circus was in town,” Dad said, “and every day the circus performers and the animals entertained thousands of kids and a lot of adults. ‘You know,’ one of the clowns said, ‘I think it would be a great idea one morning when we don’t have a show, a parade, or a practice performance, if a bunch of us went to one of the hospital yards and put on a show for the kids who can’t come out and see us.’ And they did! Every little child was either in a balcony bed or in a wheeled chair when a parade—a real circus parade—came through the big doors of the large hospital yard.”

“And then the circus band struck up a fine tune and the clowns marched about and made jokes and giggled—oh, how they did laugh! And the children all laughed too and clapped their hands. The lady walked the tight-rope with a parasol over her head, ponies ran around the yard, and there were some trapezes for those who swung and hung by their knees and their feet.

“And then the circus band played a catchy tune while the clowns marched around, telling jokes and giggling—oh, how they laughed! The kids laughed too and clapped their hands. The lady walked the tightrope with a parasol above her head, ponies ran around the yard, and there were trapezes for those who swung and hung by their knees and feet.”

“The elephants did their act too—and the children fed them peanuts!

“The elephants did their thing too—and the kids fed them peanuts!”

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“But happier than any child, happier than any of the circus people who had come to make the sick children happy, was the merry, jolly old clown who had thought it all up!”

“But happier than any child, happier than any of the circus performers who had come to make the sick kids smile, was the cheerful, jolly old clown who had come up with the whole idea!”


AUGUST 16: The Fire

“Quack, quack, quack, help, help, help,” shrieked and cackled more than one hundred thousand ducks at the same time.

“Quack, quack, quack, help, help, help,” screamed and cackled over a hundred thousand ducks all at once.

“Quack, quack, help, help, help,” they kept on cackling.

“Quack, quack, help, help, help,” they kept cackling.

“There must be some trouble over at the duck farm,” said a man who was a fireman and who was sitting outside the firehouse in a town some distance away when he heard this quacking. He told another fireman that there surely must be some trouble at the duck farm.

“There’s got to be some trouble at the duck farm,” said a fireman who was sitting outside the firehouse in a town not too far away when he heard the quacking. He told another fireman that there definitely must be some issue at the duck farm.

“I think,” said the fireman, “I will get out my spy-glass and see what I can make out.”

“I think,” said the fireman, “I’ll grab my binoculars and see what I can figure out.”

For the quacking kept up and still it sounded very queer to the firemen.

For the quacking continued, and it still sounded very strange to the firefighters.

“Don’t you suppose,” said the second fireman, “that one of the ducks has been hurt and the others are quacking in sympathy?”

“Don’t you think,” said the second fireman, “that one of the ducks has been hurt and the others are quacking in sympathy?”

“I don’t believe,” said the first fireman, “that one hundred thousand ducks would be so sympathetic at the same time. And they wouldn’t make so much noise. I fear something has happened over there.”

“I don’t believe,” said the first fireman, “that one hundred thousand ducks would be so sympathetic all at once. And they wouldn’t make that much noise. I’m worried something has happened over there.”

And he looked through his spy-glass in the direction of the duck farm.

And he looked through his binoculars toward the duck farm.

“There. I see something like smoke,” he said. “Yes, I’m sure I see something like smoke.”

“There. I see something that looks like smoke,” he said. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure I see something that looks like smoke.”

“Near the duck farm?” said the other fireman, getting up, and adding: “We’d better send out the alarm and get started.”

“Close to the duck farm?” said the other firefighter, standing up and adding, “We should probably sound the alarm and get to work.”

“It’s away from the farm that I see the smoke,” said the first fireman, “but maybe the ducks are afraid it will reach them. It’s one of those forest fires I think.”

“It’s away from the farm that I see the smoke,” said the first fireman, “but maybe the ducks are scared it will reach them. I think it’s one of those forest fires.”

So an alarm was sent out in the town and the firemen rushed to the firehouse and got on their fire-clothes as they hurried away on the fire-engine.

So an alarm went out in the town and the firefighters rushed to the fire station and put on their gear as they hurried off on the fire truck.

How the horses did run! Still the ducks were quacking. The horses galloped, the men held on, and the ones who guided the fire horses drove as they had never driven before.

How the horses ran! Meanwhile, the ducks kept quacking. The horses galloped, the men held on, and those who guided the fire horses drove like they had never driven before.

“It’s a fire!” shouted the people on the farm. “A terrible forest fire! Oh, send for the firemen and the engines! Oh, send for help, help, help.” And they telephoned wildly to the town.

“It’s a fire!” shouted the people on the farm. “A huge forest fire! Oh, call for the firefighters and the trucks! Oh, send help, help, help.” And they frantically called the town.

But just at that moment, when the people on the farm felt that help could not come in time to save them and the hundred thousand ducks, along dashed the fire-engines and the brave firemen drawn by the splendid horses.

But just then, when the people on the farm thought that help couldn't arrive in time to save them and the hundred thousand ducks, the fire engines came rushing in, with the brave firefighters powered by the magnificent horses.

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They rushed past the duck farm to the forest fire which was coming steadily nearer.

They hurried past the duck farm to the forest fire that was getting closer and closer.

“Come men, come people,” they shouted as they went by. And every one went rushing to help the firemen.

“Come on, everyone!” they shouted as they passed by. And everyone rushed to help the firefighters.

The dreadful forest fire was stopped just before it reached the duck farm, and the ducks cackled softly and happily, though still they were nervous from all they had been through: “We are safe, quack, quack, we are safe.”

The terrible forest fire was extinguished just before it got to the duck farm, and the ducks quacked softly and happily, though they were still a bit anxious from everything they had experienced: “We are safe, quack, quack, we are safe.”

“How did you ever get here before we telephoned?” asked the people on the farm.

“How did you get here before we called?” asked the people on the farm.

“Your ducks sent us the alarm,” replied one of the firemen.

"Your ducks alerted us," replied one of the firefighters.


AUGUST 17: Friends of Animals

“Years and years and years ago,” said daddy, “there lived an emperor in India whose name was Asoka. He was the first man—in fact, the first person, I believe—to start a hospital for the cure of sick animals.

“Many years ago,” said Dad, “there was an emperor in India named Asoka. He was the first person—in fact, I think he was the first ever—to start a hospital for treating sick animals.

“He lived so many years ago that the way we know of much that was done in his time is by reading what the men who wrote histories have to tell us. Most of the good deeds which he did were written upon the rocks, ’way, ’way back, years and years and years ago. And upon these rocks were also written rules and directions for his people.

“He lived so long ago that the main way we learn about what happened in his time is by reading the accounts of historians. Most of the good deeds he performed were inscribed on rocks many, many years ago. These rocks also contained rules and guidance for his people.”

“Among many things which he did, in addition to building hospitals for animals, was to build hospitals for human beings and to see that they were looked after. He also had wells dug so people could drink when they were traveling through the country.

“Among many things he did, besides building hospitals for animals, he also built hospitals for humans and made sure they were cared for. He had wells dug so people could drink while traveling through the country."

“He ordered the planting of trees so people could rest under their shade, and he spent all his time thinking how he could help others.

“He ordered the planting of trees so people could relax in their shade, and he devoted all his time to thinking about how he could help others.

“But he was not the first person who tried to help others. He was the first one, though, to think of a hospital for animals and throughout the time he was emperor he saw that the hospitals for animals were kept in good condition.

“But he wasn't the first person to try to help others. He was, however, the first to consider a hospital for animals, and during his time as emperor, he made sure that the animal hospitals were well-maintained.”

“Animals with thorns in their feet were taken to the hospital. The horrid thorns would be taken out and soft, cooling liniment or ointment poured on and the animal would feel all right once more.

“Animals with thorns in their feet were taken to the hospital. The horrible thorns would be removed, and soft, soothing liniment or ointment applied, and the animal would feel better again.”

“Animals with sore throats, animals with colds, animals with broken bones and sprained ankles—all animals who needed attention and care were looked after in the hospitals founded by Asoka.

“Animals with sore throats, animals with colds, animals with broken bones and sprained ankles—all animals that needed attention and care were taken care of in the hospitals established by Asoka.

“If animals had written histories as well as human beings they would have written a great deal about Asoka and the wonderful things he did.

“If animals had written histories just like humans, they would have written a lot about Asoka and the amazing things he accomplished.

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“But even though they could not write, for future people and future animals, of Asoka’s goodness, and even though they couldn’t thank him with words, they were grateful, as only animals can be grateful—very deeply, dumbly grateful.

“But even though they couldn’t write for future generations of people and animals about Asoka’s kindness, and even though they couldn’t express their thanks in words, they felt grateful, as only animals can feel gratitude—very profoundly, silently grateful.

“But the historians—the men who wrote about those times—speak of the goodness of Asoka and of how the people loved him.”

“But the historians—the people who wrote about those times—talk about the kindness of Asoka and how much the people admired him.”


AUGUST 18: The Orangeade

“They talk about birds who go South for the winter and about butterflies and other little creatures who sleep all winter,” said the Orangeade, “but my family might just as well not exist in the winter time.”

“They talk about birds that fly South for the winter and about butterflies and other small creatures that hibernate all winter,” said the Orangeade, “but my family might as well not exist in the winter.”

“The same is true of me, too,” said the Lemonade as well as the Iced Tea.

“The same goes for me,” said the Lemonade and the Iced Tea.

“But at the same time your families do exist because there are lemons and oranges and tea all the year around,” said a little gnome. “And sometimes your families are about in warmer climates just as the birds are in warmer climates in the winter. But it isn’t strange that you aren’t wanted in the winter when it is cold, for no one wants a cool drink of orangeade or of lemonade and no one wants a glass of iced tea when there is a snow-storm and when the wind is blowing outside the windows.

“But at the same time, your families exist because there are lemons, oranges, and tea available all year round,” said a little gnome. “And sometimes, your families are in warmer places just like the birds are during the winter. But it’s not surprising that you’re not in demand during the winter when it’s cold, because no one wants a refreshing drink of orangeade or lemonade, and no one wants a glass of iced tea when there's a snowstorm and the wind is howling outside the windows.”

“You can understand that, can’t you?” asked the gnome.

“You get that, right?” asked the gnome.

“Yes, I understand that now,” said the Orangeade, “and I don’t feel unhappy any more. Ah, here come the tennis players. We must be ready for them!”

“Yes, I get that now,” said the Orangeade, “and I’m not feeling sad anymore. Ah, here come the tennis players. We need to be ready for them!”


AUGUST 19: The Climbing Perch

“I am going to tell you this evening,” said daddy, “about the Climbing Perch family before they came to the big aquarium.

“I’m going to tell you tonight,” said dad, “about the Climbing Perch family before they arrived at the big aquarium.

“Far, far away in Africa they lived in a river, and were a very happy family. But one day the river seemed to be drying up so fast that they couldn’t find enough water to live in. They had noticed it getting worse and worse every day for some time, and they had been hoping for rain. But this day it was so bad that they knew something would have to be done.

“Far, far away in Africa, they lived in a river and were a very happy family. But one day, the river seemed to be drying up so quickly that they couldn’t find enough water to live in. They had noticed it getting worse every day for a while and had been hoping for rain. But that day, it was so bad that they knew something would have to be done.”

“‘Well, even if the river dries up, it won’t bother us,’ said Granddaddy[200] Climbing Perch, ‘not in the very least.’ And he gave a huge spatter-spatter with his tail.

“‘Well, even if the river dries up, it won’t bother us,’ said Granddaddy[200] Climbing Perch, ‘not at all.’ And he gave a big splash with his tail.

“All the other fishes looked very much worried and their fins trembled with fear.

“All the other fish looked really worried and their fins shook with fear.

“‘Why, Granddaddy Climbing Perch,’ said the old Mother Climbing Perch, ‘do you want all the children to die?’

“‘Why, Granddaddy Climbing Perch,’ said the old Mother Climbing Perch, ‘do you want all the kids to die?’

“‘I should say not,’ replied Granddaddy Climbing Perch angrily. ‘The very idea of your saying such a thing. I am surprised—yes, surprised, and very much annoyed.’ Granddaddy Climbing Perch’s fins wiggled with temper.

“‘I definitely don't think so,’ replied Granddaddy Climbing Perch angrily. ‘The mere idea of you saying something like that. I am shocked—yes, shocked, and pretty annoyed.’ Granddaddy Climbing Perch’s fins wiggled with anger.”

“‘I’m sorry,’ said old Mother Climbing Perch meekly, ‘but I didn’t just understand what you said such a thing for, and why you don’t seem to be worried that the river is drying up. You always used to love the children and tell them stories.’

“‘I’m sorry,’ said old Mother Climbing Perch softly, ‘but I didn’t really get why you would say something like that, and why you don’t seem to care that the river is drying up. You always used to love the kids and tell them stories.’”

“‘I do still love them, and I shall tell them a true story now of an adventure which will happen to us. Come around me, children!’ And Granddaddy Climbing Perch flopped his tail very hard.

“‘I still love them, and I’m going to share a true story now about an adventure that will happen to us. Gather around me, kids!’ And Granddaddy Climbing Perch slapped his tail really hard.”

“All the fishes swam over by Granddaddy Climbing Perch and looked at him out of their queer, shiny eyes.

“All the fish swam over to Granddaddy Climbing Perch and looked at him with their strange, shiny eyes.

“‘Now, children,’ he began, ‘years and years and years ago, our great, great, greatgrandfathers were caught just like this in a river which had dried up. They decided that the only thing for them to do was to try to make up their minds to die, when the Fairy Queen happened along.

“‘Now, kids,’ he started, ‘many, many years ago, our great-great-great-grandfathers found themselves stuck in a river that had dried up. They thought the only thing they could do was to accept their fate and die, when the Fairy Queen suddenly appeared.

“‘“I will name you the Climbing Perch,” she said, “and you will be able to go from pond to pond in the dry seasons. See if it is not so!” She waved her wand and disappeared—and sure enough all the family climbed out of the river—which was dry—and with their gills, which are like saws, they scrambled to the next pond, where there was water. We will do the same.’

“‘I’ll call you the Climbing Perch,” she said, “and you’ll be able to move from pond to pond during the dry seasons. Just watch!” She waved her wand and vanished—and sure enough, the whole family climbed out of the river—which was dry—and using their gills, which are like saws, they scrambled to the next pond, where there was water. We’ll do the same.’”

“All the Climbing Perch family now knew the meaning of their family name, and off they started, led by Granddaddy Climbing Perch. They got to the next pond where there was water—but they hadn’t been there for more than a week when that pond dried up, too, and they had to be off again.

“All the Climbing Perch family now understood the meaning of their family name, and they set off, led by Granddaddy Climbing Perch. They arrived at the next pond where there was water—but they hadn’t been there for more than a week when that pond dried up as well, and they had to move on again.”

“Would you believe it—but they had to change ponds five times before they could stay and make a real home! And they are the ones I saw to-day. Of all the fishes in the Aquarium they are the proudest because they had had such traveled lives—and they are very happy. Then, too, after all their hard work, they are glad to be in a big tank which looks as if it would never go dry!”

“Can you believe it? They had to switch ponds five times before they could actually settle down and create a real home! And those are the ones I saw today. Out of all the fish in the Aquarium, they’re the proudest because they’ve lived such adventurous lives—and they’re really happy. Plus, after all their hard work, they’re thrilled to be in a big tank that looks like it’ll never run dry!”


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AUGUST 20: The Onion’s Insult

“I have been insulted,” said the onion.

“I've been insulted,” said the onion.

“Tell me what the insult was,” said the carrot.

“Tell me what the insult was,” said the carrot.

“Some one was going to help the cook get the dinner—some one who knew little about cooking but less about how to fix vegetables, and this person said she would peel the onions.

“Someone was going to help the cook with dinner—someone who didn’t know much about cooking and even less about preparing vegetables, and this person said she would peel the onions.

“She began to peel me first as though I were a potato and then she kept on peeling until the cook suddenly noticed what she was doing and said:

“She started peeling me first like I was a potato, and then she kept on peeling until the cook suddenly noticed what she was doing and said:

“‘Stop peeling that poor onion. It’s all good to eat, and we will just cut it up in smaller pieces for frying.’

“‘Stop peeling that poor onion. It’s all good to eat, and we'll just chop it into smaller pieces for frying.’”

“Imagine,” said the onion, “to hear of any one so ignorant about onions. That was said before you were brought out, Mr. Carrot. I was insulted! To think of not being understood better than that. Oh, it is sad, it is insulting, not to be understood.”

“Imagine,” said the onion, “hearing about someone so clueless about onions. That was said before you came along, Mr. Carrot. I was insulted! To think I’m not understood better than that. Oh, it’s sad, it’s insulting, not to be understood.”

“Cheer up,” said the carrot. “It is not an insult when a creature is ignorant. You should just feel sorry for ignorance, and feel proud and happy that you were saved in time so you could do your part when the great meeting takes place between you and Mr. Beefsteak to-night at the big dinner.”

“Cheer up,” said the carrot. “It’s not an insult when someone is ignorant. You should just feel sorry for ignorance and be proud and happy that you were saved in time so you could do your part when the big meeting happens between you and Mr. Beefsteak tonight at the big dinner.”

“That’s so,” said the onion, “I will cheer up. It has made me feel better to talk to you. I don’t feel insulted any more.”

"That's true," said the onion, "I'm going to feel better. Talking to you has lifted my spirits. I don't feel hurt anymore."


AUGUST 21: Harriet’s Monkey

“A little girl named Harriet,” said daddy, “was sitting on the front porch of her home one day when a hurdy-gurdy came along. An old man was wheeling the hurdy-gurdy and on top of it sat a monkey with a red jacket and red cap. His jacket had brass buttons on it, and on either side were two little pockets which jingled with pennies.

“A little girl named Harriet,” said daddy, “was sitting on the front porch of her house one day when a street performer came by. An old man was pushing the street performer's cart, and on top of it sat a monkey wearing a red jacket and a red cap. His jacket had brass buttons, and on each side were two small pockets that jingled with coins.”

“Then the old man played a tune on his hurdy-gurdy and the monkey danced. He took off his cap and Harriet took out all the pennies in her purse—she had had seven—and gave them to the monkey.

“Then the old man played a tune on his hurdy-gurdy and the monkey danced. He took off his cap, and Harriet pulled out all the pennies from her purse—she had seven—and gave them to the monkey.

“Into one pocket he put four pennies and into the other three. Then he took off his cap for more. But Harriet said: ‘I have no more pennies.’ The monkey did not seem to understand at first—but when Harriet shook her head and showed him her empty purse, he leaned his head on one side and pretended to cry. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and he put it to his eyes as if to wipe the tears away.

“Into one pocket he put four pennies and into the other three. Then he took off his cap for more. But Harriet said: ‘I don’t have any more pennies.’ The monkey didn’t seem to get it at first—but when Harriet shook her head and showed him her empty purse, he tilted his head to one side and pretended to cry. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and held it to his eyes as if to wipe away tears.

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“But soon, when the old man played another tune, the monkey began to dance around and seemed quite as happy as before.

“But soon, when the old man played another song, the monkey started to dance around and looked just as happy as before."

“And the old man played yet again. But by this time the monkey was tired, so what do you think he did?”

“And the old man played once more. But by this point, the monkey was tired, so what do you think he did?”

“What?” exclaimed the children.

"What?" shouted the kids.

“He saw that opposite where Harriet was sitting, there was a rocking-chair—just like Harriet’s. He gave a jump and up he got into the chair. Then twisting his tail around him, he began to rock and rock, back and forth, and how he did seem to enjoy it!

“He saw that across from where Harriet was sitting, there was a rocking chair—exactly like Harriet’s. He jumped up into the chair. Then, wrapping his tail around him, he began to rock back and forth, and wow, he really seemed to enjoy it!

“As they were sitting there opposite each other—Harriet and the monkey—along came Harriet’s mother. She was surprised to see Harriet’s guest, and the monkey got right out of the chair and made a low bow. He began to do his tricks again, and he took the pennies Harriet’s mother gave him. He also wept when she didn’t give him any more!

“As they were sitting there facing each other—Harriet and the monkey—Harriet’s mother walked in. She was surprised to see Harriet’s guest, and the monkey quickly got out of the chair and bowed low. He started doing his tricks again, and he accepted the pennies Harriet’s mother gave him. He even cried when she didn’t give him any more!”

“‘How’d you like to own a fine monkey like that?’ asked the old man.

“‘How would you like to own a great monkey like that?’ asked the old man.

“‘Oh mother, could I?’ asked Harriet.

“‘Oh mom, could I?’ asked Harriet.

“‘Well, he is a cunning little fellow,’ agreed her mother, ‘but what will daddy say?’

“‘Well, he is a clever little guy,’ her mother agreed, ‘but what will Dad say?’”

“‘Oh, daddy will think he is great fun,’ said Harriet quickly, for she saw that her mother was really thinking of letting her keep the monkey.

“‘Oh, Dad will think this is so much fun,’ said Harriet quickly, because she realized her mom was seriously considering letting her keep the monkey.”

“‘Is he a nice, quiet monkey?’ asked her mother.

“‘Is he a nice, quiet monkey?’ her mom asked.”

“‘Show how quiet you are,’ said the old man. And the monkey laid down as if he were sound asleep.

“‘Show us how quiet you can be,’ said the old man. And the monkey lay down as if he were fast asleep.

“‘I think we’ll keep him,’ said Harriet’s mother, and Harriet bounded up and down with joy. The monkey copied her and jumped up and down too, for he had taken a great liking to Harriet—and he made a polite bow to his former master, as he handed him some money from Harriet’s mother.”

“‘I think we’ll keep him,’ said Harriet’s mom, and Harriet jumped up and down with excitement. The monkey imitated her and jumped up and down too, since he really liked Harriet—and he gave a polite bow to his former owner as he handed him some money from Harriet’s mom.”


AUGUST 22: Summer Corn

“Let me tell you,” said Grandfather Corn, “the ways of summer corn.”

“Let me tell you,” said Grandfather Corn, “the ways of summer corn.”

All the ears of corn listened, which, of course, they could do quite perfectly, as they were all ears!

All the ears of corn listened, which, of course, they could do perfectly since they were all ears!

“I have grown very quickly. I am very big and full grown,” continued Grandfather Corn. “I wanted to be like this, for in every corn-field some one must give this word of advice to little ears of corn.”

“I have grown very quickly. I am very big and fully grown,” continued Grandfather Corn. “I wanted to be like this because in every cornfield, someone must give this word of advice to little ears of corn.”

“Advice, advice,” said the ears of corn. “We are going to hear advice.”

“Advice, advice,” said the ears of corn. “We’re about to hear some advice.”

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“That’s it, my bright little ears. I would say my bright little eyes if I could, but of course I can’t.”

"That's it, my bright little ears. I would say my bright little eyes if I could, but of course I can't."

“Too bad,” said the little ears. “But never mind, we are not without ears, even if we haven’t eyes and noses and chins.”

“Too bad,” said the little ears. “But never mind, we aren't without ears, even if we don’t have eyes, noses, and chins.”

“Eyes, and noses and chins are very silly and quite useless,” said Grandfather Corn.

“Eyes, noses, and chins are really silly and totally useless,” said Grandfather Corn.

“Certainly for us at any rate,” said the little ears.

“Definitely for us, anyway,” said the little ears.

“But for the advice,” said Grandfather Corn.

“But for the advice,” said Grandpa Corn.

“When it gets cold don’t let any one encourage you into growing. We will give the people our fine selves as long as the warm weather remains, but not when it is cold. We’re famous for being summer corn, and we will never let it be said of us that we were so coarse and hardened that we could stand the chilly days.” And the little ears nestled in their silken beds and said they would certainly not try to grow in the cold weather for they knew they would hate anything that wasn’t like summer warmth.

“When it gets cold, don’t let anyone convince you to grow. We’ll show our best selves as long as the warm weather sticks around, but not when it’s cold. We’re known for being summer corn, and we won’t let anyone say we were so tough and rough that we could handle the chilly days.” And the little ears settled into their soft beds and said they definitely wouldn’t try to grow in the cold weather because they knew they would dislike anything that wasn’t like the warmth of summer.


AUGUST 23: A Bee Story

“The worker bees,” said daddy, “carry little pollen baskets and they bring in the pollen to the young. They also bring in some sweetened water which the little ones like very much indeed.

“The worker bees,” said Dad, “carry little pollen baskets and bring the pollen to the young ones. They also bring in some sweetened water that the little ones really enjoy.”

“Now and again on a very hot day a number of bees will stand at the front door of their hive and will fan in some of the outside air so as to cool the ones who must be within the hive. They always see that the hive is kept very, very clean. Oh, how neat they are.

“Now and then on a really hot day, a bunch of bees will gather at the front door of their hive and fan in some outside air to cool off those inside the hive. They always make sure the hive is kept super clean. Oh, how tidy they are.”

“They have to guard against their enemy, the wax moth, too. The wax moth is a tiny gray moth miller who likes to get into the hive and feed upon the combs and the pollen stored away in the honey-bees’ cells. If they are allowed there they will build tunnels through the combs and destroy them. The Italian bees, little gentle creatures, are fine about defending themselves, even doing better work than the usual honey-bees.

“They also have to protect themselves from their enemy, the wax moth. The wax moth is a small gray moth that loves to invade the hive and snack on the comb and the pollen stored in the honey bees’ cells. If they’re allowed in, they create tunnels through the comb and ruin it. The Italian bees, gentle little creatures, do a great job of defending themselves, even better than regular honey bees.”

“The bees must go to many flowers in order to get all the honey that they need. They love clover, oh, how they love clover, which shows that they’re not in the least bit snobbish, for clover grows wild in the fields, of course.

“The bees have to visit many flowers to collect all the honey they need. They really love clover—oh, how they love clover! This shows they’re not snobbish at all, since clover grows wild in the fields, of course.”

“The bees love buckwheat fields, and from many, many flowers and a great deal of gathered nectar and pollen, they get the amount of honey they feel they need for themselves for the time being, and to store for the future.

“The bees love buckwheat fields, and from many, many flowers and a lot of gathered nectar and pollen, they get the amount of honey they need for now and to store for the future.

“They always work, they hardly ever play. Always they are[204] thinking of the day which may come when they won’t have such an easy time gathering honey, and though they may seem to have all they need they think it is well to be thrifty and to be ready for a rainy day.

“They always work, they rarely play. They are[204] constantly thinking about the day that may come when gathering honey won’t be so easy, and even though they seem to have everything they need, they believe it’s smart to be frugal and prepare for tough times.”

“How the bees love the sweet things of life, the flowers, the honey, the warmth, the summertime.

“How the bees love the sweet things in life—the flowers, the honey, the warmth, the summertime."

“But though they love the sweet things of life, they are never through working. Right through their little lives they work. They work too hard. They don’t stop to enjoy their hard work as creatures should.

“But even though they enjoy the sweet things in life, they never stop working. Throughout their little lives, they work. They work too hard. They don’t take the time to appreciate their hard work as they should.”

“Even when they have all the nourishment they need they go on searching for more for the storehouse. They do not flit about and enjoy life like the beautiful butterflies. No, they must always work. They’ve had no help from other creatures; they’ve never destroyed lives of other creatures in order to get food. Though they flit among all flowers they never become snobbish and love only the flowers which cost a lot to grow. They love clover, free clover, best of all.”

“Even when they have all the food they need, they keep looking for more for their storehouse. They don’t flutter around and enjoy life like beautiful butterflies. No, they always have to work. They haven’t received help from other creatures; they’ve never harmed other creatures to get food. Even though they flit among all the flowers, they never act snobbish and love only the flowers that are expensive to grow. They love clover, free clover, the most.”


AUGUST 24: Allie Baa’s Portrait

“A little girl named Melly,” said daddy, “was having her portrait painted. The lady who was painting her portrait one day said to her:

“A little girl named Melly,” said dad, “was getting her portrait done. The woman who was painting her portrait one day said to her:

“‘Now, you are such a good girl, and you keep so still while I am painting a lovely picture of you to give to your mother, that I wonder if there is anything you would like me to paint for you?’

“‘Now, you are such a good girl, and you stay so still while I’m painting a nice picture of you to give to your mom, that I’m curious if there’s anything you’d like me to paint for you?’”

“The little girl’s face was in smiles at once.

“The little girl’s face instantly lit up with a smile.

“‘Oh yes,’ she cried, ‘I’d like to have my dollie painted.’ And when Melly brought her doll the next time the lady said to herself, ‘I think I will change the picture of Melly and have her holding her doll, as she is now.’

“‘Oh yes,’ she exclaimed, ‘I’d like to get my doll painted.’ And when Melly brought her doll the next time, the lady thought to herself, ‘I think I’ll change the picture of Melly and have her holding her doll, just like she is now.’”

“And how differently Melly looked! No longer was she the little girl sitting stiffly on a chair, looking now and again at the window and longing to be out with her friends. She was not being good because she thought she should, but because she was happy having Allie Baa with her.

“And how differently Melly looked! She was no longer the little girl sitting stiffly on a chair, glancing at the window and wishing to be outside with her friends. She wasn’t being good just because she thought she should; she was genuinely happy to have Allie Baa with her.”

“She looked like a real little girl, and the lady was delighted. For before she had seemed unlike a child. She had looked so sad.

“She looked like a real little girl, and the woman was thrilled. Before, she hadn’t seemed like a child at all. She had looked so sad.”

“‘Yes,’ said the lady to herself, ‘I will certainly have Melly holding the doll.’

“‘Yeah,’ the lady said to herself, ‘I’m definitely going to have Melly holding the doll.’”

“And then she did a painting of Allie Baa, and it looked just like her. How delighted Melly was! She showed the picture of Allie to her—but of course Allie never even smiled. She looked at it just as she looked at everything else.

“And then she painted a picture of Allie Baa, and it looked just like her. Melly was so happy! She showed Allie the picture—but of course, Allie didn't even smile. She looked at it just like she looked at everything else.

[205]

[205]

“‘You dear, precious dollie,’ said Melly, ‘you don’t care whether you have a painting of your dear old face or not. But it’s a great comfort to your mother.’

“‘You sweet, beloved doll,’ Melly said, ‘you don’t care if you have a painting of your lovely face or not. But it really means a lot to your mother.’”

“The lady was so pleased at the picture of Melly, and she was proud of herself that she had thought of having Melly bring her doll.

“The lady was really happy with the picture of Melly, and she felt proud of herself for thinking of having Melly bring her doll."

“When Melly’s mother saw the painting she said: ‘Whatever made you think of having her hold Allie Baa? Why, that is just like my dear little girl—just the way we always see her. How glad I am.’ And the lady was happy, for she had made the real mother and the make-believe so pleased!”

“When Melly’s mom saw the painting, she said: ‘What made you think of having her hold Allie Baa? That looks just like my sweet girl—just how we always see her. I’m so happy.’ And the woman felt joyful because she had made both the real mother and the imagined one so pleased!”


AUGUST 25: Saving the Elm

“Yes, I was very, very ill,” said the elm tree. “I didn’t know whether I would ever get well or not. I had all sorts of things the matter with me. My wood was cracking and I was generally in bad shape.

“Yes, I was really, really sick,” said the elm tree. “I didn’t know if I would ever get better or not. I had all kinds of issues. My wood was splitting, and I was overall in poor condition.

“They talked about me, people did, and they said it would be a great pity to cut me down. They said I gave shade in the hot summer, they said I was very beautiful and they said I should be saved if possible. A lot of very clever tree doctors were sent for and they said that I could be saved. Oh, how happy that made me!” And Grandfather Elm swayed in the breeze and smiled.

“They talked about me, people did, and they said it would be a great shame to cut me down. They said I provided shade in the hot summer, they said I was really beautiful, and they said I should be saved if possible. A lot of very skilled tree doctors were called in, and they said that I could be saved. Oh, how happy that made me!” And Grandfather Elm swayed in the breeze and smiled.

“All the bad wood which had started in to hurt me was taken away. Then they fixed up the places where the old wood had been so it would keep in good condition in the future.

“All the damaged wood that had begun to hurt me was removed. Then they repaired the spots where the old wood had been to ensure it would stay in good condition moving forward.”

“I had steel straps put upon me in certain places to keep me from blowing over and fixed in such a way that I could sway and laugh and blow naturally with the rest of you.

"I had metal straps put on me in specific places to keep me from blowing away, arranged in a way that allowed me to sway, laugh, and blow naturally like the rest of you."

“My, but when they said I was all right, how I did rejoice! I was so happy, so happy. For I am a well elm now!”

“My, when they said I was all good, I was so happy! I was so, so happy. Because I'm an awesome person now!”


AUGUST 26: A Magic Lantern Show

There was a queer cry from outside the lighthouse—on the window ledge—and Teeny, the little daughter of the lighthouse keeper looked out. There, against the shutter was a sea gull and another was by him. The window ledge was very wide but they did not seem to be there from choice. Then Teeny remembered[206] what a storm there had been the night before, and she thought that these sea gulls must have been hurt.

There was a strange cry from outside the lighthouse—on the window ledge—and Teeny, the lighthouse keeper's young daughter, looked out. There, perched against the shutter, was a seagull, and another one was nearby. The window ledge was quite wide, but they didn't seem to be there by choice. Then Teeny remembered[206] the storm that had happened the night before, and she figured that these seagulls might have been injured.

Teeny opened the window and took the sea gulls inside. They were very young and they had been hurt. They had not been hurt very badly, but they had been very much frightened.

Teeny opened the window and brought the seagulls inside. They were very young and had been injured. They hadn’t been hurt too badly, but they were really frightened.

All day Teeny looked after the sea gulls. They grew quite tame, and as if they knew that Teeny was a little girl of the sea.

All day, Teeny took care of the seagulls. They became pretty tame, as if they knew that Teeny was a little girl of the sea.

It was late in the afternoon when Teeny remembered that she had planned to have a Magic Lantern show.

It was late in the afternoon when Teeny remembered she had planned to put on a Magic Lantern show.

“This will be fine,” said Teeny to herself. “I have two of my audience. Usually I have to be audience and stage manager, too. Sometimes daddy and mother come, but they are busy at this time, and usually I am alone. Of course, I have lots of companions in the pictures that I show, and I leave them on the sheet which shows the pictures for a long time and talk to them.”

“This will be fine,” Teeny said to herself. “I have two people watching me. Usually, I have to be both the audience and the stage manager. Sometimes Mom and Dad come, but they're busy right now, and I’m usually by myself. Of course, I have plenty of friends in the pictures I show, and I leave them up on the screen for a long time and talk to them.”

Teeny took a great cushion and she put the sea gulls upon it. “To-morrow you will be strong enough to be set free,” she told them. “I know you hate to be prisoners when you are used to flying over the great sea.”

Teeny grabbed a big cushion and placed the seagulls on it. “Tomorrow, you’ll be strong enough to be set free,” she told them. “I know you hate being trapped when you’re used to soaring over the vast ocean.”

The sea gulls paid no attention to the magic lantern show, which disappointed Teeny a little. But still, they did make an audience, and that was quite a treat!

The seagulls ignored the magic lantern show, which let Teeny down a bit. But they still created an audience, and that was really special!


AUGUST 27: The Baby Ear

“I am so afraid I won’t be eaten,” said the baby ear of corn as it rested on the kitchen table in a fine house where lived a mother and a father and several children.

“I’m so scared I won’t get eaten,” said the baby ear of corn as it lay on the kitchen table in a nice house where a mother, a father, and several kids lived.

“Cheer up, baby ear,” said the mother ear, “if you didn’t get the chance to grow into a big, full-sized ear of corn, at least you have been able to live in a wonderful silken home, and that is more than many folks and creatures can do.”

“Cheer up, little ear,” said the mother ear. “Even if you didn’t get the chance to grow into a big, full-sized ear of corn, at least you’ve had the chance to live in a lovely silken home, and that’s more than many people and creatures can say.”

“What is it to live in clover?” asked the baby ear. “They say, out in the corn field, that some folks think it’s fine to live in clover.”

“What does it mean to live in clover?” asked the baby ear. “They say, out in the cornfield, that some people think it’s great to live in clover.”

“To live in clover,” said the mother ear, “means just the same as to live in a silken bed. In fact it means anything that is nice. People may live in clover and not be near a clover field, because they may live so happily and in such comfortable, cheery, pleasant homes that it’s a perfect kind of life. Clover does not always need to mean clover. It may just mean happiness.

“To live in clover,” said the mother ear, “means the same as living in a luxurious bed. In fact, it represents anything that’s nice. People can live in clover without being near a clover field because they can be so happy and have such cozy, cheerful, pleasant homes that it’s a perfect life. Clover doesn’t always have to mean clover. It can just mean happiness.”

“Hark!” said the mother ear. They were being taken out of their silken homes.

“Hear!” said the mother ear. They were being removed from their silky homes.

[207]

[207]

“Look, children,” said the mother of the children, “at this tiny baby ear alongside of a big ear. That is a most unusual sight. We’ll let our youngest one eat this ear.” And the baby ear was delighted.

“Look, kids,” said their mother, “at this tiny baby ear next to a big ear. That’s a really unusual sight. We’ll let our youngest eat this ear.” And the baby ear was thrilled.


AUGUST 28: How Arthur Saved a Little Girl

“One day a lake schooner was making its daily trip,” said daddy. “A boy named Arthur had paddled in his canoe to the head of the lake and was coming back home on the boat, for that had just made a nice length paddle.

“One day, a lake schooner was making its daily trip,” said Dad. “A boy named Arthur had paddled in his canoe to the head of the lake and was coming back home on the boat, because he had just completed a nice long paddle.

“The boat was crowded with passengers. Many of them knew Arthur, and many of them had been rather mean and had said that Arthur spent too much time on the water.

“The boat was packed with passengers. A lot of them knew Arthur, and many of them had been pretty unkind, saying that Arthur spent too much time on the water.

“Suddenly some one gave a cry:

“Out of nowhere, someone yelled:

“‘Somebody overboard! Oh, oh!’

"Somebody fell overboard! Oh no!"

“And then every one became very much excited and cried and screamed. Arthur had not seen the person go overboard, but he rushed to the end of the boat where all the people had hurried and saw in the water just going down a little child in a white dress.

“And then everyone got really excited and shouted and screamed. Arthur hadn't seen the person fall overboard, but he ran to the end of the boat where all the people had rushed and saw a little child in a white dress just sinking in the water.”

“‘She has been under twice now,’ said some one.

“‘She’s been under twice now,’ someone said.”

“Arthur didn’t say a word, nor did he scream, but in one dive he was in the water and had grabbed hold of the little girl. They were soon hauled in.

“Arthur didn’t say a word, nor did he scream, but in one dive he was in the water and had grabbed hold of the little girl. They were soon pulled in."

“And the people who had thought Arthur spent too much time in the water looked on, ashamed that all they had done was to scream, while Arthur had gone in the water and had saved the child’s life.”

“And the people who had believed Arthur wasted too much time in the water watched, embarrassed that all they had done was shout, while Arthur had actually jumped in and saved the child's life.”


AUGUST 29: The Huckleberry Pickers

“To-day I passed by a house and heard some little children talking to some other children who looked very ragged, hot and tired,” said daddy.

“Today I walked by a house and overheard some little kids talking to other kids who looked very worn out, hot, and tired,” said dad.

“These children had been picking huckleberries and were going around this hot afternoon trying to sell them.

“These kids had been picking huckleberries and were wandering around this hot afternoon trying to sell them.

“They had stopped by this house where they had seen the little children playing. The mother of the little children had gone out for the afternoon, but they were having a party with a few of their little friends.

“They had stopped by this house where they had seen the little kids playing. The kids' mom had gone out for the afternoon, but they were having a party with some of their little friends."

“They told the little poor children that they hadn’t any money at all to[208] buy the berries with, but they asked them to stay and play with them and that they were sure when their mother came home she would buy all the berries.

“They told the little poor children that they didn’t have any money at all to[208] buy the berries with, but they asked them to stay and play with them and said they were sure that when their mom came home, she would buy all the berries.”

“The children could not resist the temptation. They sat down and had some lemonade and sponge cake, and, oh, it did seem so good after the hot tramp they had made looking for the berries. After they had had all the lemonade and sponge cake that they could possibly eat they all went wading in a little brook back of the house. They did so enjoy the lovely, cool water, and when the mother came home, there she found her children entertaining the little poor children.

“The kids couldn’t resist the temptation. They sat down and had some lemonade and sponge cake, and wow, it really felt good after the hot walk they had taken looking for berries. Once they had as much lemonade and sponge cake as they could eat, they all went wading in a small brook behind the house. They really enjoyed the lovely, cool water, and when their mother came home, she found her kids entertaining the little kids from the neighborhood.”

“Of course she bought every one of the huckleberries, which pleased the little children so much.

“Of course she bought every single huckleberry, which made the little kids super happy.

“But what pleased them still more was that the mother added that if they came that way very often she would like to buy huckleberries of them, for her family was so fond of them, and that there would be lemonade parties too.”

“But what made them even happier was that the mother said if they came that way often, she would love to buy huckleberries from them because her family loved them so much, and that there would also be lemonade parties.”


AUGUST 30: Mr. Sun’s Birthday

The children had seen old Mr. Sun on his way to bed. He had been as red as could be and very, very enormous. They wondered what Mr. Sun was up to, and were not surprised at all when daddy said:

The kids had seen old Mr. Sun heading to bed. He was as red as could be and really, really huge. They were curious about what Mr. Sun was doing and weren’t surprised at all when Dad said:

“Mr. Sun had a birthday party this afternoon and the gnomes were invited. He told his guests to come just a little while before it was time for him to go to bed.

“Mr. Sun had a birthday party this afternoon and the gnomes were invited. He told his guests to arrive just a little while before he was ready to go to bed."

“‘Well,’ said Peter Gnome, ‘you don’t suppose we would come after you had gone to bed, do you?’

“‘Well,’ said Peter Gnome, ‘you don’t think we’d come after you went to bed, do you?’”

“‘Oh, no,’ said Mr. Sun as he grinned, ‘but the party must begin at just such a time and end at just such a time. I have my own special reasons, so come as I’ve said, won’t you, gnomes?’

“‘Oh, no,’ Mr. Sun said with a grin, ‘but the party has to start at a specific time and end at a specific time. I have my own special reasons, so please come as I’ve asked, gnomes?’”

“‘By all means,’ said the gnomes.

“‘Of course,’ the gnomes replied.”

“And just a little while before Mr. Sun’s going to bed time, all the gnomes appeared on top of a high hill.

“And just a little while before Mr. Sun was about to go to bed, all the gnomes appeared on top of a high hill.

“Mr. Sun was shining brightly, but soon the gnomes noticed he began to get even brighter and brighter, and more red every second.

“Mr. Sun was shining brightly, but soon the gnomes noticed he was getting even brighter and redder every second.

“‘You’re looking magnificent, Mr. Sun,’ the gnomes called out in admiration.

"You're looking amazing, Mr. Sun," the gnomes shouted in admiration.

“‘So glad to hear you say that,’ said Mr. Sun, ‘for this is my birthday party!’

“‘I’m so glad you said that,’ Mr. Sun replied, ‘because today is my birthday party!’”

“‘Your birthday!’ they cried out in amazement. ‘Why, we never knew you had a birthday!’

“‘Your birthday!’ they exclaimed in surprise. ‘Wow, we had no idea you even had a birthday!’”

“FOR A MOMENT MR. SUN WAS HIDDEN BY A PURPLE CLOUD.”—Page 209

“FOR A MOMENT, MR. SUN WAS HIDDEN BY A PURPLE CLOUD.”—Page 209

[209]

[209]

“‘Oh, oh,’ said Mr. Sun, and he almost lost his fine color which he had been getting. ‘Dear me, O Mr. Purple Cloud,’ he called, ‘let me hide my head in your best shawl—these little gnomes never knew I had a birthday!’ And for a moment Mr. Sun was hidden by a purple cloud.

“‘Oh, oh,’ said Mr. Sun, and he almost lost his nice glow that he had been developing. ‘Oh no, Mr. Purple Cloud,’ he called, ‘let me hide my head in your best shawl—these little gnomes never knew it was my birthday!’ And for a moment, Mr. Sun was hidden by a purple cloud.”

“‘But explain to us,’ said the gnomes. ‘We don’t want to hurt your feelings. We’re only too glad to be at your birthday party. We just didn’t know about it—that’s all. Won’t you tell us, Mr. Sun?’

“‘But can you explain it to us?’ said the gnomes. ‘We don’t want to upset you. We’re really happy to be at your birthday party. We just had no idea it was happening—that's all. Please tell us, Mr. Sun?’”

“And Mr. Sun again came out from the purple cloud and said:

“And Mr. Sun came out from the purple cloud again and said:

“‘Why, you see when I change into this bright red robe of mine—then it’s my birthday. Perfectly simple, isn’t it?

“‘Well, you see, when I put on this bright red robe of mine—then it’s my birthday. Totally simple, isn’t it?

“‘And as for having more than one birthday a year—that is true. I have them whenever I feel like it—but usually I have one when I’m going to work very hard for the next day, to make folks fine and warm, and the things in the gardens grow. You see, when I’m feeling so strong and well I think I ought to celebrate, so I give a birthday party.

“‘And about having more than one birthday a year—that’s true. I celebrate whenever I want to—but usually I have one when I’m gearing up to work really hard the next day, to make people feel good and keep the gardens thriving. You see, when I’m feeling strong and healthy, I think I should celebrate, so I throw a birthday party.

“‘Every one admires me when I wear this robe, and it’s just the same to me as if they were all saying that they wished me many happy returns of the day—for they all are hoping that I will wear the red robe again.’”

“‘Everyone admires me when I wear this robe, and it feels just the same to me as if they were all saying they wished me many happy returns of the day—for they all hope that I will wear the red robe again.’”


AUGUST 31: The Lost Dog

“You know I got lost,” said Collie. “It was a dreadful experience. I really didn’t know what to do. I had gone off for a trip and hadn’t realized how far I had gone. And you know I’m very young.

“You know I got lost,” said Collie. “It was a terrible experience. I really didn’t know what to do. I had gone on a trip and hadn’t realized how far I had gone. And you know I’m really young.”

“Of course, I would have found my way home in the long run, I know that. But it was everything to be helped as I was!

“Of course, I would have eventually found my way home, I know that. But it meant everything to be helped like I was!”

“I found myself in another small town where there was a very fashionable Inn. An Inn is a fashionable boarding-house, I believe, and is like a smart hotel, only smaller. Now, in this Inn, they didn’t allow dogs.

“I found myself in another small town where there was a very trendy inn. An inn is a stylish boarding house, I think, and is similar to a fancy hotel, just smaller. Now, at this inn, they didn’t allow dogs.”

“There were many elderly ladies there, and many of them were fussy.

“There were a lot of older women there, and many of them were picky.”

“I came upon this place, and I was so tired. I thought to myself that the people might be friendly, and so I wagged my tail, although they didn’t look the friendly sort.

“I came across this place, and I was really tired. I thought to myself that the people might be nice, so I wagged my tail, even though they didn’t seem very friendly.”

“None of them had spoken to me, or anything like that.

“None of them had talked to me, or anything like that.

“But when I wagged my tail and looked at some of them politely, they said to each other:

“But when I wagged my tail and looked at some of them politely, they said to each other:"

“‘What a lovely dog.’

"Such a cute dog."

“I thought that they might help me, and so I wagged my tail again and gave a low, friendly bark, and one of the ladies said:

“I thought they might help me, so I wagged my tail again and let out a low, friendly bark, and one of the ladies said:

[210]

[210]

“‘That dog must be lost.’

"That dog is probably lost."

“Very gently I walked up near her, so I wouldn’t frighten her, and I found that she wasn’t frightened.

“Very gently, I walked up close to her, so I wouldn’t scare her, and I found that she wasn’t scared.

“Then I put my head in her lap and she patted me. And one of the other women said to her:

“Then I rested my head in her lap and she patted me. And one of the other women said to her:

“‘Why, I never saw you pat a dog before. How do you know that he won’t bite?’

“‘I’ve never seen you pet a dog before. How do you know he won’t bite?’”

“Of course that was enough to make me furious. As if dogs were all going to bite!

“Of course, that was enough to make me really angry. As if all dogs were going to bite!”

“But I kept my temper and the lady said:

“But I kept my cool and the lady said:

“‘Oh, he is a beautiful dog and you can tell he is used to being petted. I am not afraid of him.’

“‘Oh, he’s a gorgeous dog, and you can tell he’s used to being petted. I’m not scared of him.’”

“And then the lady called out the one who owned the Inn, and she asked to have me fed and a drink of water given to me.

“And then the woman called for the owner of the Inn, asking for me to be fed and given a drink of water.”

“Then one of the very stylish and superior waiters brought me out a dainty meal and served me as though I were a fine paying guest, and called my meal ‘luncheon.’

“Then one of the very stylish and top-notch waiters brought me a delicate meal and treated me as if I were a valued paying guest, referring to my meal as ‘luncheon.’”

“Then they telephoned about to the neighbors and others, and asked questions about any missing dogs that had been reported, and they found out I belonged to my master, and they helped me to come home.

“Then they called around to the neighbors and others, asking about any missing dogs that had been reported, and they found out I belonged to my owner, and they helped me get home.”

“In fact, I should say they brought me home, and it would have been a hard job by myself. But, oh dogs! It’s good to be home!”

“In fact, I should say they brought me home, and it would have been a tough task on my own. But, oh dogs! It feels so good to be home!”


SEPTEMBER 1: The Whippoorwills

In the deep and dark woods, where there are many rocks, and where people seldom go, live the Whippoorwills.

In the deep, dark woods, filled with rocks and rarely visited by people, the Whippoorwills make their home.

The Whippoorwills guard their young if danger is near, but when they are little eggs they are not sheltered by a home-nest—the ground does well enough for them.

The Whippoorwills protect their young when there's danger nearby, but when they are just eggs, they aren't sheltered by a nest; the ground is good enough for them.

Perhaps Mother Whippoorwill thinks it is a mistake to begin by spoiling her children, but she is not a hard-hearted mother as this would seem to show. No, she is always ready to defend them from enemies.

Maybe Mother Whippoorwill thinks it’s a mistake to start by pampering her kids, but she isn’t a cold-hearted mom as this might suggest. No, she’s always ready to protect them from threats.

Now, Mr. Whippoorwill is about the size of a robin, but he looks longer because he has great, long wings. He is covered with reddish-brown feathers, and sometimes grayish-white. He has a fine white collar and his quills are decorated with white. He has bristles all about his beak, which is very large.

Now, Mr. Whippoorwill is about the size of a robin, but he appears longer because he has big, long wings. He is covered in reddish-brown feathers, and sometimes grayish-white. He has a nice white collar and his quills are decorated with white. He has bristles all around his beak, which is very large.

Mrs. Whippoorwill is just about the same in looks, except she has a tan collar instead of a white one, and her tail is tan, too.

Mrs. Whippoorwill looks almost the same, except she has a tan collar instead of a white one, and her tail is tan as well.

One night—for the whippoorwills love the night-time—a boy thought he would like to catch a whippoorwill and have him for a pet. He loved[211] the wonderful song of the whippoorwill—which is a beautiful, rather sad note. The whippoorwills only sing when away from people, and they love to be by themselves. That is why they choose their homes where people will not come.

One night—since whippoorwills are fond of the nighttime—a boy thought he’d like to catch a whippoorwill and keep it as a pet. He loved the amazing song of the whippoorwill—which is a beautiful, somewhat sad sound. Whippoorwills only sing when they’re away from people, and they prefer to be alone. That’s why they choose their homes in places where people won’t go.

And he caught Mr. Whippoorwill. “Ah,” he said. “I will be very good to you. You may have a big place to fly about in, for I have made it with wire in the yard. And you will have a little home of your own. I will not keep you in a small cage. That would be cruel.”

And he caught Mr. Whippoorwill. “Ah,” he said. “I’ll take good care of you. You’ll have a spacious area to fly around in because I’ve set it up with wire in the yard. Plus, you’ll have your own little home. I won’t keep you in a small cage. That would be cruel.”

The little boy hadn’t thought that it would be cruel to keep the whippoorwill in any way—the bird who loves solitude—or being alone.

The little boy hadn’t realized it would be cruel to keep the whippoorwill—the bird that loves solitude—at all.

Every night after this he listened to hear his whippoorwill sing, but never a sound did he make. Then he thought is was because Mr. Whippoorwill was without his mate, and after a long time he caught Mrs. Whippoorwill.

Every night after that, he listened for the whippoorwill to sing, but he never heard a sound. Then he thought it was because Mr. Whippoorwill was alone, and after a while, he managed to catch Mrs. Whippoorwill.

Now he would surely have the glorious Whippoorwill singing every evening, he thought.

Now he would definitely have the beautiful Whippoorwill singing every evening, he thought.

But not a sound did he hear. In fact, they seemed to have forgotten their note—they had left it behind in the woods.

But he didn't hear a single sound. In fact, it seemed like they had forgotten their note—they had left it behind in the woods.

You see, the Whippoorwill will not sing in captivity. He is utterly miserable then, and he longs to be back where he can be alone and away from creatures. Then, at night, when it is quiet and dark, we can sometimes hear his glorious note.

You see, the Whippoorwill won't sing when it's held captive. It feels completely miserable and yearns to be back in its own space, away from other creatures. Then, at night, when it's quiet and dark, we can sometimes hear its beautiful call.

The boy did not know what to make of it, but at last he let them go. Oh! The joy of spreading their wings toward the dark woods! How wonderful it was! And to see the Whippoorwill children! To feel the dark cool woods, to sleep all day, to work all night!

The boy wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but finally, he set them free. Oh! The joy of watching them spread their wings toward the dark woods! It was amazing! And seeing the Whippoorwill kids! To experience the cool, dark woods, to sleep all day, to work all night!

“Ah,” said Mr. Whippoorwill, when he was back in the woods, “I must see if I can find my note. I left it in the woods behind me.”

“Ah,” said Mr. Whippoorwill, when he was back in the woods, “I need to see if I can find my note. I left it in the woods behind me.”

“So did I,” said Mrs. Whippoorwill. And to their great delight they found their notes again—they had just been quiet deep down in their throats, for they had left the woods, and their little bird hearts had been too sad for singing. The children joined in too. And the boy heard them all.

“So did I,” said Mrs. Whippoorwill. And to their great delight, they found their voices again—they had just been quietly tucked away in their throats because they had left the woods, and their little bird hearts had been too sad to sing. The children joined in too. And the boy heard them all.

“They sing now,” he said. “They don’t like to be caught.” And how glad the Whippoorwills were that the boy understood.

“They're singing now,” he said. “They don’t like to get caught.” And how happy the Whippoorwills were that the boy understood.


SEPTEMBER 2: The Monkey

“A hurdy-gurdy, or hand organ,” said daddy, “came to town one day when it was very, very hot. No summer day had been so sultry. Down the village street the old man played tune after tune as he stopped in front of different shops and houses.

“A hurdy-gurdy, or hand organ,” said Dad, “showed up in town one day when it was really, really hot. No summer day had ever been this muggy. Down the village street, the old man played one tune after another as he paused in front of various shops and houses.

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[212]

“A monkey was with him and the monkey took off his cap and put the pennies which were given to him into his cap and then into his little pocket of the red coat he wore. He was all in red and he looked rather hot and uncomfortable.

“A monkey was with him, and the monkey took off his cap and put the pennies given to him into the cap and then into the small pocket of the red coat he wore. He was dressed all in red, and he looked pretty hot and uncomfortable.”

“The man would make the monkey do tricks and the people who watched gave the monkey money. Later on the man took the money. For what could the monkey do with pennies! He could not go out and buy food. No, he had to take just what was given to him. And sometimes he did not get quite enough.

“The man would make the monkey do tricks, and the people watching would give the monkey money. Later, the man took the money. What could the monkey do with pennies? He couldn’t go out and buy food. No, he had to take whatever was given to him. And sometimes he didn’t get quite enough.

“And yet the old man was always greeted with smiles. No one asked him if he was good to his monkey. No one said that he ought not to be making the monkey work on such a hot day.

“And yet the old man was always met with smiles. No one asked him if he treated his monkey well. No one said that he shouldn’t be making the monkey work on such a hot day.

“They all just watched! Lots of people who had not been able to do any work to speak of all day—so hot had it been—now watched the monkey work.

“They all just watched! A lot of people who hadn’t been able to get any work done all day—because it was so hot—now watched the monkey work."

“Trick after trick he went through, and his little hand clutched the pennies that were given to him in a sort of way, as if he wanted to say:

“Trick after trick he went through, and his little hand clutched the pennies that were given to him in a way that seemed to say:

“‘I must hold on to these. I have to work so hard for them.’

“‘I need to hang on to these. I have to work really hard for them.’”

“The hurdy-gurdy played pieces in front of the different places until at last they stopped before a little gray house.

“The hurdy-gurdy played tunes in front of various places until it finally stopped in front of a small gray house.

“‘We won’t stay here long,’ said the man to himself. ‘I don’t believe we will get many pennies here.’

“‘We won’t be here long,’ the man said to himself. ‘I don’t think we’ll make much money here.’”

“Out of a window appeared the head of a little boy. His name was Bobbie and he loved animals of all sorts.

“Out of a window popped the head of a little boy. His name was Bobbie, and he loved all kinds of animals.”

“He smiled when he saw the cunning little monkey with the red hat and jacket and the tune of the hurdy-gurdy sounded so bright and jolly and full of fun.

“He smiled when he saw the clever little monkey in the red hat and jacket, and the tune of the hurdy-gurdy sounded so cheerful and joyful and full of fun.

“He hurried down the stairs and ran out of the front door. What joy on a horrid, hot day to have a hurdy-gurdy and monkey in the village! What a treat! What a very great treat! He had three pennies ready!

“He rushed down the stairs and dashed out the front door. What a delight on a terrible, hot day to have a street performer and monkey in the village! What a treat! What an amazing treat! He had three pennies ready!

“The monkey began to do some tricks, urged on by the man who had seen the pennies shining from Bobbie’s hand.

“The monkey started doing some tricks, encouraged by the man who had seen the coins gleaming in Bobbie’s hand.”

“‘Show the little gentleman your fine tricks,’ said the man.

“‘Show the little guy your cool tricks,’ said the man.

“Bobbie was feeling so happy when suddenly he noticed the face of the little monkey. Oh, how pleading were his eyes, and Bobbie put his hand underneath the red jacket. The body of the little monkey was so hot.

“Bobbie was feeling so happy when suddenly he noticed the face of the little monkey. Oh, how pleading its eyes were, and Bobbie put his hand underneath the red jacket. The body of the little monkey was so hot.

“‘Aren’t you ashamed!’ said Bobbie. ‘The very idea of making a monkey wear a hot suit on a day like this just because you think it looks fine!’

“‘Aren’t you embarrassed!’ said Bobbie. ‘The idea of making a monkey wear a hot suit on a day like this just because you think it looks great!’”

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[213]

“The man pulled at the monkey’s chain. ‘Come along,’ he said. ‘We’ll not show this gentleman fine tricks.’

“The man tugged at the monkey’s chain. ‘Come on,’ he said. ‘We won’t show this gentleman any fancy tricks.’”

“‘I don’t want to see them,’ said Bobbie. ‘On a day when grown men don’t feel like work, to make a little dumb animal go through trick after trick to get you money! Aren’t you ashamed!’

“‘I don’t want to see them,’ Bobbie said. ‘On a day when grown men don’t feel like working, forcing a little dumb animal to perform trick after trick just to earn you money! Aren’t you ashamed!’”

“Somehow the man did not go away. He was so surprised at being talked to in such a way. He really did not know just what to make of it.

“Somehow the man didn’t leave. He was so shocked at being spoken to like that. He honestly had no idea what to think of it.”

“‘I’ll tell you what I’ll do,’ said Bobbie, who was half sobbing now with anger. ‘I’ll give you all the pennies from my bank. I have 63 pennies in all. Only, promise me to take off the monkey’s red hat and jacket and give him a rest to-day and other hot days? To think of a man making money out of a little monkey when it’s so hot his little back is burning and his eyes are begging to be allowed rest and a cool place!’

“‘I’ll tell you what I’ll do,’ said Bobbie, who was half crying now with anger. ‘I’ll give you all the pennies from my piggy bank. I have 63 pennies in total. But promise me you’ll take off the monkey’s red hat and jacket and let him rest today and on other hot days? It’s outrageous to think a man is making money off a little monkey when it’s so hot his little back is burning and his eyes are pleading for a break and a cool spot!’”

“‘I’ll promise you,’ said the man, as he took off the monkey’s jacket and cap. ‘But I won’t take your 63 cents. You and my monkey have made me ashamed. I’m ashamed enough—I don’t want the 63 cents.’ But Bobbie did give the man and the monkey a nice, cool drink.”

“‘I promise you,’ said the man as he took off the monkey’s jacket and cap. ‘But I won’t take your 63 cents. You and my monkey have made me feel ashamed. I’m already ashamed enough—I don’t want the 63 cents.’ But Bobbie did give the man and the monkey a nice, cool drink.”


SEPTEMBER 3: Paper Dolls

“A little girl named Milly,” said daddy, “was very fond of paper dolls. Now one day when she had had three of her dolls a year she thought she would give them a birthday party and her mother told her to start off at once to ask her friends.

“A little girl named Milly,” said daddy, “really loved paper dolls. One day, after having three of her dolls for a year, she decided to throw them a birthday party, and her mother told her to go ahead and ask her friends right away.”

“‘You must bring your paper dolls too, and all their clothes, so we can pretend they are going to lots of things,’ said Milly as she went to the houses of her friends. ‘Bring them first dressed in their best as my dollies are dressed up now waiting for them.’

“‘You have to bring your paper dolls too, along with all their outfits, so we can pretend they’re going to all sorts of events,’ Milly told her friends as she visited their houses. ‘Have them ready in their best outfits, just like my dolls are now, waiting for them.’”

“And Milly told them to come in one hour. In just that time they arrived and brought with them their boxes of paper dolls.

“And Milly told them to come back in one hour. In just that time, they arrived and brought their boxes of paper dolls with them.

“‘Come right along,’ said Milly. ‘The dolls are waiting for their party in the nursery.’

“‘Come on,’ Milly said. ‘The dolls are waiting for their party in the nursery.’”

“‘We have brought them presents,’ said Milly’s little friends. ‘Our dolls are giving them birthday gifts of new paper shawls and hats which we have made.’

“We’ve brought them gifts,” said Milly’s little friends. “Our dolls are giving them birthday presents of new paper shawls and hats that we made.”

“Of course Milly was delighted, but the greatest surprise of all was when they entered the door of the nursery.

“Of course Milly was thrilled, but the biggest surprise of all was when they walked through the door of the nursery.

“There around the neck of each paper doll was a pink piece of crinkly paper which reached out to the little table. In the center of[214] this was a pink and white birthday cake, with three candles—one for each paper doll!

“There around the neck of each paper doll was a pink piece of crinkly paper that reached out to the little table. In the center of[214] this was a pink and white birthday cake, with three candles—one for each paper doll!

“‘Oh mother!’ shouted Milly, ‘what a gorgeous surprise!’”

“‘Oh mom!’ shouted Milly, ‘what an amazing surprise!’”


SEPTEMBER 4: Larry’s Labor Day

Larry was five years old and he loved holidays. But the coming holiday—it was not Larry’s. Nor had it anything to do with Larry. The thought of that bothered him. He wished somehow it could be different.

Larry was five years old, and he loved holidays. But the upcoming holiday—it wasn’t Larry’s. Nor did it have anything to do with him. The thought of that bothered him. He wished it could somehow be different.

He had asked his father what Labor Day meant and his father had told him that it was a holiday set apart as a day of recognition of the laboring class. He had not quite understood what that meant but his father had explained that it meant a day set aside in honor of there being such a class as a laboring class, showing that to belong to the laboring class was something dignified and to be respected.

He asked his dad what Labor Day meant, and his dad told him it was a holiday to recognize the working class. He didn’t fully understand what that meant, but his dad explained that it was a day to honor the existence of the working class, showing that being part of the working class was something dignified and worthy of respect.

Larry knew then that it was useless for him to have a share in this holiday—a real, real share in it at least. This was different from Xmas and Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.

Larry realized then that it was pointless for him to have a part in this holiday—a genuine part in it, at least. This was different from Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July.

But then a happy thought came to him. For the next few days Larry was very, very busy. Every one thought he was busily playing and making mud-pies and such, but not at all.

But then a great idea popped into his head. For the next few days, Larry was really, really busy. Everyone thought he was just playing around and making mud pies and stuff, but that wasn't the case at all.

And on the morning of Labor Day they knew what Larry had been doing. He led his father and his mother and his grown-up sister and his fourteen-year-old brother to the very far corner of the garden which had always been set aside as Larry’s mud-pie playground.

And on the morning of Labor Day, they figured out what Larry had been up to. He took his dad, his mom, his older sister, and his fourteen-year-old brother to the far corner of the garden that had always been reserved as Larry’s mud-pie playground.

There he showed them a tiny garden set out with paths and borders of pretty pebbles. Growing in the garden were ferns which Larry had transplanted from the woods and a tiny red geranium stood proudly in a little bed by itself. It had come from Larry’s nursery flower pot.

There he showed them a small garden laid out with paths and borders of nice pebbles. In the garden were ferns that Larry had moved from the woods, and a tiny red geranium stood proudly in a small bed by itself. It had come from Larry’s flower pot.

“You see,” he said, “I wanted to have a holiday to-day—I mean I wanted to have a right to the holiday, as daddy talked about laborers having, so I’ve labor-ed too.” It was rather a hard word to say but he managed it well.

“You see,” he said, “I wanted to have a day off today—I mean I wanted to earn the day off, like dad said workers should have, so I’ve worked too.” It was a pretty tough word to say, but he pulled it off.

“And now,” he turned to his family, “don’t you think I can have a little share in Labor Day too—a real little share?”

“And now,” he turned to his family, “don’t you think I can get a tiny bit of Labor Day too—a real tiny bit?”

And his family said “Yes,” and I think you’ll agree with them too!

And his family said “Yes,” and I bet you'll agree with them too!


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SEPTEMBER 5: In the Barnyard

“Quack, quack,” said Mrs. Duck, “these warm days do make me feel like swimming.”

“Quack, quack,” said Mrs. Duck, “these warm days really make me want to swim.”

“They don’t make me feel like swimming, grunt, grunt,” said Grandfather Porky Pig. “They make me feel like lying down in the mud and resting and dreaming sweet pig dreams.”

“They don’t make me want to swim, grunt, grunt,” said Grandfather Porky Pig. “They make me want to lie down in the mud and relax and dream sweet pig dreams.”

“What in the world are sweet pig dreams?” asked Mrs. Duck. “Yes, quack, quack, what in the world are they? I’ve never heard of sweet pig dreams though I have heard of sweet dreams.”

“What on earth are sweet pig dreams?” asked Mrs. Duck. “Yes, quack, quack, what on earth are they? I’ve never heard of sweet pig dreams, even though I have heard of sweet dreams.”

“Sweet pig dreams and sweet dreams are the same,” said Grandfather Porky Pig, “except that sweet pig dreams are the sweet dreams which a pig has. Do you see? I dream of being given too much to eat for I’m never given enough to satisfy my pig heart, and so I always pick up some more myself.”

“Sweet pig dreams and sweet dreams are the same,” said Grandfather Porky Pig, “except that sweet pig dreams are the sweet dreams a pig has. Do you get it? I dream of being given way too much to eat since I'm never given enough to satisfy my pig heart, and that’s why I always grab a little more myself.”

“I wouldn’t speak of my pig heart, if I were you, quack, quack,” said Mrs. Duck. “I’d speak of my pig tummy.”

“I wouldn’t talk about my pig heart if I were you, quack, quack,” said Mrs. Duck. “I’d talk about my pig tummy.”

“Oh, very well,” said Grandfather Porky, “I do not object. But I must be off for my rest as I want to feel fit for my next meal.”

“Oh, fine,” said Grandfather Porky, “I don’t mind. But I need to head off for my nap because I want to be ready for my next meal.”

“Don’t you always feel fit for your meals?” asked Mrs. Duck.

“Don’t you always feel ready for your meals?” asked Mrs. Duck.

“Always,” said Grandfather Porky, “but I like to talk that way. It amuses me,” he ended with a laughing squeal and a twist to his tail.

“Always,” said Grandfather Porky, “but I enjoy speaking like that. It makes me laugh,” he finished with a chuckle and a flick of his tail.


SEPTEMBER 6: The Animals’ Talk

“Of course it is true we do not speak the language people speak. We have our own way of talking, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t talk,” said Larry, the monkey.

“Of course it’s true that we don’t speak the way people do. We have our own way of communicating, but that doesn’t mean we don’t communicate,” said Larry, the monkey.

“It is just as absurd, I think, for people to say that of animals as it would be for the animals to tell American people that they can’t talk because they don’t speak like all the other people in the world, or to tell the French people that they can’t talk because there are people who speak quite differently from them.

“It’s just as ridiculous, I think, for people to say that about animals as it would be for animals to tell Americans that they can’t talk because they don’t speak like everyone else in the world, or to tell the French that they can’t talk because some people speak very differently from them."

“When we are unhappy we make certain sounds and words of our own.

“When we're unhappy, we create certain sounds and words of our own.

“When we are frightened we have other sounds to make. When we are pleased we have still others. When we are playing we have others again.

“When we’re scared, we make different sounds. When we’re happy, we have yet another set of sounds. When we’re playing, we create even more.”

“And so have all the animals. The Bears have different kinds of growls for different things they mean to say.

“And so have all the animals. The bears have different types of growls for different things they want to express.

“The Deer can talk, oh so well!

“The Deer can talk, oh so well!

“The Chimpanzees and the Orang-utans are great talkers and they[216] know a lot, too. Don’t people know that? Haven’t they ever seen and heard a Chimpanzee and his keeper talking?

“The chimpanzees and the orangutans are great talkers and they[216] know a lot, too. Don’t people realize that? Haven’t they ever seen and heard a chimpanzee and his keeper chatting?”

“Then if they haven’t, I just wish they would! And I wish they’d come and hear me when I chat with my keeper. He understands me.

“Then if they haven’t, I just wish they would! And I wish they’d come and listen to me when I talk with my keeper. He gets me."

“He knows what I want and why I want it, and when I want it. He knows whether I feel well or sick. He understands me perfectly, and I understand him.

“He knows what I want, why I want it, and when I want it. He knows if I'm feeling well or sick. He gets me completely, and I get him.”

“Dogs talk, as every one surely must know! And Mr. Siberian Tiger talks. He told the keeper how pleased he was the other day when the keeper rubbed his back through the side of the cage.

“Dogs communicate, as everyone must surely know! And Mr. Siberian Tiger communicates. He told the keeper how happy he felt the other day when the keeper rubbed his back through the side of the cage.

“He actually purred like a pussy cat!

“He actually purred like a kitten!

“And the Wolves! How they talk whether they are here in the zoo or whether they are free!

“And the Wolves! They sure know how to talk, whether they’re here at the zoo or out in the wild!"

“The Bears all talk. And the Rabbits talk. Their thumping sounds are words, oh yes, indeed.

“The Bears all talk. And the Rabbits talk. Their thumping sounds are words, oh yes, definitely."

“Mother Rabbit thumps the ground when danger is near; instead of saying ‘Danger,’ as people do, Rabbits thump their word ‘Danger.’

“Mother Rabbit thumps the ground when danger is close; instead of saying ‘Danger,’ like people do, rabbits thump their word ‘Danger.’”

“Beavers talk. Prairie Dogs talk, and one of them always guards when the rest are playing above ground and the one who is guarding certainly knows how to say ‘Danger’ when danger is near.

“Beavers communicate. Prairie Dogs communicate, and one of them always keeps watch while the others play above ground, and the one on guard definitely knows how to say ‘Danger’ when there’s a threat nearby.

“The Striped Chipmunk talks, too. He can tell you that he is happy living about the rocky ground where he makes his home. He knows how to warn of danger, and he talks of the things he likes to eat.

“The Striped Chipmunk talks, too. He can tell you that he is happy living around the rocky ground where he makes his home. He knows how to warn of danger, and he talks about the things he likes to eat.

“Dear me, all animals talk! Of course they do! And every sound they make means something. Our talks must be translated into the language of people if they’re to understand what we’re saying, but if they study us and our talk they’ll be able to translate what we have to say.”

“Wow, all animals can talk! Of course they can! And every sound they make has a meaning. We just need to translate our conversations into human language for them to understand us, but if they observe us and our communication, they’ll be able to figure out what we’re saying.”


SEPTEMBER 7: Doctor Birds

“A little boy named Peter,” said daddy, “had been very ill. His mother and daddy had been so worried about him that they had decided he needed a change of air. So his mother had taken him north, far, far from his home.

“A little boy named Peter,” said Daddy, “had been really sick. His mom and dad were so worried about him that they decided he needed a change of scenery. So his mom took him up north, far, far away from home.”

“Poor Peter! How long the days did seem sometimes.

“Poor Peter! Sometimes the days felt so long.”

“‘If he could only get interested in something,’ said the doctor. ‘He would then get well twice as quickly. Doesn’t he like to read?’

“‘If he could just get interested in something,’ said the doctor. ‘He would get better twice as fast. Doesn’t he enjoy reading?’”

“‘Yes,’ said his mother, ‘but he is lonely for his friends.’

“‘Yes,’ said his mother, ‘but he’s missing his friends.’”

“But one day on the ledge of the little sleeping porch Peter had, came a small bird.

“But one day on the edge of the little sleeping porch that Peter had, a small bird came by."

“‘What a beautiful voice,’ said Peter, after the little bird had given a glorious song.

“‘What a beautiful voice,’ Peter said, after the little bird sang a glorious song.”

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“‘Twit, twit,’ answered the little bird. ‘Chirp, chirp, tweet,’ which was his way of saying he was so glad Peter liked it.

“‘Twit, twit,’ replied the little bird. ‘Chirp, chirp, tweet,’ which was his way of saying he was really happy Peter liked it.

“‘Mother,’ called Peter, ‘may I have some crumbs for this little bird? He has sung for me and has been here to call on me.’

“‘Mom,’ called Peter, ‘can I have some crumbs for this little bird? He sang for me and came to visit me.’”

“Peter’s mother came rushing out with a bowl of bread crumbs and then she brought out some clear, cool water. The little bird looked so grateful and pleased, and he went off singing gaily. That morning seemed very short to Peter, and that afternoon the doctor said that Peter seemed very much better. The next day seven birds came and sang and had a delicious repast. And the following day a flock of birds came—all of many colors and they all had lovely voices. Peter grew steadily better.

“Peter’s mom came running out with a bowl of bread crumbs and then she brought out some fresh, cool water. The little bird looked so thankful and happy, and it flew off singing cheerfully. That morning felt really short to Peter, and that afternoon the doctor said that Peter looked much better. The next day, seven birds came and sang while enjoying a tasty meal. And the day after that, a flock of colorful birds showed up, each with a beautiful voice. Peter continued to improve.”

“Peter suddenly thought that the birds would leave him, for the autumn would take these birds south. Sure enough, they began to grow fewer and fewer, but his first little friend was the last to leave.

“Peter suddenly realized that the birds would leave him, as autumn would send them south. Sure enough, they started to dwindle in number, but his first little friend was the last to go.”

“‘Oh,’ said Peter, ‘you’ve made me well. How I hate to see you go.’ Peter was walking around now, but he always spent his mornings in the sleeping porch where the birds came. And Peter waved a beautiful blue silk handkerchief he had. ‘Good-by little bird friend,’ he called.

“‘Oh,’ said Peter, ‘you’ve helped me so much. I really hate to see you leave.’ Peter was walking around now, but he always spent his mornings on the sleeping porch where the birds would come. He waved a pretty blue silk handkerchief he had. ‘Goodbye, little bird friend,’ he called.

“But that afternoon when the doctor came he told Peter’s mother that Peter was well enough to go back home, so Peter went back with his friends, ‘The Doctor Birds,’ as he called them.”

“But that afternoon when the doctor arrived, he told Peter’s mom that Peter was healthy enough to go back home, so Peter went back with his friends, ‘The Doctor Birds,’ as he called them.”


SEPTEMBER 8: Nine Years Old

“I’m nine years old to-day,” chirped the canary bird. “That is a pretty good age for a canary bird, too. I believe I am to have a special piece of crisp lettuce and a new piece of cuttle fish bone as birthday presents.

“I’m nine years old today,” chirped the canary bird. “That’s a pretty good age for a canary, too. I think I’m going to get a special piece of crispy lettuce and a new piece of cuttlefish bone as birthday gifts.

“Then, too, I’ve heard that I am to have a bite of an apple, also. Ah, yes, it is fine to be nine years old.

“Then, too, I’ve heard that I’m going to have a bite of an apple, too. Ah, yes, it’s great to be nine years old.”

“My mistress has been saying for some time that when to-day came it would be my ninth birthday.

“My mistress has been saying for a while that when today came, it would be my ninth birthday."

“How good she is to me. I haven’t been able to see for the past year or so. I found myself seeing things less clearly and less clearly.

“How good she is to me. I haven’t been able to see for the past year or so. I found myself seeing things less clearly and less clearly.

“Finally I couldn’t see anything. I can feel my way about my cage of course, and sometimes my mistress takes me out and pets me, and I sit on her finger and she kisses the top of my head.

“Finally, I couldn’t see anything. I can feel my way around my cage, of course, and sometimes my owner takes me out and pets me. I sit on her finger, and she kisses the top of my head.”

“Then I give her little love pecks, too—my little bird kind of kisses.

“Then I give her little love pecks, too—my little bird-like kisses.”

“I have an idea when it is night because my mistress says ‘Hush’ to me several times over and kisses me several times, one time right after[218] another for several moments, and then I’m put back on my perch.

“I know it's nighttime because my mistress keeps telling me 'Hush' and kisses me multiple times, one after another for quite a while, and then I'm returned to my perch.[218]

“Then I put my head under my wing, which, of course, is the way I sleep. And next I put my head out for a moment and I hear her say: ‘Good, Dicky. That’s right.’

“Then I tucked my head under my wing, which is how I sleep. Then I peeked out for a moment and heard her say: ‘Good, Dicky. That’s right.’”

“Yes, I’m nine years old, and I’ve had nine happy years of bird life, so far.”

“Yes, I’m nine years old, and I’ve had nine happy years of living like a bird so far.”


SEPTEMBER 9: Evelyn’s Story

“Yes, I know,” said daddy, “I promised Evelyn I would tell her about the dolls I saw in the Old Natural History Museum in Washington the other day. There were dolls which belonged to the great-granddaughter of Major Bradford, who was an aide-de-camp to Washington.

“Yes, I know,” said Dad, “I promised Evelyn I would tell her about the dolls I saw at the Old Natural History Museum in Washington the other day. There were dolls that belonged to Major Bradford’s great-granddaughter, who was an aide-de-camp to Washington."

“There were dolls and toys which belonged to children at different periods of time, years ago.

“There were dolls and toys that belonged to children from different times, years ago.

“Some of the dolls had blue eyes, and some had brown eyes. Many of them wore real lace and looked very fine and wonderful. There were toys too, and there were some sets of dolls’ china which didn’t look unlike the china Evelyn owns. There were many dolls and toys which belonged to children in 1870.

“Some of the dolls had blue eyes, and some had brown eyes. Many of them wore real lace and looked very nice and amazing. There were toys too, and there were some sets of dolls’ china that looked a lot like the china Evelyn owns. There were many dolls and toys that belonged to children in 1870.”

“So that any little girl who ever goes to Washington should go to see the dolls which used to be played with many years ago.”

“So that any little girl who ever visits Washington should go see the dolls that were played with many years ago.”


SEPTEMBER 10: The Gallant Rooster

“Ah,” said Mr. Red Crown Rooster, “I have found a worm. First come, first served,” he added.

“Ah,” said Mr. Red Crown Rooster, “I’ve found a worm. First come, first served,” he added.

Then Miss Gray Hen looked at the worm and said:

Then Miss Gray Hen looked at the worm and said:

“May I have it? I didn’t eat much breakfast this morning, and I’d enjoy an extra meal.”

“Can I have it? I didn’t eat much breakfast this morning, and I’d love an extra meal.”

“Indeed, it is a pleasure to give it to you, cock-a-doodle-do,” said Mr. Red Crown Rooster, who was a gallant, mannerly young rooster.

“Of course, it’s a pleasure to give it to you, cock-a-doodle-do,” said Mr. Red Crown Rooster, who was a brave, polite young rooster.


SEPTEMBER 11: The Fairy Queen Story

“The little chicks were still half-way out of their shells and half-way in their shells,” said daddy.

“The little chicks were still halfway out of their shells and halfway in their shells,” said dad.

“‘See the broken shells we are leaving behind us,’ said one little chick to his brother.

“‘Look at the broken shells we’re leaving behind,’ said one little chick to his brother.

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“‘Will we ever be able to get back in again?’

“‘Will we ever be able to get back in?’”

“‘I don’t believe we will,’ said another little chick. ‘Oh, dear, there we have gone and broken our shells and we won’t be able to go back when we want to. And we may want to, very much indeed. For we may feel very shy in the great barnyard world. And we may want to crawl back into our little dark hiding places.’

“I don't think we will,” said another little chick. “Oh no, we've gone and broken our shells, and we won't be able to go back when we want to. And we might really want to. Because we could feel really shy in the big barnyard world. And we might want to crawl back into our little dark hiding spots.”

“‘Little chicks,’ said a sweet voice, ‘I am the Fairy Queen. I won’t come too near to you so you can see me, but I am going to tell you something. You are growing out of your shells just as boys and girls grow out of their shoes and their suits and their dresses. They can’t get back into them again, either, any more than you can get back into your shells, for that is growth, little chicks, and when you grow to get bigger and stronger you can’t go back to your babyhood.

“‘Little chicks,’ said a gentle voice, ‘I am the Fairy Queen. I won’t come too close so you can see me, but I have something to tell you. You’re breaking out of your shells just like boys and girls outgrow their shoes, suits, and dresses. They can’t fit back into them again, just as you can’t return to your shells, because that’s what growth is, little chicks. When you grow bigger and stronger, you can’t go back to being a baby.’”

“‘A grown-up man can’t go back into a little boy, a little boy can’t go back to the way he was when he was a baby and had to be wheeled in a carriage, and neither can you go back into your shells. None of us can do such things, because it isn’t Mother Nature’s way, and Mother Nature’s way is always the best.

“A grown man can’t turn back into a little boy; a little boy can’t return to being a baby who had to be pushed in a stroller, and you can’t go back into your shells either. None of us can do that because it’s not how Mother Nature works, and Mother Nature’s way is always the best.”

“‘So don’t feel sad, little chicks, because you are leaving your shells for good. It only means you are growing up into big chickens.’ And they all felt happy again.”

“‘So don’t be sad, little chicks, because you’re leaving your shells behind for good. It just means you're growing up to be big chickens.’ And they all felt happy again.”


SEPTEMBER 12: The White Oak

“We have sturdy, strong trunks and arms,” said Old Mother White Oak, “and we have such good roots that we can stand storms.”

“We have sturdy, strong trunks and branches,” said Old Mother White Oak, “and our roots are so strong that we can withstand storms.”

“We are very popular with the men who gather lumber and the people who care for trees. And we live to a very great age. Oh, we become so old!”

“We're really popular with the guys who gather lumber and the people who take care of trees. And we live for a really long time. Oh, we get so old!”

“Then we’ve a long, long, time to live, eh, Mother Oak?” asked the little Oaks.

“Then we have a long, long time to live, right, Mother Oak?” asked the little Oaks.

“You may live to be more than two hundred years old,” said Mother Oak. “Yes, you will probably live to be far older than that.”

“You might live to be over two hundred years old,” said Mother Oak. “In fact, you'll probably live to be even older than that.”

“How wonderful,” the young Oaks whispered.

“How amazing,” the young Oaks whispered.

“We belong to a very great and mighty family of Oaks. By that I mean that there are many different kinds of oaks; like us in many ways and again unlike us in a good many ways.”

“We belong to a vast and powerful family of oaks. What I mean is there are many different types of oaks; similar to us in many ways, but also quite different from us in several ways.”

“They say that there are three hundred different kinds of Oak trees!”

“They say there are three hundred different types of oak trees!”

“Oh dear, what lots of Oaks,” said one of the young Oaks. “How thrilling to belong to such a very big family.”

“Oh wow, so many Oaks,” said one of the young Oaks. “How exciting to be part of such a huge family.”


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SEPTEMBER 13: Wasted Moments

The gold watch was talking to the silver watch and the gun-metal watch.

The gold watch was chatting with the silver watch and the gunmetal watch.

“Well, I’m bright in a way,” said the gold watch, “because I am of gold. But I will tell you first of all why I have done dreadful things—such as to lose and gain time in a reckless way.

“Well, I’m bright in a way,” said the gold watch, “because I’m made of gold. But first, let me explain why I’ve done some terrible things—like losing and gaining time without a care.”

“I was made to look expensive. I cost a lot of money—that is, I cost a good deal of money. The creature who made me, and the one who had me made were more anxious to make me look well than to have me act well.

“I was designed to look expensive. I cost a lot of money—that is, I cost a good amount of money. The person who created me, and the one who commissioned my creation, were more focused on how I looked than on how I performed.”

“They didn’t care what happened to me once I was sold and they sold me for less than they usually would sell a gold watch for because I was so cheaply made inside.

“They didn’t care what happened to me once I was sold, and they sold me for less than they usually would sell a gold watch for because I was made so cheaply inside.”

“Of course in truth I was very expensive, for I wasn’t worth my price and that makes an object most tremendously expensive.

“Of course, in reality, I was very expensive because I wasn’t worth my price, and that makes something incredibly costly.”

“Well, you see, my works were very poor. I was nervous and not well and strong and so I couldn’t go steadily. One day I’d feel very fine and I’d go dashing ahead, trying to make up for lost time. That, of course, a poor watch can never do. It has never been expected of a watch and so a watch shouldn’t try to do it.

“Well, you see, my work was really lacking. I was anxious and not healthy or strong, so I couldn’t keep a consistent pace. One day I’d feel great and I’d charge ahead, trying to make up for lost time. But, of course, a faulty watch can never do that. It has never been expected of a watch, so a watch shouldn’t even attempt it."

“Time goes right on no matter what we may do. But you see I would be so silly. I would go ahead so fast that it was as bad as though I lost time.

“Time keeps moving forward no matter what we do. But you see, I would be so foolish. I would rush ahead so quickly that it was just as bad as if I were losing time.”

“Many were the times when I felt so down-hearted that I just dragged the hours away—and lost lots of time. The whole trouble was that I was trying to pretend that I was something I wasn’t. And that never does. If a creature is what it is and isn’t trying to be something else, then it is all right.

“Many times I felt so down that I just wasted the hours—and lost a lot of time. The whole problem was that I was trying to act like someone I wasn’t. And that never works. If a person is who they are and isn’t trying to be someone else, then that’s okay.”

“I was trying to act like a fine gold watch and I was really a poor gold watch. I was a humbug, but it wasn’t my fault. It was the fault of the people who made me. Anyway, now I am here to be fixed up so I can be what I pretend to be—a timekeeper. But there are people who don’t appreciate moments! Oh, wasted moments are such a pity when people could make so much use of them in working or playing—anything but wasting them! That is what I think is the greatest pity of all.”

“I was trying to act like a high-quality gold watch, but I was really just a cheap imitation. I was a fraud, but it wasn’t my fault. It was the fault of the people who created me. Anyway, now I’m here to get repaired so I can be what I pretend to be—a timekeeper. But there are people who don’t value moments! Oh, wasted moments are such a shame when people could use them for work or play—anything but letting them go to waste! That’s what I think is the saddest part of all.”


SEPTEMBER 14: Welcome, the Dog

“There was once an old, old lady who lived all alone,” said daddy. “Her only companion was a big dog whose name was Fred.

“There was once an elderly lady who lived all by herself,” said dad. “Her only friend was a big dog named Fred.

“But one day Fred got sick. Oh, he was such a sick doggie. He[221] could scarcely wag his tail when his mistress asked him how he was. He just looked at her out of his big eyes and made queer little sounds in his throat, which in dog language meant, ‘Don’t worry, kind mistress. It makes me sad to see you so unhappy.’

“But one day Fred got sick. Oh, he was such a sick dog. He[221] could barely wag his tail when his owner asked him how he was. He just looked at her with his big eyes and made strange little sounds in his throat, which in dog language meant, ‘Don’t worry, dear owner. It makes me sad to see you so unhappy.’

“But Fred only grew worse and worse. The dog doctor came, and said Fred was dying of old age. Poor faithful Fred! How he did hate to leave his mistress. He seemed to know how much she would miss him.

“But Fred just kept getting worse. The vet came and said Fred was dying of old age. Poor loyal Fred! He really hated leaving his owner. He seemed to understand how much she would miss him.

“A week passed by and at the end of a long night when Fred had dozed off and on with his head in his mistress’ lap, his breathing stopped. And over his shaggy fur the old lady’s tears fell hour after hour.

“A week went by, and at the end of a long night when Fred had dozed in and out with his head in his mistress's lap, his breathing stopped. And over his shaggy fur, the old lady's tears fell hour after hour.”

“Now one day, some little while after Fred had died, the old lady was sitting by her window looking out on the village street. There at her door was a big dog—he looked very much like Fred but he was young and he jumped and bounded.

“Now one day, shortly after Fred had passed away, the old lady was sitting by her window, gazing out at the village street. There at her door was a large dog—he looked a lot like Fred but he was young and he leaped and bounded around.”

“‘Scratch! Scratch,’ went his paws on the door, and the old lady slowly got up and let him in.

“‘Scratch! Scratch,’ went his paws on the door, and the old lady slowly got up and let him in.

“‘Whose doggie are you?’ she asked.

“‘Whose dog are you?’ she asked.

“The dog looked at her for a moment, jumped about and then licked her hand, as if to say, ‘I am yours, if you will have me.’

“The dog looked at her for a moment, jumped around, and then licked her hand, as if to say, ‘I’m yours, if you want me.’”

“She brought him some milk to drink, and gave him a bone. While he was playing with his bone, she put on her bonnet and shawl.

“She brought him some milk to drink and gave him a bone. While he was playing with his bone, she put on her hat and shawl.

“‘Come with me,’ said the old lady. ‘But you mustn’t go too fast.’

“‘Come with me,’ said the old woman. ‘But you need to take it slow.’”

“And along the village street they went—the dog going off on short runs, but always coming back to join his new mistress.

“And along the village street they went—the dog taking off for short sprints, but always returning to join his new owner.

“From house to house, from store to store, they went, and the old lady’s question was always the same, ‘Do you know from where this dog came?’

“From house to house, from store to store, they went, and the old lady's question was always the same: 'Do you know where this dog came from?'”

“And always she got the same answer, ‘We have never seen the dog before. But he looks like Fred. Maybe he is one of Fred’s grandchildren—you had better keep him.’

“And always she got the same answer, ‘We’ve never seen the dog before. But he looks like Fred. Maybe he’s one of Fred’s grandkids—you should probably keep him.’”

“‘I shall name you Welcome,’ she said to the dog, ‘for you were very, very welcome to me. I was so lonely.’ And several tears fell from the old lady’s eyes—but now they fell from joy.”

“‘I’m going to name you Welcome,’ she told the dog, ‘because you were so, so welcome to me. I was really lonely.’ And a few tears rolled down the old lady’s cheeks—but now they were tears of joy.”


SEPTEMBER 15: The Children’s Museum

“The other day,” said daddy, “when I had to be in Washington on business, I found a little spare time in which to visit the children’s miniature museum in a building known as the Smithsonian Institution. Now, in this museum, where there were different[222] kinds of birds and insects and trees, there was a description of the bird or of the insect, and of its ways. Among the insects and spiders were some scorpions and the thousand legged creature. Mr. Thousand Legs is very long and has lots of little legs underneath him.

“The other day,” Dad said, “when I was in Washington for work, I found some free time to check out the kids' miniature museum in a place called the Smithsonian Institution. In this museum, where there were different kinds of birds, insects, and trees, there were descriptions of each bird or insect and their behaviors. Among the insects and spiders were some scorpions and a thousand-legged creature. Mr. Thousand Legs is really long and has tons of little legs underneath him.[222]

“Of course he must have lots and lots of little legs when he is called Mr. Thousand Legs.

“Of course he must have tons of little legs when he’s called Mr. Thousand Legs.

“Then I saw Mr. Tarantula from South America. Mr. Tarantula can catch birds. Then Mr. Giant Walking Stick was there with long feelers coming from his head. He, too, had been brought from South America.

“Then I saw Mr. Tarantula from South America. Mr. Tarantula can catch birds. Then Mr. Giant Walking Stick was there with long feelers coming from his head. He, too, had been brought from South America.”

“He had some little feelers, too, and three pairs of legs which are almost enough for any creature.

“He had some tiny feelers, too, and three pairs of legs, which are almost enough for any creature.

“He was grayish white in color.

“He was a grayish-white shade."

“Then,” daddy continued, “there were examples of different kinds of trees and of the different creatures who lived in the trees, and of how they could protect themselves by the color of the nests they made, and by the safety habits they had.

“Then,” Dad continued, “there were examples of different types of trees and the various creatures that lived in them, and how they could protect themselves with the color of the nests they made and their safety habits.”

“For example, the Brown Creeper creeps over the bark of trees which have much the same coloring as his feathers.

“For example, the Brown Creeper moves along the bark of trees that have colors similar to its feathers.”

“The Wood Pewee has a nest, bending down, in the tree, shaped and fixed so that it almost looks like a part of the tree.

“The Wood Pewee has a nest that hangs down in the tree, shaped and secured so that it almost looks like part of the tree.”

“Then the bird called the Least Tern always lays its eggs among the pebbles on the beach and the eggs and the babies are much the same color as the pebbles.

“Then the bird called the Least Tern always lays its eggs among the pebbles on the beach, and the eggs and the chicks are nearly the same color as the pebbles.

“In that way the Least Tern can protect the eggs from the Sea Gulls who would steal them if they thought they were eggs instead of pebbles.

“In that way, the Least Tern can protect the eggs from the sea gulls who would take them if they thought they were eggs instead of pebbles.”

“Mrs. Night-hawk’s ground nest is made to look like dead leaves and just like the ground. It is hidden that way. And it made me think yet again how clever the birds are.”

“Mrs. Night-hawk’s ground nest looks like dead leaves and blends in perfectly with the ground. It’s hidden that way. And it made me think once more how smart the birds are.”


SEPTEMBER 16: Prince, the Horse

“I have a true story to tell you,” commenced daddy, “of a horse who wouldn’t be sold!

“I have a true story to tell you,” Dad started, “about a horse who wouldn’t be sold!

“The horse’s name was Prince, and he belonged to a farmer who had six nice little children.

“The horse’s name was Prince, and he belonged to a farmer who had six sweet little kids.

“One day along the road came a man in a big wagon, driving two horses. The children didn’t like the looks of the man though they didn’t quite know why, until he said: ‘That’s a fine horse you drove to town yesterday. I’ll buy him from you for three hundred dollars.’ Now the farmer was not rich—he was really poor, and he needed three hundred dollars more than he needed Prince.

“One day on the road, a man showed up in a big wagon, driving two horses. The children didn’t trust the look of the man, even though they weren’t sure why, until he said: ‘That’s a great horse you took to town yesterday. I’ll buy him from you for three hundred dollars.’ The farmer wasn’t wealthy—he was actually struggling, and he needed three hundred dollars more than he needed Prince.”

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“‘Well,’ he said at last, ‘I’ll sell him to you.’

“‘Well,’ he finally said, ‘I’ll sell him to you.’”

“The next morning when the farmer got up—very early—for the children had said their good-bys to Prince, and none of them could bear to see him go—he went over to the stable and hitched Prince to the wagon.

“The next morning when the farmer got up—very early—because the children had said their goodbyes to Prince, and none of them could stand to watch him leave—he went over to the stable and hitched Prince to the wagon.”

“Prince gave a low ‘Whinny-whinny,’ and licked his master’s hand.

“Prince let out a soft 'Whinny-whinny' and licked his owner's hand.

“‘Oh Prince, Prince, don’t do that,’ said his master half choking with tears. And Prince neighed softly.

“‘Oh Prince, Prince, don’t do that,’ said his master, half-choking on his tears. And Prince neighed softly.

“They started off, the farmer holding the reins loosely, as if he couldn’t bear to guide Prince to the town. Prince knew where he was going and went ahead. But every few minutes he would turn around, and look at his master, and there were real tears in his big eyes. ‘Prince,’ shouted his master, ‘you’re worth more to us than that money! Turn around!’ And Prince neighed joyfully this time, as his master turned him around, and said, ‘Home, Prince, we’re going home!’”

“They set off, the farmer holding the reins loosely, as if he couldn’t bear to lead Prince to town. Prince knew the way and moved ahead. But every few minutes, he would look back at his master, and there were real tears in his big eyes. ‘Prince,’ shouted his master, ‘you’re worth more to us than that money! Turn around!’ And Prince neighed happily this time, as his master turned him around, and said, ‘Home, Prince, we’re going home!’”


SEPTEMBER 17: The Deer

“Far away,” said daddy, “some men went hunting.”

“Far away,” Dad said, “some men went hunting.”

“‘We hope to get a couple of deer,’ they said. ‘And of course, we’d like it better if we could get more.’

“‘We hope to get a few deer,’ they said. ‘And of course, we’d prefer it if we could get more.’”

“They thought they were going out for a great deal of fun and they planned what they should take to eat and what a glorious grown-up picnic they would have.

“They thought they were going out for a lot of fun and they planned what food to bring and how amazing their grown-up picnic would be.”

“They went hunting on the first day of their trip, and there, sure enough, was a deer. Oh, such a lovely deer! His eyes were soft brown in color and very large and beautiful.

“They went hunting on the first day of their trip, and there, sure enough, was a deer. Oh, what a beautiful deer! His eyes were soft brown and very large and stunning.”

“He had left his mate to go hunting for food and here he was caught by the men. He could not run. He just stood there for one awful moment, his great eyes looking at the men.

“He had left his friend to go hunt for food, and now he was caught by the men. He couldn't run. He just stood there for one awful moment, his big eyes staring at the men.

“‘Oh men,’ he was trying to say, ‘oh great, big men with guns, don’t shoot me down. I do no harm. I am gentle. I have a mate. I don’t want to be shot. Oh men, you men with guns! You are so powerful, so strong. What can I do? But have pity on me. Think of me killed and enjoyed by you as food, and my poor mate crying away by herself in the woods.’

“‘Oh guys,’ he was trying to say, ‘oh great, big guys with guns, don’t shoot me down. I mean no harm. I’m gentle. I have a partner. I don’t want to be shot. Oh guys, you men with guns! You are so powerful, so strong. What can I do? But have mercy on me. Imagine me dead and enjoyed by you as food, and my poor partner crying alone in the woods.’”

“‘Sometimes,’ said one of the men, ‘I cannot bear to shoot one of these lovely creatures. They look so sad. And this one is struck still with fear.’

“‘Sometimes,’ said one of the men, ‘I can't stand shooting one of these beautiful creatures. They look so sad. And this one is frozen in fear.’”

“‘Oh, nonsense,’ said one of the other men, ‘you always get this way on the first day of our hunting trip. Think what good venison we will have.’ For venison is the meat of the deer.

“‘Oh, come on,’ said one of the other men, ‘you always get like this on the first day of our hunting trip. Just think about all the delicious venison we’ll have.’ Because venison is deer meat.”

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“And the man’s kindness fled from him and a loud bang-bang ended the beautiful deer’s life—the deer with the big brown eyes which begged and pleaded for kindness—not for gunshot.

“And the man’s kindness disappeared and a loud bang ended the beautiful deer’s life—the deer with the big brown eyes that begged and pleaded for compassion—not for gunfire.”

“The next day the men were off shooting again. They had what they called a great deal of luck. In truth it means that they killed some of the woodland animals and could feed on some of the meat.

“The next day, the men were out hunting again. They said they had a lot of luck. In reality, that means they killed some woodland animals and could eat some of the meat.

“They saw deer in great numbers but none of the family of the poor deer they had killed on the first day.

“They saw a lot of deer, but none of the family of the poor deer they had killed on the first day.

“On the fifth day of their trip they saw the doe who was the mate of the deer. She, too, had beautiful soft brown eyes and with her a lovely fawn child.

“On the fifth day of their trip, they saw the doe who was the mate of the deer. She also had beautiful, soft brown eyes, and with her was a lovely fawn.”

“‘Oh look,’ said the men, ‘there is a doe. And a fawn with her.’

“‘Oh look,’ said the men, ‘there’s a doe. And a fawn with her.’”

“‘There is a fine against us if we kill a mother deer,’ said one.

“‘We’ll get fined if we kill a mother deer,’ said one.”

“‘Who will know?’ said another.

“‘Who will know?’ said someone else.

“Now the man who had shown a little bit of kindness on the first day by feeling badly to kill the deer was the one who spoke next. To be sure, he had not felt badly enough to have prevented the killing of the deer, nor had he gone home and given up hunting. But he was like those people who haven’t the courage to say they don’t want to do a thing when they know and feel it is cruel and wrong. They just go on doing it to be thought fine and manly.

“Now, the guy who had shown a little kindness on the first day by feeling bad about killing the deer was the one who spoke next. Of course, he didn’t feel bad enough to stop the killing or quit hunting altogether. But he was like those people who lack the courage to admit they don’t want to do something when they know it’s cruel and wrong. They just keep doing it to appear tough and masculine.”

“But to continue with the story. The man spoke and this time he meant what he said.

But to continue with the story. The man spoke, and this time he truly meant what he said.

“‘I cannot bear to kill that mother doe and her lovely fawn. She is running from us, and I, for one, won’t try to get her.’

“'I can’t stand the thought of killing that mother deer and her cute fawn. She’s running away from us, and I, for one, won’t make an attempt to catch her.'”

“The mother doe and fawn had vanished and were safe back in the woods. Oh, how her heart was beating. ‘It was those men who killed my mate,’ she was saying to her fawn child.

“The mother deer and her fawn had disappeared and were safe back in the woods. Oh, how her heart was racing. ‘It was those men who killed my partner,’ she was telling her fawn.”

“And the fawn nestled close to her mother and licked her head to tell her how much she was still loved by her child.

“And the fawn snuggled up to her mother and licked her head to show how much she was still loved by her child.

“‘Yes,’ said the mother deer, ‘I am all alone without my mate, but I have you safe with me.’

“‘Yes,’ said the mother deer, ‘I’m all alone without my mate, but I have you safe with me.’”

“But for days and days the mother had great trouble in keeping her child safe from harm. For it was the time when the men were around with the big guns and the look in their eyes to kill the creatures of the woods and forests.

“But for days and days, the mother had a hard time keeping her child safe from danger. It was the time when the men were around with their big guns and a deadly look in their eyes, ready to kill the creatures of the woods and forests."

“And when the men from the hunting trip I have told you about went home, one man vowed he would never join them again. And he kept his word. Neither did he eat any of the venison, for he could not get from his mind the thought of those great brown eyes begging for pity from the strong men with the guns. And something deep within him must have told him of the lonely mate left in the woods, for never again did he go hunting.”

“And when the guys from the hunting trip I told you about went home, one guy promised he would never join them again. And he stuck to his promise. He didn’t even eat any of the venison because he couldn’t shake the image of those big brown eyes pleading for mercy from the strong men with the guns. And something deep inside him must have reminded him of the lonely mate left in the woods, because he never went hunting again.”


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SEPTEMBER 18: A Black Cat

“A little girl,” said daddy, “owned a beautiful big black cat. The little girl’s name was Carrie and the cat’s name was Mrs. Coal. One day Mrs. Coal’s eyes were shining very brightly and she rubbed up against Carrie as if to say:

“A little girl,” said Daddy, “had a beautiful big black cat. The little girl’s name was Carrie and the cat’s name was Mrs. Coal. One day, Mrs. Coal’s eyes were shining very brightly, and she rubbed up against Carrie as if to say:

“‘I am so happy,’ and how she purred.

“I am so happy,” and how she purred.

“From the look in Mrs. Coal’s green eyes Carrie knew that she wanted her to follow somewhere.

“From the expression in Mrs. Coal’s green eyes, Carrie realized that she wanted her to follow her somewhere.

“Way back in a storeroom lying on an old worn-out mattress were five little bits of fuzz.

“Way back in a storeroom on an old, worn-out mattress were five little bits of fuzz.

“Mrs. Coal looked at Carrie and then licked the tiny little bits of fuzz with her big tongue. ‘My little kittens, my babies,’ was what she was saying in cat talk.”

“Mrs. Coal looked at Carrie and then licked the tiny bits of fuzz with her big tongue. ‘My little kittens, my babies,’ was what she was saying in cat language.”


SEPTEMBER 19: The Oysters

“Fellow Oysters,” said a little oyster, “it was cold last winter. What is more, it was freezing cold. And what is still more, the water was frozen over, oh so strongly, and so securely.

“Fellow Oysters,” said a little oyster, “last winter was really cold. To make it worse, it was freezing cold. And to top it all off, the water was frozen over, so solidly and so securely.

“I have heard that our relatives were so hard to get that they were very, very expensive. They cost too much and so very few went into people’s mouths.”

“I’ve heard that our relatives were so tough to get that they were really, really pricey. They were too costly, and so very few ended up being eaten.”

“Great, great, great,” all the oysters shouted with glee.

“Awesome, awesome, awesome,” all the oysters shouted with excitement.


SEPTEMBER 20: The Elevator

“The elevator,” said daddy, “had stopped at the ground floor of a building and as it was during a time of the day when the people were not using it very much, it had plenty of time to rest.

“The elevator,” Dad said, “had stopped at the ground floor of a building, and since it was a time of day when not many people were using it, it had lots of time to rest.

“‘Yes,’ it said to the ground floor, ‘pretty soon the rush will begin. Very few people get down to their business before this, very few indeed, and very few come just around this time.

“‘Yes,’ it said to the ground floor, ‘pretty soon the rush will begin. Very few people get down to their business before this, very few indeed, and very few come just around this time.

“‘But in a very short time they will be coming. They’ll rush and they’ll be so affectionate with me.’

“‘But they will be here very soon. They’ll hurry and be really affectionate with me.’”

“‘My dear elevator,’ said the ground floor, ‘when people rush at you in the morning it is not because they love you so but because they are almost late to business or are afraid they will be.’

“‘My dear elevator,’ said the ground floor, ‘when people rush at you in the morning, it’s not because they love you, but because they’re almost late for work or afraid they will be.’”

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“‘Oh dear,’ said the elevator, ‘I thought they loved me so. Still it makes no difference. I am but an elevator and I haven’t feelings, so I shall recover from what you have told me. Anyway I never get so high up people can’t reach me.

“‘Oh dear,’ said the elevator, ‘I thought they loved me so. But it doesn’t really matter. I’m just an elevator and I don’t have feelings, so I’ll get over what you’ve said. Besides, I never go up high enough that people can’t reach me.

“‘Now there are some creatures who, when they reach high and lofty positions won’t notice those who are down below them. But not your friend the elevator.

“‘Now, there are some people who, when they achieve high and prestigious positions, ignore those below them. But not your friend the elevator.

“‘No, no matter how high I go, up to the highest floor of this high building, I never fail to think of the people down below on you, ground floor, and down I come for them. I never forget the people down below even if I do go up high in life!’”

“‘No, no matter how high I go, all the way to the top of this tall building, I always think about the people down on the ground floor, and I come back down for them. I never forget the people below, even if I rise high in life!’”


SEPTEMBER 21: The Fog

“I want a change,” said one of the drops of water in a river.

“I want a change,” said one of the droplets in a river.

“And so do I,” said one of the drops of water in a near-by lake.

“And so do I,” said one of the droplets in a nearby lake.

“I want a change to the air,” said a little brook, and a tiny stream said, “I want to be up in the world for a little while.”

“I want a change in the air,” said a little brook, and a tiny stream said, “I want to be up in the world for a little while.”

A few drops in the big ocean not far away heard the murmurings of the river, lake, brook and stream and said in roaring, rumbling tones: “Let’s have a change. One, two, three, now all together go!”

A few drops in the vast ocean nearby heard the sounds of the river, lake, brook, and stream and shouted in loud, booming voices: “Let’s mix things up. One, two, three, now everyone go!”

Then up in the air went the drops from the ocean, river, brook and stream that had wanted a change and a great fog was over all.

Then the drops from the ocean, river, brook, and stream that wanted a change rose up into the air, creating a thick fog over everything.


SEPTEMBER 22: The Land of Nod

“You must go off to the Land of Nod,” said a mother to her little boy whose name was Douglas, and before long Douglas saw a Goblin standing before him.

“You need to go to the Land of Nod,” said a mother to her little boy named Douglas, and soon enough, Douglas saw a Goblin standing in front of him.

“We must visit the circus of the Land of Nod,” said the Goblin. And off they went to see the circus.

“We need to check out the circus in the Land of Nod,” said the Goblin. And off they went to see the circus.

It was just like a regular circus. There were clowns, a band, ladies in pink and yellow and blue who rode on white horses and little black ponies. There were bicycle riders and trapeze performers, and there was even popcorn!

It was just like a regular circus. There were clowns, a band, women in pink, yellow, and blue riding on white horses and little black ponies. There were bicycle riders and trapeze artists, and there was even popcorn!

“What does it all mean?” asked Douglas. “The Land of Nod has everything.”

“What does it all mean?” Douglas asked. “The Land of Nod has everything.”

“Of course,” said the Goblin. “For the Land of Nod is the land[227] of wonderful dreams—dreams of things that really happen in this wonderful world. And come again,” added the Goblin, for Douglas was opening his sleepy eyes as it was bright daylight.

“Of course,” said the Goblin. “The Land of Nod is the land[227] of amazing dreams—dreams about things that really happen in this incredible world. And come again,” added the Goblin, as Douglas started to open his sleepy eyes in the bright daylight.


SEPTEMBER 23: The Homesick Chicken

“Now one of Mrs. Turkey’s children,” commenced daddy, “had been stolen by a great big rat. So Mrs. Turkey said to herself: ‘I think I will take a chicken and look after it. Mrs. Hen won’t mind. She has so many to look after as it is. It will probably be a great relief to her to have one less.’

“Now one of Mrs. Turkey’s kids,” started dad, “had been taken by a huge rat. So Mrs. Turkey thought to herself: ‘I think I’ll take a chicken and take care of it. Mrs. Hen won’t mind. She has so many to care for already. It’ll probably be a big relief for her to have one less.’”

“Mrs. Turkey talked on in this way and she called the chicken she liked best.

“Mrs. Turkey continued to talk like this and called over the chicken she liked the most.

“‘Come here to me,’ she said, and she tried to make her voice sound as a Mother Hen’s would sound.

“‘Come here to me,’ she said, trying to make her voice sound like a mother hen's.”

“The little chicken came running to the side of the turkey and seemed to be quite happy and contented. The turkey fed the chicken when she fed her own children and she looked after him all day long.

“The little chicken came running to the side of the turkey and seemed to be really happy and content. The turkey fed the chicken when she fed her own chicks and took care of him all day long."

“But when evening came and the turkeys were ready to go up to the tree to roost as they always do when night-time comes, the poor little chicken wished he had not left his own mother.

“But when evening came and the turkeys were ready to head up to the tree to settle in for the night as they always do, the poor little chicken wished he hadn't left his own mother.

“‘I was very bad to leave my mother,’ he whispered in a fretful little voice.

“‘I was really wrong to leave my mom,’ he whispered in a worried little voice.

“‘Come on up the tree,’ said Mrs. Turkey, who had reached the topmost branch. ‘I am ready to go to sleep and all the turkeys are. We want to put our heads under our wings. We are very sleepy.’

“‘Come on up the tree,’ said Mrs. Turkey, who had reached the highest branch. ‘I’m ready to go to sleep, and all the turkeys are too. We want to tuck our heads under our wings. We’re really tired.’”

“‘But I can’t get up there,’ said the chicken.

“'But I can't get up there,' said the chicken.

“‘Try,’ said Mrs. Turkey.

"‘Give it a shot,’ said Mrs. Turkey."

“The turkey children began to laugh at the poor little chicken who couldn’t fly to a branch of the tree.

“The turkey kids started to laugh at the poor little chicken who couldn’t fly up to a branch of the tree.

“‘Gobble, gobble, gobble,’ they said. ‘Can’t you fly?’

“‘Gobble, gobble, gobble,’ they said. ‘Can’t you fly?’”

“And the little chicken stayed on the ground below looking very unhappy.

“And the little chicken stayed on the ground below, looking very unhappy.

“‘We can’t keep awake any longer,’ said the turkey children.

“‘We can’t stay awake any longer,’ said the turkey kids.

“‘Go to sleep, my loves,’ said their mother. ‘You are good children and know how to roost in a tree and have a good night’s rest.’

“‘Go to sleep, my loves,’ their mother said. ‘You’re good kids and know how to settle in a tree and get a good night’s sleep.’”

“‘I could roost and have a sleep too,’ moaned the chicken, ‘if you’d come down low.’

“‘I could perch and take a nap too,’ complained the chicken, ‘if you’d come down lower.’”

“‘Now this is annoying,’ said the Mother Turkey. ‘Didn’t I give you good things to eat and look after you all day?’

“‘Now this is frustrating,’ said the Mother Turkey. ‘Didn’t I provide you with good food and take care of you all day?’”

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“‘Yes,’ said the chicken.

"Yes," said the chicken.

“‘And didn’t I let you play with my splendid children?’

“‘And didn’t I let you hang out with my amazing kids?’”

“‘Yes,’ said the chicken again.

"Yes," the chicken said again.

“‘Well, can’t you be grateful and come to bed like a good chicken. Show you are fine enough to belong to a turkey family.’

“Well, can’t you be grateful and come to bed like a good chicken? Show that you’re good enough to belong to a turkey family.”

“‘But I don’t want to belong to a turkey family! I am a chicken and I am used to the ways of chickens. I wish I were back home.’

“‘But I don’t want to be part of a turkey family! I’m a chicken, and I’m used to how chickens do things. I wish I were back home.’”

“‘Well, go home then, you little silly,’ said Mrs. Turkey. ‘It’s the last time I pay a compliment to a chicken by asking to bring him up as one of my own. You’re not able to fly up to this branch. Shame!’

“‘Well, go home then, you little silly,’ said Mrs. Turkey. ‘It’s the last time I compliment a chicken by asking to raise him as one of my own. You can’t even fly up to this branch. Shame!’”

“‘I’m very thankful for the pleasant day you gave me,’ said the chicken politely, ‘but I really must be going now. For I’m just a little bit homesick and I want my Mother Hen.’

“‘I’m really grateful for the nice day you gave me,’ said the chicken politely, ‘but I really have to go now. I’m feeling a bit homesick and I want my Mother Hen.’”

“Here the chicken began to cry, and from a short distance away the turkeys heard a ‘cackle, cackle!’

“Here the chicken started to squawk, and from a short distance away the turkeys heard a ‘cackle, cackle!’”

“Along the ground half walking and half flying as best she could, came the Mother Hen.

“Along the ground, half walking and half flying as best as she could, came the Mother Hen.

“‘Ah, here you are, my naughty chicken,’ she said, but so happy was she to find her child that she didn’t scold any more.

“‘Ah, there you are, my naughty little one,’ she said, but she was so happy to find her child that she didn’t scold anymore.”

“‘Oh, take me home to the chicken roost,’ said the little chicken.

“‘Oh, take me home to the chicken coop,’ said the little chicken.

“‘Yes,’ said the Mother Turkey. ‘I do not care for your child.’

“‘Yes,’ said the Mother Turkey. ‘I don’t care for your child.’

“‘You had no right to take him away,’ said Mother Hen. ‘If you weren’t so high up I’d thrash you with my wings.’

“‘You had no right to take him away,’ said Mother Hen. ‘If you weren’t so high up, I’d smack you with my wings.’”

“‘I’m afraid you couldn’t in the first place,’ said Mrs. Turkey politely, ‘and in the second place you should be glad I’m ’way up here, because your child couldn’t fly this far and so got homesick.’

“‘I’m afraid you couldn’t in the first place,’ Mrs. Turkey said politely, ‘and in the second place, you should be glad I’m up here, because your child couldn’t fly this far and ended up feeling homesick.’”

“‘Oh, I’ll never leave home again,’ said the chicken as he reached the chicken roost, which was just right for him. And the Mother Hen cackled a happy ‘Good Night.’”

“Oh, I’ll never leave home again,” said the chicken as he reached the chicken roost, which was perfect for him. And the Mother Hen cackled a cheerful “Good Night.”


SEPTEMBER 24: Mrs. Duck’s Dinner

The Ducks settled themselves comfortably for Mrs. Duck’s dinner party. Mrs. Duck’s husband came forth from one end of the pond with an enormous tray and his tray was filled with bugs which the ducks love.

The Ducks got cozy for Mrs. Duck’s dinner party. Mrs. Duck’s husband emerged from one end of the pond with a huge tray, and his tray was packed with bugs that the ducks love.

Oh, no, Mr. Duck didn’t carry the water-lily-leaf tray. He pushed it ahead of him through the pond with his long bill. And then all the Ducks gathered around and picked out the bug they liked the best. So altogether it was a most successful dinner party.

Oh, no, Mr. Duck didn’t carry the water-lily-leaf tray. He pushed it in front of him through the pond with his long bill. Then all the Ducks gathered around and chose the bug they liked the most. So overall, it was a really successful dinner party.


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SEPTEMBER 25: Doll Children

“A little girl named Helen,” said daddy, “gave her dolls a wonderful tea party.

“A little girl named Helen,” said Dad, “had a fantastic tea party with her dolls.

“She asked her four best friends to come and bring their dolls. Altogether there were twelve dolls at the party.

“She asked her four best friends to come and bring their dolls. Altogether, there were twelve dolls at the party.”

“The dolls had stiff little chairs to sit upon and they behaved very well indeed. In fact none of them fell on their faces as sometimes dolls are apt to do.

“The dolls had stiff little chairs to sit on and they behaved quite well. In fact, none of them fell on their faces like dolls often do.”

“And the little girls stood behind them and gave them make-believe things to eat on little dishes. Then when the dolls had finished their tea the little girls had cambric tea, bread and butter and sponge cake. And that was the best of all!”

“And the little girls stood behind them and served them pretend food on tiny plates. After the dolls finished their tea, the little girls enjoyed cambric tea, bread and butter, and sponge cake. And that was the best part of all!”


SEPTEMBER 26: The Leaves

“The reason we are so glorious,” said the autumn leaves which had just turned into lovely colors, “is because we want to make a beautiful going-away bow of farewell.”

“The reason we look so beautiful,” said the autumn leaves that had just changed into vibrant colors, “is because we want to make a stunning farewell bow.”


SEPTEMBER 27: The Dawn Fairies

“Once a little boy had heard of the dawn fairies,” said daddy, “and was so eager to see them that he got up long before day-break—in fact, before the fairies themselves were up, for they sleep when it is really dark. This little boy hid in the trunk of a tree. After what seemed a long time to him the lovely gray dawn fairies came out from their sleeping places, and he heard them laugh their low bell-like laughs. Suddenly one of them realized that some one was around and caught sight of the little boy. ‘Oh dear,’ shrieked the fairy; ‘there’s a huge person near us!’ at which all the fairies scattered.

“Once a little boy heard about the dawn fairies,” said daddy, “and was so excited to see them that he woke up long before sunrise—in fact, before the fairies themselves were up, because they sleep when it’s really dark. This little boy hid in the trunk of a tree. After what felt like a long time to him, the beautiful gray dawn fairies emerged from their sleeping spots, and he heard their soft, bell-like laughter. Suddenly, one of them noticed that someone was nearby and spotted the little boy. ‘Oh no,’ screamed the fairy; ‘there’s a giant person near us!’ and all the fairies scattered.”

“From that day the fairy queen has been careful that no one else should see the dawn fairies, and so they all dress in invisible costumes.”

“Since that day, the fairy queen has made sure that no one else can see the dawn fairies, so they all wear invisible costumes.”


SEPTEMBER 28: The Dream

“One night,” said daddy, “a little boy named Julius had a dream in which he joined a circus and so successful was he as a bareback rider that when he awoke he said, ‘When I grow up I shall join a circus. I’ll be a great rider.’ For his dream had seemed very real!”

“One night,” said dad, “a little boy named Julius had a dream where he joined a circus, and he was so successful as a bareback rider that when he woke up, he said, ‘When I grow up, I’m going to join a circus. I’ll be an amazing rider.’ Because his dream felt so real!”


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SEPTEMBER 29: The Monkey’s Collar

“Gyp, the monkey,” said daddy, “was ill. He had hurt his right foot and it had been bandaged by the doctor.

“Gyp, the monkey,” said Dad, “was sick. He had hurt his right foot, and the doctor had bandaged it.”

“Gyp had been very good while this was done and had taken his medicine like a little man, or rather, I should say, like a little monkey.

“Gyp was really well-behaved during this and took his medicine like a little man, or I should say, like a little monkey.”

“But how the bandage did annoy him! He had to stay quite still and not move his leg at all. That was so hard! He tried to keep still and yet he longed to play, for the nice liniment which had been put on the bandage quickly made the horrid foot feel so much better.

“But the bandage really irritated him! He had to stay completely still and not move his leg at all. That was really tough! He tried to keep still, but he desperately wanted to play, because the nice liniment that had been applied to the bandage made his awful foot feel a lot better really fast.”

“Yes, he was quite sure that if he hadn’t the bandage on he would be better. And so he tugged at the bandage and got it off.

“Yes, he was sure that if he didn’t have the bandage on, he would feel better. So he pulled at the bandage and took it off."

“Then how the foot did hurt! No longer was it protected by the soft rags and the soothing liniment! Whew, how it did hurt! And Gyp did not know what to make of it.

“Then how the foot hurt! It was no longer protected by the soft rags and the soothing ointment! Whew, did it hurt! And Gyp didn’t know what to think about it."

“He felt very sad to think that his foot was really no better, and there, he had thought it was just about well. He cried a little, for even though he was a very brave monkey the pain was so hard to bear.

“He felt really sad to think that his foot was actually no better, and there he had thought it was almost healed. He cried a little, because even though he was a very brave monkey, the pain was too much to handle.”

“Now, his master came along and saw what had happened.

“Now, his master came by and saw what had happened.

“‘You have taken off your bandage,’ he said.

“‘You took off your bandage,’ he said.

“The monkey did not say anything, but he curled up by his master and tried with his eyes to say:

“The monkey didn’t say anything, but he curled up next to his owner and tried with his eyes to say:

“‘The foot aches, the pain is very bad, master.’

“‘My foot hurts, the pain is really bad, boss.’”

“‘I understand,’ said the master. ‘But we must have a fresh bandage.’

“I get it,” said the master. “But we need a new bandage.”

“The master sent for the doctor again, and once more a bandage was put on Gyp’s foot, and once more the foot began to feel much much better.

“The master called for the doctor again, and once again a bandage was wrapped around Gyp’s foot, and once more the foot started to feel so much better.”

“After a little while Gyp said to himself: ‘I am sure it must be really well this time. It feels better than ever. In fact, there is no horrid pain there now.’

“After a little while, Gyp thought to himself: ‘I’m sure it must be really good this time. It feels better than ever. In fact, there’s no horrible pain there now.’”

“So he yanked off the bandage and once more the pain set in. This time he howled, and quickly his master came to him.

“So he ripped off the bandage and once again the pain hit him. This time he screamed, and soon his master came to him.”

“‘Oh, Gyp,’ he said, ‘you’ve worked off that bandage again. Oh, Gyp, why did you do such a thing?’ And Gyp looked very sad. For he felt he had been naughty from the tone of his master’s voice, and yet he hadn’t meant to be. He just had thought his foot was all well, and the bandage did get in his way and made him stay so still—so awfully still for a monkey to stay.

“‘Oh, Gyp,’ he said, ‘you’ve taken off that bandage again. Oh, Gyp, why did you do that?’ And Gyp looked really sad. He felt like he’d done something wrong from the way his master sounded, even though he hadn’t meant to. He just thought his foot was healed, and the bandage was bothering him and made him stay so still—so incredibly still for a monkey to be.”

“‘We’ll have to have another bandage,’ said his master.

“‘We need to get another bandage,’ said his master.

“Pretty soon the doctor came again.

“Pretty soon the doctor came again.

“‘What!’ he exclaimed. ‘You don’t mean to tell me that the monkey has taken off his bandage again? What a bad monkey.’

“‘What!’ he exclaimed. ‘You can’t be serious that the monkey has removed his bandage again? What a naughty monkey.’”

“AFTER A LONG TIME THE LOVELY DAWN FAIRIES CAME OUT FROM THEIR SLEEPING PLACES”—Page 229

“AFTER A LONG TIME THE LOVELY DAWN FAIRIES CAME OUT FROM THEIR SLEEPING PLACES”—Page 229

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“Gyp hung his head in shame, but his master understood. ‘Gyp didn’t mean to be naughty,’ he said. ‘We must be patient with him, for he wants to get well.’

“Gyp hung his head in shame, but his master understood. ‘Gyp didn’t mean to be bad,’ he said. ‘We need to be patient with him, because he wants to get better.’”

“And Gyp, who was watching the other monkey, his chief friend and companion, playing and jumping and swinging, would have told the master and doctor if he had known how, that he certainly did not want to be ill.

“And Gyp, who was watching the other monkey, his best friend and companion, playing and jumping and swinging, would have told the master and doctor if he had known how, that he definitely did not want to be sick.

“‘Once more, doctor, just once more,’ said the master. ‘This time the bandage won’t come off.’

“‘Just one more time, doctor, just once more,’ said the master. ‘This time the bandage won’t come off.’”

“‘How do you know it won’t?’ asked the doctor. ‘In fact, I don’t see why you don’t say that you know it is bound to come off.’

“‘How do you know it won’t?’ the doctor asked. ‘Actually, I don’t see why you wouldn’t just say that you know it’s definitely going to happen.’”

“‘You bandage it nicely, doctor,’ said the master, ‘and in a moment I will come back.’

“‘You wrapped it up well, doctor,’ said the master, ‘and I’ll be back in a moment.’”

“The doctor bandaged the foot and the monkey was very patient. The doctor was really kind and talked in gentle tones to Gyp while he was caring for the foot. That kept Gyp from being frightened. How fine the bandage and soothing liniment did feel! He knew he would be all well soon!

“The doctor wrapped up the monkey's foot, and the monkey was very calm. The doctor was really nice and spoke softly to Gyp while taking care of the foot. That helped keep Gyp from getting scared. The bandage and soothing ointment felt so good! He knew he would be completely better soon!

“Just then the master came back carrying a little round collar—it was rather wide and yet it was not at all heavy and rough. He put it around Gyp’s neck, just holding in Gyp’s arms enough so that he could not reach his bandage. The wide collar got in his way. But Gyp understood, and when the foot was all well, off came the collar which had helped so much.”

“Just then, the master came back holding a small round collar—it was pretty wide but not heavy or rough at all. He put it around Gyp’s neck, just holding it in such a way that Gyp couldn’t reach his bandage. The wide collar made it difficult for him. But Gyp understood, and when his foot was completely healed, off came the collar that had helped so much.”


SEPTEMBER 30: Mr. Fox’s Marketing

“Mr. Fox was spending his time near a fine barnyard,” said daddy. “But one day when Mr. Fox was hovering near-by, the farmer spied him.

“Mr. Fox was hanging out by a nice barnyard,” said daddy. “But one day, while Mr. Fox was nearby, the farmer spotted him.

“‘Bang, Bang, Bang,’ went the farmer’s gun.

“‘Bang, Bang, Bang,’ went the farmer’s gun.

“‘Oh me, oh my,’ said Mr. Fox. ‘This is no place for me to hunt. There is a horrid man with a gun around here. How very inconsiderate of him when I want to do my marketing and when I like his chickens so much. He should be flattered to think I like his barnyard.’

“‘Oh man,’ said Mr. Fox. ‘This is not a good place for me to hunt. There’s a horrible guy with a gun nearby. How rude of him when I just want to do my shopping and I really like his chickens. He should feel flattered that I like his farm.’”

“But the farmer wasn’t flattered in the least, and off went the gun again.

“But the farmer wasn’t impressed at all, and the gun went off again.

“Mr. Fox ran for all he was worth and got safely back to the woods.

“Mr. Fox ran as fast as he could and made it back to the woods safely.

“When he reached his home, Mrs. Fox said, ‘Well, and what luck to-day, my dear?’

“When he got home, Mrs. Fox said, ‘So, what’s the luck today, dear?’”

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“‘None at all,’ said Mr. Fox. ‘That marketing place is no good.’

“‘Not at all,’ said Mr. Fox. ‘That marketing spot is worthless.’”

“‘Why not?’ asked Mrs. Fox as she raised her head.

“‘Why not?’ asked Mrs. Fox as she lifted her head.”

“‘Because, my dear,’ said Mr. Fox, ‘there is a man around with a gun.’

“‘Because, my dear,’ said Mr. Fox, ‘there’s a guy nearby with a gun.’”

“‘Oh dear,’ shivered Mrs. Fox. ‘Did you hear the gun?’

“‘Oh no,’ shivered Mrs. Fox. ‘Did you hear the gun?’”

“‘Indeed I just escaped being killed.’

“‘I really just escaped being killed.’”

“‘Oh, my love,’ said Mrs. Fox. ‘Well, we still have some chicken left, and to-morrow you’ll just have to find a new market—that’s all!’”

“‘Oh, my love,’ said Mrs. Fox. ‘Well, we still have some chicken left, and tomorrow you’ll just have to find a new market—that’s it!’”


OCTOBER 1: Gypsy, the Cat

“Gypsy was a cat,” said daddy, “who had been so named because she had been picked up one night when she was all alone, and when she certainly looked as if she had had no home for weeks and months. She certainly looked as if she had led a gypsy’s life—wandering and homeless, and she seemed happy indeed to be taken by little Marian to her nice warm house.

“Gypsy was a cat,” Dad said, “who got her name because she was found one night all alone, looking like she hadn’t had a home for weeks or months. She really seemed to have lived a gypsy’s life—wandering and homeless, and she looked truly happy to be brought by little Marian to her cozy warm house.

“Marian got home just before dinner time. ‘Ah,’ she thought to herself, ‘Gypsy will have a nice dinner—not just a meal she has had to pick up as best she could. It will be a real meal, and she will have her milk in a fine saucer.

“Marian got home right before dinner. ‘Ah,’ she thought to herself, ‘Gypsy will have a nice dinner—not just something she had to grab as best she could. It’ll be a real meal, and she’ll have her milk in a nice saucer.

“‘I have brought a cat home,’ said Marian to her mother. ‘I have named her Gypsy as she is a poor little waif cat, quite homeless and friendless.’

"I brought home a cat," Marian said to her mother. "I named her Gypsy because she's a poor little stray cat, completely homeless and without any friends."

“Right away Gypsy was given a nice warm bowl of milk. And then Marian’s family sat down for their dinner.

“Right away, Gypsy was given a nice warm bowl of milk. Then Marian’s family sat down for dinner.”

“Gypsy sat upon a bookcase. ‘Maybe she thinks she looks wise,’ said Marian. And Gypsy blinked her eyes and purred as if to say, ‘I am a wise cat. I know I have a good home. And I have the sense to look happy.’

“Gypsy sat on a bookshelf. ‘Maybe she thinks she looks smart,’ said Marian. And Gypsy blinked her eyes and purred as if to say, ‘I’m a clever cat. I know I have a great home. And I’m smart enough to look happy.’”

“While Marian and her family were eating Gypsy would look at them from time to time, but every time any of them turned to look at her, she would put her head to one side and look off into space. She seemed to be saying, ‘Maybe I have been a waif but I’m very proud. And I will not appear to be a beggar.’

“While Marian and her family were eating, Gypsy would glance at them occasionally, but every time any of them turned to look at her, she would tilt her head to the side and gaze off into the distance. She seemed to be saying, ‘I may have been a stray, but I'm very proud. And I won’t act like a beggar.’”

“So from that day on, Gypsy always had some milk before Marian began her dinner. She never begged for food, for she was a Gypsy cat with a great deal of pride!”

“So from that day on, Gypsy always had some milk before Marian started her dinner. She never begged for food because she was a Gypsy cat with a lot of pride!”


[233]

[233]

OCTOBER 2: The Make-Believe Elephant

“Lucy,” said daddy, “had her home in a big city apartment house.”

“Lucy,” said Dad, “had her home in a big city apartment building.”

“Down in the main hallway, on a stand there, was an elephant. Not a real elephant, for of course a real elephant could hardly find room on a hallway stand, to say the least. This one was made out of stone and he was exactly the same color as a real, live elephant.

“Down in the main hallway, there was an elephant on a stand. Not a real elephant, since a real elephant could hardly fit on a hallway stand, to say the least. This one was made of stone and was the exact same color as a real, live elephant.”

“Now often Lucy would come in from dancing class, or from play, or from school, and she would wonder what it would be like to be a stone elephant, and she used to feel very sorry for the elephant, always standing in the hall.

“Now often Lucy would come in from dance class, or from playing, or from school, and she would wonder what it would be like to be a stone elephant, and she used to feel very sorry for the elephant, always standing in the hallway.”

“‘I know,’ she would say, ‘that the elephant isn’t a real, live one, but just the same, it does seem funny to be always in the same place, day after day.’

“‘I know,’ she would say, ‘that the elephant isn’t a real, live one, but still, it feels a bit strange to be in the same spot every day.’”

“And then one evening when Lucy was asleep the Dream King sent the elephant to call on her.

“And then one evening when Lucy was asleep, the Dream King sent the elephant to visit her.”

“‘I know,’ the elephant began, without even waiting for Lucy to make a curtsy as she might have done if he had only given her time, ‘that you have often wondered about me.’

“I know,” the elephant started, not even giving Lucy a chance to curtsy like she might have if he had just waited a moment, “that you’ve often thought about me.”

“‘I have,’ said Lucy, ‘it is true.’

“I have,” said Lucy, “that’s true.”

“‘But,’ said the elephant, ‘you mustn’t, for I am very happy. The reason I am happy is because I haven’t the brains or the feelings to be unhappy because I am always in one place.

“‘But,’ said the elephant, ‘you shouldn’t, because I’m very happy. The reason I’m happy is that I don’t have the brains or feelings to be unhappy since I’m always in one place.

“‘If I were a real elephant I would want to go out in the sunshine, I would want to eat, I would even want to play baseball; perhaps I would march in parades. But I’m not a real elephant—I’m only a make-believe one, and I haven’t any feeling at all—no, not a scrap of feeling.

“‘If I were a real elephant, I would want to be out in the sunshine, I would want to eat, and I would even want to play baseball; maybe I would march in parades. But I’m not a real elephant—I’m just a pretend one, and I don’t have any feelings at all—not even a tiny bit.’”

“‘And I haven’t any brains. I couldn’t even smile at you if you were awake. It’s the old Dream King who is helping me to smile now.’

“‘And I don’t have any brains. I wouldn’t even be able to smile at you if you were awake. It’s the old Dream King who is helping me smile now.’”

“And Lucy noticed that the elephant was smiling, such a funny, droll, stone-elephant smile.

“And Lucy noticed that the elephant was smiling, such a funny, quirky, stone-elephant smile.

“‘No, Lucy,’ the elephant continued, ‘you need never feel sorry for me because I am always in one place. I am like a table or a chair or a bed—except I am made in the shape of an animal.

“‘No, Lucy,’ the elephant continued, ‘you never need to feel sorry for me because I’m always in one spot. I’m like a table or a chair or a bed—except I’m shaped like an animal.

“‘It is nice to be a stone elephant if one has always been one,’ it said, ‘and I suppose it is nice to be a little girl if one has always been one,’ and it waved its trunk and was gone.”

“‘It’s great to be a stone elephant if you’ve always been one,’ it said, ‘and I guess it’s great to be a little girl if you’ve always been one,’ and it waved its trunk and disappeared.”


[234]

[234]

OCTOBER 3: Canary Cloudy Wings

“Cloudy Wings thought he would like to see the world,” said daddy. “He had always had a good deal of freedom but he thought he would like more.

“Cloudy Wings thought he would like to see the world,” said Dad. “He had always had quite a bit of freedom, but he thought he wanted even more.”

“So this little canary flew out of a window. He wandered about and flew from bush to bush. Soon it began to rain.

“So this little canary flew out of a window. He wandered around and flew from bush to bush. Soon it started to rain.

“Cloudy Wings stood under the tree but the rain dripped down over his little body and his bright yellow feathers were all wet.

“Cloudy Wings stood under the tree, but the rain dripped down over his little body, soaking his bright yellow feathers.”

“‘Oh, how cold it is,’ thought Cloudy Wings to himself. ‘I can’t shake off this water as I do my bath water, because it all comes on me again. And my little Master always puts me in the sun to dry after my bath. If there is no sun I am put near a stove or where I can slowly get good and dry. This is awful!’ And he gave miserable little sounds.

“‘Oh, it’s so cold,’ Cloudy Wings thought to himself. ‘I can’t get rid of this water like I do with my bath water because it just keeps coming back. And my little Master always puts me in the sun to dry after my bath. If there’s no sun, I’m placed near a stove or somewhere I can gradually dry off. This is terrible!’ And he made sad little sounds.”

“Of course in the meantime, McLean, his Master, was almost frightened out of his poor wits. What could have happened to Cloudy Wings? He saw that a window had been left open, and he knew the bird must have gone out. He kept the window open hoping Cloudy Wings would come back, and he sat by the open window, shivering in the dampness, saying to himself, and trying hard to keep back the tears:

“Meanwhile, McLean, his owner, was nearly beside himself with worry. What could have happened to Cloudy Wings? He noticed that a window had been left open, and he realized the bird must have flown out. He kept the window open hoping Cloudy Wings would return, sitting by the open window, shivering in the damp air, telling himself and trying hard to hold back the tears:

“‘Oh Cloudy Wings, come back! I want you so! Please come back, Cloudy Wings!’

“‘Oh Cloudy Wings, come back! I want you so much! Please come back, Cloudy Wings!’”

“Poor Cloudy Wings, wet and miserable, saw a round glass house, and beat his wings against the panes of glass.

“Poor Cloudy Wings, wet and miserable, saw a round glass house and beat his wings against the glass panes.

“An old man was inside looking after his flowers, for the glass house was a conservatory of flowers and plants. When he saw the poor little wet bird he opened the door and took him in. Cloudy Wings sat in his warm hands while the old man smoothed and dried the little wet feathers.

“An old man was inside tending to his flowers, since the greenhouse was a sanctuary for flowers and plants. When he saw the poor little soaked bird, he opened the door and brought it in. Cloudy Wings sat in his warm hands while the old man gently smoothed and dried the little wet feathers.”

“‘You belong to the little boy down the road,’ he said to himself. ‘I’ve seen you in the window. I always could tell you by your gray wings.’ So back in the old man’s pocket Cloudy Wings went to his Master, and never again did he leave his home.”

“‘You belong to the little boy down the street,’ he said to himself. ‘I’ve seen you in the window. I could always recognize you by your gray wings.’ So back into the old man’s pocket went Cloudy Wings to his Master, and he never left home again.”


OCTOBER 4: The Abused Pencil

“A boy named Gerald,” said daddy, “was finding it very hard to do his lessons. School had commenced and yet the days were so lovely it was hard to study.

“A boy named Gerald,” said Dad, “was having a really tough time with his homework. School had started, but the days were so beautiful that it was hard to focus on studying.

“He could not draw a map and he was supposed to have one drawn[235] for the next day. He found it so hard to remember just how the places looked on the map and he was supposed to do it from memory.

“He couldn’t create a map, and he was expected to have one ready[235] by the next day. He struggled to recall how the places appeared on the map, and he had to do it all from memory.

“He gave up trying the map after a few moments. Then he sat and chewed the end of his pencil. Perhaps in a moment or two he would think of all the places he was supposed to mark.

“He stopped trying to read the map after a few moments. Then he sat down and chewed on the end of his pencil. Maybe in a minute or two, he would remember all the places he was supposed to mark.”

“He decided he would do his arithmetic but he could not manage the sums. They were all so extremely hard. Much worse than they had been in the spring, though in reality they were a little easier. The teacher had known the children had had a long summer and it would take them a little time to get back into their work.

“He decided to do his math, but he couldn't figure out the problems. They were all really difficult—way harder than they had been in the spring, even though they were actually a bit easier. The teacher knew the kids had a long summer, so it would take them some time to get back into their studies.”

“He tried to do the sums but couldn’t. What a pity the book had no answers in the back! And he began to chew the end of his pencil again while he tried to think.

“He tried to do the math but couldn’t. What a shame the book didn’t have the answers in the back! And he started chewing the end of his pencil again as he tried to think.

“Before long he felt he could not do his lessons for he was too tired and they were entirely too hard. He was dreadfully afraid he would be put back with the boys a year younger than he was, and yet he couldn’t do such difficult lessons.

“Before long he felt he couldn’t do his homework because he was too tired and it was all just too hard. He was really scared he would be held back with the kids who were a year younger than him, but he still couldn’t manage such tough lessons.”

“How ashamed he would be to be put back! Oh dear, what could he do? He must simply tell the teacher the lessons were too hard. But then he felt sure she would tell him to go back into a class where they were easier.

“How embarrassed he would be to be sent back! Oh no, what could he do? He would have to tell the teacher that the lessons were too difficult. But then he was sure she would just make him go back to a class where they were easier.”

“He put his head down on his arms. The soft autumn breeze was blowing. It had been a warm day and two bumble-bees were buzzing and talking very near him. They were having some sort of a talk about the sweetness of the honey in the honeysuckle vine.

“He rested his head on his arms. A gentle autumn breeze was blowing. It had been a warm day, and two bumblebees were buzzing and chatting nearby. They seemed to be discussing the sweetness of the honey in the honeysuckle vine."

“Just then he saw his pencil. The end of it was wrapped up in cotton wool and gauze.

“Just then he saw his pencil. The end of it was wrapped in cotton wool and gauze.

“‘Gracious, pencil, what is the matter?’ asked Gerald.

“‘Wow, pencil, what's wrong?’ asked Gerald.

“‘I shouldn’t think you would ask me what is the matter,’ said the pencil as it squeaked in a sad little voice.

“I wouldn’t expect you to ask me what’s wrong,” said the pencil in a sad little voice as it squeaked.

“‘Why not?’ asked Gerald. But the moment he had asked the question he knew the answer.

“‘Why not?’ asked Gerald. But as soon as he asked the question, he realized he already knew the answer.”

“The pencil answered him just the same. ‘You know I am to do your work. I will work but I must be guided and directed. I cannot think. A pencil is not supposed to think. A boy is supposed to do that. I merely write down what you think is correct, and goodness only knows I often feel very badly when I have to write down all sorts of wrong answers.

“The pencil replied just like before. ‘You know I’m here to do your work. I’ll do it, but I need to be guided and directed. I can’t think. A pencil isn’t meant to think. That’s what a boy is for. I just write down what you think is right, and honestly, I often feel really bad when I have to write down all sorts of wrong answers."

“‘And when I won’t think for you,’ continued the pencil, ‘this is the way you abuse me. Think! Don’t bite me to pieces. And I’ll tell you another thing. You may bite me in two, but never, never will I do your thinking for you. I am not supposed to and I won’t.’ The[236] pencil was certainly very emphatic, Gerald thought, and he decided he would not argue with it.

“‘And when I won’t think for you,’ continued the pencil, ‘this is how you mistreat me. Think! Don’t chew me up. And I’ll tell you something else. You can break me in half, but I will never, ever do your thinking for you. I’m not meant to, and I won’t.’ The[236] pencil was definitely very firm, Gerald thought, and he decided not to argue with it.

“‘I was a lovely red pencil with black lead,’ the pencil continued, in an injured tone, ‘and now I am all bitten to pieces. One of my ends is almost useless, and I will break when the lead is used very much further. Oh, dear! And I was such a nice pencil!’ It sighed and seemed very mournful.

“I was a beautiful red pencil with black lead,” the pencil went on, sounding hurt, “and now I’m all bit up. One of my ends is nearly useless, and I’ll break if the lead gets used much more. Oh, dear! I was such a nice pencil!” It sighed and looked very sad.

“Just at that moment the cotton wool came off the pencil and Gerald saw that he had been sleeping. The pencil had been badly bitten, but Gerald, now wide awake, put his mind to his studying, and found the lessons were not so hard after all!”

“Just then, the cotton ball fell off the pencil, and Gerald realized he had been asleep. The pencil had been chewed up, but now fully awake, Gerald focused on his studying and discovered that the lessons weren’t so difficult after all!”


OCTOBER 5: The Onions

“We are far more useful than you are,” said the seeds of the lettuce which were just peeping above the ground in a box, showing their little green heads. They were in a schoolroom.

“We're way more useful than you are,” said the lettuce seeds that were just poking their little green heads above the soil in a box. They were in a classroom.

“I can’t help that,” said the geranium plant. “I was never meant to be useful. I try to be bright and cheerful. I wish I could be useful but every one can’t be just the same as every one else. Neither can plants all be the same. Vegetables can’t be plants and plants can’t be vegetables. But we all have our own reasons for being here.”

“I can’t help that,” said the geranium plant. “I was never meant to be useful. I try to be bright and cheerful. I wish I could be useful, but not everyone can be the same as everyone else. Just like plants can’t all be the same. Vegetables can’t be plants, and plants can’t be vegetables. But we all have our own reasons for being here.”

“I don’t see,” said one of the onions. They were very small but were also coming up in a box of their own. And after the onion had said that, it kept quite still just as if it had completely finished talking.

“I don’t see,” said one of the onions. They were very small but were also growing in a box of their own. And after the onion had said that, it stayed completely still as if it had completely finished talking.

“You commenced to say something,” said the lettuce. “Why not finish?”

“You started to say something,” said the lettuce. “Why not finish?”

“Sometimes I get too discouraged to finish,” said the onion. “We all feel that way at times.”

“Sometimes I get too discouraged to finish,” said the onion. “We all feel that way at times.”

“And why?” asked the lettuce.

“And why?” asked the lettuce.

“For you it is different, little lettuce leaves,” said the onion. “You are a salad when you grow up. You are considered a luxury and a treat.”

“For you, it’s different, little lettuce leaves,” said the onion. “You become a salad when you grow up. You’re seen as a luxury and a treat.”

“Don’t people enjoy eating you?” asked the lettuce.

“Don’t people enjoy eating you?” asked the lettuce.

“Yes,” said the onion, “they often enjoy eating us. But they won’t give us any praise for it. They eat us when they’re off by themselves as if they were a little ashamed of eating us.

“Yes,” said the onion, “they often like eating us. But they never give us any credit for it. They eat us when they’re alone as if they feel a little embarrassed about it.”

“I have often heard folks say,” continued the onion, “‘Oh, I am ashamed to admit it, but I do like fried onions.’ Then another will say, ‘Just imagine, little Freddy likes to eat raw onions when they are small.’ Oh, things like that cut us so,” said the onion. “We like[237] to be eaten. All vegetables do, but we would like to be appreciated.”

“I’ve often heard people say,” continued the onion, “‘Oh, I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I do like fried onions.’ Then another will say, ‘Just imagine, little Freddy likes to eat raw onions when they’re small.’ Oh, things like that hurt us so,” said the onion. “We like[237] to be eaten. All vegetables do, but we want to be appreciated.”

“If you weren’t appreciated and liked,” said the lettuce politely, “you wouldn’t be planted and grown. They use you all the time—to season food and to make things have a nice taste.”

“If you weren’t appreciated and liked,” said the lettuce politely, “you wouldn’t be planted and grown. They use you all the time—to season food and to make things taste good.”

“Ah,” said the onion, which was doing all the talking for the family, “that is true. But listen to what they always say. They explain that they like to put a little onion in the soup—not so the soup will taste of onion—oh, mercy, no—but just to give it a little flavor. That is what we do. We flavor many a dish, but we don’t get the credit. Life is full of trials,” ended the onion.

“Ah,” said the onion, which was doing all the talking for the family, “that’s true. But listen to what they always say. They explain that they like to add a little onion to the soup—not so the soup will taste like onion—oh, no way, but just to give it a bit of flavor. That’s what we do. We add flavor to many dishes, but we don’t get the credit. Life is full of challenges,” finished the onion.


OCTOBER 6: Trixie’s Burglar

“It was night time and Trixie the parrot,” said daddy, “had her head under her wing. Sometimes she slept this way, just as a canary bird would sleep. But often she would huddle up on her perch and doze off with her head drooping down a little on her chest.

“It was nighttime and Trixie the parrot,” said Dad, “had her head tucked under her wing. Sometimes she slept like that, just like a canary. But often she'd snuggle up on her perch and doze off with her head tipping slightly down onto her chest.

“All of the family were asleep when Trixie seemed to hear in her dream a strange sound. She pulled her head from under her wing and looked about her with sleepy eyes.

“All of the family were asleep when Trixie seemed to hear a strange sound in her dream. She pulled her head from under her wing and looked around with sleepy eyes.

“Did she see some one way off in the corner? Trixie was frightened. She did not quite know why. She was never frightened of people, but this person stayed where it was so dark, and did not light a light—only a little one that flashed quickly and went right out again.

“Did she see someone way off in the corner? Trixie was scared. She wasn’t really sure why. She was never afraid of people, but this person remained in the darkness and didn’t turn on a light—just a tiny one that flashed quickly and then went out again.

“When her master came downstairs late at night, he always turned on the light. But Trixie thought she had better be polite. This was probably some very queer guest and she must be nice, for all the family were asleep.

“When her master came downstairs late at night, he always turned on the light. But Trixie thought she should be polite. This was probably some unusual guest, and she had to be nice since the whole family was asleep."

“‘Hello,’ said Trixie. The man grumbled to himself. ‘He didn’t answer me,’ thought Trixie. ‘I must speak again.’ And this time she shrieked, ‘Hello.’

“‘Hello,’ said Trixie. The man muttered under his breath. ‘He didn’t answer me,’ thought Trixie. ‘I need to say something again.’ And this time she yelled, ‘Hello.’

“‘Will you keep quiet?’ said the man in a frightened, low voice.

“‘Will you be quiet?’ the man said in a scared, quiet voice.”

“‘No,’ answered Trixie, ‘never still.’ Now Trixie had said this in a very loud voice, and from upstairs Trixie’s master heard the parrot. ‘She never says that except when some one is here,’ he said, and he went downstairs.

“‘No,’ Trixie replied, ‘never still.’ Trixie had said this quite loudly, and from upstairs, her owner heard the parrot. ‘She only says that when someone is around,’ he said, and he headed downstairs.

“As he reached the room where the parrot was he saw a man hurrying off—hurrying off before he had had a chance to get anything, for he had spent his time since Trixie had spoken putting a large coat over the parrot’s cage.

“As he got to the room with the parrot, he saw a man quickly leaving—leaving before he had a chance to grab anything, because he had spent his time since Trixie had talked covering the parrot’s cage with a big coat."

“The window had been left open and a burglar had come in, but Trixie, the parrot, had been the cause of his going out.”

“The window had been left open and a burglar had entered, but Trixie, the parrot, was what drove him out.”


[238]

[238]

OCTOBER 7: An Autumn Party

“A trumpet sounded through the woods,” said daddy, “and then the voice of Mr. Giant was heard saying, ‘Come, all the fairies, to the bonfire party. Come, brownies; come, elves; come, gnomes; come, bogeys; come, goblins; and come, Witty Witch!’

“A trumpet sounded through the woods,” said Dad, “and then we heard Mr. Giant's voice saying, ‘Come, all the fairies, to the bonfire party. Come, brownies; come, elves; come, gnomes; come, bogeys; come, goblins; and come, Witty Witch!’”

“At that all the creatures came flying and running and rushing to the bonfire party. The invitations were delivered by Mr. Wind to those who were any distance away. They told stories, they sang, and they ate roasted corn. And later on, when Mr. Moon had come up to see what was going on, they danced. And how like fairyland they all did look, for they all wore gorgeous costumes of the early autumn colors.”

“At that moment, all the creatures came flying, running, and rushing to the bonfire party. Mr. Wind delivered invitations to those who were far away. They shared stories, sang songs, and ate roasted corn. Later, when Mr. Moon came to see what was happening, they danced. They looked just like fairyland, dressed in beautiful costumes of early autumn colors.”


OCTOBER 8: A Little Dog

“A little black dog named Soot,” said daddy, “was out for a scamper when he saw out in the lake, far out from the shore, an upturned canoe and two girls trying to swim with all their clothes on to the shore. They could swim—yes, but how long could they keep it up?

“A little black dog named Soot,” said Dad, “was out for a run when he spotted an overturned canoe out in the lake, far from the shore, and two girls trying to swim to safety with all their clothes on. They could swim—sure, but how long could they keep it up?

“Oh, dear, how badly Soot did feel to be so small. He could not rescue them. He was so very tiny. But he had a voice and he could run on his little legs. So back into the village he tore as fast as he could, barking, barking, barking.

“Oh, no, Soot felt so awful about being so small. He couldn’t save them. He was just way too tiny. But he had a voice and could run on his little legs. So he dashed back into the village as fast as he could, barking, barking, barking.”

“He ran to some men and he stood around them barking and jumping up and down; his little face looking very sad and worried.

“He ran to some guys and stood around them barking and jumping up and down; his little face looked really sad and worried.

“‘Something must be wrong,’ said one of the men. ‘Let’s go and see. This dog never acts like this as a rule.’ Soot led them down by the water and there they saw the upturned boat and the two girls trying so hard to swim to shore. The men rushed to one of the boat houses on the shore of the lake. Everything had been closed up, for the boating season was almost over and very few people went out in the autumn. The men broke open a boat house and they took a launch out into the lake. They just reached the two girls in time. In another three minutes they could not have kept up any longer. They had called for help but the wind had carried their voices in another direction, and the only one who had seen them was Soot, their real rescuer!”

“‘Something’s not right,’ said one of the guys. ‘Let’s go check it out. This dog never behaves like this normally.’ Soot led them down to the water, and there they saw the capsized boat and the two girls struggling to swim to shore. The men rushed to one of the boat houses on the lake’s shore. Everything was shut up since the boating season was almost over and very few people went out in the fall. The men broke into a boat house and took a launch out onto the lake. They reached the two girls just in time. In another three minutes, they wouldn’t have been able to keep up anymore. They had called for help, but the wind carried their voices away, and the only one who spotted them was Soot, their true rescuer!”


[239]

[239]

OCTOBER 9: Alta’s Guinea Pigs

“Now, there were two guinea pigs which were quite big. They were the mother and daddy guinea pigs. And there were three smaller guinea pigs. They were the children, of course,” explained daddy, “and they all belonged to a pretty little girl named Alta.

“Now, there were two large guinea pigs. They were the mom and dad guinea pigs. And there were three smaller guinea pigs. They were the kids, of course,” explained dad, “and they all belonged to a pretty little girl named Alta.

“It was night-time, and Alta was sound asleep. And as it was winter-time, the guinea pigs were in the box in Alta’s room.

“It was nighttime, and Alta was sound asleep. Since it was winter, the guinea pigs were in the box in Alta’s room.

“The guinea pigs were all asleep, too, when they heard a scratching on their box. First Daddy Guinea Pig opened his eyes.

“The guinea pigs were all asleep, too, when they heard a scratching on their box. First Daddy Guinea Pig opened his eyes.

“‘What is it you want?’ he asked.

“‘What do you want?’ he asked.

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ said a low voice. ‘I’m Peter Gnome. I’ve come to call on you. I won’t hurt you. I think you are all very nice. And your children, sir, are lovely.’

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ said a quiet voice. ‘I’m Peter Gnome. I’ve come to visit you. I won’t hurt you. I think you’re all really nice. And your kids, sir, are lovely.’”

“That pleased Daddy Guinea Pig so much that he invited Peter Gnome to look at the children and to play with them. Mother Guinea Pig was awake now, and as Peter Gnome gently took the little guinea pigs in his hands, one by one, they squealed sleepily and seemed no more than little round bits of fuzz.

“That made Daddy Guinea Pig so happy that he invited Peter Gnome to come and see the kids and play with them. Mother Guinea Pig was awake now, and as Peter Gnome carefully picked up the little guinea pigs one by one, they squeaked sleepily and looked like tiny, round balls of fluff.

“First Peter Gnome would stroke one guinea pig and then another, and he told the daddy and mother that he simply could not make up his mind which was the loveliest.

“First Peter Gnome would pet one guinea pig and then the other, and he told the mom and dad that he just couldn't decide which one was the cutest.

“That delighted the proud parents, for they had never been able to decide themselves.

“That made the proud parents very happy, since they had never been able to make a decision themselves.

“‘Did you feel like eating the children when they were very young, Mr. Guinea Pig?’ asked Peter Gnome.

“‘Did you have the urge to eat the kids when they were really little, Mr. Guinea Pig?’ asked Peter Gnome.”

“‘Feel like eating my own children?’ he squealed in such a loud voice that Peter was very much afraid Alta would awaken.

“‘Feel like eating my own kids?’ he squealed so loudly that Peter was really worried Alta would wake up.

“‘Well, there are many creatures who do,’ said Peter Gnome. ‘I only asked because I wanted to know and I heard you did.’

“‘Well, a lot of creatures do,’ said Peter Gnome. ‘I only asked because I wanted to know, and I heard you do.’”

“‘Well, now you know,’ said Daddy Guinea Pig, ‘that I do not eat my children when they are young or old. I most certainly do not. I love them from the first day up, and more all the time.’

“‘Well, now you know,’ said Daddy Guinea Pig, ‘that I don’t eat my kids, no matter how young or old they are. I definitely don’t. I love them from day one and even more as time goes on.’”

“‘He does, indeed,’ said Mother Guinea Pig. ‘He is a great help to me. He is an unusual Guinea Pig.’

“‘He really does,’ said Mother Guinea Pig. ‘He’s a huge help to me. He’s not your typical Guinea Pig.’”

“‘He is devoted to us,’ squealed the little guinea pigs.

“‘He is dedicated to us,’ squealed the little guinea pigs.

“‘I’m so glad to hear it,’ said Peter Gnome. ‘You’ll forgive the question?’

“‘I’m really glad to hear that,’ said Peter Gnome. ‘Can I ask you a question?’”

“‘To be sure,’ said Daddy Guinea Pig, who was calm again now. ‘Of course there are guinea pigs and other creatures who do such things, but I’m not one of them. Never, never, never!’

“‘For sure,’ said Daddy Guinea Pig, who was calm again now. ‘Of course there are guinea pigs and other animals that do those things, but I’m not one of them. Never, never, never!’”

“‘I’m honored to have met you, sir,’ said Peter Gnome, ‘and your family is wonderful.’ So off he hurried, throwing behind him a piece[240] of cabbage leaf and saying to himself what a lovely family of guinea pigs they were.”

“‘I’m really glad to have met you, sir,’ said Peter Gnome, ‘and your family is amazing.’ Then he quickly left, tossing behind him a piece[240] of cabbage leaf and thinking to himself what a lovely family of guinea pigs they were.”


OCTOBER 10: A Devoted Dog

“Bobbie was a small fox terrier. He was black and white,” said daddy. “Or perhaps I had better say he had a white body with black spots.

“Bobbie was a small fox terrier. He was black and white,” said Dad. “Or maybe I should say he had a white body with black spots.

“He belonged to a little girl named Lily and he was very, very fond of her.

“He belonged to a little girl named Lily, and he was really, really fond of her."

“One day Lily’s mother said: ‘How would you like to visit your cousins?’ Lily thought it would be splendid. On the following day the trunk was brought down from the attic to be packed. Bobbie saw it and knew that he was not going to be taken on the trip. If he had been going too, Lily would have acted very differently.

“One day, Lily’s mom said, ‘How would you like to visit your cousins?’ Lily thought it would be awesome. The next day, the trunk was brought down from the attic to be packed. Bobbie saw it and realized he wasn’t going on the trip. If he had been going too, Lily would have acted very differently.”

“He sat by the trunk and cried! And all day long he wouldn’t move. Early the next morning the trunk was carried away to the depot by an expressman, and poor Bobbie howled.

“He sat by the trunk and cried! And all day long he wouldn’t move. Early the next morning, the trunk was taken to the depot by a delivery person, and poor Bobbie howled.

“Lily kissed his little black-spotted ears and she, too, cried but her cousins did not want Bobbie brought too.

“Lily kissed his little black-spotted ears, and she cried as well, but her cousins didn’t want Bobbie to come, either.”

“After Lily had left the house Bobbie would not be comforted. He would not eat, and all day long he would look up the road to see if Lily was coming. The next night there was a sudden scamper and a wild bound. For far away Bobbie had heard the sounds of wheels and he felt Lily was there. Yes, she had come right home. She had missed her Bobbie. And never again were they apart.”

“After Lily left the house, Bobbie couldn't be consoled. He wouldn't eat and spent all day looking down the road to see if Lily was coming back. The next night, there was a sudden rush and a wild leap. From far away, Bobbie heard the sound of wheels and sensed that Lily was near. Yes, she was back home. She had missed her Bobbie. And they were never apart again.”


OCTOBER 11: A Bird’s Secret

“The Fairy Wondrous Secrets told me to talk to you when you were asleep,” said the canary to his little mistress Cora.

“The Fairy Wondrous Secrets told me to talk to you while you were sleeping,” said the canary to his little mistress Cora.

“Then tell me how it is you can get along without teeth,” said Cora.

“Then tell me how you manage to get by without teeth,” said Cora.

“My beak takes the place of teeth,” the canary explained. “It is very sharp, and I can eat all I want.

“My beak takes the place of teeth,” the canary explained. “It’s really sharp, and I can eat as much as I want.

“When you see me at the cuttlefish and the sugar, I am really sharpening my beak—just as though it were a knife. Now that is something creatures cannot do with teeth. Whoever heard of people sharpening their teeth?

“When you see me at the cuttlefish and the sugar, I am really sharpening my beak—just like it’s a knife. Now that’s something creatures can’t do with teeth. Who’s ever heard of people sharpening their teeth?

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“But that is what we do all the time with our beaks—we birds. Yes, we also sharpen our beaks on the bars in our cages. And the birds outside find plenty of tools for sharpening. We are never bothered about eating anything we wish to have. If we feel like it we sharpen up in time and then how we do enjoy our food.”

“But that's what we always do with our beaks—we birds. Yeah, we also sharpen our beaks on the bars of our cages. And the birds outside find plenty of things to sharpen with. We never worry about eating whatever we want. If we feel like it, we sharpen up in time, and then we really enjoy our food.”


OCTOBER 12: Columbus Day

October twelfth is not celebrated as a holiday because it was the day when Christopher Columbus was born, but because it was supposed to be the date upon which Columbus first stood upon the ground which forms a part of the continent of America. The exact date of his birth is not known nor the exact place.

October twelfth isn't celebrated as a holiday because it was the day Christopher Columbus was born, but because it's believed to be the day he first set foot on what is now part of the continent of America. The exact date of his birth and the specific location are both unknown.

Columbus took many voyages in his life-time; he discovered many islands and made for himself a great and lasting name in history, but he never knew he had discovered a new continent! Always he thought that those places he had touched were parts of Asia.

Columbus made many voyages in his lifetime; he discovered numerous islands and created a significant and lasting legacy in history, but he never realized he had found a new continent! He always believed that the places he had reached were parts of Asia.

And it seems quite sad to think of the times we’ve been applauded (and often, very justly too!) when we’ve recited well or played the piano well, while Christopher Columbus, who discovered America, did not even know of the great deed that he had done. Never had he any realization that in a new continent they would erect monuments to him, nor that in schools they would give pageants about his trip, his discouragements, his successes.

And it’s pretty sad to think about the times we’ve been applauded (and often, rightfully so!) when we’ve performed well or played the piano well, while Christopher Columbus, who discovered America, didn’t even realize the significance of what he had done. He never imagined that a new continent would build monuments in his honor, or that schools would have pageants about his journey, his struggles, and his achievements.

And his little son Diego, whom Queen Isabella made a page at the Spanish Court, could not boast to the others and say,

And his young son Diego, whom Queen Isabella appointed as a page at the Spanish Court, couldn't brag to the others and say,

“My father has discovered a new continent, which is more than can be said for most fathers, and most people for that matter!”

“My dad has found a new continent, which is more than can be said for most dads, and most people, for that matter!”

For neither did little Diego know; and it has always seemed such a pity. It would have been so splendid a thing for any little boy to have been able to say!

For little Diego didn’t know either; and it has always felt like such a shame. It would have been such an amazing thing for any little boy to be able to say!


OCTOBER 13: The Camels

“It always strikes folks as funny,” said Sophia Camel, “that we look our best in the winter time and not in the summer time when the zoo is filled with people and when so many come to ride us.

“It always seems funny to people,” said Sophia Camel, “that we look our best in the winter, not in the summer when the zoo is packed with visitors and so many come to ride us.

“But we don’t care about our looks. We have our family ways.[242] And one of our family ways is to molt our hair after the long winter is over.

“But we don’t care about how we look. We have our family traditions.[242] And one of our family traditions is to shed our hair after the long winter is over.

“We can’t change our ways to suit people, even if we would like to change them.”

“We can’t change our behavior to please others, even if we want to change.”

“We can’t, indeed,” said Sally Camel. “And though they may think it a pity we don’t dress up in the summer time they will have to take us as they find us and be satisfied.”

“We can't, really,” said Sally Camel. “And even if they think it's a shame we don't dress up in the summer, they'll just have to accept us as we are and be okay with it.”


OCTOBER 14: A Naughty Cat

“Jota, the cat,” said daddy, “was always complaining. First Jota would leave her milk as if she didn’t like it at all and then she would upset her little dish filled with bacon.

“Jota, the cat,” said dad, “was always complaining. First, Jota would leave her milk like she didn’t like it at all, and then she would knock over her little dish filled with bacon.

“There was really nothing in the world the matter with Jota except that she had been spoiled.

“There was really nothing in the world wrong with Jota except that she had been spoiled.

“‘I have some nice milk for you to-day,’ said the cook. ‘It has just come and it is good and warm.’

“I have some fresh milk for you today,” said the cook. “It just arrived, and it’s nice and warm.”

“Now Jota was thinking of the mice she had heard scampering in the cellar. She didn’t want the milk. She would much rather have mice. And when cook lifted her up and carried her to the corner of the kitchen where she had put the bowl of milk, Jota scratched as well as snarled.

“Now Jota was thinking about the mice she had heard scurrying in the cellar. She didn’t want the milk. She would much rather have mice. And when the cook picked her up and carried her to the corner of the kitchen where she had placed the bowl of milk, Jota scratched and snarled.”

“Oh, how badly the cook did feel! Not because the scratch was such a bad one. No, that amounted to very little, but she felt so hurt that Jota could have scratched her. She had always been so good to Jota.

“Oh, how badly the cook felt! Not because the scratch was so bad. No, that hardly mattered, but she felt so hurt that Jota could have scratched her. She had always been so good to Jota.

“Jota hurried to the cellar. Yes, now she smelt the mice! Ah, what a scamper she would have. She did not want milk. No, she would have mice. She sprang for a mouse. What! It had vanished. Then she tried for another as it was hurrying across the floor. She missed the second one. She tried to catch three others and each time she missed them.

“Jota rushed to the cellar. Yes, now she smelled the mice! Ah, what a chase she would have. She didn’t want milk. No, she wanted mice. She jumped for a mouse. What! It had disappeared. Then she went for another as it darted across the floor. She missed the second one. She attempted to catch three others, and each time she missed them.

“Jota for once in her life was thoroughly and absolutely ashamed of herself. She had not been able to catch the mice and she had once been famous for her powers as a mouse catcher.

“Jota, for once in her life, felt completely and utterly ashamed of herself. She hadn’t been able to catch the mice, and she had once been well-known for her skills as a mouse catcher.

“Yes, she had grown lazy and useless. She had been stupid too. That was all because she had not been unselfish and nice, but had been horrid to every one. And it had spoiled her. She could not catch mice!

“Yes, she had become lazy and useless. She had been foolish too. That was all because she hadn’t been unselfish and kind, but had treated everyone badly. And it had ruined her. She couldn’t catch mice!”

“Jota was a very sad cat as she slowly climbed the cellar stairs. She went back into the kitchen and there she drank the milk she had been so rude and horrid about before.

“Jota was a really sad cat as she slowly climbed the cellar stairs. She went back into the kitchen and there she drank the milk she had been so rude and horrible about before.

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“‘Oh, you were thirsty after all,’ said the kind cook. Jota purred and jumped into the cook’s lap, trying to say:

“‘Oh, you were thirsty after all,’ said the kind cook. Jota purred and jumped into the cook’s lap, trying to say:

“‘I know I have been horrid but please forgive me now.’”

“I know I’ve been terrible, but please forgive me now.”


OCTOBER 15: The Chipmunks

“The chipmunks were having a fine time the other day,” said daddy. ‘Hurry up, hurry up,’ said old Father Chipmunk to the younger ones. ‘We want all the nuts we can get for the winter. There will be a long, long, time to eat, and we must hunt now.’

“The chipmunks were having a great time the other day,” said Daddy. “Hurry up, hurry up,” said Old Father Chipmunk to the younger ones. “We want to collect all the nuts we can for the winter. There will be plenty of time to eat later, and we need to gather now.”

“Mother Chipmunk was down in her hole in the ground. The squirrels always have their homes in the holes of trees but the chipmunks like the ground better. She was teaching all the very little ones that they must only drink dew-drops. For they are like the rabbit family, and think that water which has touched the ground is very dangerous to drink. They will only drink fresh dew-drops and rain water from leaves and flowers.

“Mother Chipmunk was down in her burrow. While squirrels usually make their homes in tree holes, chipmunks prefer the ground. She was teaching all the little ones that they should only drink dew drops. They are like rabbits and believe that water that has touched the ground is very unsafe to drink. They will only drink fresh dew drops and rainwater from leaves and flowers."

“All the little chipmunks hurried and scurried about, and pretty soon Father Chipmunk said, ‘I will offer a prize for the one who gets the greatest number of nuts. Hurry, scurry!’

"All the little chipmunks rushed around, and soon Father Chipmunk said, 'I’m going to offer a prize for whoever collects the most nuts. Hurry up, get moving!'"

“Chippy Chappy won the prize. ‘It is a house I made out of nuts—a nice little house of special kinds of nuts,’ said Father Chipmunk, ‘and Chippy Chappy can eat a room whenever he feels hungry! But now, all of you hurry, and hide your nuts!’ And off they scampered to their little homes with their winter food.”

“Chippy Chappy won the prize. ‘It’s a house I built out of nuts—a cute little house made from special kinds of nuts,’ said Father Chipmunk, ‘and Chippy Chappy can eat a whole room whenever he gets hungry! But now, everyone hurry up and hide your nuts!’ And off they ran to their little homes with their winter food.”


OCTOBER 16: The Fairies’ Trip

“The queen of the fairies said,” began daddy, “‘I have a scheme. We will visit the clouds.’

“The queen of the fairies said,” began daddy, “I have a plan. We’re going to visit the clouds.”

“At that the loveliest airships appeared. They looked almost like clouds themselves, so filmy and white were they.

“At that moment, the most beautiful airships appeared. They looked almost like clouds themselves, so sheer and white they were.”

“So off they sailed, feeling just like birds with the delightful flying motion of the ships. And up to the silvery clouds they went. When they got in the clouds the cloud fairies—you know there are fairies who live in the clouds all the time—took them all around and showed them their homes. And such homes as they have! They have the most marvelous palaces, with courtyards and exquisite scenery all about.[244] They have tall mountains where they always go for their parties. Everything is such a beautiful color too, for the cloud fairies are very fond of pale grays and blues and silver.

“So off they sailed, feeling just like birds with the joyful motion of the ships. And up they went into the silvery clouds. When they got into the clouds, the cloud fairies—you know, there are fairies who live in the clouds all the time—took them around and showed them their homes. And what homes they have! They have the most amazing palaces, with courtyards and stunning scenery all around.[244] They have tall mountains where they always have their parties. Everything is such a beautiful color too, because the cloud fairies really like pale grays, blues, and silver.”

“Then the fairies from the woods suggested to the cloud fairies that they should return their visit and come to earth.

“Then the fairies from the woods suggested to the cloud fairies that they should return the favor and come down to earth.”

“‘We would love to do that,’ said the cloud fairies. So off they began to fly from the clouds. They needed no airships but do you know what happened?

“‘We would love to do that,’ said the cloud fairies. So off they began to fly from the clouds. They needed no airships, but do you know what happened?

“As they began to drop great big drops of rain fell to the earth, and then the heaviest kind of a rainstorm began for the earth people, for of course when the cloud fairies move the rain is not held any more and it falls to the earth.

“As they started to fall, huge drops of rain hit the ground, and then a heavy rainstorm began for the people on earth, because, of course, when the cloud fairies move, the rain can’t be held back anymore and it pours down.”

“But the fairies from the woods didn’t mind, as the big trees always protect them, and the cloud fairies only let the rain fall where there were no trees. So the afternoon was one of greatest pleasure for both the wood fairies and the cloud fairies.”

“But the fairies from the woods didn’t care, since the big trees always protected them, and the cloud fairies only let the rain fall where there were no trees. So the afternoon was one of the greatest joys for both the wood fairies and the cloud fairies.”


OCTOBER 17: The Lion Babies

“I have a true circus story to tell you this evening,” said daddy.

“I have a real circus story to share with you tonight,” said dad.

“It’s to be a strange story, because it is to be about a mother dog who looked after some lion babies.”

"It’s going to be a strange story because it’s about a mother dog who took care of some lion cubs."

“A mother dog who looked after lions?” shouted the children.

“A dog mom who took care of lions?” shouted the kids.

“Yes,” said daddy, “and you remember I said it was true.

“Yes,” said Dad, “and you remember I said it was true."

“One time in the circus a mother Lioness grew very, very sick.

“One time in the circus, a mother lioness became very, very sick.

“‘I am afraid she will not live,’ said the Keeper.

“I’m afraid she won’t make it,” said the Keeper.

“‘But whatever will happen to her dear little Lion Babies?’ asked another man.

“‘But what will happen to her cute little Lion Babies?’ asked another man.

“‘I’m sure I don’t know,’ said the Keeper. ‘We will just have to do the best we can. I have watched her with them a good deal and perhaps I can look after them.’

“I’m not really sure,” said the Keeper. “We’ll just have to make the best of it. I’ve watched her with them quite a bit, so maybe I can take care of them.”

“‘She is so fond of them,’ said the other man. ‘What a pity it is she can’t live.’

"‘She loves them so much,’ said the other man. ‘What a shame she can’t survive.’"

“The Lioness seemed to know she could not live. Over and over again she kissed her little Lion Babies with her tongue. And when she opened her mouth, her great, cruel teeth could be seen—but the little babies didn’t know their mother had teeth—so gentle was she with them.

“The Lioness seemed to realize she couldn’t survive. Again and again, she lovingly licked her little Lion Babies. And when she opened her mouth, her large, sharp teeth were visible—but the little babies had no idea their mother had teeth—she was so gentle with them.

“And the Lion Babies nestled close to their mother, and by the little, soft growls they made, they were trying to say, ‘How we love you, mother! Your fur is so warm, so soft. You are so good to us, mother. How we love you!’

“And the lion cubs snuggled up to their mom, and by the little, soft growls they made, they were trying to say, ‘We love you, Mom! Your fur is so warm and soft. You’re so good to us, Mom. We love you so much!’”

“SO OFF THEY SAILED, FEELING JUST LIKE BIRDS WITH THE DELIGHTFUL FLYING MOTION OF THE SHIPS”—Page 243

“SO OFF THEY SAILED, FEELING JUST LIKE BIRDS WITH THE DELIGHTFUL FLYING MOTION OF THE SHIPS”—Page 243

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“And then the Lioness held them closer. And with one of her paws which could have crushed and killed a creature if she had so wished, she fondled and petted her babies.

“And then the Lioness held them closer. And with one of her paws, which could have crushed and killed a creature if she wanted to, she fondled and petted her babies.

“Slowly as she talked to them in her low, growling way, she began to see ahead. Her eyes gazed far out of the bars of her cage.

“Slowly as she talked to them in her low, growling voice, she started to see ahead. Her eyes looked far beyond the bars of her cage.”

“‘What will happen to my babies when I am not here to look after them?’ she was thinking. Her eyes stared and stared into space—beyond the people who passed by every little while to watch the beautiful mother Lioness and the little Lions.

“‘What will happen to my babies when I’m not here to take care of them?’ she thought. Her eyes fixed and stared into the distance—beyond the people who occasionally stopped to watch the beautiful mother lioness and her little lions.

“And she began to think so hard that she almost forgot her babies. She was searching with her eyes way, way out into an unknown world, and wondering, wondering all the time what would happen to her lovely brood.

“And she started to think so deeply that she almost forgot her babies. She was looking far, far out into an unknown world, and constantly wondering what would happen to her beautiful children.”

“The Lion babies nestled closer. Mother was letting the cold in! And again she fondled them, while from her eyes that so often looked treacherous and wicked, great tears fell down on their soft, warm fur.

“The lion cubs snuggled closer. Mom was letting the cold in! And again she cuddled them, while from her eyes that often looked deceptive and cruel, big tears fell onto their soft, warm fur.

“The next morning when the Lion Babies woke up there was no mother Lioness. They couldn’t imagine what had happened. They saw the big man always around their cage, feeding them, talking to them in soft, kind tones, but their lovely warm, soft, furry mother, where was she?

“The next morning when the Lion Babies woke up, their mother Lioness was gone. They couldn’t understand what had happened. They saw the big man who was always around their cage, feeding them and talking to them in gentle, kind tones, but their lovely warm, soft, furry mother—where was she?”

“The day went on and still she didn’t come! Oh, such miserable little Lion Babies as they were! The Keeper did all he could for them—but he couldn’t feed them anything to take away that queer feeling they had. For it wasn’t hunger—it was loneliness! And the Lion Babies found that no food filled that place!

“The day went on and she still didn’t come! Oh, how miserable those little Lion Babies were! The Keeper did everything he could for them—but he couldn’t give them anything to ease that strange feeling they had. It wasn’t hunger—it was loneliness! And the Lion Babies realized that no food could fill that void!”

“But the next morning when the Keeper came to look at the Lion Babies, there outside the cage was the big, woolly sheep dog. She was licking the paws of the Lion Babies and they were once again giving their low growls.

“But the next morning when the Keeper came to check on the Lion Babies, there outside the cage was the big, fluffy sheepdog. She was licking the paws of the Lion Babies and they were growling softly again.”

“When the dog saw the Keeper she jumped up and down as if to say, ‘Let me care for the Lion Babies.’

“When the dog saw the Keeper, she jumped up and down as if to say, ‘Let me take care of the Lion Babies.’”

“The Keeper saw that the Lion Babies were quite gentle with the dog, and he seemed to know that they wanted to be together—so he let the dog in the cage.

“The Keeper saw that the Lion Babies were really gentle with the dog, and he seemed to understand that they wanted to be together—so he let the dog into the cage.”

“Day after day the dog stayed with the Lion Babies, except when she came out now and again for a run. And the dog brought up the little lions—and when they were big enough for the circus they always had the dog with them.”

“Day after day, the dog stayed with the Lion Babies, except when she occasionally came out for a run. The dog took care of the little lions—and when they were big enough for the circus, they always had the dog with them.”


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OCTOBER 18: Max’s Escape

“A little dog,” said daddy, “was one of five beautiful puppies living in the country with a very proud and happy mother.

“A little dog,” said dad, “was one of five adorable puppies living in the countryside with a very proud and happy mom.

“But, sad to tell, it was not very long before the mother dog heard her master saying to a friend of his, ‘I simply cannot keep so many dogs. There is no room for them—not even here in the country. You see I have as many animals now as I can possibly manage.’

“But sadly, it wasn't long before the mother dog heard her owner telling a friend, ‘I just can't keep so many dogs. There's no room for them—not even out here in the country. I have as many animals as I can possibly handle right now.’”

“‘Well,’ said the friend, ‘I will take a puppy for you. I can keep one easily in our city house. There is plenty of room. I will take the little white one with the brown right ear.’

“‘Well,’ said the friend, ‘I’ll get you a puppy. I can easily keep one in our city house. There's plenty of space. I’ll take the little white one with the brown right ear.’”

“So the little dog named Max was taken to the city. He was dreadfully homesick and one day when he was being taken for a walk led by a leash he escaped.

“So the little dog named Max was taken to the city. He was incredibly homesick, and one day while he was being walked on a leash, he managed to escape.

“Such adventures as he had. He remembered the trip he had taken with his new master. First they had gone on a ferry boat across some water—and then on a train. So Max ran and ran until he reached the railroad station. He got through the gate when the guard wasn’t looking and he jumped up into the baggage car just as the train was pulling out.

“Such adventures he had! He remembered the trip he took with his new master. First, they went on a ferry across some water—and then on a train. So Max ran and ran until he got to the railroad station. He slipped through the gate when the guard wasn’t watching and jumped up into the baggage car just as the train was leaving.

“On and on he rode until he saw some water and a great boat—just like the one he had been on before. What should he do? Jump? The train was going fast, but it stopped where the ferry boats were. And so Max reached home and his mother—and somehow or other room was made for him by his first master.”

“On and on he rode until he saw some water and a big boat—just like the one he had been on before. What should he do? Jump? The train was going fast, but it stopped where the ferry boats were. And so Max reached home and his mother—and somehow or other, his first master made room for him.”


OCTOBER 19: The Fire Bell

“In a big city school,” said daddy, “there were several thousand children. Pretty soon the school bell rang and all the children went to their different classrooms.

“In a big city school,” said Dad, “there were several thousand kids. Soon enough, the school bell rang and all the kids headed to their different classrooms.

“They had not been there long when a great bell sounded through the school. It was different from the usual school bell which brought them to their lessons, and it filled them all with fear. The teachers looked frightened too, but they were all very quiet.

“They hadn't been there long when a loud bell rang throughout the school. It was different from the usual school bell that signaled the start of their lessons, and it filled everyone with fear. The teachers looked scared, too, but they all remained very quiet.”

“‘March out, slowly, in single file,’ said the teacher of each classroom. ‘There! A little faster, but no shoving. We must all see how calm we can be. It is only when we become frightened that there is danger.’ And in this way every one tried to be calm, even though every one felt so nervous.

“‘March out, slowly, in a single line,’ said the teacher from each classroom. ‘There! A little faster, but no pushing. We all need to show how calm we can stay. It's only when we get scared that there's real danger.’ And so, everyone tried to remain calm, even though they all felt pretty nervous.”

“For the bell had been a fire bell. And they had all known it. Soon[247] every single one of the children was out in the big courtyard and they had at last reached the street. The teachers were all out too, for they had all ‘kept their heads’ as the saying is.”

“For the bell had been a fire alarm. And everyone knew it. Soon[247] every single one of the kids was out in the big courtyard, and they had finally made it to the street. The teachers were all outside too, because they had all ‘kept their cool,’ as the saying goes.”


OCTOBER 20: The Rain

“We heard some people talking and they made us very angry,” said the Rain Drops. “They said, ‘Oh, it’s raining cats and dogs.’ And we would never rain cats and dogs, never, never, never, at any time at all.”

“We heard people talking and it made us really angry,” said the Rain Drops. “They said, ‘Oh, it’s raining cats and dogs.’ But we would never rain cats and dogs, never, never, never, at any time at all.”

The King of the Clouds laughed hard. “Well do I remember when it used to make me mad when people said those things,” he chuckled. “People often talk in that foolish way.”

The King of the Clouds laughed loudly. “I remember well how it used to irritate me when people said those things,” he chuckled. “People often talk like that.”

“Whatever do they mean by it?” asked the Rain Drops.

“Whatever do they mean by it?” asked the Raindrops.

“Nothing, nothing at all.”

"Nothing, absolutely nothing."

“Then they don’t imagine we will really rain cats and dogs?” asked the Rain Drops.

“Then they don’t really think we’ll rain cats and dogs?” asked the Raindrops.

“They know you really won’t,” said the King of the Clouds. “When they say that you are raining cats and dogs they mean that you are raining very hard and furiously.”

“They know you really won’t,” said the King of the Clouds. “When they say that it’s raining cats and dogs, they mean that it’s raining really hard and fiercely.”

“But, Cloud King,” said the Rain Drops, “there were some other people and they said that it was raining pitchforks. Now can you imagine us doing that? We wouldn’t rain pitchforks for anything. They’d hurt people and children and animals, and while we do love to splash and have our jokes, still we would never do anything mean such as rain pitchforks.”

“But, Cloud King,” said the Rain Drops, “there were some other people, and they said it was raining pitchforks. Can you imagine us doing that? We wouldn’t rain pitchforks for anything. They’d hurt people and children and animals, and while we do love to splash and have our fun, we would never do anything cruel like rain pitchforks.”

“Of course you wouldn’t,” said the King of the Clouds. “They say that in just the same way as they say it is ‘raining cats and dogs.’ That also simply means it’s raining very, very hard. So go back and play.” And the Rain Drops were much relieved.

“Of course you wouldn’t,” said the King of the Clouds. “They say that just like they say it’s ‘raining cats and dogs.’ That also just means it’s pouring really, really hard. So go back and play.” And the Rain Drops felt a lot better.


OCTOBER 21: Grandfather Pine Tree

Two little pine trees had been planted by two big ones. They were so tiny, and the two big ones known as Grandfather and Grandmother Pine Tree were very, very tall, even for pine trees.

Two little pine trees had been planted by two big ones. They were so small, and the two big ones known as Grandfather and Grandmother Pine Tree were incredibly tall, even for pine trees.

“We seem so tiny,” said the little pine trees. “Will we ever grow to be as tall as you are?” And they tried to lift up their heads and see the tops of the big pines, but it was almost impossible.

“We feel so small,” said the little pine trees. “Will we ever grow as tall as you?” They tried to lift their heads and see the tops of the big pines, but it was nearly impossible.

[248]

[248]

“Listen,” whispered Grandfather Pine Tree. “You will surely grow to be tall, so do not get discouraged. And more than that, you will be happy. You will be awake all the time. You will see what I have seen each year.

“Listen,” whispered Grandfather Pine Tree. “You’re definitely going to grow tall, so don’t get discouraged. And more than that, you’ll be happy. You’ll be aware all the time. You’ll see what I’ve seen every year.

“There will be snow soon and then there will be the springtime, when the flowers will peep above the ground and will say a good morning to all the world, and the leaves will follow the blossoms on the trees.

“There will be snow soon, and then spring will come, when the flowers will peek above the ground to greet the world, and the leaves will follow the blossoms on the trees.

“Then will follow the warm summer and the children from the white house down yonder will bring old rugs and books, and will come up under us. They know we’ll keep them cool.

“Then the warm summer will come, and the kids from the white house down there will bring old rugs and books and will come up to us. They know we’ll keep them cool."

“You must grow to be strong and tall and you’ll find that it’s one of the most interesting of things in the world to be a pine tree. And most especially, to be a pine tree here on this hill overlooking the garden and the white house where two children, a little boy and a little girl, are always happy—all the year around, just as we are, in the winter, spring, summer and autumn.”

“You need to grow strong and tall, and you’ll discover that being a pine tree is one of the most fascinating things in the world. Especially being a pine tree here on this hill, overlooking the garden and the white house where two kids, a little boy and a little girl, are always happy—all year long, just like us, in winter, spring, summer, and fall.”

And the two small pine trees decided they would try their hardest to grow and see as many lovely things as their grandfather and grandmother saw each year.

And the two little pine trees decided they would do their best to grow and see as many beautiful things as their grandpa and grandma saw every year.


OCTOBER 22: Jack Frost’s Evening

“Jack Frost, and the Frost Brothers,” said daddy, “were off for a good time. ‘We’ll have the most wonderful party,’ said Jack Frost.

“Jack Frost and the Frost Brothers,” said Dad, “were off for a good time. ‘We’ll have the most amazing party,’ said Jack Frost.

“‘What will we do?’ asked the Frost Brothers. They were always ready to do anything Jack suggested, but they never thought of the things to do first.

“‘What should we do?’ asked the Frost Brothers. They were always willing to do whatever Jack suggested, but they never thought of things to do on their own first.”

“‘We’ll celebrate,’ said Jack Frost.

"‘We'll celebrate,’ said Jack Frost."

“‘What will we celebrate for?’

“What are we celebrating?”

“‘Because the wind has gone to sleep and we can do our work in peace. Oh, such work as we’ll do!’

“‘Because the wind has calmed down and we can work in peace. Oh, the work we'll accomplish!’”

“‘First you say we’ll have a celebration, and then you say we’ll work. Whatever do you mean, Jack Frost?’

“‘First you say we’re going to celebrate, and then you say we’re going to work. What do you mean, Jack Frost?’”

“‘I mean,’ he said cheerily, ‘that we’ll have both a celebration and that we’ll do wonderful work too. For work and play are all the same to me. I feel like singing a song about it.’ And off he started singing, dancing around as he sang these words:

“‘I mean,’ he said happily, ‘that we’ll have both a celebration and do amazing work too. For me, work and play are the same. I feel like singing a song about it.’ And off he started singing, dancing around as he sang these words:

I’m so happy, I’m so gay,
I like to work, I like to play.
Whichever it is I do not mind,
So long as the wind is still and kind.

[249]

[249]

“They put many of the flowers to sleep for the winter. Then the Frost Brothers helped Jack Frost make his wonderful pictures and this was what they called the celebration. They worked all night, and when morning came, people looked out and saw their windows covered with frost. ‘Jack Frost must have been around last night,’ they said.”

“They put a lot of the flowers to sleep for the winter. Then the Frost Brothers helped Jack Frost create his amazing pictures, and this was what they called the celebration. They worked all night, and when morning came, people looked out and saw their windows covered in frost. ‘Jack Frost must have been here last night,’ they said.”


OCTOBER 23: Beans and Peas

A can of beans and a can of peas were talking. They had just been opened and had been poured into large bowls in the kitchen. “Last summer,” said the peas, “a young man came from the city. He wanted to work in the garden, he said.

A can of beans and a can of peas were having a conversation. They had just been opened and poured into large bowls in the kitchen. “Last summer,” said the peas, “a young guy came from the city. He said he wanted to work in the garden.

“Well, of all the funny workers he was the funniest! But the funniest of all—that is—it was the funniest to us, was that he didn’t know us at all.”

“Well, out of all the funny coworkers, he was the funniest! But the funniest part to us was that he didn’t know us at all.”

“He didn’t know you,” exclaimed the beans.

“He didn't know you,” shouted the beans.

“No,” grinned the peas, in their vegetable way, “he didn’t know whether we were flowers or vegetables. He looked at us from a little distance away and he said:

“No,” grinned the peas in their veggie way, “he didn’t know if we were flowers or vegetables. He looked at us from a bit of a distance and said:

“‘Are these flowers or vegetables?’”

“‘Are these flowers or veggies?’”

“Think of that,” exclaimed the beans.

“Think of that,” shouted the beans.

“Yes, he didn’t know peas,” said the peas.

“Yes, he didn’t know peas,” said the peas.

“Well,” said the beans, “we’ve heard of creatures who didn’t know beans, but we’ve never heard of creatures who didn’t know peas.”

“Well,” said the beans, “we’ve heard of creatures who didn’t know beans, but we’ve never heard of creatures who didn’t know peas.”


OCTOBER 24: Tiger West’s Food

“Tiger West,” said daddy, “had been off on a number of trips with his cat friends who lived down the street.

“Tiger West,” Dad said, “had been on several outings with his cat friends who lived down the street.

“Now Tiger West lived in great grandeur. He had a special bed of cushions and a blanket to curl under. He had a rug of white, soft, fluffy material which he could lie upon whenever he wanted. And he wore a beautiful bow to match his mistress’ gown.

“Now Tiger West lived in great style. He had a special bed made of cushions and a blanket to snuggle under. He had a rug made of soft, fluffy white material that he could lie on whenever he wanted. And he wore a beautiful bow to match his owner's gown.

“His master was a very rich man, and Tiger West was used to the best of food. But he had missed adventures and when he became friendly with the cats down the street he certainly did have enough. He narrowly escaped having horrid cold water thrown on him from an upper window one time, because he had been getting some goodies out of an ash tin. ‘Meow,’ he said to himself, ‘what a joke it would[250] be if the master could see me with my whiskers quite dirty and my beautiful fur ruffled up. Well, I know how to make myself look like a gentleman cat when I am ready to go home.’

“His owner was very wealthy, and Tiger West was used to the finest food. But he craved adventures, and when he bonded with the cats down the street, he definitely got his fill. One time, he narrowly avoided having dirty cold water thrown on him from an upper window because he had been snagging some treats from a trash can. ‘Meow,’ he thought to himself, ‘what a funny sight it would be if my owner could see me with my whiskers all dirty and my beautiful fur all messed up. Well, I know how to tidy myself up like a classy cat when it’s time to head home.’

“Days passed and Tiger West still went on trips with his cat friends. One day there was to be a meeting on the back fence of the cats of the neighborhood, and Tiger West was asked to be present. Now, Mr. Black Cat was very different looking from Tiger West. Mr. Black Cat’s fur was not handsome, and he had a thin look, not at all becoming to a cat. He looked as though he had to hunt for his food and had to exercise entirely too soon after eating. Tiger imagined he must have been chased away after every meal he took.

“Days went by, and Tiger West continued his trips with his cat friends. One day, there was going to be a meeting at the back fence for the neighborhood cats, and Tiger West was invited to attend. Mr. Black Cat looked very different from Tiger West. Mr. Black Cat’s fur wasn't attractive, and he had a skinny appearance that didn’t suit a cat at all. He seemed like he had to scavenge for his food and had to run around way too soon after eating. Tiger imagined he must have gotten chased away right after every meal he had.”

“Still Mr. Black Cat was a leader in the cat neighborhood. He was President of the Night Singing Club, Vice-President of the Ash Can Visitors, Secretary of the Hunt Mice Club, and Treasurer of the Garbage Guild. He was always chosen as the judge of all the trials held in the cat neighborhood and for this reason he was always called ‘Your Honor.’

“Still, Mr. Black Cat was a leader in the cat neighborhood. He was President of the Night Singing Club, Vice President of the Ash Can Visitors, Secretary of the Hunt Mice Club, and Treasurer of the Garbage Guild. He was always chosen as the judge for all the trials held in the cat neighborhood, and for this reason, he was always called ‘Your Honor.’

“Now it made Tiger West very much annoyed to hear such a common cat called by such a fine name. ‘Do you like strawberries and cream?’ he asked.

“Now it really annoyed Tiger West to hear such a common cat called by such a fancy name. ‘Do you like strawberries and cream?’ he asked.

“‘Never ate any,’ said Mr. Black Cat.

“‘Never ate any,’ said Mr. Black Cat.

“‘I do,’ said Tiger West, ‘and I eat them in and out of season. My master always gets them for me, or else he gets something else that is nice for my breakfast with cream.’

“‘I do,’ said Tiger West, ‘and I eat them all year round. My master always gets them for me, or he finds something else that's nice for my breakfast with cream.’”

“‘It doesn’t satisfy my hunger to hear what you have had to eat,’ said Mr. Black Cat.

“‘Hearing about what you ate doesn’t satisfy my hunger,’ said Mr. Black Cat.”

“Still Tiger West wanted to show that he amounted to something and was better than Mr. Black Cat. ‘I never eat any kind of meat on a chicken but the tenderest white meat,’ he said. ‘And I am particularly fond of ice-cream. I like all the best food, and I get it too.’

“Still, Tiger West wanted to prove that he was someone and better than Mr. Black Cat. ‘I only eat the tenderest white meat from a chicken,’ he said. ‘And I'm especially fond of ice cream. I enjoy all the best food, and I get it too.’”

“Mr. Black Cat raised his back and snarled. ‘This cat,’ he said, ‘tries to be superior to us. Let’s put him out of the club.’

“Mr. Black Cat arched his back and growled. ‘This cat,’ he said, ‘thinks he’s better than us. Let’s kick him out of the club.’”

“The cats were chasing Tiger West now, but he got away from them and back home. ‘How foolish I was,’ he said to himself as he began to drink a bowl of rich milk, ‘to leave a home like this for such terrifying adventures. But my curiosity is satisfied, and now I will stay home and live in luxury as I should.’”

“The cats were now chasing Tiger West, but he escaped and made it back home. ‘How foolish I was,’ he thought as he started to drink a bowl of rich milk, ‘to leave a home like this for such scary adventures. But my curiosity is satisfied, and now I’ll stay home and live in the luxury I deserve.’”


OCTOBER 25: Autumn Leaves

“Ah,” said the autumn leaves, “now is the time of the year for our great and wonderful party.”

“Ah,” said the autumn leaves, “now is the time of year for our amazing party.”

“Are you going to have one soon?” asked Mr. Wind.

"Are you going to have one soon?" asked Mr. Wind.

“We hope to have one very, very soon,” said the leaves as they blew about.

“We hope to have one really, really soon,” said the leaves as they rustled in the breeze.

[251]

[251]

“The reason I asked,” said Mr. Wind, “was because I did not want to have any other engagement on the day that you give your party. It would be the sort of a party I would enjoy and I trust you will invite me.”

“The reason I asked,” said Mr. Wind, “is that I didn’t want to have any other plans on the day of your party. It sounds like the kind of party I would really enjoy, and I hope you’ll invite me.”

“Well,” laughed the leaves, “we couldn’t very well have the sort of a party we want without you. We want your help in the races and jumps and scampers. We need you to say, ‘Ready, Set, Go.’ We could never go without you, Mr. Wind. And so we talked about this party right before you, hoping you would show a great interest.”

“Well,” laughed the leaves, “we can't really have the kind of party we want without you. We need your help with the races, jumps, and scampers. We need you to say, ‘Ready, Set, Go.’ We could never start without you, Mr. Wind. So we talked about this party in front of you, hoping you would be really interested.”

And Mr. Wind came to the party and helped to make it a huge success.

And Mr. Wind showed up at the party and helped make it a huge success.


OCTOBER 26: Blackie’s Escape

“A little girl named Doris,” said daddy, “was devoted to her pet dog, Blackie. He had long black curly hair and was her constant companion.

“A little girl named Doris,” said daddy, “was really attached to her pet dog, Blackie. He had long, curly black fur and was always by her side.”

“Wherever Doris went, Blackie followed. He took long walks with her, and when she stopped to gather ferns and lovely wild flowers, Blackie would romp through the fields, playing and chasing his shadow, sticks, and sometimes his tail!

“Wherever Doris went, Blackie followed. He took long walks with her, and when she stopped to gather ferns and beautiful wildflowers, Blackie would run through the fields, playing and chasing his shadow, sticks, and sometimes his tail!

“One day Doris was very busy. She was getting ready for a magic lantern show she was going to give for some of her little friends that evening.

“One day, Doris was really busy. She was preparing for a magic lantern show she was going to put on for some of her little friends that evening.

“Blackie went out alone. He thought at first he would take a long scamper over the hills and then he decided that he would go and see some of the other dogs in the village where Doris lived. He thought perhaps they would like to take a run, and it would be so much more fun to have companions. He knew his mistress would not be able to leave the house for she had told him so, and Blackie always understood.

“Blackie went out by himself. At first, he thought he would take a long run over the hills, but then he decided to visit some of the other dogs in the village where Doris lived. He figured they might want to join him for a run, and it would be a lot more fun with friends. He knew his owner couldn't leave the house because she had told him so, and Blackie always understood.

“He went up into the village and before he had met any of his special friends he came across a big bone. He had met several dogs he knew well enough to sniff at and wag his tail to as he went by, but he was waiting to see some of his really good friends when he happened upon the bone.

“He walked up to the village, and before he ran into any of his close friends, he found a big bone. He encountered a few dogs he recognized well enough to sniff and wag his tail at as he passed, but he was holding out to see some of his really good friends when he stumbled upon the bone.

“‘This looks good,’ he said to himself. ‘I do believe I’ll take it home and spend the afternoon munching on the bone.’

“‘This looks good,’ he said to himself. ‘I think I’ll take it home and spend the afternoon snacking on the bone.’”

“Blackie ran home and into the side yard. What a time he did have, but it was not long before Doris saw him.

“Blackie ran home and into the side yard. He had quite the adventure, but it wasn't long before Doris spotted him.

“‘What, back again?’ she said. And Blackie wagged his tail. ‘Maybe I’ll get through in time for a little scamper.’

“‘What, you’re back again?’ she said. And Blackie wagged his tail. ‘Maybe I’ll make it in time for a little run.’”

[252]

[252]

“Of course Blackie knew perfectly well what a scamper meant and he barked delightedly.

“Of course Blackie knew exactly what a scamper meant, and he barked happily.”

“‘What have you got there?’ asked Doris as she noticed the bone.

“‘What do you have there?’ asked Doris as she noticed the bone.

“Somehow it had a peculiar look and a very peculiar odor and in a moment Doris thought of poison. That was always the danger about bones that were found. She thought to herself, as she took the bone and looked at it, that there have been people cruel enough to put poison around on bones so dogs would eat it.

“Somehow it had a strange appearance and a really unusual smell, and in an instant, Doris thought of poison. That was always the risk with bones that were discovered. She thought to herself, as she picked up the bone and examined it, that there had been people cruel enough to put poison on bones so that dogs would eat it.

“She threw the bone away and though Blackie looked very much disappointed he knew that it must be quite a horrid bone if his mistress wouldn’t let him have it. For she knew how much he loved bones and would never take it away from him if she didn’t have to do so.

“She tossed the bone aside, and although Blackie seemed really let down, he understood that it must have been a pretty terrible bone if his owner wouldn’t let him have it. She knew how much he loved bones and would never take one from him unless she absolutely had to.”

“‘I think I’ll be able to leave now,’ said Doris. For the bone still worried her and she thought perhaps it would be good for Blackie to have a run.

“‘I think I’ll be able to leave now,’ said Doris. The bone was still on her mind, and she thought maybe it would be good for Blackie to get some exercise.”

“Blackie was very happy again, but when they were a little way out of the village, Blackie didn’t seem to want to run, and he stopped every few moments to eat grass. Dogs usually do that when they are feeling ill.

“Blackie was really happy again, but once they were a bit out of the village, Blackie didn’t seem interested in running and stopped every few moments to eat grass. Dogs usually do that when they’re feeling unwell.”

“Again Doris thought of the bone and how worried she was. Blackie didn’t want to run, and was so unlike himself.

“Again, Doris thought about the bone and how worried she felt. Blackie didn’t want to run and was acting so unlike himself.”

“Pretty soon she decided to go home and Blackie seemed very glad of that. She telephoned her little friends and said that the magic lantern show would be put off for Blackie was ill.

“Soon, she decided to go home, and Blackie seemed really happy about it. She called her friends and told them that the magic lantern show would be postponed because Blackie was sick.”

“How badly they all felt, for they knew how much she loved Blackie. But she didn’t forget about the other little dogs. She told all her friends to watch their pets, for she imagined a cruel person who wanted to poison dogs was around.

“How badly they all felt, because they knew how much she loved Blackie. But she didn’t forget about the other little dogs. She told all her friends to keep an eye on their pets, because she suspected that a cruel person who wanted to poison dogs might be nearby."

“During the evening Blackie grew worse! Oh, how sick he was! He was so hot, and Doris kept sponging his head with cool water. He would look at her out of his brown eyes and tell her how grateful he was, and he would try to say that he did not want to leave his mistress—life had been so happy for him.

“During the evening, Blackie got worse! Oh, how sick he was! He was so hot, and Doris kept sponging his head with cool water. He would look at her with his brown eyes and express how grateful he was, and he would try to say that he didn’t want to leave his owner—life had been so happy for him.”

“‘Oh, Blackie,’ whispered Doris, as she bathed his head, and as her tears rolled down on his black shaggy hairs, ‘would they kill little dogs who are people’s pets—just because they are so mean and don’t know what it is to understand and love an animal? And they put the poison around anywhere so that the good are just as apt to eat it as perhaps one dog who is naughty.’

“‘Oh, Blackie,’ whispered Doris, as she washed his head, and as her tears fell onto his black shaggy fur, ‘would they really kill little dogs who are pets—just because they’re so cruel and don’t understand what it means to care for and love an animal? And they spread poison around everywhere so that the good ones are just as likely to eat it as maybe one dog that’s misbehaving.’”

“But Blackie got well, and perhaps the cruel person heard about it, for there was no more dog poisoning in that village.”

“But Blackie got better, and maybe the cruel person found out, because there was no more dog poisoning in that village.”


[253]

[253]

OCTOBER 27: A Talk with the Sun

“A little boy named Melville,” said daddy, “had heard that day that every one should make hay while the sun was shining.

“A little boy named Melville,” said dad, “had heard that day that everyone should make hay while the sun is shining."

“‘Make hay while the sun shines,’ was what Melville had been told. The one who had told him this was his teacher in school.

“‘Make hay while the sun shines,’ is what Melville had been told. The person who told him this was his teacher in school.”

“How could any one make hay in the winter time and the sun shone in the winter time as well as in the summer time? he thought.

"How could anyone make hay in the winter when the sun shines in the winter just like it does in the summer?" he thought.

“He wondered about it more and more as he felt the warmth of Mr. Sun shining into his window. He was sitting curled up in a big arm chair.

He thought about it more and more as he felt the warmth of Mr. Sun shining through his window. He was sitting curled up in a big armchair.

“How he wished he could ask Mr. Sun what it meant. Of course he could ask his teacher to-morrow. There must be some meaning to it, or some catch to it which he didn’t understand.

“How he wished he could ask Mr. Sun what it meant. Of course he could ask his teacher tomorrow. There had to be some meaning to it, or some trick to it that he didn’t get.”

“Mr. Sun looked very pleasant and as though he would be quite willing to tell Melville if only Melville knew how to ask him so he would hear.

“Mr. Sun looked really nice and seemed like he would be happy to tell Melville if only Melville knew how to ask him in a way that he would listen.

“How nice and warm Mr. Sun was. More and more sleepy did Melville become, and after a few moments he was sound asleep. Then it seemed as though Mr. Sun came and sat on the window sill. ‘It is true,’ said Mr. Sun, ‘that one can only make hay when the season allows it, and the season doesn’t allow it when it is winter, most assuredly.

“How nice and warm Mr. Sun was. Melville was getting sleepier and sleepier, and after a few moments, he was fast asleep. Then it felt like Mr. Sun came and sat on the window sill. ‘It's true,’ said Mr. Sun, ‘that you can only make hay when the season allows it, and winter definitely isn’t a time for that.”

“‘But the expression, “Make hay while the sun shines,” has nothing to do with the seasons.

“‘But the saying, “Make hay while the sun shines,” has nothing to do with the seasons.

“‘It is simply an expression meaning to take advantage of the good weather or the good time or the good season and prepare for ones which aren’t so good.

“‘It’s just a way of saying to make the most of the nice weather or good times and get ready for the tougher times ahead.

“‘For example, when daddies and mothers are well and strong they try to save a little money for the days when illness may come. That is making hay while the sun shines, for they’re saving during the time when they get a chance to save.

“‘For example, when dads and moms are healthy and happy, they try to save a little money for when they might get sick. That’s making hay while the sun shines, because they’re saving while they have the opportunity to save.

“‘When children study when they’re young they’re making hay while the sun shines for they’re taking advantage of the opportunities they have which will make them wise when they’re men and women.

“‘When children learn while they’re young, they’re making the most of their opportunities, as this will prepare them to be wise as adults.

“‘When people are wise and take advantage of time it is making hay while the sun shines, for it is not losing time. The expression, as you see, means taking advantage of good times to prepare for bad times, and it started by some one telling some one else to see about the hay while the sun was shining, for the rain might come, and then it would be too late.

“‘When people are wise and make the most of their time, it’s like making hay while the sun shines, because they aren’t wasting time. The saying, as you can see, means taking advantage of good circumstances to get ready for difficult ones. It originated from someone advising another to take care of the hay while the sun was out, since the rain could come, and after that, it would be too late.

“‘And,’ continued the sun, ‘it is a wise saying, a very wise saying, indeed.’”

“‘And,’ the sun went on, ‘that’s a smart saying, a really smart saying, for sure.’”


[254]

[254]

OCTOBER 28: The Squash

“It’s all right to be a winter vegetable or to be a summer vegetable, and it’s all right to be any kind of a vegetable at all a vegetable wishes to be,” said the squash, “but it’s sad above everything to be a squash.”

“It’s okay to be a winter vegetable or a summer vegetable, and it’s okay to be any kind of vegetable that a vegetable wants to be,” said the squash, “but it’s really sad above all to be a squash.”

“And why so?” asked one of the potatoes.

“And why is that?” asked one of the potatoes.

“Because there is something flat about being a squash.

“Because there is something dull about being a squash.

“Just think of the family name, for example—squash! Doesn’t it sound flat and squashed and trampled upon and walked upon and squashed down flat? It has such a hopeless sound!”

“Just think about the family name, for instance—squash! Doesn’t it sound flat and crushed and trampled on and walked over and just smashed down? It has such a hopeless vibe!”

“It does sound that way,” said the potato. “But still you aren’t all trampled upon and squashed down flat. In fact, I don’t know that I ever saw folks going around and trampling upon you. To be sure, your name has a flat, trampled-upon sound.”

“It does sound that way,” said the potato. “But still, you aren’t all trampled on and squished down flat. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone walking around and trampling on you. Of course, your name does have a flat, trampled sound.”

“And, oh, dear,” said the squash, “we’re such a dull sort of family. There is no interest to us. We’re not fascinating and pretty, like the tomatoes, and we’re not even loved by some and hated by others, like the cucumbers.

“And, oh, dear,” said the squash, “we’re such a boring family. There's nothing interesting about us. We’re not as charming and beautiful as the tomatoes, and we’re not even polarizing like the cucumbers.”

“They are interesting, for they have both friends and enemies.

“They're interesting because they have both friends and enemies.

“Now we haven’t any who really love us. Most people think we’ll do and that we do no harm and that we’re all right, but no one even gets excited over squash. It is indeed sad to be nothing but a squash!”

“Now we don’t have anyone who truly loves us. Most people think we’re fine and that we don’t cause any trouble, but no one even gets excited about squash. It’s really sad to be nothing but a squash!”


OCTOBER 29: Jack O’Lantern

“I was made by a very fine boy,” said Jack O’Lantern. “I was a little nervous when he was cutting out my nose for fear he’d give me a crooked nose.

“I was made by a really great kid,” said Jack O’Lantern. “I was a bit nervous when he was cutting out my nose, worried he might give me a crooked nose.

“But he didn’t. I have a fine nose, haven’t I?”

“But he didn’t. I have a great nose, right?”

“Indeed, your nose is a thing of beauty,” said Billie Brownie.

“Yeah, your nose is really beautiful,” said Billie Brownie.

“And my eyes are nice, eh?” asked Jack O’Lantern.

“And my eyes are nice, right?” asked Jack O’Lantern.

“There is nothing the matter with your eyes,” grinned Billie Brownie.

“There’s nothing wrong with your eyes,” Billie Brownie grinned.

“Good,” said Jack O’Lantern.

“Good,” said Jack O’Lantern.

“And,” he added after a moment, “I do hope you feel like admiring my mouth. It is such a nice big mouth.”

“And,” he added after a moment, “I really hope you appreciate my mouth. It’s such a nice, big mouth.”

“It is a nice big mouth,” laughed Billie Brownie. “Yes, I think you’re a fine fellow, and I love the head piece of a bit of green stalk you wear at the top of your head. It makes you look quite dashing.

“It’s a nice big mouth,” laughed Billie Brownie. “Yeah, I think you’re a great guy, and I love the little green stalk you have on your head. It makes you look really stylish.”

“And I’m sure your candle will shine through beautifully when it is lighted,” Billie Brownie added.

“And I’m sure your candle will shine brightly when it's lit,” Billie Brownie added.

“And then I will go Hallowe’en calling,” said Jack O’Lantern. “What joy that will be!

“And then I will go trick-or-treating,” said Jack O’Lantern. “What fun that will be!

“Yes, I will go calling on many people, and I will sit on their door-steps all by myself with no one to tell me what to do and no one to tell me how to act.

“Yes, I will go visiting many people, and I will sit on their doorsteps all by myself with no one to tell me what to do and no one to tell me how to act.

“For I will know how to act. I will smile at the people and that is why I am glad my mouth is big, for if I hadn’t a big mouth I mightn’t look as though I were smiling. I mightn’t look as though I were grinning my best grin.

“For I will know how to act. I will smile at people, and that’s why I’m glad my mouth is big, because if I didn’t have a big mouth, I might not look like I was smiling. I might not look like I was giving my best grin.”

“I tell you, Billie Brownie, I’m a cheerful fellow.”

“I’m telling you, Billie Brownie, I’m a happy guy.”


OCTOBER 30: Daddy’s Hallowe’en

“I am going to tell you,” said daddy, “of the things I did when I was a boy at Hallowe’en time. First of all I used to love bobbing in a tub for apples. I wore a bathing cap so if it was a cold evening my mother wouldn’t be afraid I’d get my hair wet and catch cold because she knew how far down I’d dive into the tub of water!

“I’m going to share with you,” said Dad, “the things I did when I was a kid during Halloween. First, I loved bobbing for apples in a tub. I wore a bathing cap so that on a chilly evening, my mom wouldn’t worry about me getting my hair wet and catching a cold since she knew how deep I’d dive into the tub of water!”

“And we all did the same. The girls needed the bathing caps on their heads more than the boys did and they certainly could dive with hair all held in so dry and safe by their caps.

“And we all did the same. The girls needed the bathing caps on their heads more than the boys did, and they could definitely dive with their hair kept dry and secure by their caps.”

“Then we would play games and one of our favorite games was to run races carrying peanuts on knives.

“Then we would play games, and one of our favorite games was racing while balancing peanuts on knives.”

“Two at a time would race against each other. The end of the race would be a big bowl set on the floor and we would start off at the other end of the room.

“Two at a time would race against each other. The end of the race would be a big bowl set on the floor, and we would start off at the other end of the room.

“Then we would each have a lot of peanuts and we would carry as many as we could on our knife until we had gotten rid of all of them.

“Then we would each have a bunch of peanuts and we would carry as many as we could on our knife until we had gotten rid of all of them.

“We had to take all the peanuts to the bowl without letting any drop off.

“We had to carry all the peanuts to the bowl without dropping any.”

“It was most exciting, for though none of the other children could push us or joggle us they could make funny remarks to us and we would start laughing and sometimes our knife would shake and we’d drop the peanuts and have to start all over again.

“It was really exciting because even though none of the other kids could push us or shake us, they could make funny comments that would make us laugh, and sometimes our hands would shake and we’d drop the peanuts and have to start all over again.”

“Sometimes we would only take one at a time because we could get them all to the bowl more quickly that way in the long run.

“Sometimes we would only take one at a time because it allowed us to get them all to the bowl more quickly in the long run.”

“Sometimes the one who starts off fastest does not win, you know. And then of course we went calling each with a Jack O’Lantern, and how mad we were at those who hadn’t enough fun in them to like these Hallowe’en callers!”

“Sometimes the person who takes off the fastest doesn’t win, you know. Then of course we went around calling each other with a Jack O’Lantern, and how upset we were with those who didn’t have enough spirit to enjoy these Halloween visitors!”


OCTOBER 31: Hallowe’en

The preparations for the party to be given at Janet’s house that Hallowe’en evening had already begun. Already they were hanging apples attached firmly by strings from a door-way and as soon as the guests came and the tricks began they would all try to bite these apples, which would swing so annoyingly away from them!

The preparations for the party at Janet’s house that Halloween evening had already started. They were already hanging apples tied securely with strings from a doorway, and as soon as the guests arrived and the fun began, everyone would try to bite these apples, which would swing frustratingly away from them!

And there was going to be a dish of flour in the kitchen after supper and the children were all going to try to find a twenty-five cent piece hidden there. They were going to hunt for it with their teeth! And there were apples bobbing in a great tub of water. And these had to be caught by the teeth too. Some of these held pennies!

And there was going to be a bowl of flour in the kitchen after dinner, and the kids were all going to try to find a quarter hidden there. They were going to search for it with their mouths! And there were apples floating in a big tub of water. And these had to be caught with their teeth too. Some of them had pennies hidden inside!

There would be fortune-telling, too, and Janet’s mother had promised to be the fortune-telling witch who would sit by her caldron which was now being made of red cheese-cloth. At the bottom of it, barely hidden, there would be a flashlight which would be kept going all the time, of course!

There would be fortune-telling, too, and Janet’s mom had promised to be the fortune-telling witch who would sit by her cauldron, which was now being made out of red cheesecloth. At the bottom of it, barely hidden, there would be a flashlight that would be kept on all the time, of course!

Oh, the party was going to be splendid. Janet knew that. And yet—and yet—she wished she knew why they had a party—not that she didn’t want a party! But just why was it for this evening with the strange name. What did Hallowe’en really mean? She hated to ask for she felt she should know and that she would be laughed at for not knowing.

Oh, the party was going to be amazing. Janet knew that. And yet—she wished she understood why they were having a party—not that she didn’t want one! But just why was it happening tonight with the weird name. What did Halloween really mean? She hated to ask because she felt like she should know and that people would laugh at her for not knowing.

“Why, Janet,” her mother said that afternoon late as she caught sight of Janet’s little worried face, “this isn’t the time to look sad when we’re having a party! What is the trouble, my darling?”

“Why, Janet,” her mother said that late afternoon when she noticed Janet’s worried little face, “this isn’t the time to look sad when we’re having a party! What’s bothering you, sweetheart?”

There was something in the understanding, sweet way that her mother asked her that made Janet ask what she thought was so foolish a question.

There was something in the gentle, understanding way her mother asked her that made Janet ask what she thought was a really silly question.

“Mother dear,” she began, “just what does Hallowe’en mean?”

“Mom,” she started, “what does Halloween mean?”

“October thirty-first,” her mother said, “is the vigil of All Saints’ Day, or Hallowe’en, for Hallow means to devote time to holy purposes and e’en is short for evening. So that it means the evening before the religious day which is known as All Saints’ Day.

“October thirty-first,” her mother said, “is the night before All Saints’ Day, or Halloween, because ‘Hallow’ means to dedicate time to sacred purposes and ‘e’en’ is short for evening. So it refers to the evening before the religious day called All Saints’ Day.

“But Hallowe’en, while coming before a religious day, has always been an evening of festivity and frolic and fun for children. In all countries they celebrate it—it is a real children’s evening—though in various countries the children have their own little ways of celebrating.

“But Halloween, even though it comes before a religious holiday, has always been a night of fun and festivities for kids. Kids celebrate it in every country—it’s truly a children’s evening—although in different places, they have their own special ways of celebrating.”

“Our way, though, is used by children of many countries and we have make-believe witches just as they have, for in the olden days in the old countries those who were superstitious or given to imagining things not so, thought witches came out on Hallowe’en.”

“Our way, though, is used by children from many countries, and we have pretend witches just like they do. In the past, in the old countries, those who were superstitious or tended to imagine things thought witches came out on Halloween.”

And somehow, Janet never enjoyed a party so much, for it was so[257] nice to know just what the day meant and to know too that in many countries children on this very evening were having a celebration of such a weirdly wonderful kind!

And somehow, Janet never enjoyed a party this much, because it was so[257] great to understand what the day meant and to realize that in many countries, kids were having a celebration of such a uniquely wonderful kind on this very evening!

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“There would be fortune-telling, too, and Janet’s mother had promised to be the fortune-telling witch who would sit by her caldron.”—Page 256

“There would be fortune-telling, too, and Janet’s mom had promised to be the fortune-telling witch who would sit by her cauldron.”—Page 256


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NOVEMBER 1: The Brownies Help

“A little girl, whose name was Kitty, was very anxious to win the prize,” said daddy. “‘I shall work so hard over it,’ she said to herself, and she refused an invitation to walk with her friends that afternoon.

“A little girl named Kitty was really eager to win the prize,” said daddy. “‘I’ll put in a lot of effort for it,’ she thought to herself, and she turned down an invitation to go for a walk with her friends that afternoon.

“She put her hand to her head and thought hard—but she couldn’t think of anything to write! She dipped her pen into the ink-well and only made two smudge spots on the paper in front of her.

“She put her hand to her head and thought hard—but she couldn’t think of anything to write! She dipped her pen into the inkwell and only made two smudges on the paper in front of her.

“‘Oh,’ she sighed, ‘I wish I had gone for a walk. I feel so sleepy—and staying in the house all afternoon is so silly!’ She really was much annoyed with herself and soon she put her head down on her desk and went sound, sound asleep.

“‘Oh,’ she sighed, ‘I wish I had gone for a walk. I feel so sleepy—and staying in the house all afternoon is so silly!’ She was really annoyed with herself and soon laid her head down on her desk and fell sound asleep.”

“Pretty soon the two smudge spots grew larger and larger. They seemed to get round and funny and fat—and she almost saw them grinning at her!

“Pretty soon the two smudge spots grew larger and larger. They seemed to take on a round, silly, and plump shape—and she almost felt like they were grinning at her!

“Soon she saw that around one spot was a wide band of white on which were written the words:

“Soon she noticed a wide band of white surrounding one spot, with the words written on it:

“‘I’m Mr. Pen and I’ll write you a story.’

“‘I’m Mr. Pen, and I’m going to write you a story.’”

“And around the other spot was written:

“And around the other spot was written:

“‘I’m Mr. Ink and I’ll write you a story.’

“‘I’m Mr. Ink, and I’ll write you a story.’”

“‘But I don’t want two stories,’ cried Kitty. ‘I only want one. If I write two they will think I want to have two chances while every one else has one. That will never do.’

“‘But I don’t want two stories,’ cried Kitty. ‘I only want one. If I write two, people will think I want to have two chances while everyone else has just one. That won’t work.’”

“But the round, smudgy spots proved to be Billie Brownie and Bennie Brownie, and it was around their hats that the words were written about Mr. Pen and Mr. Ink.

“But the round, smudgy spots turned out to be Billie Brownie and Bennie Brownie, and it was around their hats that the words were written about Mr. Pen and Mr. Ink.”

“‘We are going to whisper to you the most marvelous of stories,’ they said. And they grinned and hugged each other with delight.

“‘We’re going to share the most amazing stories with you,’ they said. And they smiled and hugged each other with joy.”

“‘She’ll win the prize,’ said Billie Brownie, and his brother Bennie laughed and said:

“‘She’s going to win the prize,’ said Billie Brownie, and his brother Bennie laughed and said:

“‘She certainly will.’

"She definitely will."

“And then they told her, while she was napping, the most wonderful story you can imagine. ‘I won’t forget it, will I?’ she asked. And the two Brownies laughed and said:

“And then they told her, while she was napping, the most amazing story you can think of. ‘I won’t forget it, will I?’ she asked. And the two Brownies laughed and replied:

“‘Forget one of your stories? Never!’

“‘Forget one of your stories? No way!’”

“And then Kitty stretched out her arms until one hand was taking[258] hold of Mr. Pen and the other was bringing Mr. Ink’s Home—the ink-well—forward on the desk.

“And then Kitty stretched out her arms until one hand was gripping [258] Mr. Pen and the other was pulling Mr. Ink’s Home—the ink-well—closer on the desk.

“‘Ah,’ she said, as she rubbed her eyes and looked at the paper in front of her. ‘What a nice sleep I have had. I feel so fresh and just like writing a composition. I am so glad I didn’t go out—for I know just what I want to write about.’

“‘Ah,’ she said, rubbing her eyes and looking at the paper in front of her. ‘What a nice sleep I had. I feel so refreshed and ready to write a composition. I’m so glad I didn’t go out—because I know exactly what I want to write about.’”

“Kitty wrote all the afternoon and the very last thing she did was to make a nice, neat copy of the composition. When it was all ready and tied with a little piece of blue string at the top, she put it away in her desk drawer until the time came to hand it in.

“Kitty wrote all afternoon and the last thing she did was make a nice, neat copy of her composition. When it was ready and tied with a little piece of blue string at the top, she put it away in her desk drawer until it was time to turn it in.

“Of course, she won the prize and the teacher said that it was because her composition showed she had taken time to think about it, but Kitty knew it was because of the Brownies!”

“Of course, she won the prize, and the teacher said it was because her composition showed she had taken the time to think about it, but Kitty knew it was because of the Brownies!”


NOVEMBER 2: The Butterfly and Bumble-Bee

“Good-by,” said the golden butterfly. “It is late for me to be out and I must leave now. I have come around because it is what they call Indian summer.

“Goodbye,” said the golden butterfly. “It's late for me to be out, and I have to leave now. I came by because it’s what they call Indian summer.”

“That is when another week of summer comes in the autumn when people have almost become used to cold weather.”

“That’s when another week of summer arrives in the fall, when people have nearly gotten used to the chilly weather.”

“I must still do a little more work in this warm sunshine,” the bumble-bee said; “you know it has been said of us that we improve each shining hour.”

“I still have a bit more work to do in this warm sunshine,” the bumblebee said; “you know it’s been said of us that we make the most of every hour.”

“But,” said the golden butterfly, “how do you know you’re improving each shining hour? Aren’t the hours all right as they are?”

“But,” said the golden butterfly, “how do you know you’re getting better every hour? Aren’t the hours fine just the way they are?”

“Yes,” said the bumble-bee, “that may be so, and they may be all right spent idly by some people. I don’t suppose the hours care so very much, though I have heard they hated to be wasted, and we will never waste them.”

“Yes,” said the bumblebee, “that might be true, and it could be that some people spend their time carelessly. I don’t think the hours mind too much, even though I’ve heard they dislike being wasted, and we will never waste them.”

“But they like to give pleasure and to have people take rests and enjoy themselves, too,” said the golden butterfly. And as he waved a golden wing in farewell he said to himself, “Bumble-bees overdo things. They work so hard that they’ve forgotten how to play! And that is the saddest thing about their lives.”

“But they enjoy giving pleasure and making sure people can relax and have fun, too,” said the golden butterfly. And as he waved a golden wing goodbye, he thought to himself, “Bumblebees take it too far. They work so hard that they’ve forgotten how to enjoy life! And that’s the saddest part of their existence.”


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NOVEMBER 3: The Furnace

“Ha, ha,” said the Furnace, as the pieces of coal were being shoved in; “ha, ha,” he laughed. “So they’re becoming anxious to have me working again.

“Ha, ha,” said the Furnace, as the pieces of coal were being shoved in; “ha, ha,” he laughed. “So they’re getting eager to have me working again.

“And I believe they never gave me a moment’s thought all summer long. I’m sure they didn’t. I feel quite certain of it.

“And I think they never thought about me for a single moment all summer long. I’m pretty sure they didn’t. I feel really confident about it."

“And then they wonder why at times I act crossly and queerly and why I get upset at times. I try not to, but of course when I get thinking of how no one gives the poor old Furnace a thought all summer long, then I can’t help but get upset.

“And then they wonder why sometimes I act grumpy and strange and why I get upset. I try not to, but when I think about how no one thinks about the poor old Furnace all summer long, I can’t help but get upset.”

“And when I get upset they all grumble about me, as if I mustn’t get upset, no matter how I may feel.

“And when I get upset, they all complain about me, as if I shouldn’t feel upset at all, no matter how I actually feel.

“Well, it’s a bit unfair. But I try to rise above it and give them heat and no smoke; warmth and no trouble.

"Well, it’s a bit unfair. But I try to rise above it and give them heat and no smoke; warmth and no trouble."

“I suppose things aren’t appreciated until they are needed. I’ve heard that window-shades or blinds or whatever one wants to call them have been so good about hiding the light from people’s eyes when they were sleepy, and then when they are old and had holes in them, they were horribly complained about, though never a ‘thank you’ did they get when they were doing their good work.

“I guess people don’t really appreciate things until they need them. I’ve heard that window shades or blinds, or whatever you want to call them, are great at blocking light from people’s eyes when they’re tired. But when they get old and have holes in them, everyone complains, even though they never say ‘thank you’ when they’re doing their job well.”

“And no one ever says:

“And nobody ever says:

“‘Ah, what a good pair of socks you are, my dear,’ or, ‘What a lovely pair of stockings you are, Nice Pair.’

“‘Ah, what a nice pair of socks you are, my dear,’ or, ‘What a lovely pair of stockings you are, Nice Pair.’”

“Yet so soon as a hole comes, how they grumble!”

“Yet as soon as a hole appears, how they complain!”

“You’re very useful,” said a piece of coal, “but you aren’t the whole thing. We’re all needed. Matches are needed. Sticks and paper are needed when you are started. Some one is needed to watch over you.

“You're really important,” said a piece of coal, “but you’re not everything. We all play a part. Matches are essential. Sticks and paper are necessary once you get going. Someone needs to keep an eye on you.”

“You require a great deal of watching. You must have a nurse, or furnace man, or watcher of some sort looking after you.

“You need a lot of supervision. You should have a nurse, or a furnace technician, or someone to keep an eye on you.”

“So, Furnace, you mustn’t become too conceited.” And the Furnace thought the coal was right.

“So, Furnace, you shouldn’t get too full of yourself.” And the Furnace thought the coal was right.


NOVEMBER 4: The Elephant’s Bath

“Steve, the elephant,” said daddy, “wanted to take a bath. He was in the big theater when he had this wish, for he did an act every afternoon and evening on the stage.

“Steve, the elephant,” Dad said, “wanted to take a bath. He was in the big theater when he had this wish because he performed every afternoon and evening on stage.

“‘Yes,’ Steve said to himself, ‘I feel the need of bathing. I’d like a good plunge in the real water—a river for example, just as I would have if I were free.

“‘Yeah,’ Steve said to himself, ‘I really need to take a bath. I’d love to take a good dive in some real water—a river, for instance, just like I would if I were free.

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“‘Of course, the first thing I must do,’ he continued, ‘is to get out of that side door there and get on the street. Then I will go a-looking for a river.

“‘Of course, the first thing I have to do,’ he continued, ‘is get out of that side door and hit the street. Then I’ll go looking for a river.

“‘I know there are plenty of rivers, for in my five years of circus life I’ve seen quantities of rivers. Yes, there must be one not far from this theater. It seems to me on one of my marches that I remember seeing it.

“I know there are plenty of rivers, because in my five years of circus life I’ve seen a lot of rivers. Yeah, there must be one nearby this theater. It seems to me that during one of my marches, I remember seeing it.”

“‘In fact, I feel quite sure I remember seeing a river at the other end of the long street we marched through.

“In fact, I’m pretty sure I remember seeing a river at the other end of the long street we walked down.

“‘At any rate, I will go and have a look.’

“'Anyway, I'm going to go check it out.'”

“So Steve started to go through the door at the end of the lower part of the stage where he was staying waiting for his act to go on. There would be other acts first and then he would come.

“So Steve started to head through the door at the end of the lower section of the stage where he was waiting for his turn to perform. There would be other acts first, and then it would be his time to go on.”

“‘I’ll be back in time,’ he said to himself, ‘but if not I’ll be just having a holiday. Of course, usually holidays are given to people and animals, but this time I will take my own holiday all of my own accord.’

“‘I’ll be back in time,’ he said to himself, ‘but if not, I’ll just be on vacation. Normally, vacations are granted to people and animals, but this time I’m going to take my own vacation on my own terms.’”

“Instead of undoing the door or opening it in the usual way Steve walked along pushing the door in front of him and taking it right off its hinges.

“Instead of unlocking the door or opening it the usual way, Steve walked along, pushing the door in front of him and taking it completely off its hinges.”

“When he got out on the street he looked about him. The children were just coming from school.

“When he stepped out onto the street, he looked around. The kids were just coming home from school.

“‘Well, hello, children,’ he said, as he waved his trunk around. Some of the children had peanuts with them and some of them had pennies so they threw delicacies to Steve and said:

“‘Well, hey there, kids,’ he said, waving his trunk around. Some of the kids had peanuts and some had pennies, so they tossed treats to Steve and said:

“‘Oh, aren’t you a nice big elephant.’

“‘Oh, aren’t you a lovely big elephant.’”

“But when their mothers saw that the elephant was walking along they called to their children to come right in the houses.

“But when their mothers saw that the elephant was walking by, they called to their kids to come inside the houses.”

“‘He is nice,’ the children called back.

“‘He’s nice,’ the kids shouted back.

“‘You can’t be sure,’ said their mothers.

‘You can’t be sure,’ said their moms.

“‘Now isn’t that annoying,’ said Steve. ‘Here I am feeling as friendly as friendly as can be, and the mothers want their children to come away from me and to go into foolish houses.

“‘Now isn’t that annoying,’ said Steve. ‘Here I am feeling as friendly as can be, and the mothers want their kids to stay away from me and go into silly houses.

“‘I don’t want to go into houses. They needn’t bang their doors so tight shut. Haven’t I just left a house and don’t I want a bath?

“‘I don’t want to go into houses. They don’t need to slam their doors shut like that. Haven’t I just left a place and don’t I want a bath?

“‘I don’t take a bath by going in people’s houses. I’ve heard of the size of their bath tubs. They wouldn’t do for me.’

“‘I don’t take a bath by going into people’s homes. I’ve heard about the size of their bathtubs. They wouldn’t work for me.’”

“Steve suddenly discovered a river at the end of another few blocks.

“Steve suddenly found a river after walking a few more blocks.

“He hurried along, waving his trunk as he went, and oh, what joy it was to him, to take a real swim in a real river. By the time he had finished his keepers had come after him, but he didn’t mind going back again to do his tricks in the theater for he had had a bath in a real river!”

“He rushed ahead, swinging his trunk as he moved, and oh, what a thrill it was for him to take a genuine swim in a real river. By the time he was done, his caretakers had come looking for him, but he didn’t mind going back to perform his tricks in the theater because he had enjoyed a bath in a real river!”


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NOVEMBER 5: Waving and Dreaming

“Laddie lived out in the country on a farm and not far away were the railway tracks,” said daddy. “How Laddie did love to see the great long trains go rushing by and curling blue smoke coming from the engine!

“Laddie lived out in the country on a farm, and not too far away were the railway tracks,” said Dad. “How much Laddie loved watching the long trains rush by with blue smoke billowing from the engine!

“He would sit on the back porch of his home and watch and watch the trains as they went by, and every day there were sure to be trains passing five different times. Laddie was always there on the back porch, just as regularly as if he had to be there.

"He would sit on the back porch of his house and watch the trains go by, and every day there were guaranteed to be trains passing by five times. Laddie was always there on the back porch, just as if he had to be."

“And every time a train would pass Laddie would wave and as he waved he would think of the people in the train and how they would go on and on into wonderful parts of the land, new parts he had never seen.

“And every time a train passed by, Laddie would wave, thinking about the people on the train and how they would journey into amazing places in the country, new areas he had never seen.”

“Often people would wave back to him and then he would smile and feel just like an adventure, too, for he had made friends with these wonderful people rushing by on adventureful travels.”

“People would often wave back at him, and then he would smile, feeling like he was on an adventure too, having made friends with these amazing people rushing by on exciting journeys.”


NOVEMBER 6: The Clever Fire Horses

“The fire,” began daddy, “was in a deserted barn on the very outskirts of the town. It was quite near some houses and an inn. So the firemen wanted to do all they could to keep fire from spreading to the houses, for there was quite a high wind. No one minded if the old barn burnt, for it really was of no use to any one, and the owner of it never bothered to keep it up at all.

“The fire,” Dad started, “was in an abandoned barn on the outskirts of town. It was pretty close to some houses and an inn. So the firefighters wanted to do everything they could to stop the fire from spreading to the houses, especially since there was a strong wind. No one cared if the old barn burned down, as it was really useless to anyone, and the owner never bothered to maintain it at all.

“But the fire-engine horses made an awful fuss. They heard, what the firemen didn’t hear, one of their own kind crying for help in horse language.

“But the fire-engine horses made a huge commotion. They heard, what the firemen didn’t notice, one of their own kind calling for help in horse language.

“They tried to break from the engines and kicked their heels and made a lot of commotion. They shook their heads and made all sorts of funny sounds.

“They tried to break free from the engines, kicking their heels and making a lot of noise. They shook their heads and made all sorts of silly sounds.

“Finally one of the firemen said:

“Finally, one of the firefighters said:

“‘I have a suspicion that the horses hear something in that barn, and I am going in to investigate, for maybe there is something alive inside. I have never known these horses to make a mistake.’

“‘I think the horses hear something in that barn, and I'm going to check it out, because maybe there's something alive inside. I've never known these horses to be wrong.’”

“So he went in through a broken window, and when he got inside he found a horse trembling with fear at seeing the flames.

“So he climbed in through a broken window, and when he got inside, he found a horse shaking with fear at the sight of the flames.

“The old fireman unbolted the back door of the barn where the fire had not as yet spread and led the horse out. Then you should have seen the fire-engine horses. They were so happy that the old horse had been saved.

“The old fireman unlatched the back door of the barn where the fire hadn’t spread yet and led the horse out. You should have seen the fire-engine horses. They were so happy that the old horse had been saved.

[262]

[262]

“But just at that moment an old man came running out of the inn and crying: ‘Oh, save my horse! He’s in that barn!’

“But just at that moment, an old man came running out of the inn, shouting, ‘Oh, please save my horse! He’s in that barn!’”

“And when he saw that his horse had been saved he went over and put his head on the horse’s mane, and the horse neighed contentedly.

“And when he saw that his horse was safe, he walked over and rested his head on the horse’s mane, and the horse neighed happily.”

“The old man had stopped at the inn for the night, and there they had told him he could safely keep his horse in the old barn.

“The old man had stopped at the inn for the night, and there they had told him he could safely keep his horse in the old barn.”

“‘Oh, I am so grateful to you!’ said the old man to the firemen. ‘I love my horse like a very real friend. How can I ever thank you?’

“‘Oh, I’m so grateful to you!’ said the old man to the firefighters. ‘I love my horse like a true friend. How can I ever thank you?’”

“‘We’re not the ones to thank,’ said the fireman who had gone in the barn when the fire horses had seemed so excited. ‘Our horses saved your horse’s life.’”

“‘We’re not the ones to thank,’ said the firefighter who went into the barn when the fire horses were so worked up. ‘Our horses saved your horse’s life.’”


NOVEMBER 7: The Two Roses

“Have I ever met you before?” asked the yellow rose of a beautiful pink rose. The pink rose was of a very exquisite color and though the yellow rose had seen many pink roses it was sure it hadn’t seen one of just that very same shade.

“Have I ever met you before?” asked the yellow rose to a beautiful pink rose. The pink rose was a stunning color, and even though the yellow rose had seen many pink roses, it was sure it hadn’t seen one in exactly that shade.

“I don’t believe you have,” said the pink rose, “for I am a new kind of a rose. I haven’t any thorns on me—that is, I only have some way, way down by the bottom of my stem. That is what they have trained my family to do. It took a good deal of training and teaching to make us like that and last spring when my grandmother made her appearance she was the first one to have succeeded in being almost thornless. It was a great day for grandmother!”

“I don’t think you have,” said the pink rose, “because I’m a new kind of rose. I don’t have any thorns on me—that is, I only have a few way down at the bottom of my stem. That’s what my family has been trained to do. It took a lot of training and teaching to make us like this, and last spring when my grandmother showed up, she was the first one to almost be thornless. It was a great day for grandmother!”


NOVEMBER 8: The Moth Balls

“How funny moths are,” said the first Moth Ball. “When most creatures go to the country or the seashore in the summer the moths prefer to stay if they can, in great heavy coats and furs and tam-o’-shanters, and so forth.

“How funny moths are,” said the first Moth Ball. “While most creatures head to the countryside or the beach in the summer, moths prefer to stick around, wearing their heavy coats, furs, and tam-o’-shanters, and so on.”

“It is really most ridiculous. One would think they would prefer it where it was cool.”

“It’s really quite ridiculous. You’d think they’d prefer it where it’s cool.”

“Still,” said the second Moth Ball, “we do not go to cool spots in the summer. We stay right in with the warm clothes.”

“Still,” said the second Moth Ball, “we don’t go to cool places in the summer. We stick around with the warm clothes.”

“That is so,” the first Moth Ball answered, “but we have our work to do. Our business keeps us in warm clothes in the summer-time, and[263] you’d think moths would stay away, when they can see there is no hospitality offered them.”

“That’s true,” the first Moth Ball replied, “but we have our tasks to handle. Our work provides us with warm clothes in the summer, and[263] you’d expect moths to steer clear when they see there’s no welcome for them.”

“Oh, well,” the second Moth Ball said, “I suppose there are some creatures who will never take hints and perhaps it is just as well.

“Oh, well,” the second Moth Ball said, “I guess there are some creatures who will never pick up on hints, and maybe that's for the best."

“For if moths took hints there would be no need for moth balls.”

“For if moths took hints, there would be no need for mothballs.”

“True,” the first Moth Ball ended as it was shaken out of a heavy coat about to begin its second winter.

“True,” the first Moth Ball ended as it was shaken out of a heavy coat ready to start its second winter.


NOVEMBER 9: Good-Winter

“As you know,” commenced daddy, “when the little creatures who go to sleep for the winter are about to begin their long, long rest they wish each other a good-winter just as we would say a good-night to each other, and Billie Brownie hurried off to make his good-winter calls on some of his friends.

“As you know,” Dad started, “when the little creatures that hibernate for the winter are getting ready for their long sleep, they wish each other a good winter just like we say good night to one another. Billie Brownie hurried off to say his good winter wishes to some of his friends.

“‘Well,’ said Billie Brownie to Mother Grizzly, ‘I wish you a good-winter.

“‘Well,’ said Billie Brownie to Mother Grizzly, ‘I wish you a good winter.

“‘If you were only going to have a night’s rest of course I’d only wish you a good-night and pleasant dreams.

“‘If you were just going to get a night’s rest, of course I’d only wish you a good night and sweet dreams.

“‘But as you sleep for the winter I wish you a good-winter and pleasant winter dreams.’

“‘But as you hibernate for the winter, I wish you a good winter and sweet winter dreams.’”

“‘Woof, woof, thank you,’ said Mother Grizzly.

“‘Woof, woof, thanks,’ said Mother Grizzly.

“And Billie Brownie left Mother Grizzly to tuck her children into their nice beds right by her in the old family den.

“And Billie Brownie left Mother Grizzly to tuck her kids into their nice beds right next to her in the old family den.

“He was very fond of Mother Grizzly.

"He really liked Mama Grizzly."

“Then he went to call on the Ground Squirrels.

“Then he went to visit the Ground Squirrels.

“‘Hello, little Ground Squirrels,’ he said, as he saw them after he had traveled a little distance in his Brownie motor-car.

“‘Hello, little Ground Squirrels,’ he said, as he saw them after he had traveled a bit in his Brownie motor-car.

“‘Are you on your way to bed?’

“‘Are you going to bed?’”

“‘We are indeed,’ they said. ‘Our parents went to bed at the end of the summer but we were allowed to stay up longer.

“We really are,” they said. “Our parents went to bed at the end of the summer, but we were allowed to stay up later.

“‘It is such fun to be allowed to stay up a little longer once in a great while. Good-winter, Billie Brownie.’

“‘It's so much fun to be allowed to stay up a little longer every now and then. Goodbye, Billie Brownie.’”

“For they said good-winter to Billie Brownie, too, as they would not see him during the winter, although he would not be asleep.

“For they said good winter to Billie Brownie, too, since they wouldn't see him during the winter, even though he wouldn't be sleeping.

“They would be the ones asleep!

“They would be the ones sleeping!

“And then he called on Mother Black-Bear, the Prairie Dog family, Willie Woodchuck and his family, and many others and to all he wished pleasant winter dreams.”

“And then he called on Mother Black-Bear, the Prairie Dog family, Willie Woodchuck and his family, and many others, wishing them all pleasant winter dreams.”


[264]

[264]

NOVEMBER 10: The Horse’s Complaint

“When I went out to-day,” began the horse, “the farmer had a new check rein for me. It held my head way, way up in the air and it was so hard for me. My neck ached and throbbed, and still the farmer drove me along and never paid any attention.

“When I went out today,” the horse began, “the farmer had a new check rein for me. It kept my head held way up high, and it was really uncomfortable. My neck ached and throbbed, and still the farmer just kept driving me along, completely ignoring it.”

“I just longed to have him wear it for five minutes and see how he would feel. But we had not gone so very far when a lady stopped and spoke to the master.

“I just wanted him to wear it for five minutes and see how he would feel. But we hadn't gone very far when a woman stopped and talked to the master.

“‘That check rein is very tight,’ she said.

“‘That check rein is really tight,’ she said.

“‘Oh no,’ said the master. ‘He is used to a rein like that. He always keeps his head up that way. He is a fine, well-bred horse.’

“‘Oh no,’ said the master. ‘He’s used to a rein like that. He always holds his head up like that. He’s a nice, well-bred horse.’”

“‘That’s true,’ said the lady. ‘But that is no reason why you should make him suffer.’

“‘That’s true,’ said the lady. ‘But that doesn’t mean you should make him suffer.’

“‘He doesn’t suffer,’ said the master. And all the time my neck was aching, aching, and, oh, how I was longing to get my head down a little. The rein held it up, and never for a moment could I get it down.

“‘He doesn’t feel pain,’ said the master. And the whole time, my neck was hurting, hurting, and, oh, how I wanted to rest my head for a moment. The rein kept it up, and I couldn’t lower it for even a second.”

“Before another word was said, my check rein was loosened, and then joy of joys, I put my head down. I moved it around, and twisted it, and I shook it! It was glorious.

“Before another word was said, my check rein was loosened, and then joy of joys, I lowered my head. I moved it around, twisted it, and shook it! It was amazing.

“‘There,’ said the lady. ‘Don’t you see he likes his head down? He doesn’t want it forced up beyond where he would hold it naturally. That is a very cruel rein.’

“‘There,’ said the lady. ‘Don’t you see he likes his head down? He doesn’t want it forced up any higher than where he would hold it naturally. That’s a really cruel rein.’”

“‘You know nothing about horses,’ said my master as he put the check rein back.

“‘You know nothing about horses,’ my master said as he adjusted the check rein.”

“There was my head back in its cruel check rein again, and on we drove. Oh how long that drive to town and back seemed to-day. And though I wish the master no harm, how I do wish he could be driven into town just once—with his head way back—held—so he couldn’t move it—couldn’t let it down for a second! Then he would know what it means to a horse who has too tight a check rein.”

“There was my head back in its harsh check rein again, and we continued on. Oh, how long that drive to town and back felt today. And while I don't wish any harm on the master, I really wish he could be driven into town just once—with his head all the way back—held—so he couldn’t move it—couldn’t let it down for a second! Then he would understand what it feels like for a horse with a check rein that's too tight.”

“Then he would know,” neighed the other horses. “Oh, if masters could only wear check reins too, so they would know just what they are like,” they added.

“Then he would know,” neighed the other horses. “Oh, if humans could only wear check reins too, so they would understand what they feel like,” they added.


NOVEMBER 11: Armistice Day

We think of days in history and of great and important events and of the dates upon which they took place. And little do we realize that one of the greatest dates in history was one which almost all of us remember. Those who were only babies then[265] are so quickly catching up with those ahead of them that they will hear about it so often that they will feel they, too, remember.

We think about key moments in history and the significant events that happened on specific dates. What we don't often realize is that one of the most important dates in history is something almost all of us remember. Even those who were just babies back then[265] are rapidly catching up with those older than them, and they'll hear about it so frequently that they'll feel like they remember it, too.

Early, early in the morning of November 11, 1918, peace came to a world in which so many nations had been at war that it was indeed almost a world war. And so huge and terrible and gigantic a war was it, including men of so many countries, and so great was the ideal for which they were fighting against an aggressive tyranny, that it had to be known by some name quite unusual and quite different.

Early in the morning of November 11, 1918, peace arrived in a world where so many nations had been engaged in conflict that it was practically a world war. This war was so massive, terrible, and extensive, involving men from numerous countries, and the noble cause they were fighting for against an oppressive tyranny was so significant that it needed a name that was truly distinctive and unique.

It was also called The Great War.

It was also called World War I.

It was great in its immensity, its idealism, its heroism, its scientifically modern and horrible machine-guns and submarines and gases, its tragedy, its suffering and the confusion and disorder it left behind.

It was impressive in its scale, its ideals, its bravery, its scientifically advanced and terrifying machine guns and submarines and gases, its tragedy, its pain, and the chaos and turmoil it caused.

There had been on November 7th a false report of peace. At that false report (then people did not know that it was false) every one went wild. The streets were filled with singing, shouting, happy, excited people. Oh, how happy they were! So happy they couldn’t quite express their happiness. They had kept their worries and their sorrows so closely to themselves that they found it hard at first to let out what they felt.

There was a false report of peace on November 7th. When people first heard it (not realizing it was false), everyone went crazy with excitement. The streets were filled with singing, shouting, and joyful, enthusiastic people. Oh, how happy they were! So happy that they struggled to express their feelings. They had kept their worries and sorrows to themselves for so long that it was hard for them to show what they truly felt.

And let it out they must! Joy was not to be kept to themselves. Joy was to be shared. Joy was something one didn’t have to be brave about—joy was too kindly and gay and merry—joy didn’t demand any self-control, nor did joy demand anything that was hard!

And they had to let it out! Joy was not meant to be kept inside. Joy was meant to be shared. Joy was something you didn’t need to be brave about—joy was too friendly, cheerful, and fun—joy didn’t require any self-control, nor did joy ask for anything that was difficult!

Whistles were blown and bells began to ring. Flags began appearing from windows, flags of all sizes. Many people rushed from their houses to wave their flags as they ran joyously up and down the streets.

Whistles blew and bells started ringing. Flags of all sizes popped up from windows. Many people dashed out of their houses to wave their flags as they joyfully ran up and down the streets.

One gray-haired woman spent the day in waving her flag as she walked the streets and smiled at people she had never met before. But now she could share her happiness with these strangers.

One gray-haired woman spent the day waving her flag as she walked the streets, smiling at people she had never met before. But now she could share her happiness with these strangers.

Her son, who had been fighting for them, too, was now safe!

Her son, who had been fighting for them as well, was now safe!

People made very sure of the report that came next—on November 11th—but it was a real report and there was no doubt of it this time. Victory had come. But not only victory—peace! The very word itself was more deeply thrilling than ever it had been before.

People were really focused on the report that came next—on November 11th—but it was a genuine report and there was no doubt about it this time. Victory had arrived. But not just victory—peace! The very word itself was more exciting than it had ever been before.

In the cities the people took to the streets and shared their joy with everybody. They rode on trucks; in every motor there were crowds—many of them had been strangers to each other but a short time ago. Older women seemed to have grown suddenly younger. They walked with a new springiness in their steps. People sang—crowds went by having made up hurried parades, singing as they went.

In the cities, people flooded the streets, sharing their joy with everyone. They rode on trucks, and every vehicle was packed with crowds—many of them had only just met. Older women suddenly seemed younger, walking with a new bounce in their steps. People sang as makeshift parades formed, with crowds singing as they passed by.

Even tin pans were brought out and did their share toward a great noise in thankfulness. Peace! Peace following war!

Even tin pans were pulled out and contributed to the loud celebration in gratitude. Peace! Peace after war!

People dressed up—solemn people were no longer solemn.

People were dressed up—serious people were no longer serious.

[266]

[266]

And all were a part of a great day in history—one of history’s greatest days!

And all were part of a significant day in history—one of the greatest days ever!

In small towns too the whistles blew, the church bells rang and very early in the dark morning, lights appeared in the houses. Small village bands or a group who could play musical instruments led processions which kept on all through the day and up into the following night. The small towns too had sent their own to the war. And peace had come to the small towns.

In small towns, the whistles blew, the church bells rang, and very early in the dark morning, lights appeared in the houses. Small village bands or groups who could play instruments led processions that went on all day and into the following night. The small towns had also sent their own to the war. And peace had returned to the small towns.

November 11th—Armistice Day! Peace! Something so beautiful, meaning so much to all human beings, that it has become the hope of the world that peace may always be with us!

November 11th—Armistice Day! Peace! It’s something so beautiful, meaning so much to all of humanity, that it has become the world’s hope that peace will always be with us!


NOVEMBER 12: Window Castles

“The children want to look out of their windows and you’re in the way,” said Mr. Sun to Master Chilly and Jack Frost’s other brothers.

“The kids want to look out of their windows, and you’re blocking the view,” said Mr. Sun to Master Chilly and Jack Frost’s other brothers.

Chilly and the others began to move a little and as they moved their castles disappeared with them. The children were getting up now and were calling to each other. “Oh, look at the wonderful pictures on the windows. There are castles too! Aren’t they beautiful!”

Chilly and the others started to shift a bit, and as they did, their castles faded away with them. The kids were getting up now and shouting to each other. “Oh, check out the amazing pictures on the windows. There are castles too! Aren’t they gorgeous!”

Chilly and the other Frost brothers and workers were delighted. “You see, Mr. Sun, they like us.”

Chilly and the other Frost brothers and workers were thrilled. “You see, Mr. Sun, they like us.”

“Well, maybe they do,” said Mr. Sun, “but I can’t help you stay around. I must smile and talk in my usual way and it’s too warm a day for you to like.”

“Well, maybe they do,” said Mr. Sun, “but I can’t help you stick around. I have to smile and chat like I usually do, and it’s too warm for you to enjoy.”

Slowly the frost castles left the windows, for they were taken away by the Frost Brothers after Mr. Sun had talked to them as they will never teach any one else the mystery of their work.

Slowly, the frost patterns disappeared from the windows because the Frost Brothers took them away after Mr. Sun had a conversation with them, as they will never teach anyone else the secret of their craft.


NOVEMBER 13: The Autumn Paint Club

“Come on, now,” said Jack Frost to his brothers. “It is time that the Autumn Paint Club finished up some of its work.”

“Come on, guys,” said Jack Frost to his brothers. “It’s time for the Autumn Paint Club to wrap up some of its work.”

“Nutty Chum, Chippy Chappy, and Sharpy and Bright Eyes and others of the squirrel family will be glad that we have come, for we will improve the nuts and they like the nuts, oh yes indeed!

“Nutty Chum, Chippy Chappy, Sharpy, and Bright Eyes, along with others from the squirrel family, will be happy that we’re here because we’ll make the nuts better, and they love nuts, oh yes indeed!”

“Then we will please the children, too, for they like the chestnut season.[267] Oh, yes, that is the truth! They do like the chestnut season.

“Then we will make the kids happy, too, because they love the chestnut season.[267] Oh, yes, that’s true! They really do love the chestnut season.”

“But ah, Frost Brothers, the night is almost here. Let’s get started.

“But hey, Frost Brothers, the night is almost here. Let’s get going.”

“Remember, you all know just what you have to do! You all know which of you must paint the windows with the magic Frost paint brushes this evening, and you know which of you must whisper to the flowers the little Frost word, ‘Obey!’ You all know what you must do.”

“Remember, you all know exactly what you need to do! You all know who has to paint the windows with the magic Frost paint brushes tonight, and you know who needs to whisper the little Frost word, ‘Obey!’ to the flowers. You all know what you have to do.”

“We all know,” said the Frost Brothers.

“We all know,” said the Frost Brothers.

“I feel just like work,” said Master Very Cool.

“I feel just like work,” said Master Very Cool.

“So do I,” said Master Chilly.

“So do I,” replied Master Chilly.

“I feel like it, too, I should say I did,” agreed Master Heavy Frost.

“I feel the same way; I should say I did,” agreed Master Heavy Frost.

“Good,” said Jack Frost. “And you’re a fine worker, Master Heavy Frost. You make creatures obey you!”

“Good,” said Jack Frost. “And you’re a great worker, Master Heavy Frost. You make creatures do what you want!”

So off went the Frost Brothers, and the next morning when the people awoke they said what a heavy frost there had been, but Jack Frost was chuckling to himself as he said: “The Autumn Paint Club did fine work last night!”

So away went the Frost Brothers, and the next morning when people woke up, they remarked on how heavy the frost had been. Meanwhile, Jack Frost was laughing to himself as he said, "The Autumn Paint Club did great work last night!"


NOVEMBER 14: Mother Brown Bat

“Ah, children,” said Mother Brown Bat, “it will soon be time to go to bed. And we shall sleep well, for bats are good sleepers. We shall sleep especially well if it is to be a cold winter. Ah, my children, what marketing trips we have made. I have not had to call in a neighbor to take care of my babies when I went out. No, my babies hung onto my neck and came along, too.

“Ah, kids,” said Mother Brown Bat, “it’ll soon be time for bed. And we’ll sleep well because bats are great sleepers. We’ll sleep especially well if it’s going to be a cold winter. Ah, my children, what adventures we've had. I didn’t have to call a neighbor to take care of my little ones when I went out. No, my babies clung to my neck and came along with me, too.

“What times we used to have catching bugs and other delicious delicacies we found about at night. What meals we used to have.

“What great times we had catching bugs and other tasty treats we found at night. Those meals were something else.”

“We used to have beetle pudding quite often and gnat salad. Do you remember, my Bat babies?”

“We used to have beetle pudding pretty often and gnat salad. Do you remember, my Bat babies?”

“We remember, Mother Brown Bat. But,” they said, “we are no longer babies.”

“We remember, Mother Brown Bat. But,” they said, “we're not babies anymore.”

“That is true,” said Mother Brown Bat, “and you are able to look after yourselves; but I still call you babies, for it is hard for a mother to realize her children are grown-up and you do grow up so quickly.

“That’s true,” said Mother Brown Bat, “and you can take care of yourselves; but I still call you babies, because it’s hard for a mother to accept that her children have grown up, and you really do grow up so fast.”

“Sometimes we went about in the very, very early mornings and often we started out before it was really night. But we took great care, for we kept away from people. People have such a curious habit of not liking bats.”

“Sometimes we would go out in the really early mornings and often we would start before it was truly night. But we were very careful because we stayed away from people. People have this strange habit of not liking bats.”

“That is hard to believe,” said the Bat children.

"That's hard to believe," said the Bat children.

“I think so,” said Mother Brown Bat. “I should think they would like bats, and especially the members of our family, for we are so small and dainty and so clever in the way we hang on to the trees when we[268] sleep, rather than fussing about housekeeping and bed-making all the time.

“I think so,” said Mother Brown Bat. “I would assume they would like bats, especially our family, because we’re so small and delicate and so smart in how we hang onto the trees when we[268] sleep, rather than worrying about housekeeping and making our beds all the time.

“Housekeeping takes up too much time for a Mother Brown Bat and the Mr. Brown Bat and the little Brown Bats wouldn’t half appreciate it either.

“Housekeeping takes up too much time for a Mother Brown Bat, and Mr. Brown Bat and the little Brown Bats wouldn’t appreciate it either.”

“So she doesn’t bother to do a lot of work for no reason at all, for none of us miss a home life. We’re perfectly happy as we are and with our own ways and habits.”

“So she doesn’t put in a lot of effort for no reason at all, because none of us miss having a home life. We’re completely content as we are, with our own routines and habits.”

“Perfectly happy,” agreed the Bat children. “We’re perfectly happy, Mother Brown Bat.”

“Absolutely happy,” the Bat kids replied. “We’re totally happy, Mom Brown Bat.”


NOVEMBER 15: The Magic Slate

“There was once,” said Witty Witch, as she sat in the center of old Mr. Giant’s cave, and told stories to the elves, brownies, gnomes, goblins and many of her other little friends, “a very naughty little gnome.

“There was once,” said Witty Witch, as she sat in the center of old Mr. Giant’s cave, telling stories to the elves, brownies, gnomes, goblins, and many of her other little friends, “a very mischievous little gnome.

“‘I think slates are the nicest things in the world,’ he said. ‘Anything we write or draw on them we can rub right out again. I guess I’ll be like a slate myself. I’ll do what I please and then I’ll rub it out.’

“‘I think slates are the best things ever,’ he said. ‘Anything we write or draw on them we can easily erase. I guess I’ll be like a slate myself. I’ll do what I want and then I’ll erase it.’”

“Of course he didn’t quite know how he was to do that. Rubbing out chalk marks on his slate he found to be quite a different matter from rubbing out mean and naughty actions!

“Of course he didn’t really know how he was supposed to do that. Erasing chalk marks on his slate felt completely different from erasing mean and naughty actions!

“Still he said to himself that he would never do the same naughty things again, and that he was sorry, and that was just about the same as rubbing them out.

“Still he told himself that he would never do those bad things again, that he was sorry, and that was pretty much the same as erasing them.”

“He always pretended in school that he knew the answer to every question. Then, when Professor Gnome would ask what he had written, he would say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, Professor, but I didn’t know you wanted me to keep the answer on my slate. I rubbed it out.’ For then, he thought, he had shown he knew something by writing on his slate—even though he did not write the answer at all, but simply something quite absurd.

“He always acted like he knew the answer to every question in school. Then, when Professor Gnome would ask what he had written, he would say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, Professor, but I didn’t realize you wanted me to keep the answer on my slate. I rubbed it out.’ He thought he had proven he knew something by writing on his slate—even though he didn’t write the answer at all, but just something completely ridiculous.”

“One night he was very tired. He had been playing hard and had quite forgotten about his lessons. He had also knocked down a little creature smaller than himself, but he had said to himself that he was sorry for that. He really hadn’t meant to be so rough.

“One night he was really tired. He had been playing hard and completely forgot about his lessons. He had also knocked down a little creature smaller than himself, but he told himself that he was sorry for that. He really hadn’t meant to be so rough.”

“Suddenly before his eyes he saw Professor Gnome, only he looked much bigger than he did in school. He was carrying a big slate.

“Suddenly, he saw Professor Gnome right in front of him, but he looked much larger than he did back in school. He was carrying a large slate.”

“‘This is a slate which cannot be rubbed off by your sponge, little gnome,’ he said. ‘I have the magic rubber for it which the Fairy[269] Queen gave me. You can now do your lessons correctly on this slate and when I think they are well done then I shall take your slate and rub it clean.’

“‘This is a slate that your sponge can't wipe clean, little gnome,’ he said. ‘I have the magic eraser for it that the Fairy[269] Queen gave me. You can now do your lessons correctly on this slate, and when I think they're well done, I’ll take your slate and wipe it clean.’”

“And the little gnome seemed to be back in the school-room now and he had written something on his slate—just to pretend he knew the answer—and then he tried to rub it off before Professor Gnome saw it. But it wouldn’t rub at all. And all the class laughed at him for knowing absolutely nothing.

“And the little gnome appeared to be back in the classroom now, and he had written something on his slate—just to act like he knew the answer—and then he tried to erase it before Professor Gnome noticed. But it wouldn’t come off at all. And the whole class laughed at him for knowing absolutely nothing.”

“Next it was recess time, and the little gnome he had knocked down was crying. He had bumped his head as he had fallen, and the bump kept growing larger and larger until at last his head had gone entirely, and there was only a big bump left!

“Next, it was recess time, and the little gnome he had knocked down was crying. He had bumped his head when he fell, and the bump kept getting bigger and bigger until finally, his head was completely gone, and there was just a huge bump left!”

“Oh, how the gnome felt. ‘I shall always remember that I can’t rub out everything I do,’ he said. ‘My magic slate will teach me a good lesson, for I’ll be so ashamed when I see all my mistakes right in front of me until I have made them really and truly right.’

“Oh, how the gnome felt. ‘I will always remember that I can’t erase everything I do,’ he said. ‘My magic slate will teach me a valuable lesson, because I’ll feel so ashamed when I see all my mistakes right in front of me until I have actually made them right.’”

“It was only a dream, to be sure,” said Witty Witch, “but from that day on the gnome worked and played as though everything he did and said could not be washed off unless everything was right.”

“It was just a dream, for sure,” said Witty Witch, “but from that day on, the gnome worked and played as if everything he did and said couldn’t be erased unless everything was perfect.”


NOVEMBER 16: Peter’s Trip with the Man in the Moon

“There was once,” said daddy, “a little boy named Peter who had always longed to see the man in the moon. Every night when there was a full moon he would sit at his window and look at the funny, jolly face of the old man until he became so sleepy he would have to go to bed.

“There was once,” said dad, “a little boy named Peter who had always wanted to see the man in the moon. Every night when there was a full moon, he would sit at his window and look at the funny, cheerful face of the old man until he got so sleepy that he had to go to bed.

“One night he sat watching so long that he fell asleep by the window. It was not long before he saw the strangest thing. The moon seemed to be growing larger and larger, and soon it was back of a tree near his window. He could see quite plainly the jolly old face of his beloved man in the moon looking jollier and fatter than ever. The old man grinned from ear to ear at Peter, and in a moment or two he spoke.

“One night, he sat watching for so long that he fell asleep by the window. It wasn't long before he saw the weirdest thing. The moon seemed to be getting larger and larger, and soon it was right behind a tree near his window. He could clearly see the cheerful old face of his beloved man in the moon, looking jollier and fatter than ever. The old man grinned from ear to ear at Peter, and after a moment or two, he spoke.

“‘Well, Peter, here I am. Now how do you like me?’ And as he spoke he chuckled and laughed.

“‘Well, Peter, here I am. So, what do you think of me now?’ And as he said this, he chuckled and laughed.”

“‘Oh, I think you’re wonderful!’ said Peter, with wild enthusiasm and joy.

“‘Oh, I think you’re amazing!’ said Peter, with wild enthusiasm and joy.

“‘So you think I’m wonderful, do you? Ha, ha! Well, that is a joke! But there certainly isn’t any one else just like me, that’s true enough. So maybe I’m wonderful because I’m so queer. What about that?’

“‘So you think I’m amazing, huh? Ha, ha! Well, that's a joke! But there really isn’t anyone else quite like me, that's for sure. So maybe I’m amazing because I’m so unique. What do you think about that?’”

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[270]

“‘Oh, no,’ said Peter, ‘you’re wonderful because you’re so fat and jolly and because you’re always laughing and seeming to have a good time.’

“‘Oh, no,’ said Peter, ‘you’re amazing because you’re so plump and cheerful and because you’re always laughing and looking like you’re having a great time.’”

“At that, the old man in the moon laughed some more and said: ‘Well, you’re a funny little chap too. All folks don’t think it’s such a compliment to be fat, but I do. It’s the way I am, you see, and it’s best to be satisfied with the way you are, isn’t it? If you really like me then I’ll take you off in my chariot of mist to visit the stars, and you’ll call on all the bright queens of the stars, who sparkle so you can see them from down on the earth.’

“At that, the old man in the moon laughed even more and said: ‘Well, you’re a funny little guy too. Some people don’t think it’s a compliment to be chubby, but I do. It’s just who I am, you know, and it’s best to be happy with who you are, right? If you really like me, I’ll take you off in my chariot of mist to visit the stars, and you’ll meet all the lovely queens of the stars, who shine so brightly that you can see them from down on earth.’”

“So off went Peter with the man in the moon for the most gorgeous trip. They visited all the stars, saw the bright fairy queens who live in them and all the little elves and brownies. And then the man in the moon showed Peter where he stayed in the sky and how he moved every week so that all the little boys and girls in the world could see a full moon every month. And Peter could see down below all the wee little houses (they looked so small from where Peter was) and the earth, which looked very funny and small, too, from up in the moon. Peter felt a little afraid at first that he’d fall, but as he’d never heard of the man in the moon having a tumble to earth he felt comforted. Alas, all too soon the journey had to end, for Peter heard the distant sound of a breakfast bell.

“So off went Peter with the man in the moon for an amazing trip. They visited all the stars, met the bright fairy queens who live there, and hung out with the little elves and brownies. Then the man in the moon showed Peter where he stayed in the sky and how he moved every week so that all the kids in the world could see a full moon every month. Peter could see all the tiny houses below (they looked super small from up there) and the earth, which looked pretty funny and small, too, from up in the moon. At first, Peter felt a little scared that he might fall, but since he’d never heard of the man in the moon falling to earth, he felt reassured. Unfortunately, all too soon the journey had to end, because Peter heard the distant sound of a breakfast bell."

“As he yawned he realized he’d been sleeping all night by the window. But, oh, such a gorgeous sleep as it had been!”

“As he yawned, he realized he’d been sleeping all night by the window. But, oh, what a beautiful sleep it had been!”


NOVEMBER 17: Dinah

“Her name was Dinah,” said daddy, “and she was a gorilla. A gorilla is a relation of the monkey family, you know, and looks something like a chimpanzee.

“Her name was Dinah,” said Dad, “and she was a gorilla. A gorilla is a relative of the monkey family, you know, and looks a bit like a chimpanzee.

“She had had quite an interesting life as she had lived in Africa when young, and then she had been captured and had been tamed and had been very friendly with her owner, and after that she was brought over to this country and given to a Zoo in a large city.

“She had an interesting life. She lived in Africa when she was young, then she was captured, tamed, and became very friendly with her owner. After that, she was brought to this country and given to a zoo in a big city.”

“‘I don’t expect to stay here very long,’ said Dinah. ‘I do not care about living to a great old age, as some creatures do, and I do not like captivity. I am different from the ourang-utan and the chimpanzee, who are so friendly with the keeper.

“‘I don’t plan to be here for long,’ said Dinah. ‘I’m not interested in living to a very old age, like some creatures do, and I really don’t like being locked up. I’m not like the orangutan and the chimpanzee, who are so friendly with the keeper.

“‘I do not object to the keeper, but life bores me. There are some creatures who are always happy, and if they aren’t always happy, they are happy most of the time. So look at me while you can. Now is your chance to see the gloomy gorilla.’”

“‘I don’t mind the keeper, but life is dull for me. There are some creatures that are always cheerful, and if they’re not always cheerful, they’re happy most of the time. So take a good look at me while you can. Now’s your chance to see the gloomy gorilla.’”

“PETER FELT A LITTLE AFRAID AT FIRST THAT HE’D FALL”—Page 270

“PETER FELT A LITTLE AFRAID AT FIRST THAT HE’D FALL”—Page 270


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NOVEMBER 18: Winter Sleepers

Billie Brownie had still many of his calls to make in order to say good-winter to his friends who were going to sleep for the winter.

Billie Brownie still had a lot of calls to make to wish his friends a good winter before they settled in for their winter hibernation.

“Goog-a-room, goog-a-room, goog-a-room,” said Grandpa Frog from the near-by pond; “come, little frogs, come all, and sleep in the beautiful mud. The cold weather is coming.

“Goog-a-room, goog-a-room, goog-a-room,” said Grandpa Frog from the nearby pond; “come, little frogs, come one and all, and sleep in the lovely mud. The cold weather is on its way.

“It was bitterly cold last night, little frogs.”

“It was freezing last night, little frogs.”

Then he saw Billie Brownie.

Then he saw Billie Brown.

“Good-winter,” croaked Grandpa Frog.

"Happy winter," croaked Grandpa Frog.

And the toads and the frogs all squealed and croaked,

And the toads and frogs all squeaked and croaked,

“Good-winter, Billie Brownie, good-winter!”

“Happy winter, Billie Brownie, happy winter!”

Then Billie Brownie went to call on the Jumping Mice.

Then Billie Brownie went to visit the Jumping Mice.

“That frost last night was a hard one,” said little Miss Julia Jumping Mouse. “I’m going to bed to take care of my mouse beauty sleep.”

“That frost last night was really tough,” said little Miss Julia Jumping Mouse. “I’m heading to bed to take care of my beauty sleep.”

“Ha, ha,” laughed Miss Jenny Jumping Mouse, “who ever heard of a mouse going to bed early to get her beauty sleep?”

“Ha, ha,” laughed Miss Jenny Jumping Mouse, “who ever heard of a mouse going to bed early to get her beauty sleep?”

“I can’t stop to talk it over with you. I’m too sleepy,” said Miss Julia Jumping Mouse.

“I can’t stop to chat about it with you. I’m too tired,” said Miss Julia Jumping Mouse.

“Good-winter to all of you,” said Billie Brownie. But as he walked away from all his friends who were going to sleep for the winter, he said to himself:

“Happy winter to all of you,” said Billie Brownie. But as he walked away from all his friends who were going to hibernate for the winter, he said to himself:

“To sleep for a night
Is quite all right.
But to sleep half a year
Is really quite queer.
But of course we’re all different,
As different can be,
And what is natural to you
Might seem very queer to me!”

NOVEMBER 19: Toody Ruggles’ Luck

“A number of rich ladies,” began daddy, “at the seashore one day last summer had been throwing pennies from a bridge into the water for a lot of poor boys who were diving for them. The water was quite a good deal over their heads, but the little boys were marvelous divers and swimmers, having always lived by the water. The ladies kept on throwing pennies time and time again to see the wonderful dives the little boys were able to make. They would[272] dive straight down into the water and stay down ever so long and then come up, each one holding a glittering bright penny.

“A number of wealthy women,” dad started, “at the beach one day last summer were tossing pennies off a bridge into the water for a bunch of poor boys who were diving for them. The water was quite a bit over their heads, but the little boys were amazing divers and swimmers, having always lived near the water. The women kept tossing pennies over and over again to watch the incredible dives the little boys were capable of. They would dive straight down into the water and stay down for quite a while, and then come up, each one holding a shiny penny.”

“But, alas, a dreadful thing happened. One of the ladies in throwing pennies dropped a most beautiful diamond ring off from her finger and into the deep water.

“But, unfortunately, a terrible thing happened. One of the ladies, while throwing pennies, accidentally dropped a stunning diamond ring off her finger and into the deep water.”

“‘Oh, dear,’ she cried in dismay, ‘that was the ring I valued most and cared more for than any piece of jewelry I had. I shouldn’t have worn it, though, for it was much too loose for that finger. Whatever shall I do without it? I was so fond, so fond of it!’

“‘Oh no,’ she exclaimed in distress, ‘that was the ring I treasured the most and cared about more than any other piece of jewelry I owned. I shouldn’t have worn it, though, because it was way too loose for that finger. What am I going to do without it? I loved it so much, so much!’”

“At once the little boys offered to dive for it, for it had been by the throwing of pennies to them that the lady had lost her much prized ring, and they wanted, of course, to get it back for her.

“At that moment, the little boys volunteered to dive for it since it was the throwing of pennies to them that had caused the lady to lose her much-loved ring, and they wanted to retrieve it for her, of course.”

“So again and again they dived, but as none of them had seen her drop it they couldn’t judge where it had been dropped.

“So again and again they dove, but since none of them had seen her drop it, they couldn’t tell where it had been dropped."

“Now, Toody Ruggles was perhaps the best little diver of all, and yet even he had been so far unsuccessful, but at last he thought he saw it shining down among some weeds. The lady, however, had just about given up hopes of ever seeing her ring again when, lo and behold, up came Toody, his wet little face wreathed in smiles, carrying the beautiful ring. The lady was overpowered with joy and gave Toody a most wonderful reward.

“Now, Toody Ruggles was probably the best little diver of all, and yet even he had been unsuccessful up to that point. But finally, he thought he spotted it shining among some weeds. The lady, however, was just about to give up hope of ever seeing her ring again when, suddenly, Toody emerged, his wet little face beaming with smiles, holding the beautiful ring. The lady was overwhelmed with joy and gave Toody an incredible reward.”

“Oh, how happy Toody Ruggles was! At home he had one little sister who was very fragile and delicate. As their parents had both died, Toody was trying his best to look after his sister and himself by selling newspapers and carrying suitcases from the station. Lately, though, the doctor had told him that his sister must have plenty of fruit to build her up and to make her regain her strength, and this poor Toody was unable to afford.

“Oh, how happy Toody Ruggles was! At home he had one little sister who was very fragile and delicate. Since their parents had both passed away, Toody was doing his best to take care of his sister and himself by selling newspapers and hauling suitcases from the station. Recently, though, the doctor told him that his sister needed plenty of fruit to get stronger and regain her health, and this poor Toody just couldn’t afford it.

“But now he had the wonderful reward from the lady, and all the other boys were delighted that Toody had been the lucky one.

“But now he had the amazing reward from the lady, and all the other boys were thrilled that Toody had been the lucky one.

“Toody at once began to give his little sister delicious fruits. Soon the color came back to her cheeks, and she grew well and strong. So Toody’s worry that he might lose his beloved little sister was over, and through his good luck their little home once more became very, very happy.”

“Toody immediately started giving his little sister tasty fruits. Soon, the color returned to her cheeks, and she became healthy and strong. So Toody’s worry about possibly losing his beloved little sister was gone, and thanks to his good fortune, their little home became very, very happy again.”


NOVEMBER 20: The Limpets

“A limpet,” said daddy, “is a little shellfish. They’re very, very small, perhaps a shade smaller than a snail, and they cling to the rocks which are their homes. There are always hundreds of them fastened on the big rocks on the coast by the sea. They live on seaweed and the salt water.

“A limpet,” said Dad, “is a tiny shellfish. They’re really small, maybe even a bit smaller than a snail, and they stick to the rocks that they call home. There are always tons of them clinging to the big rocks along the coast by the sea. They feed on seaweed and salt water.”

[273]

[273]

“When I was a boy we spent some time in a town by the sea. We used to play off a bank called ‘Greenbank’ because in the summer time this bank was always so very green. Below this bank there were countless big rocks. We could hide behind these rocks, and no one could see us. We loved that because it seemed so mysterious to hide like that. We could see the bank above us, and then, miles and miles, as far as we could see, was the ocean. The rocks were covered with seaweed, and they used to be very slippery. Sometimes we would play hide-and-seek back of these rocks.

“When I was a kid, we spent some time in a seaside town. We used to play near a bank called ‘Greenbank’ because in the summer this bank was always really green. Below this bank, there were countless big rocks. We could hide behind these rocks, and no one could see us. We loved that because it felt so mysterious to hide like that. We could see the bank above us, and then, for miles and miles, as far as we could see, was the ocean. The rocks were covered with seaweed and were really slippery. Sometimes we would play hide-and-seek behind these rocks.”

“The rocks that were half in the water would be covered with the limpets. One big rock had great numbers of them on it, and we always called the rock ‘Limpet Rock.’

“The rocks that were partially submerged in the water were covered with limpets. One large rock had tons of them on it, and we always referred to it as ‘Limpet Rock.’”

“One Saturday about six of us had taken a big basketful of lunch and had gone down to Greenbank to spend the day. There had been a terrific storm the night before. We looked for our Limpet Rock the first thing, but we saw not a sign of a limpet. How funny, we thought; that surely is the rock! What could have become of the limpets? They were quite used to storms, and surely they couldn’t have been hurt by the storm of the night before! Suddenly we spied them.

"One Saturday, about six of us packed a big basket of lunch and went down to Greenbank to spend the day. There had been a huge storm the night before. We searched for our Limpet Rock first thing, but we didn’t see a single limpet. How strange, we thought; that has to be the rock! What could have happened to the limpets? They were used to storms, and there’s no way they could have been harmed by last night’s storm! Suddenly, we spotted them."

“There they all were, looking very unhappy and clinging to little pebbles and rocks in the low water. Before the day was over, though, the limpets had attached themselves to another big rock. So we called this rock the ‘New Limpet Rock.’ Once the limpets had fastened themselves to the new rock, they were just as happy as before, for they can change homes more easily than any other creatures and be happy.

"There they all were, looking really unhappy and holding onto small pebbles and rocks in the shallow water. By the end of the day, however, the limpets had stuck themselves to another big rock. So we named this rock the 'New Limpet Rock.' Once the limpets had attached to the new rock, they were just as happy as before because they can switch homes more easily than any other creatures and still be content."

“So I think we should admire the limpets because they are so brave and cheerful when they are driven from one home and with practically no fuss they set about and get a new home right away.”

“So I believe we should appreciate limpets because they are so courageous and cheerful when they're forced to leave their home, and without making a big deal about it, they quickly find a new place to live.”


NOVEMBER 21: The Rescue

“A little girl named Fannie,” began daddy, “was walking across a city street carrying a very small black poodle dog in her arms.

“A little girl named Fannie,” started Dad, “was walking across a city street, carrying a tiny black poodle in her arms.

“Suddenly the poodle dog, whose name was Gyp, saw another dog on the other side of the street. Evidently Gyp thought the other little dog would be nice to talk to, so he jumped with one bound out of Fannie’s arms.

“Suddenly the poodle, named Gyp, spotted another dog across the street. Clearly, Gyp thought the other little dog would be fun to chat with, so he leaped out of Fannie’s arms in one bound.”

“Fannie gave a scream of horror, at which the policeman, standing near, flew to the rescue. Had he been a minute later the little dog would have been struck by a street car.

“Fannie screamed in horror, prompting the nearby policeman to rush to the rescue. If he had been a minute later, the little dog would have been hit by a streetcar."

“‘Oh, you’ve rescued my little dog!’ Fannie cried. ‘You are so brave and wonderful!’

“‘Oh, you saved my little dog!’ Fannie exclaimed. ‘You are so brave and amazing!’”

[274]

[274]

“Gyp, who had been very much frightened at his narrow escape, was breathing little short, quick breaths from the fear of a moment before.

“Gyp, who had been really scared by his close call, was breathing fast and shallow from the fear of just a moment ago.”

“But at the same time his little tail was wagging for all it was worth, as he wanted to show the big policeman how much he thanked him, for he knew the policeman had saved his little dog life.”

“But at the same time, his little tail was wagging as hard as it could, since he wanted to show the big policeman how grateful he was, because he knew the policeman had saved his little dog's life.”


NOVEMBER 22: The Old Man in the Woods

“A little boy named Bobbie had a sister named Agnes,” said daddy. “They had few neighbors, as they lived in a very small place where there were only a few houses. Near their house were long stretches of woods. They had never been to the other side of the woods nor had they ever really walked very far into the forest, for it was said in the little hamlet where they lived that a queer old man had a hut about a mile and a half through the long lonely road. But one day the children decided they’d venture forth to see this old man.

“A little boy named Bobbie had a sister named Agnes,” said dad. “They didn’t have many neighbors since they lived in a really small area with just a few houses. Close to their house were long stretches of woods. They had never gone to the other side of the woods, nor had they ever really walked very far into the forest, because it was said in the little village where they lived that a strange old man had a hut about a mile and a half down the long, lonely road. But one day, the kids decided they’d go out to find this old man.

“Off they started, and after walking quite a distance they came to a funny little hut with smoke coming out of the chimney. When the old man saw Bobbie and Agnes he called out in a happy, excited voice: ‘I’m having visitors! Hurrah!’

“Off they went, and after walking a while, they came across a quirky little hut with smoke rising from the chimney. When the old man saw Bobbie and Agnes, he exclaimed in a happy, excited voice: ‘I have visitors! Hurrah!’”

“He took the children in his hut and showed them some wonderful picture books. He told them how delighted he was to have visitors, as he knew he was thought queer, but really he wasn’t at all, except that he loved to live in the heart of the woods. So the children promised to see him often, and he promised to show them more picture books, and before they left he gave them each a big piece of delicious apple pie.”

“He took the kids into his cabin and showed them some amazing picture books. He told them how happy he was to have visitors, since he knew people thought he was weird, but really he wasn’t at all, except that he loved living in the middle of the woods. So the kids promised to visit him often, and he promised to show them more picture books, and before they left, he gave each of them a big slice of delicious apple pie.”


NOVEMBER 23: The Queen’s Pin

“Once when I was a little boy,” began daddy, “I heard an interesting story that a pin told. Now, you may think that a pin could not tell such a very good story, but this was an exceptional pin, belonging to a very grand person.

“Once when I was a little boy,” Dad started, “I heard an interesting story that a pin told. Now, you might think a pin couldn't tell such a great story, but this was a special pin, owned by a very important person.

“‘Having been made into a beautiful crown shaped pin of superb pearls,’ said the pin, ‘I was put into a show case in a very beautiful jewelry shop. People would notice me above all other pins in the[275] case and pick me out as being by far the most beautifully set pin. All the pearls which belonged to me were very, very lovely ones. But I was so expensive that people could just look at me and could not afford to buy me.

“‘After being turned into a stunning crown-shaped pin with amazing pearls,’ said the pin, ‘I was placed in a display case in a really beautiful jewelry shop. People would notice me above all the other pins in the[275] case and choose me as the most beautifully crafted pin. All the pearls that were mine were incredibly lovely. But I was so pricey that people could only admire me and couldn't afford to buy me.

“‘The jeweler was so proud of me that he really did not care whether I was sold or not, for my beauty attracted so much attention that it was a help to his business. You see, people would ask one another if they had seen me, and if they hadn’t they would come right to the shop to look at me. Then, though they didn’t buy me, they would be sure to buy something else in the shop.

“The jeweler was so proud of me that he really didn’t care whether I was sold or not, because my beauty drew so much attention that it actually helped his business. You see, people would ask each other if they had seen me, and if they hadn’t, they would come straight to the shop to check me out. Then, even though they didn’t buy me, they would definitely end up buying something else from the shop.”

“‘But at last a marvelous carriage drove up before the door. It was drawn by four horses, and there were two fine coachmen and two very pompous looking footmen sitting up on top of the fine carriage.

“‘But finally, an amazing carriage pulled up in front of the door. It was drawn by four horses, and there were two stylish coachmen and two very pompous-looking footmen sitting on top of the elegant carriage.

“‘The jeweler was all in a flutter. Never before had he seen such a wonderful carriage. And out of it stepped a very handsomely dressed lady with a lady on either side of her, who both guarded her very carefully.

“‘The jeweler was really excited. He had never seen such a beautiful carriage before. And out of it stepped a very elegantly dressed lady, flanked by two women who were both looking out for her very attentively.

“‘“The queen—the queen has come to my little shop!” cried the excited jeweler, and all the other shoppers stood by and made low bows.

“‘The queen—the queen has come to my little shop!” shouted the excited jeweler, and all the other shoppers stood by and bowed slightly.

“‘But I didn’t bow. I didn’t think a crown need bow.

“‘But I didn’t bow. I didn’t think a crown should bow.

“‘The queen had heard of me, and she had come to buy me. The jeweler, with trembling fingers, fastened me in my little blue velvet box, and off I went, carried by the queen.

“‘The queen had heard of me, and she had come to buy me. The jeweler, with shaky hands, placed me in my little blue velvet box, and off I went, carried by the queen.

“‘When we reached the palace I felt very much at home, for everything was so beautiful there. I must confess, though, that I did feel a little nervous that first evening when I was worn by the queen with so many other exquisite jewels.

“‘When we got to the palace, I felt really at home because everything was so beautiful there. I have to admit, though, that I felt a bit nervous that first evening when the queen adorned me with so many other exquisite jewels.

“‘Oh, but such times as I did have! The court dinners and balls and receptions were so dazzling, and I adored them. But, best of all, I loved the parades and seeing all the crowds of people cheer and wave their handkerchiefs to the queen. And the bands were so exciting!

“‘Oh, the times I had! The court dinners, balls, and receptions were so amazing, and I loved them. But, above all, I adored the parades and watching the crowds cheer and wave their handkerchiefs to the queen. And the music was so thrilling!

“‘But the proudest moment of my life was really when the queen gave me to a young lady as a token of her appreciation of the lady’s brave soldier daddy.’”

“‘But the proudest moment of my life was when the queen presented me to a young lady as a sign of her appreciation for the lady’s brave soldier dad.’”


NOVEMBER 24: Eagle’s Thanksgiving

“Of course,” said Daddy Bald Eagle, “Thanksgiving Day is a day when the turkey is shown a great honor. But I would like to have something to say for Thanksgiving Day, too. Thanksgiving Day is a day when people are thankful. They are thankful[276] for their homes, thankful for their country, thankful they belong to their country and that they have so many blessings.

“Of course,” said Daddy Bald Eagle, “Thanksgiving Day is a day when the turkey is given a lot of respect. But I’d like to say something about Thanksgiving Day too. Thanksgiving Day is a time when people express their gratitude. They are thankful[276] for their homes, thankful for their country, thankful that they are a part of their country, and that they have so many blessings.

“And the Eagle would like to say he is thankful, too.

“And the Eagle wants to say he’s thankful, too.

“Yes, I would like to say how thankful I am that I am chosen as the national emblem of the United States. I would like to say that I shall never cease to be thankful that this honor has been shown to my family.”

“Yes, I want to express how grateful I am to be chosen as the national emblem of the United States. I want to say that I will always be thankful for this honor given to my family.”


NOVEMBER 25: Thanksgiving Day

It was a holiday and it was Thanksgiving Day. From the moment Melly got up she felt in a “holiday” spirit, she said. And everything and every one seemed to feel the same way too.

It was a holiday, Thanksgiving Day. From the moment Melly got up, she felt in a “holiday” spirit, she said. Everything and everyone seemed to feel the same way too.

First she went in quite early in the morning to see her mother who was sitting up in bed, waiting for her little visitor.

First, she went in early in the morning to see her mother, who was sitting up in bed, waiting for her little visitor.

Her mother was wearing a dear little blue jacket and a blue cap and was looking so pretty.

Her mom was wearing a cute little blue jacket and a blue hat, and she looked so pretty.

She had a nice little chat with her mother and then she went back into her own room to get dressed.

She had a nice chat with her mom, and then she went back to her room to get dressed.

Yes, every one in the house seemed to act and feel as though the day was a holiday as it most certainly was.

Yes, everyone in the house acted and felt like it was a holiday, and it definitely was.

And oh, such a Thanksgiving dinner as they had.

And wow, what a Thanksgiving dinner they had.

First they had corn soup and then they had turkey and many vegetables and then they had apple and celery salad. Next they had two pies to choose from, or to take a piece from each, and they had ice-cream too, and every kind of a nut and piece of fruit was in the fruit dish.

First, they had corn soup, then turkey with a variety of vegetables, followed by an apple and celery salad. After that, there were two types of pie to choose from, or you could have a slice of each, and they also had ice cream. Every kind of nut and piece of fruit was in the fruit dish.

In the center of the table was a little bit of a pumpkin. It was a real pumpkin but it was very, very small.

In the middle of the table was a tiny pumpkin. It was a real pumpkin, but it was really small.

On top of the pumpkin Melly’s mother had put some tiny carrots and baby potatoes and some little snowberries from the snowberry bush.

On top of the pumpkin, Melly's mom had placed some small carrots, baby potatoes, and little snowberries from the snowberry bush.

They did make the table look so gay and pretty. After dinner Melly and her family played the good old game of “stagecoach.” You know the game?

They really made the table look so cheerful and pretty. After dinner, Melly and her family played the classic game of “stagecoach.” You know that game?

The different people in the room who are playing the game take the names of the people supposed to be in the stagecoach, such as the driver, the little boy traveler and his mother and so on.

The various people in the room playing the game take on the roles of those who are supposed to be in the stagecoach, like the driver, the young boy traveler, his mother, and so on.

Every time the word stage-coach is mentioned each person playing the game must get up and turn around and the last person who sits down when doing this goes on with the story-telling.

Every time someone says "stage-coach," everyone playing the game has to stand up and turn around, and the last person to sit down continues the storytelling.

Of course the one who is telling the story must tell all of the trip this imaginary stage-coach took.

Of course, the person telling the story has to share the entire journey this imaginary stagecoach went on.

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And of course the names of all the characters must be mentioned often, for every time a character is mentioned that one who is taking the part of the character must get up and turn around.

And of course the names of all the characters have to be mentioned frequently, because every time a character is mentioned, the person playing that character has to stand up and turn around.

So Melly and her family played this in the afternoon.

So Melly and her family played this in the afternoon.

And when it became dark they lighted the lights and the fire was poked up so that it blazed most beautifully.

And when it got dark, they turned on the lights and stoked the fire so it blazed beautifully.

They had supper in front of the fire and though each one had said he couldn’t possibly eat another thing after such a dinner, they all managed to eat something.

They had dinner in front of the fire, and even though everyone had claimed they couldn’t possibly eat another bite after such a big meal, they all ended up eating something.

And when Melly went to bed that night she said: “I believe in Thanksgiving Day! And I have so much to be so thankful for! More, I’m sure, than anybody else has.”

And when Melly went to bed that night she said: “I believe in Thanksgiving Day! And I have so much to be thankful for! More, I’m sure, than anyone else has.”


NOVEMBER 26: Thanksgiving Day

“In 1620 as we all well know,” said daddy, “a ‘little band of Pilgrims’ came to this country, brave, fearless souls who had already met with difficulties and were not afraid to face more. They had already tried to cross the Atlantic but their ships had leaked and they had had to go back.

“In 1620, as we all know,” said Dad, “a ‘small group of Pilgrims’ came to this country, brave and fearless souls who had already faced challenges and weren’t afraid to take on more. They had previously attempted to cross the Atlantic, but their ships had leaked, and they had to turn back.”

“But they would have nothing to do with such a word as failure—and this is I think in itself an inspiration to all of us when we feel discouraged and as though we were failing in what we were trying to do—and so at last the Mayflower left Plymouth in Devonshire, England, and anchored on the American coast on November twenty-first.

“But they wanted nothing to do with the idea of failure—and I think this is inspiring for all of us when we feel discouraged and like we’re failing in our efforts—so finally, the Mayflower left Plymouth in Devonshire, England, and anchored on the American coast on November twenty-first.”

“Here they were going to have freedom, and though the trip had been a terrible one and though there were only a hundred of them all told to keep up each other’s spirits, they did not lose heart.

“Here they were finally going to have freedom, and even though the journey had been rough and there were only a hundred of them in total to lift each other’s spirits, they didn’t lose hope.

“They had planned to land on the New Jersey coast, but driven as they had been by gales and storms they found themselves on the Northern shore of Cape Cod, New England. Finally they chose Plymouth for their colony. Then came a terrible winter when over half of their number died, but in the spring those who had lived through the winter still would not use the word failure—and decided to stay on.

“They had intended to land on the New Jersey coast, but due to strong winds and storms, they ended up on the northern shore of Cape Cod, New England. Eventually, they chose Plymouth for their colony. Then came a harsh winter when more than half of their group died, but in the spring, those who had survived still refused to call it a failure—and decided to remain.”

“And then, at last, came harvest time, and hope and great thankfulness was in the hearts of these people. So that in the autumn in 1621 they set aside a day in which they gave ‘solemn Thanksgiving to the glorious Hearer of Prayers!’

“And then, finally, harvest time arrived, filling the hearts of these people with hope and deep gratitude. So, in the autumn of 1621, they designated a day to give ‘solemn Thanksgiving to the glorious Hearer of Prayers!’”

“The first national celebration of Thanksgiving was in 1789 when George Washington named Thursday, November 26th of that year, as a day to be observed in which to give thanks for the blessings of the year.

“The first national celebration of Thanksgiving was in 1789 when George Washington declared Thursday, November 26th of that year, as a day to be observed to give thanks for the blessings of the year."

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“It was Abraham Lincoln who recommended that the last Thursday in November should be observed as a day of Thanksgiving.

“It was Abraham Lincoln who suggested that the last Thursday in November should be celebrated as a day of Thanksgiving.”

“And ever since then it has been observed each year all over the country, and not from time to time in the different states according to whether their governors proclaimed it as such. Formerly that had been the custom.

“And ever since then it has been observed every year all over the country, not just occasionally in different states depending on whether their governors declared it so. That used to be the custom.”

“So it was Lincoln who gave us this day as a National holiday and day of Thanksgiving for every year. But it was because of that little group of people so many years ago that we have so much for which to be thankful.

“So it was Lincoln who established this day as a national holiday and a day of Thanksgiving every year. But it was because of that small group of people so many years ago that we have so much to be grateful for.

“Sometimes it is hard to think that such terrible days followed one after the other, for the country is so big and prosperous and cultivated now. But everything has to be begun. And it seems to me that our present-day joyous Thanksgivings are just what those people, so full of pluck, would have wanted us to have. For people who could be so brave and who could endure so much for what they believed was right, could not help but have hearts full of love and capable of great happiness.”

“Sometimes it's hard to believe that such awful days came one after another, because the country is so big, prosperous, and developed now. But everything has to start somewhere. I think our current joyful Thanksgivings are just what those brave people would have wanted for us. People who could be so courageous and endure so much for what they believed was right must have had hearts full of love and capable of great happiness.”


NOVEMBER 27: Good News

“I’ve been here in the zoo for some time,” said Daddy Buffalo, “and of course I do not keep up very well with the news outside of the zoo.

“I’ve been here in the zoo for a while,” said Daddy Buffalo, “and I don’t really keep up with the news outside the zoo.”

“But to-day I heard of some news and it was very good news. I will tell all the buffaloes about it. I heard that they were protecting the buffaloes more and more all the time, now.

“But today I heard some news, and it was really good news. I’m going to tell all the buffaloes about it. I heard that they are protecting the buffaloes more and more all the time now."

“I was told that they didn’t go after buffaloes to kill them but that they brought some of them to a zoo and people learned of their ways and of their habits and became interested in them, and others they left quite free. Surely that is good news for buffaloes.”

“I heard that they didn't hunt buffaloes to kill them but instead took some to a zoo where people could learn about their behaviors and habits, which made them interested in them. The rest they left completely free. That's definitely good news for buffaloes.”


NOVEMBER 28: The Newsboy’s Dog

The town authorities came to a poor little newsboy who owned a dog and told him they would have to take his dog unless he paid for a dog license. But the little boy hadn’t enough money and he did not know what to do, when some kind people overheard the conversation. They told the men that they had plenty[279] of money and quickly paid for the license of the little brown dog. The boy then almost cried for joy.

The town officials approached a poor little newsboy who had a dog and informed him they would need to take his dog unless he paid for a dog license. Unfortunately, the boy didn't have enough money and was unsure what to do when some kind people overheard their conversation. They told the officials that they had plenty[279] of money and quickly paid for the little brown dog's license. The boy was nearly in tears from joy.

So the little dog wagged his tail when his master told him to thank the kind people, for he saw quickly that his master once more was happy.

So the little dog wagged his tail when his owner told him to thank the nice people, because he quickly realized his owner was happy again.


NOVEMBER 29: The Gun-Metal Watch

“A very rich and spoiled little girl,” said daddy, “owned a gun-metal wrist watch. It kept very bad time, and she had it mended again and again.

“A very rich and spoiled little girl,” said daddy, “owned a gun-metal wristwatch. It kept terrible time, and she had it repaired over and over again."

“One day she went and had it fixed for the very last time, she said, and several days afterward the watch would not go for more than a half hour at a time. She took it back to the watch mender and was told that the only thing that could be done would be to have new works put in it. She said the watch wasn’t worth that and she was so annoyed that she threw the watch into the first ash can she saw.

“One day, she went and got it repaired for the final time, she said, and a few days later the watch would only run for about half an hour at a time. She brought it back to the watchmaker and was told that the only solution was to get new parts installed. She said the watch wasn’t worth that and, feeling frustrated, she tossed it into the first trash can she found.”

“Well, there passed by a very poor little girl. On top of the ash can she spied a paper with funny pictures, and she grabbed the paper out of the ash can, and then, to her amazement, she saw the little watch.

“Well, a very poor little girl passed by. On top of the trash can, she spotted a piece of paper with funny pictures, and she pulled the paper out of the trash can, and then, to her surprise, she saw the little watch.

“She ran all the way home to show it to her daddy, for her daddy had often mended watches for people just as favors, as his real business was that of a fruit dealer.

“She ran all the way home to show it to her dad, because her dad often fixed watches for people just as a favor, since his real job was being a fruit dealer.

“When her daddy saw it he said:

"When her dad saw it, he said:

“‘This watch has been fussed with so much that it is no wonder it refuses to go. I will see that it goes.’ And sure enough he did.

“‘This watch has been tinkered with so much that it’s no surprise it won’t work. I’ll make sure it runs.’ And sure enough, he did.”

“The watch went beautifully, and the little poor girl wore her gun-metal watch with the greatest pride.

“The watch worked beautifully, and the little girl wore her gun-metal watch with great pride.

“Every one had to ask her the time, of course, every few minutes so she could look at her watch, and if they didn’t ask her the time often enough she would tell them of her own accord.

“Everyone had to ask her the time, of course, every few minutes so she could check her watch, and if they didn’t ask her the time often enough, she would volunteer it on her own.”

“Now, the little rich girl was given a gold watch as a present from her daddy, but it didn’t give half the pleasure that the little gun-metal watch gave the little girl whose very own daddy mended the watch for her.”

“Now, the little rich girl received a gold watch as a gift from her dad, but it didn’t bring her nearly as much joy as the little gun-metal watch did for the little girl whose dad fixed the watch for her.”


NOVEMBER 30: Barnyard Thoughts

“I can celebrate Thanksgiving time,” said the pig, “for I am so thankful I do not live in the city.” And then the pig squealed this song:

“I can celebrate Thanksgiving,” said the pig, “because I’m so thankful I don’t live in the city.” And then the pig squealed this song:

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“Grunt, grunt,” he said, “I’d think it a pity.
If I were forced to live in the city.
There would be no nice mud in which to dig,
A poor place indeed for a sensible pig!”
“Quack, quack,” said the ducks, “and what is more there’d be no place to swim,
In the city we’d lose our life I’m sure, and certainly our vim.”
“And,” said the cow, “I agree with you too!
In the city I’d not have the spirit to moo.
There’d be no green meadows and nothing to chew,
Oh, what in the world would a poor cow do?”

And all the animals began singing, and talking, grunting, squealing and quack-quacking.

And all the animals started singing, talking, grunting, squealing, and quack-quacking.

And all of them said, in their different kinds of ways:

And all of them said, in their own unique ways:

“We’ll never, never leave the farm, we’ll stay here all our days!
We’d hate it in the city where they say it’s crowded so,
We’ll never add to the crowds, we say; to the city we’ll never go!”

“That is a fine chorus, grunt, grunt,” said the pig, “and a fine song of Thanksgiving.”

“That’s a great chorus, grunt, grunt,” said the pig, “and a great Thanksgiving song.”


DECEMBER 1: The Toy-Shop

“Why, here we are again,” said the first toy to the second toy as they looked at each other on a counter in the shop, for they had met before in Santa’s workshop.

“Hey, here we are again,” said the first toy to the second toy as they looked at each other on a counter in the shop, since they had met before in Santa’s workshop.

“Oh!” continued the first toy. “A child is coming to look at us! Oh, there are ever so many children coming into the shop, and there are grown-ups too, and their voices—oh, aren’t their voices nice! They sound so merry and so happy and as if they loved each other and the whole world.

“Oh!” continued the first toy. “A child is coming to look at us! Oh, there are so many children coming into the shop, and there are grown-ups too, and their voices—oh, aren’t their voices nice! They sound so cheerful and so happy, as if they love each other and the whole world.”

“I’m being bought, I do believe,” the first toy added.

“I think I’m being sold,” the first toy said.

“Oh, so am I,” said the second toy. “I’m going to be wrapped up.”

“Oh, me too,” said the second toy. “I’m going to be wrapped up.”

“We must be going to be presents from the mothers and daddies of the children as Santa will come to get most of these toys just before Christmas.”

“We need to get gifts from the kids' moms and dads because Santa will come to pick up most of these toys just before Christmas.”

“Good-by,” said the second toy; “merry Christmas.”

“Goodbye,” said the second toy; “merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” said the first toy. “Oh see! How the children are standing outside that window looking at the tree with all our friends upon it!

“Merry Christmas,” said the first toy. “Oh look! The children are standing outside that window, looking at the tree with all our friends on it!

“Wouldn’t you think the window would break? See their faces right against the window pane.”

“Don’t you think the window would break? Look at their faces pressed up against the glass.”

And as Santa Claus heard the reports of the pleasure of the children over this year’s toys, he smiled to himself and said:

And as Santa Claus listened to the joyful reactions of the children about this year’s toys, he smiled to himself and said:

“That is all I want as a reward for my work!”

"That's all I want as a reward for my work!"


DECEMBER 2: A Story of the Fireplace

Jack and Evelyn and daddy were watching the dance which was taking place in the Fireplace. They saw the beautiful costumes the Fire Fairies wore and they saw them blaze and flame and then become quiet. “They’re eating their supper now,” said daddy. “The Fire Fairy cooks have finished everything and now they are all enjoying the goodies.”

Jack, Evelyn, and Dad were watching the dance happening in the Fireplace. They saw the beautiful costumes the Fire Fairies wore, watching them blaze and flicker before becoming calm. “They’re having their dinner now,” Dad said. “The Fire Fairy cooks have finished everything, and now they’re all enjoying the treats.”

But soon the flames began to die down and only a few little flashes of light and fire were seen from time to time.

But soon the flames started to fade, and only a few small flickers of light and fire were seen occasionally.

“Those flashes and flames,” said daddy, “are some of the Fire Fairies who are still wide awake enough to ask the Fire Witches questions. For the Fire Witches tell bedtime tales. Soon the Fairies will be sound, sound asleep. They love to be put to sleep by the Fire Witches.”

“Those sparks and flames,” said Dad, “are some of the Fire Fairies who are still awake enough to ask the Fire Witches questions. Because the Fire Witches tell bedtime stories. Soon the Fairies will be sound asleep. They love to be tucked in by the Fire Witches.”

The flames died down entirely and only a little smoldering went on in the Fireplace.

The flames completely went out, and only a bit of smoke lingered in the fireplace.

“The witches are saying good-night,” said daddy. “Then they too will go to bed. But the ashes that will be left—nice warm ashes—they will be the pleasant dreams that are left behind for the Fire Fairies.”

“The witches are saying goodnight,” said dad. “Then they’ll go to bed too. But the ashes that remain—nice warm ashes—they’ll be the lovely dreams left behind for the Fire Fairies.”

The fire had gone out! Only some ashes could be seen, but in one corner a few red coals had appeared.

The fire was out! Only some ashes were visible, but in one corner, a few red coals were glowing.

“What are they?” asked the children.

“What are they?” asked the kids.

“They’re the King and Queen of the Fireplace and they’ve come to see that their people are all fast asleep. Then they will go to sleep, but they will first whisper a ‘Thank you’ to the Witches who tell the marvelous stories.” And just as daddy said that, the children heard a faint, crackling noise, and then they knew that every creature of the Fireplace had gone to sleep in their warm ashes of pleasant dreams.

“They’re the King and Queen of the Fireplace, and they’ve come to check that everyone is fast asleep. After that, they will go to sleep too, but first, they’ll whisper a ‘Thank you’ to the Witches who tell the amazing stories.” Just then, as Dad said that, the kids heard a faint, crackling sound, and they realized that every creature of the Fireplace had settled into their warm ashes filled with sweet dreams.


DECEMBER 3: The Pig Who Had No Table Manners

“I have a fairy tale to tell you this evening,” said daddy, “of a little pig who left his mother to visit the fox family.

“I have a fairy tale to share with you this evening,” said Dad, “about a little pig who left his mother to visit the fox family.

“The foxes, as you know, are very careful about their table manners and also extremely proud and were quite disgusted with little Piggy Look-a-do’s table manners, for instead of saying ‘Thank you,’ he’d just grunt when anything was passed to him. He swallowed his food without chewing it at all. He would reach across the table, and if he couldn’t reach a thing he’d climb on the table, much to the horror of all the other animals. Well, in fact, he behaved so badly that all his other nice mannered playmates simply would not have anything to do with him and just called him ‘pig.’

“The foxes, as you know, are very particular about their table manners and are also quite proud, so they were really disgusted by little Piggy Look-a-do’s behavior. Instead of saying ‘Thank you,’ he would just grunt when someone passed him something. He swallowed his food without even chewing it. He would reach across the table, and if he couldn’t grab something, he’d climb up on the table, much to the horror of all the other animals. In fact, he acted so poorly that all his well-mannered playmates wanted nothing to do with him and just called him ‘pig.’”

“Even Br’er B’ar couldn’t like him because of his bad manners, and finally he just had to go out and root in the ground for something to eat. Of course when he did that he ruined his lovely little clothes, his white shoes and trousers became all muddy, and his little speckled coat got very rusty looking.

“Even Br’er Bear couldn’t stand him because of his bad manners, and eventually he just had to go out and search the ground for something to eat. Of course, when he did that he ruined his nice little clothes; his white shoes and pants got all muddy, and his little speckled coat looked very dingy.”

“Piggy Look-a-do realized that he was losing his good looks, for the little pink nose looked white and his eyes very dull. He was too proud to return home to his mother, so he wandered through the woods trying to find something to eat. Finally he came to an apple orchard belonging to a mountaineer. This was the end of poor Piggy Look-a-do, for the next day he was killed and came on the table, roasted nice and brown, with a big red apple in his mouth, and made a fine feast for the old mountaineer and his family.”

“Piggy Look-a-do realized he was losing his good looks because his little pink nose looked white and his eyes were so dull. He was too proud to go back home to his mom, so he wandered through the woods looking for something to eat. Eventually, he stumbled upon an apple orchard owned by a mountaineer. This was the end for poor Piggy Look-a-do, because the next day he was killed and served on the table, roasted to a nice brown, with a big red apple in his mouth, making a great feast for the old mountaineer and his family.”


DECEMBER 4: Jimmie’s Airplane

“A little boy named Jimmie,” said daddy, “wanted a toy airplane for a Christmas present.

“A little boy named Jimmie,” said dad, “wanted a toy airplane for Christmas.”

“Well, Jimmie wrote a letter to Santa Claus not long ago, and he wrote the following:

“Well, Jimmie wrote a letter to Santa Claus recently, and he wrote the following:

“‘Please, dear Santa Claus, give me a little toy airplane. For when I’m a big man I want to go up in the air in a real one! I’d love to fly and so I’d like a little airplane which would fly around the room as I’ve seen them do in the store. The store at the second corner after you pass my house has one. It looks like a nice one, too.

“‘Please, Santa Claus, can you get me a toy airplane? When I grow up, I want to fly in a real one! I’d love to fly, so I’d like a little airplane that can fly around the room like I’ve seen in the store. The store at the second corner after you pass my house has one. It looks pretty nice, too.

“‘Wishing you a Merry Christmas, your loving friend Jimmie.’ And Santa has reserved the airplane for his little friend Jimmie, I’ve heard,” concluded daddy.

“‘Wishing you a Merry Christmas, your loving friend Jimmie.’ And Santa has saved the airplane for his little friend Jimmie, I’ve heard,” Dad wrapped up.


DECEMBER 5: The Christmas Dog

“A little girl named Peggy,” said daddy, “wrote a letter to Santa Claus, and this is what she said:

“A little girl named Peggy,” said daddy, “wrote a letter to Santa Claus, and this is what she said:

“‘Dear Santa Claus: I would like a rag doll and a doll which says Mamma and Papa, and can shut her eyes. I also want a[283] book and a set of paints, and please, dear Santa, bring my mother and daddy a doggie to guard the house. I want a doggie too, but mother and daddy also want one, so we could all share one doggie.

“Dear Santa Claus: I would like a rag doll and a doll that says Mamma and Papa, and can close her eyes. I also want a[283] book and a set of paints, and please, dear Santa, bring my mom and dad a dog to guard the house. I want a dog too, but mom and dad want one as well, so we could all share a dog.”

“‘Your affectionate little friend,

"Your loving little friend,"

“‘PEGGY.

“‘PEGGY.

“‘P. S.—Please give my love to your Reindeer and a great deal of love for you, dear Santa Claus.

“‘P. S.—Please send my love to your Reindeer and lots of love to you, dear Santa Claus.

“‘PEGGY.’

"Peggy."

“She put her letter down by the fireplace and the next morning it was gone, for she had addressed it quite correctly to ‘Mr. Santa Claus, By the Fireplace.’ As he was on the lookout for letters such as these around Christmas time, of course, he got it safely.

“She placed her letter by the fireplace, and the next morning it was gone because she had addressed it correctly to ‘Mr. Santa Claus, By the Fireplace.’ Since he was looking out for letters like these around Christmas time, he, of course, received it safely.”

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“IF HE COULDN’T REACH A THING HE’D CLIMB ON THE TABLE”—Page 282

“IF HE COULDN’T REACH SOMETHING HE’D CLIMB ON THE TABLE”—Page 282

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“Now Santa Claus loves to get letters. His mail around Christmas time is tremendous. But the more he gets, the more he chuckles and laughs to himself. ‘Oh this is splendid,’ he says, as he opens letter after letter. Days went by and Peggy kept wondering what Santa Claus would bring her for Christmas. She thought of writing him again about the doggie, for her mother and daddy would say so often:

“Now Santa Claus loves getting letters. His mail around Christmas is huge. But the more he receives, the more he chuckles and laughs to himself. ‘Oh, this is wonderful,’ he says as he opens letter after letter. Days went by, and Peggy kept wondering what Santa Claus would bring her for Christmas. She thought about writing to him again about the puppy, because her mom and dad would say so often:

“‘It would be a great protection if we only had a dog. This house is rather far away from the rest, and then we would be safe. Besides, a dog is such a companionable animal and the children would love him.’

“‘It would be a great protection if we just had a dog. This house is pretty far from the others, and then we would feel safe. Plus, a dog is such a friendly animal and the kids would adore him.’”

“Somehow, she didn’t like to write again to Santa Claus, but just before bedtime each night, she would whisper up the chimney—‘Please, dear Santa Claus, don’t forget the doggie—and the doll, and the paint box—and—and,’ but by this time her mother had led her off, for she would have gone on talking and talking to Santa Claus. And if she had kept on talking and missing her sleep, she would have been too tired to enjoy Christmas Day when it came.

“Somehow, she didn’t want to write to Santa Claus again, but right before bedtime each night, she would whisper up the chimney—‘Please, dear Santa Claus, don’t forget the puppy—and the doll, and the paint set—and—and,’ but by this time her mom had taken her away, because she would have kept going on and on talking to Santa Claus. And if she had kept talking and losing sleep, she would have been too tired to enjoy Christmas Day when it finally arrived.”

“At last it was Christmas Eve. Again Peggy called up the chimney, and she put her stocking first on one side and then the other. And by her stocking hung four smaller ones, for Peggy’s little sisters and brothers.

“At last it was Christmas Eve. Again, Peggy called up the chimney, and she hung her stocking first on one side and then the other. And by her stocking, she hung four smaller ones for her little sisters and brothers.”

“‘Good night, Santa Claus, Merry Christmas. My love to the Reindeer,’ called Peggy for the last time. And the younger children called out too, ‘Good night, Santa Claus, give our love to the Reindeer.’

“‘Good night, Santa Claus, Merry Christmas. Say hi to the Reindeer for me,’ Peggy called one last time. The younger kids shouted too, ‘Good night, Santa Claus, send our love to the Reindeer.’”

“And off they all trotted to the land of dreams which they had to pass through before Christmas morning would come.

“And off they all trotted to the land of dreams, which they had to pass through before Christmas morning would arrive.

“The next morning, bright and early, Peggy and her sisters and brothers were up looking at their stockings. Such goodies as they found! Peggy got her rag doll, and a doll who could shut her eyes, and say ‘Mamma, Papa.’ And she got a set of paints and a fine book.

“The next morning, bright and early, Peggy and her siblings were up checking their stockings. They found some amazing treats! Peggy got her rag doll, a doll that could close its eyes, and say ‘Mommy, Daddy.’ Plus, she received a set of paints and a nice book.”

“Her sisters and brothers got the presents they had asked for, and they had such fun over the oranges in their stockings. Several of them[284] were covered with black soot which Santa had dropped coming down the chimney! They loved to think of how Santa Claus had picked out these very oranges himself.

“Her siblings got the gifts they had asked for, and they had a great time with the oranges in their stockings. Several of them[284] were covered with black soot that Santa had dropped while coming down the chimney! They loved imagining how Santa Claus had personally picked out these oranges.”

“But when the first excitement was over, Peggy thought to herself, ‘There is no doggie.’ But then she thought Santa Claus was not supposed to get her everything she asked for. So after brushing away a tear which had fallen she began to laugh and play and say, ‘Merry Christmas,’ over and over and over again, to her mother and daddy, her sisters and brothers. But in a moment or two they all thought they heard a whimper outside the front door. ‘I shall see what can be outside,’ said Peggy, with beating heart. She opened the door! And there stood a little white dog, shivering miserably in the cold. ‘I have no home,’ the little dog’s eyes seemed to say, and as Peggy held him closely to her she said, ‘I know Santa Claus sent you here, and I wish you a Merry Christmas! And this is to be your home, Doggie dear!’”

“But once the initial excitement faded, Peggy thought to herself, ‘There’s no puppy.’ But then she remembered Santa Claus isn't supposed to bring her everything she wishes for. So after she brushed away a tear that had fallen, she started to laugh and play and kept saying, ‘Merry Christmas,’ over and over to her mom and dad, her sisters and brothers. But in a minute or two, they all thought they heard a whimper outside the front door. ‘I’ll see what’s outside,’ said Peggy, her heart racing. She opened the door! And there stood a little white dog, shivering miserably in the cold. ‘I have no home,’ the little dog’s eyes seemed to say, and as Peggy held him close, she said, ‘I know Santa Claus sent you here, and I wish you a Merry Christmas! And this is going to be your home, dear puppy!’”


DECEMBER 6: The Pride of Toys

“Oh, I’m so proud,” whispered little brown Teddy Bear.

“Oh, I’m so proud,” whispered little brown Teddy Bear.

“You’re no more proud than I am,” said a little white lamb. “Please pinch me—so—and then I will say: ‘Baa-Baa-Baa.’ Ah, that will make some one happy.”

“You're no prouder than I am,” said a little white lamb. “Please pinch me—like this—and then I will say: ‘Baa-Baa-Baa.’ Ah, that will make someone happy.”

The toys were in Santa Claus’ toy-shop and they were getting very much excited. There were still some to be finished—in fact, there were many to be finished, but none of them were worried, for they knew perfectly well that Santa Claus never left any toys unfinished.

The toys were in Santa Claus's toy shop, and they were getting really excited. There were still some to be finished—in fact, there were many to be finished—but none of them were worried because they knew for sure that Santa Claus never left any toys unfinished.

That was the wonderful part of Santa Claus. He could be rushed and hurried and he could be so busy that you wondered how it was possible for him to do so much and you might think, if you didn’t know, that some of those many, many things wouldn’t be done. But the toys knew, for the tools which Santa used to make them with whispered to them many secrets.

That was the amazing thing about Santa Claus. He could be rushed and busy, and it could seem impossible for him to accomplish so much. You might think, if you didn’t know better, that some of those countless things wouldn’t get done. But the toys knew; the tools Santa used to make them shared many secrets with them.

“He may be busy,” the tools always told the new toys, “but he’ll finish you and you’ll go to the children on Christmas day.”

“He might be busy,” the tools always told the new toys, “but he’ll finish you, and you’ll go to the kids on Christmas day.”

“How proud I will be,” whispered the Teddy Bear once more, “if I am put on a tree. They say that Santa hangs toys on Christmas trees. But then I would be just as proud if I were put in a stocking. How I would love to peep my head out from the top of a stocking and see the children as they come downstairs early Christmas morning! In fact, I would be proud no matter where Santa put me, or how he gave me. It’s a great big and wonderful pride to be a toy made by Santa Claus which is given to a child on Christmas day.”

“How proud I will be,” whispered the Teddy Bear once more, “if I’m put on a tree. They say Santa hangs toys on Christmas trees. But I’d be just as proud if I were placed in a stocking. How I would love to peek my head out from the top of a stocking and see the children come downstairs early on Christmas morning! In fact, I’d be proud no matter where Santa put me or how he delivered me. It’s an incredible joy to be a toy made by Santa Claus and given to a child on Christmas day.”

“That is what we all feel,” said the other toys.

"That's how we all feel," said the other toys.


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[285]

DECEMBER 7: Christmas with the Squirrels

“When Christmas day comes all the little squirrels,” said daddy, “meet near the largest tree, which they pick out for the occasion. Then there is a wild scramble up the tree for the branches, where the squirrels perch themselves, and finally the feast begins.

“On Christmas day, all the little squirrels,” said daddy, “gather near the biggest tree they've chosen for the occasion. Then there's a crazy scramble up the tree for the branches, where the squirrels settle in, and finally the feast starts.

“After they have finished their scrumptious Christmas dinner they play ‘tag,’ ‘hide-and-seek’ and many other games, which make the branches wave around as they jump from one tree to the other. Prizes are offered by the older squirrels for the sports and games which are played. The prizes are usually extraordinarily big nuts or very red apples. Sometimes, too, kind children just before Christmas put nuts in the trees where the squirrels can find them. That makes the squirrels very happy, and they call these nuts their Christmas gifts.”

“After they finish their delicious Christmas dinner, they play ‘tag,’ ‘hide-and-seek,’ and many other games, making the branches sway as they jump from one tree to another. The older squirrels offer prizes for the sports and games played. These prizes are usually really big nuts or very red apples. Sometimes, kind kids put nuts in the trees just before Christmas where the squirrels can find them. That makes the squirrels very happy, and they call these nuts their Christmas gifts.”


DECEMBER 8: How to Address Santa

“Where is Santa’s home,” asked Evelyn, “for we must know where to write him?”

“Where does Santa live?” Evelyn asked. “We need to know where to write to him.”

“He lives way up North,” answered daddy, “but any letter directed to ‘Mr. Santa Claus, the Chimney,’ will reach him, for he has special reindeer collecting his letters from the tops of chimneys several weeks before Christmas. You must put them on the hearth, and on the envelope you must put a speck of soot, for that is the stamp you use for the letters which go to Santa Claus Land.”

“He lives up North,” Dad replied, “but any letter addressed to ‘Mr. Santa Claus, the Chimney’ will get to him. He has special reindeer that pick up his letters from the tops of chimneys weeks before Christmas. You have to place them on the hearth, and you need to add a bit of soot on the envelope because that’s the stamp you use for letters that go to Santa Claus Land.”


DECEMBER 9: A Letter to Santa Claus and the Answer

“I saw such a poor little boy to-day,” began daddy to Jack and Evelyn. “He was looking in a shop window where there were loads of toys, and as he looked great, huge tears dropped from his eyes and trickled down his face.

“I saw this really sad little boy today,” dad started to Jack and Evelyn. “He was looking in a shop window filled with toys, and as he stared, big, heavy tears fell from his eyes and ran down his face.

“I spoke to him and asked him where he lived, and for a moment he couldn’t speak, but between sobs he began to tell me of his life. He was very ragged and quite dirty.

“I spoke to him and asked him where he lived, and for a moment he couldn’t respond, but between sobs, he started to share his life story with me. He looked very scruffy and quite dirty."

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“He told me his daddy had died in the summer and that a few months afterward his mother had married a horrid, cruel man who hated him and called him ‘little nuisance.’ The stepfather didn’t like to work, and as soon as he had used up his wife’s savings he told the little boy he would have to beg or steal his food, for he wouldn’t be bothered with him.

“He told me his dad had died in the summer and that a few months later his mom had married a horrible, cruel guy who hated him and called him ‘little nuisance.’ The stepdad didn’t like to work, and as soon as he had used up his wife’s savings, he told the little boy he would have to beg or steal his food, because he wouldn’t be bothered with him.”

“The little boy said that he had always had a happy home, a good warm fire and plenty to eat when he came home from school, and he simply would not beg or steal. One night he came home, of course bringing nothing. His stepfather saw he could neither make him beg nor steal so he forced him to leave the house. His mother was so afraid of his stepfather that she did not say a word. Now, he had been away from home for two weeks. He spent his nights with a little school friend, but he could not stay there much longer, as the boy’s parents were so poor they could hardly keep their children. He dreaded the cold, but what he felt more than anything was that Santa Claus did not know where he was and that he would have no Christmas.”

The little boy said he had always had a happy home, a warm fire, and plenty to eat when he got home from school, and he simply wouldn't beg or steal. One night he came home with nothing, of course. His stepfather saw that he couldn't be made to beg or steal, so he forced him to leave the house. His mother was so scared of his stepfather that she didn't say a word. Now, he had been away from home for two weeks. He spent his nights with a little school friend, but he couldn’t stay there much longer since the boy’s parents were so poor they could barely support their kids. He dreaded the cold, but more than anything, he felt that Santa Claus didn’t know where he was and that he would have no Christmas.

“Let’s write Santa a letter right away,” said Evelyn, “and tell him about the little boy. What’s his name, daddy?”

“Let’s write a letter to Santa right now,” said Evelyn, “and tell him about the little boy. What’s his name, Dad?”

“His name is Harry Armstrong, and tell Santa to bring his presents here, for I’ve told him he can do odd chores for us and stay here for a while.”

“His name is Harry Armstrong, and let Santa know to bring his gifts here, because I told him he can do some odd jobs for us and stay here for a bit.”

So Evelyn wrote: “Dear Santa—A poor little boy named Harry Armstrong is afraid he’ll have no Christmas. So please, dear Santa, send him a warm suit, an overcoat, a sled, some skates and lots of candy. Your loving Evelyn.”

So Evelyn wrote: “Dear Santa—A little boy named Harry Armstrong is worried he won't have a Christmas. So please, dear Santa, send him a warm suit, an overcoat, a sled, some skates, and lots of candy. Your loving Evelyn.”

Jack and Evelyn had just gone to bed when daddy walked into their room with a note and a stamp of soot on it. Evelyn hurriedly opened it and read aloud: “Dear Evelyn—I won’t forget about Harry Armstrong on Christmas, and you were very dear to think of some one else who wanted a Christmas. Your friend, Santa Claus.”

Jack and Evelyn had just gone to bed when Dad walked into their room with a note that had a smudge of soot on it. Evelyn quickly opened it and read aloud: “Dear Evelyn—I won’t forget about Harry Armstrong on Christmas, and it was really sweet of you to think of someone else who wanted a Christmas. Your friend, Santa Claus.”

“Hurrah!” shouted Jack and Evelyn together.

“Yay!” yelled Jack and Evelyn at the same time.


DECEMBER 10: Betty’s Dream

“Oh, mother, I had such a dream,” said a little girl named Betty. “I dreamt I saw Santa Claus in his shop. Oh, he was the most beautiful old man I ever saw in all my life—and oh, mother, his eyes! How they laughed. And he was making—think, mother—he was making a rag doll! The very sort of a doll I hope he will give me for Christmas and he was smiling at the doll. And I saw the whole shop and all the toys—and everything. Oh, I hope Santa brings me a rag doll.”

“Oh, mom, I had the most amazing dream,” said a little girl named Betty. “I dreamt I saw Santa Claus in his workshop. Oh, he was the most wonderful old man I’ve ever seen in my life—and oh, mom, his eyes! They sparkled with joy. And he was making—can you believe it, mom?—he was making a rag doll! Just the kind of doll I hope he’ll give me for Christmas, and he was smiling at the doll. I saw the entire workshop and all the toys—and everything. Oh, I really hope Santa brings me a rag doll.”

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Now the Dream King had sent this dream to Betty, and it was as real as a dream can be. But it was absolutely real that Santa Claus was making a rag doll and that that rag doll was going to be found Christmas morning in Betty’s stocking, for the Dream King had told Santa Claus it was what she wanted and that was why Santa Claus had smiled so—because he knew how the dolly was going to please Betty!

Now the Dream King had sent this dream to Betty, and it felt as real as any dream can. But it was completely true that Santa Claus was making a rag doll and that this rag doll would be found in Betty’s stocking on Christmas morning, because the Dream King had told Santa Claus it was what she wanted, and that’s why Santa Claus had smiled so—because he knew how happy the doll was going to make Betty!


DECEMBER 11: The Snow Man

“The Brownies and Gnomes thought it would be a fine scheme to make a snow man,” said daddy. “Billie Brownie made his feet first of all, and so they made him on up until his head was all ready.

“The Brownies and Gnomes thought it would be a great idea to make a snowman,” said Dad. “Billie Brownie made his feet first, and then they built him up until his head was all ready.”

“Then, of course, he had to have a hat, and Peter Gnome made him a very handsome high one.

“Then, of course, he needed a hat, and Peter Gnome made him a really nice tall one.

“‘We have forgotten something,’ said Billie Brownie.

“‘We’ve forgotten something,’ said Billie Brownie.

“‘What?’ they all asked.

"‘What?’ they all asked."

“‘A pipe for his mouth,’ said Billie.

“‘A pipe for his mouth,’ Billie said.

“‘To be sure,’ said Peter Gnome. ‘A snow man isn’t a real snow man without a pipe. We’ll make it right away.’

“‘Of course,’ said Peter Gnome. ‘A snowman isn’t a real snowman without a pipe. Let’s make one right away.’”

“So they got some twigs and some wood, and with their little pen knives they all made pipes. The very best pipe of all was chosen for the snow man, while the other pipes they put around on the ground beside him.

“So they gathered some twigs and wood, and with their small pocket knives, they all made pipes. The best pipe of all was picked for the snowman, while the other pipes were placed on the ground beside him.”

“‘For,’ said Peter Gnome, ‘he ought to have a little collection of pipes.’

“‘Because,’ said Peter Gnome, ‘he should have a small collection of pipes.’”

“He was the tallest snow man ever made and he looked so jolly and happy. He reached so far up that when it grew dark Mr. Moon came out and said:

“He was the tallest snowman ever made, and he looked so jolly and happy. He reached so far up that when it grew dark, Mr. Moon came out and said:

“‘What is it I see? A man who is almost tall enough to talk to me. What fun!’

“‘What do I see? A guy who's almost tall enough to talk to me. How fun!’”

“And how he grinned when he found out the man had been made of snow!”

“And how he smiled when he discovered the man was made of snow!”


DECEMBER 12: Sharpy and Chappy

Sharpy, the squirrel, with his friend Chappy were watching some children as they filled bags with candies and nuts. “We want to make a noise so they will notice us,” said Sharpy.

Sharpy the squirrel and his friend Chappy were watching some kids fill bags with candy and nuts. “We should make some noise so they'll see us,” said Sharpy.

“Perhaps they won’t like us,” said Chappy. “And some don’t enjoy noise.”

“Maybe they won’t like us,” Chappy said. “And some people don’t like noise.”

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“They look as if they liked it,” shrieked Sharpy. “Listen to the children. I don’t believe they will hear us.”

“They look like they enjoyed it,” shouted Sharpy. “Listen to the kids. I don’t think they’ll hear us.”

But then Chappy and Sharpy began to scamper over the porch and as they shrieked at each other, sometimes as if they were scolding and sometimes as if they were laughing, the children shouted, “Oh, there are two squirrels!”

But then Chappy and Sharpy started to run around on the porch, and as they yelled at each other, sometimes like they were scolding and sometimes like they were laughing, the kids shouted, “Oh, look! There are two squirrels!”

Sharpy and Chappy looked their very best, or tried to, standing on their hind legs and looking very sweet and cunning as they begged. Their little mouths were moving all the time as if they were quite ready. “We have quantities of nuts to-day,” said the children, “as we’re getting our Christmas presents ready. Isn’t that fine?” And I can assure you that Sharpy and Chappy thought it was fine, too, as they were given all the nuts they could eat.

Sharpy and Chappy looked their best, or at least they tried to, standing on their hind legs and looking adorable and sly as they begged. Their little mouths were constantly moving as if they were eager. “We have plenty of nuts today,” said the kids, “since we’re preparing our Christmas presents. Isn’t that great?” And I can assure you that Sharpy and Chappy thought it was great, too, as they were given all the nuts they could eat.


DECEMBER 13: Christmas Letters

“Still the letters keep coming,” chuckled Santa Claus. “And every year it seems to me as though I received a larger mail than I ever had before.

“Still the letters keep coming,” laughed Santa Claus. “And every year it feels like I get more mail than I ever did before.

“But it can never be too large for Santa Claus.

"But it can never be too big for Santa Claus."

“And the precious dears! What memories they have. They know just what they want! They don’t forget!

“And the precious dears! What memories they have. They know exactly what they want! They don’t forget!

“They think old Santa remembers too when they have told him one thing and then just add a little postscript or another letter without explaining to him just what their last letter was about.

“They think old Santa remembers too when they have told him one thing and then just add a little postscript or another letter without explaining to him just what their last letter was about.

“They think he can remember and keep them all straight, even though he may get several letters from the same child in many, many cases.

“They think he can remember and keep them all organized, even though he might receive several letters from the same kid in many, many cases.

“They think he can remember their names from year to year, and they’re right. Yes, the blessed little dears are right.” And Santa Claus chuckled to himself as he stroked his beard and by the burning coals of the great stove in his workshop he read the letters which had just come.

“They believe he can remember their names from year to year, and they’re right. Yes, those sweet little kids are right.” And Santa Claus chuckled to himself as he stroked his beard, sitting by the warm coals of the big stove in his workshop while he read the letters that had just arrived.

“Dear Santa Claus,” was the beginning of every one, or at least almost every one, though some of them began, “Dear, dear Santa Claus,” and “You precious old Santa Claus,” and a number of other nice beginnings like that, which made Santa Claus very happy.

“Dear Santa Claus,” was the start of almost every letter, though some opened with, “Dear, dear Santa Claus,” and “You precious old Santa Claus,” along with a few other sweet openings like that, which made Santa Claus very happy.

But every letter made him happy, for every letter was just a little different and he liked all the children to be different and not to be just alike.

But every letter made him happy because each one was a little different, and he liked that all the kids were unique and not just the same.

“I hope you remember me,” one read, “for I wrote to you last year and the year before. The year before that I was too young[289] to write, but my brudder wrote for me? Do you remember my brudder’s letter that he wrote that year? He said that he guessed the next year I could write you a letter, for I could then write my name.

“I hope you remember me,” one read, “because I wrote to you last year and the year before. The year before that I was too young[289] to write, but my brother wrote for me. Do you remember my brother’s letter from that year? He said that he thought the next year I would be able to write you a letter since I could then write my name.

“And my brudder was right and the next year I did write you a letter.”

“And my brother was right, and the next year I wrote you a letter.”

Some of the spelling wasn’t just like this, but this is the way it sounded as Santa Claus read it aloud. He was all by himself, except that his collie dog, Boy of the North, was sitting by him on the floor, but he read it aloud, for he loved to hear the sound of the words the children had written and picture them as they looked while writing.

Some of the spelling wasn't exactly like this, but this is how it sounded when Santa Claus read it out loud. He was all alone, except for his collie dog, Boy of the North, who was sitting by him on the floor. He read it aloud because he loved to hear the sound of the words the children had written and imagine how they looked while writing.

And he didn’t care about the spelling.

And he didn't care about the spelling.

“Of course,” he said to himself, “they must go to school and learn how to spell, for they would feel dreadfully when they grew up if they didn’t know more than they do now!

“Of course,” he said to himself, “they have to go to school and learn how to spell, because they’d feel terrible when they grow up if they don’t know more than they do now!

“But when they’re writing to Santa Claus it doesn’t make so much difference. They can take a little holiday then. And even when they make a blot and then write down by it that it is a kiss I know that they do mean to send a kiss to me, even if the blot itself was accidental!

“But when they’re writing to Santa Claus, it doesn’t matter as much. They can take a little break then. And even when they mess up and write next to it that it’s a kiss, I know they really mean to send me a kiss, even if the mistake was unintentional!”

“Well, I must go on with this letter.”

“Well, I have to continue writing this letter.”

He went on with the letter and this was what he read:

He continued reading the letter, and this is what it said:

“My brudder won a gold medal in school the other day. He is getting to be so smart, dear Santa, and I know you’ll be pleased to hear it. You sent me a picture once Santa when I was very little of a boy who was very cold on his way to school with his coat all wrapped up tight around him.

“My brother won a gold medal at school the other day. He’s getting really smart, dear Santa, and I know you’ll be happy to hear it. You sent me a picture once, Santa, when I was really little, of a boy who was very cold on his way to school with his coat wrapped tightly around him."

“In school he won the gold medal. It was the day they gave the prizes, and coming home from school the picture showed the boy with his coat open wide, and the gold medal pinned on, and he didn’t feel the cold the least bit!

“In school, he won the gold medal. It was the day they awarded the prizes, and on his way home, the picture showed the boy with his coat wide open, the gold medal pinned on, and he didn’t feel the cold at all!”

“Do you ’member, Santa Claus? Brudder was like that the other day.”

“Do you remember Santa Claus? My brother was just like that the other day.”

Yes, he remembered that picture and how pleased he was to think the boy, a boy he had always liked so much, had won a gold medal.

Yes, he remembered that picture and how happy he was to think the boy, a boy he had always liked so much, had won a gold medal.

And on he read the letters. Some were letters just full of news of what they all were doing in the different homes, of what they were going to do, and in some they wrote of the new sisters or brothers who had come since Santa Claus had last been written to.

And he continued to read the letters. Some were packed with updates about what everyone was doing in their separate homes, what they planned to do, and in some, they wrote about the new sisters or brothers who had joined the family since the last time they wrote to Santa Claus.

Of course they told him what presents they wanted and they all said they hoped he wouldn’t get too tired, and they all, every single one of them, told him how they loved him and wished him a Merry Christmas, too.

Of course, they told him what gifts they wanted, and they all said they hoped he wouldn’t get too worn out. They all, every single one of them, told him how much they loved him and wished him a Merry Christmas, too.

And that made Santa Claus so very, very happy.

And that made Santa Claus really, really happy.


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DECEMBER 14: Candy Toys

“We’re all ready for a great day called Christmas,” said the candy cane.

“We're all set for an amazing day called Christmas,” said the candy cane.

“Yes,” said the candy lion, “and I’m so sweet I couldn’t be cross, yet I’ve heard real lions often are very wild and angry.”

"Yeah," said the candy lion, "and I'm so sweet I couldn't possibly be mad, but I've heard that real lions can be pretty wild and angry."

“When we’re being eaten,” said the candy elephant, “it’s perfectly glorious, for we’re so much appreciated. Some children say that they love hard candy better than any other kind. Other children will take bites of us and will smack their lips joyously. All this I’ve heard from Santa. Oh, the lives of candy toys are very exciting. We belong to the best time of the year, and how the children will love us!”

“When we’re being eaten,” said the candy elephant, “it’s absolutely amazing because we’re so appreciated. Some kids say they love hard candy more than anything else. Other kids will take bites of us and smack their lips with joy. I’ve heard all this from Santa. Oh, the lives of candy toys are super exciting. We’re part of the best time of the year, and the kids are going to love us!”


DECEMBER 15: Santa’s Gifts

Santa was sitting in his workshop. He was making a lovely doll with curly hair and blue eyes, and his dog, Boy of the North, was sitting close to his chair with his head against Santa’s knee.

Santa was sitting in his workshop. He was making a beautiful doll with curly hair and blue eyes, and his dog, Boy of the North, was sitting close to his chair with his head resting against Santa’s knee.

“Last Christmas,” said Santa, “I was at a house where there were three little girls, and oh, Boy of the North, they were such nice little girls!

“Last Christmas,” said Santa, “I was at a house where there were three little girls, and oh, Boy of the North, they were such nice little girls!

“They were really lovely, and so good! Of course they were asleep, but no matter, Boy of the North, you needn’t laugh; they were good children I can tell you. Even if mothers and daddies may say children are bad at times I only say, ‘Well, what child isn’t bad sometimes?’ It wouldn’t upset old Santa for he knows they’re doing their best and trying their best.

“They were really lovely, and so good! Of course, they were asleep, but that doesn’t matter, Boy of the North; you don’t need to laugh. They were good kids, I can assure you. Even if moms and dads say kids can be bad sometimes, I just say, ‘Well, what kid isn’t a little bad sometimes?’ It wouldn’t bother old Santa because he knows they’re doing their best and trying hard.”

“But, as I said, these children were such nice little girls.

“But, as I said, these kids were such sweet little girls.

“They were asleep, as I told you, when I saw them. They slept in three little white beds and each had her hair in two beautiful braids.

“They were asleep, as I mentioned earlier, when I saw them. They were in three small white beds, and each girl had her hair styled in two lovely braids.

“I filled their stockings and I said to myself, ‘You are a nice collection of youngsters for any mother and any father to be proud of! Dear me! But I’m proud to be old Santa Claus and to have the honor of filling your Christmas stockings.’

“I filled their stockings and thought to myself, ‘You’re a wonderful group of kids for any mom and dad to be proud of! Wow! But I’m proud to be old Santa Claus and to have the privilege of filling your Christmas stockings.’”

“Then I went downstairs where there was a tree and I started a-trimming of the tree. They had left some things for me to use. Some people are kind that way about leaving many of the nice decorations which can be used every Christmas. It saves me room in my pack and I like to see the same old decorations coming out year after year.

“Then I went downstairs where there was a tree, and I started trimming it. They had left some things for me to use. Some people are considerate like that, leaving behind a lot of the nice decorations that can be used every Christmas. It saves me space in my bag, and I enjoy seeing the same familiar decorations come out year after year."

“But I saw something else there, too. I saw a present, a gift for me.

“But I saw something else there, too. I saw a present, a gift for me.

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“I looked down at it, and saw that it was addressed to me and that it said, ‘To Santa Claus, with love from Helen.’ And I saw that it had another little note inside which said, ‘Dear Santa, I made this myself, so please forgive mistakes.’

“I looked down at it and saw that it was addressed to me. It said, ‘To Santa Claus, with love from Helen.’ And I noticed there was another little note inside that said, ‘Dear Santa, I made this myself, so please forgive any mistakes.’”

“It was a pincushion, Boy of the North, and I have it in my room now. You may have noticed it.”

“It was a pincushion, Boy of the North, and I have it in my room now. You may have noticed it.”

Boy of the North wagged his tail.

Boy of the North wagged his tail.

“Well, I was pleased and I wrote Helen a note thanking her, but really, Boy of the North, I mean this quite truly, I don’t care about getting presents. I like to feel I’m one person who gives gifts but who doesn’t receive gifts, for I have all my thanks in the smiles of children.”

“Well, I was happy and I wrote Helen a note to thank her, but honestly, Boy of the North, I genuinely mean this—I don’t care about getting presents. I enjoy being someone who gives gifts but doesn’t receive them, because I find all my gratitude in the smiles of children.”


DECEMBER 16: The Gray Rabbit

A little girl was looking in a shop window.

A little girl was gazing at a store window.

“Mother,” she said, “what I want is that adorable gray felt rabbit with the big ears, and the blue ribbon around his neck. Oh, I could love him and love him for—for always!” And her mother wrote a note to Santa and told him this and Santa said to himself, “She shall have the little gray felt rabbit to love.”

“Mom,” she said, “what I want is that cute gray felt rabbit with the big ears and the blue ribbon around his neck. Oh, I could love him forever!” And her mom wrote a note to Santa, sharing this, and Santa thought to himself, “She will have the little gray felt rabbit to love.”


DECEMBER 17: Santa Claus and Teddy

“One year Santa was very, very busy, and so he sent a note to the mothers and fathers in a certain town telling them that he was so rushed he would have to leave his presents some time before Christmas, and that he would, of course, stop off a little while Christmas Eve to fill all the stockings and trim the trees.

“One year, Santa was super busy, so he sent a note to the parents in a certain town letting them know that he was so rushed he would have to drop off his presents a bit before Christmas. He promised that he would, of course, stop by for a little while on Christmas Eve to fill all the stockings and decorate the trees.”

“In one house lived a little boy named Teddy. His daddy told him that Santa had left some of his presents ahead of time, but that he had especially said that he did not wish the little boy to look in any of the closets and put him on his honor not to, for if he should look Santa had said he would take away the presents.

“In one house lived a little boy named Teddy. His dad told him that Santa had left some of his presents early, but he specifically said that he didn’t want the little boy to look in any of the closets and put him on his honor not to, because if he did look, Santa said he would take away the presents."

“The little boy had asked Santa Claus for a horse and cart, which he wanted more than anything in the world.

“The little boy had asked Santa Claus for a horse and cart, which he wanted more than anything in the world.

“Several days went by, and the little boy resisted the temptation of looking to see if the horse and cart had come. But one day he could stand it no longer, so when every one was out he looked into all the closets, and in the last one he saw the long wished for horse and cart. Such a beauty as it was too! The horse had a mane and a tail of real[292] hair, and the cart was painted a bright red. Oh, how delighted the little boy was, and he closed the closet door and went back to his play-room very happy.

“Several days passed, and the little boy fought the urge to check if the horse and cart had arrived. But one day, he couldn’t resist anymore. When everyone was out, he peeked into all the closets, and in the last one, he found the longed-for horse and cart. What a beauty it was! The horse had a mane and tail made of real[292] hair, and the cart was painted bright red. The little boy was overjoyed, so he closed the closet door and happily returned to his playroom.”

“As no one had seen him look into the closet, the next day he thought he would take another look. What was his horror to find that the horse and cart had disappeared, and no sign of it was anywhere to be found. He cried himself to sleep, so ashamed did he feel.

“As no one had seen him look into the closet, the next day he thought he would check again. To his horror, he found that the horse and cart were gone, and there was no trace of them anywhere. He cried himself to sleep, feeling so ashamed.”

“The next morning he decided to write to Santa Claus. So he said,

“The next morning he decided to write to Santa Claus. So he said,

“‘Dear Santa Claus—I know I was a naughty boy and looked when I was told not to. Please forgive me and give me back the horse and cart and I will never be a bad boy again.’

“Dear Santa Claus—I know I was a naughty boy and sneaked a look when I was told not to. Please forgive me and give me back the horse and cart, and I promise I’ll never be a bad boy again.”

“He put this note up the chimney, and the very next morning he found this lovely answer:

“He placed this note up the chimney, and the very next morning he found this lovely response:

“‘Dear Teddy—I am sure you are sorry, and am certain you will never do such a thing again. So on Christmas morning when you get up you will find the horse and cart awaiting you. Your old friend, Santa Claus.’”

“‘Dear Teddy—I'm sure you feel bad about what happened, and I know you won't do it again. So on Christmas morning when you wake up, you'll find the horse and cart waiting for you. Your old friend, Santa Claus.’”


DECEMBER 18: Blue Sky and Sun

“Where are you going—all dressed up?” asked the Blue Sky of Mr. Sun.

“Where are you heading—all dressed up?” asked the Blue Sky of Mr. Sun.

“I am going to a coasting party,” he said.

“I’m going to a beach party,” he said.

“And pray tell me, how can you go to a coasting party?” asked the Blue Sky as a smile in the shape of a little silver cloud came over it.

“And tell me, how can you go to a beach party?” asked the Blue Sky, as a smile in the shape of a small silver cloud appeared above it.

“And why not?” asked Mr. Sun.

“And why not?” Mr. Sun asked.

“I’d hardly say,” continued the Blue Sky, “that coasting was exactly one of your talents. No, not exactly. Now confess! You can’t coast. So why do you go to a coasting party? It would be as funny as if the Blue Sky went a-skating.”

“I wouldn’t say,” continued the Blue Sky, “that coasting is really one of your talents. No, not really. Now admit it! You can’t coast. So why do you go to a coasting party? That would be just as funny as if the Blue Sky went skating.”

“Ah, but don’t you see?” said Mr. Sun.

“Ah, but don’t you see?” said Mr. Sun.

“Just because you’re so extremely bright there is no reason why you need think you’re the only one who sees. I can see perfectly, thank you, and on a clear day like this I’m at my best.”

“Just because you’re really smart doesn’t mean you’re the only one who understands. I can see just fine, thank you, and on a clear day like this, I’m at my best.”

“But you don’t see—truly—” persisted Mr. Sun.

“But you don’t see—really—” insisted Mr. Sun.

“Then explain to me how you can go to a coasting party,” said the Blue Sky.

“Then tell me how you can go to a beach party,” said the Blue Sky.

“There! That’s something like! Now that you’ve asked me the necessary question I can tell you my story.”

“There! That’s more like it! Now that you’ve asked me the right question, I can share my story.”

“Must you always have the necessary question, Mr. Sun?”

“Do you always have to ask the right question, Mr. Sun?”

“Always,” replied Mr. Sun.

“Always,” replied Mr. Sun.

“Well continue,” said the Blue Sky.

“Well, go on,” said the Blue Sky.

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“It’s this way,” said Mr. Sun. “You see there are many children in the world.”

“It’s like this,” said Mr. Sun. “You see, there are a lot of kids in the world.”

“That isn’t news to me, Mr. Sun.”

"That isn't news to me, Mr. Sun."

“I’m only telling it to you to begin with.”

"I'm just telling you this to start with."

“Begin with something I don’t know,” said the Blue Sky.

“Start with something I don’t know,” said the Blue Sky.

“How do you suppose I can tell just what you know and what you don’t? I never went to your school.”

“How am I supposed to know what you know and what you don’t? I never went to your school.”

“Oh well,” said the Blue Sky frowning a little, while three small clouds came over it, “go on with your story any way you please.”

“Oh well,” said the Blue Sky, frowning a bit as three small clouds gathered, “go ahead with your story however you want.”

“Thank you,” said Mr. Sun. “Some of these children are giving a coasting party this afternoon, and what do you suppose they said?”

“Thanks,” said Mr. Sun. “Some of these kids are throwing a coast party this afternoon, and guess what they said?”

“I’ve no idea,” said the Blue Sky. “I don’t see how any one could guess. Children are apt to say so many different things. They seem to know so many words and games and stories and all sorts of things.”

“I have no idea,” said the Blue Sky. “I don’t see how anyone could guess. Kids tend to say so many different things. They seem to know so many words and games and stories and all sorts of stuff.”

“Yes,” said Mr. Sun, “they’re bright little things, that’s true.”

“Yes,” said Mr. Sun, “they're bright little things, that’s true.”

“You talk about them, Mr. Sun, as if they were Stars. Bright little things indeed! How funny you are!”

“You talk about them, Mr. Sun, like they’re stars. Bright little things for sure! You’re so funny!”

“Well they are little and they are bright, aren’t they?”

“Well, they’re small and they’re bright, aren’t they?”

“Very well,” said the Blue Sky. “Do go on with your story.”

“Alright,” said the Blue Sky. “Please continue with your story.”

“I don’t get half a chance,” said Mr. Sun looking a little dull for a moment.

“I never get a fair chance,” said Mr. Sun, looking a bit down for a moment.

“I won’t say another word,” said the Blue Sky.

“I won’t say another word,” said the Blue Sky.

“And these children said, ‘We do hope Mr. Sun will come to our coasting party.’ Now then! I was asked to come by the children. A great honor—and I’m going. Yes, I’m going to shine with might and main over that party. They’ll keep so warm! They’ll have such a good time, and they’ll be so glad that they asked me!”

“And these kids said, ‘We really hope Mr. Sun will join our sledding party.’ Well then! The kids invited me. What an honor—and I’m going. Yes, I’m going to shine brightly at that party. They’ll stay so warm! They’ll have such a good time, and they’ll be so happy they invited me!”

“I don’t think it’s such an honor,” said the Blue Sky, “for they’re just making use of you.”

“I don’t think it’s that big of an honor,” said the Blue Sky, “because they’re just taking advantage of you.”

“I like to be useful,” said Mr. Sun.

“I like being helpful,” said Mr. Sun.

Now just at that moment the children appeared for their coasting party. “Oh see the bright Sun,” they exclaimed. “We wished for the Sun and here he is. Such fun as we’ll have now.”

Now, just at that moment, the kids showed up for their sledding party. “Oh, look at the bright Sun,” they shouted. “We wished for the Sun, and here it is. We’re going to have so much fun now!”

And then one of them added, “And the Sky is all blue—it’s a wonderful day!”

And then one of them said, “And the sky is completely blue—it’s a great day!”

“Run away, Clouds,” said the Blue Sky. “These children like me too.”

“Go away, Clouds,” said the Blue Sky. “These kids like me too.”

“Ha, ha, ha,” laughed Mr. Sun. “So you will do as the children ask, eh?” And the whole big face of the Blue Sky was without a cloud or a frown!

“Ha, ha, ha,” laughed Mr. Sun. “So you’re going to do what the kids want, huh?” And the entire big face of the Blue Sky was clear and cheerful!

And the children had a Blue Sky and the Sun for their party.

And the kids had a Blue Sky and the Sun for their party.


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DECEMBER 19: Christmas Time Joy

“Ba-a-a, Ba-a-a, Ba-a-a,” said the lamb Santa had just finished making, as he gave it a little squeeze.

“Baa, baa, baa,” said the lamb Santa had just finished making, as he gave it a little squeeze.

“Fine!” exclaimed Santa Claus. “That’s right.”

“Fine!” said Santa Claus. “That’s right.”

“Suppose,” whispered the lamb, “the child who gets me wouldn’t know where to look, or where to press, what then? She’d never know I could make those sounds.”

“Imagine,” whispered the lamb, “the child who gets me wouldn’t know where to look or where to touch, what then? She’d never realize I could make those sounds.”

“She’ll find out, never fear,” said Santa Claus.

“She’ll find out, don’t worry,” said Santa Claus.

And the lamb smiled its little toy smile for it knew Santa Claus always spoke the truth. And that night the stars all over the world seemed brighter as they looked down upon the Earth for they knew of the joy so soon to come in so many thousands and thousands of homes.

And the lamb smiled its little toy smile because it knew Santa Claus always tells the truth. That night, the stars all over the world seemed brighter as they looked down on the Earth, knowing the joy that was about to come to so many thousands and thousands of homes.


DECEMBER 20: Santa in Eskimo Land

“It was a Christmas morning, and Santa hadn’t come,” said daddy. “The little Eskimaux who live so far up north had been too excited to sleep.

“It was Christmas morning, and Santa hadn’t shown up,” said Dad. “The little Eskimos who live so far up north had been too excited to sleep."

“Finally one of the daddy Eskimaux said: ‘I’m afraid something must have happened to Santa Claus. The storm last night was so wild. Let’s get some of the dogs and sleds.’ So a number of the bigger boys and some of the men began to get ready. They bundled up so much that all you could see was their eyes. The storm had let up, but the snowdrifts were like mountains. They had just started when a tinkling of bells was heard, and what should they see but eight beautiful reindeer and old Santa Claus dressed in a red suit with great big furs. On his back was a huge bag which was almost overflowing, so full was it.

“Finally, one of the dads from the Eskimo group said, ‘I think something might have happened to Santa Claus. The storm last night was really intense. Let’s grab some of the dogs and sleds.’ So, a few of the older boys and some of the men started to get ready. They bundled up so much that you could only see their eyes. The storm had calmed down, but the snowdrifts were massive. Just as they began, they heard a tinkling of bells, and what did they see but eight beautiful reindeer and old Santa Claus wearing a red suit with big furs. On his back was a huge bag that was almost overflowing; it was packed full.”

“‘Merry Christmas, Santa Claus!’ shrieked all the little Eskimaux.

“Merry Christmas, Santa Claus!” all the little Eskimos shouted.

“‘Merry Christmas to you all!’ said Santa, and the reindeer shook their heads and tinkled their bells, which was their way of saying ‘Merry Christmas.’

“Merry Christmas to you all!” said Santa, and the reindeer shook their heads and jingled their bells, which was their way of saying “Merry Christmas.”

“Poor Santa’s mustache and eyebrows were frozen, and his face was very, very red from the cold. But, oh, it was so jolly for them actually to have Santa with them! They had never before been awake when he had come even though his visit to them was always his last.

“Poor Santa’s mustache and eyebrows were frozen, and his face was really, really red from the cold. But, wow, it was so exciting for them to actually have Santa with them! They had never been awake when he arrived before, even though his visit was always his last.”

“As soon as he had warmed his hands and had seen to the feeding of his reindeer and patted them for their bravery he undid his pack. And such a Christmas as they all did have!

“As soon as he warmed his hands and took care of feeding his reindeer, giving them a pat for their bravery, he unpacked his gear. And what a Christmas they all had!”

“‘You know,’ said Santa, ‘I’m glad there was such a storm, for this is my very first Christmas party!’”

“‘You know,’ said Santa, ‘I’m glad there was such a storm, because this is my very first Christmas party!’”


DECEMBER 21: Santa’s Toy-Shop

“I think the children will have a pretty good Christmas this year,” chuckled Santa Claus to himself, as he looked over his toy-shop, and the reindeer knew from Santa’s chuckles that soon they would be starting off.

“I think the kids are going to have a great Christmas this year,” chuckled Santa Claus to himself as he surveyed his toy shop, and the reindeer could tell from Santa’s chuckles that they would be taking off soon.


DECEMBER 22: A White Christmas

The snowflakes saw Santa as he was making ready for his journey and some of them danced on his great red coat and sat for a few minutes on his white beard and his white eyebrows.

The snowflakes watched Santa as he was preparing for his journey, and some of them twirled on his big red coat and rested for a few minutes on his white beard and white eyebrows.

“Hello, snowflakes, glad to see you,” said Santa Claus. “So King Snow has allowed you to be the honored ones to give us a white Christmas?”

“Hey, snowflakes, great to see you,” said Santa Claus. “So King Snow has chosen you to be the special ones to bring us a white Christmas?”

The snowflakes danced about and some of them peeped in windows and saw great, tall trees ready to be trimmed. And they saw sleeping children. When the next morning came all the children shouted, “Oh, it snowed during the night! And we will have a white Christmas.” Then how happy the snowflakes were.

The snowflakes twirled around, and some of them peeked into windows, seeing big, tall trees waiting to be decorated. They also saw sleeping kids. When the next morning arrived, all the kids shouted, “Oh, it snowed last night! We're going to have a white Christmas.” The snowflakes were so happy.


DECEMBER 23: The Tree and the Stockings

“I am getting so excited I can hardly wait,” said the Christmas tree. “The daddy of the children brought me to the house because he said it would be a great help to Santa Claus to have me all ready.

“I’m so excited I can hardly wait,” said the Christmas tree. “The dad of the kids brought me to the house because he said it would really help Santa Claus to have me all set up.”

“I know Santa Claus will give me the most beautiful of decorations, for I’ve often heard my family talk of the wonderful Christmas trees there have been. Ah, how handsome many of my relations have looked, and I can hardly wait until Santa Claus comes to see me.”

“I know Santa Claus will bring me the prettiest decorations, because I’ve often heard my family talk about the amazing Christmas trees they’ve had. Oh, how lovely many of my relatives have looked, and I can hardly wait for Santa Claus to come and visit me.”

“You’re not any more excited than we are,” said three stockings which hung up by the side of the mantel-piece.

“You're not any more excited than we are,” said three stockings that hung by the side of the mantelpiece.

“I belong to Dot, age four,” said the white stocking.

“I belong to Dot, who’s four years old,” said the white stocking.

“I am hanging up for Jimmie, age eight,” said the tan stocking.

“I’m hanging up for Jimmie, who’s eight,” said the tan stocking.

“And I am for Betty, age six,” said the black stocking.

“And I’m for Betty, age six,” said the black sock.

“I’m for all of them,” said the Christmas tree.

“I’m for all of them,” said the Christmas tree.

“That’s so,” agreed the stockings. “But even if we’re not for all of them, but each stocking for one child, we’re just as excited as we can be.”

“That’s true,” agreed the stockings. “But even if we’re not for all of them, and each stocking is for just one child, we’re just as excited as we can be.”

“Have you ever been here before?” asked the tree.

“Have you ever been here before?” the tree asked.

“Yes, we’re used every Christmas. We’re kept just for Christmas. That’s all we do all the year. We’re put up the night before, on Christmas Eve, and down we come on Christmas morning, but between then and Christmas morning the most wonderful things happen! Ah!” and the stockings waved a little as they talked of their evening and morning of pleasure.

“Yes, we’re used every Christmas. We’re kept just for Christmas. That’s all we do all year. We’re hung up the night before, on Christmas Eve, and taken down on Christmas morning, but between then and Christmas morning, the most amazing things happen! Ah!” and the stockings wiggled a little as they talked about their evening and morning of joy.

“It’s far better than being around all the time and getting worn out. We’re very fortunate stockings!”

“It’s way better than being around all the time and getting exhausted. We’re really lucky stockings!”

“You are indeed,” said the Christmas tree. “But for my part I am willing to be around for one season of the year and to have a glorious time then. Oh dear, I am so excited! I can hardly wait!”

“You really are,” said the Christmas tree. “But as for me, I’m happy to be here for just one season a year and to have an amazing time during that. Oh my, I’m so thrilled! I can barely wait!”

“Patience, dear tree,” said the stockings. “Santa Claus will soon be here.”

“Hang in there, dear tree,” said the stockings. “Santa Claus will be here soon.”

“You don’t think he will lose his way,” said the tree. “I never heard of his losing his way from any of my relations. But perhaps he might forget about this house.”

“You don't think he will get lost,” said the tree. “I've never heard of him getting lost from any of my relatives. But maybe he could forget about this place.”

“Santa Claus forget a house where there are children! Dear me, tree, but you don’t know Santa Claus. He never, never forgets! He’s Santa Claus—and that’s reason enough why we won’t be forgotten.”

“Santa Claus forget a house where there are kids! Oh my, tree, but you don’t know Santa Claus. He never, ever forgets! He’s Santa Claus—and that’s enough reason why we won’t be forgotten.”


DECEMBER 24: The Two Little Mice’s Christmas Eve Party

“A little mouse had heard when he was hiding in holes in the corners of the rooms that all the little boys and girls in the world once a year had a Christmas tree full of goodies,” said daddy. “A dear old person named Santa Claus trimmed the tree for them and filled the stockings which they hung up by the fireplaces.

“A little mouse had heard while hiding in the corners of the rooms that all the kids in the world had a Christmas tree full of treats once a year,” said dad. “A kind old guy named Santa Claus decorated the tree for them and filled the stockings they hung up by the fireplaces.

“The little mouse didn’t see why he shouldn’t have a Christmas, too, so he told another little mouse what he had heard. Together they planned what they would do. They would bore two little holes into the parlor where they had heard the tree was to be. There they stayed every night, keeping very quiet. They heard the children talk about what they hoped Santa Claus would bring them and saw them constantly send notes up the chimney to him.

“The little mouse didn’t see why he shouldn’t have a Christmas, too, so he told another little mouse what he had heard. Together they planned what they would do. They would make two small holes into the parlor where they had heard the tree was going to be. There they stayed every night, keeping very quiet. They heard the children talk about what they hoped Santa Claus would bring them and saw them constantly sending notes up the chimney to him.”

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“THEY ATE UNTIL THEY COULD EAT NO MORE”—Page 297

“THEY ATE UNTIL THEY COULD EAT NO MORE”—Page 297

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“Of course the mice had to keep very quiet, as they didn’t want to let[297] the children know they were there, and with a great deal of self denial they stayed out of the pantry, living for their very own Christmas party.

“Of course the mice had to be very quiet since they didn’t want to let[297] the children know they were there, and with a lot of self-control, they stayed out of the pantry, looking forward to their own Christmas party.

“At last Christmas Eve came. They saw the children in their little nighties hang up their stockings by the fireplace and then trot off to bed.

“At last, Christmas Eve arrived. They watched the kids in their little nightgowns hang up their stockings by the fireplace and then scamper off to bed.

“Before long the mice heard strange noises on the roof, and then a little soot began to fall down the chimney. Soon they saw a jolly old man appear, with white hair and a white beard, from the chimney, and they nudged each other, whispering, ‘That must be Santa Claus.’

“Before long, the mice heard strange noises on the roof, and then a little soot started to fall down the chimney. Soon they saw a cheerful old man with white hair and a white beard come out of the chimney, and they nudged each other, whispering, ‘That must be Santa Claus.’”

“Sure enough, it was Santa Claus, for he had a big bag of presents with him, and at once he set to work. At first he trimmed the tree. He had plenty of silver trimming and candles; but, best of all (thought the mice), he strung popcorn over the tree and made it look as if the snow had fallen over it. Then he tied candy canes and candy animals of all sorts on the branches. Next he filled the stockings, and how the mouths of the two little mice did water as they saw all sorts of nuts, raisins and big rosy-cheeked apples going in! The toys didn’t interest the mice, as they were longing to get at the things to eat.

Sure enough, it was Santa Claus, because he had a big bag of gifts with him, and he immediately got to work. First, he decorated the tree. He had plenty of silver decorations and candles; but, best of all (the mice thought), he strung popcorn around the tree, making it look like snow had fallen on it. Then he hung candy canes and all kinds of candy animals on the branches. Next, he filled the stockings, and the two little mice couldn't help but drool as they watched all kinds of nuts, raisins, and big, rosy-cheeked apples going in! The toys didn’t catch the mice’s attention, as they were just eager to get to the food.

“Before long Santa was through and quickly disappeared up the chimney. And then—the mice began their feast. And, oh, what a time they did have! They ate until they could eat no more, and they thought Christmas the finest time of the year, for never before had they seen food still before them which they weren’t hungry for!

“Before long, Santa finished up and quickly vanished up the chimney. And then—the mice started their feast. And, wow, did they have a great time! They ate until they couldn’t eat anymore, and they thought Christmas was the best time of the year, because they had never seen food in front of them that they weren’t hungry for!”

“The next morning when the children saw so many nutshells and bits of popcorn lying around they knew that some little mice must have had a party, but they didn’t set a trap, as they thought it was fine that the mice had had a Christmas party too.”

“The next morning when the kids saw so many nutshells and bits of popcorn scattered around, they knew that some little mice must have had a party, but they didn't set a trap since they thought it was nice that the mice had their own Christmas party too.”


DECEMBER 25: Christmas Morning

“Christmas comes but once a year! Christmas comes but once a year!” shouted the children as they hurried down stairs on Christmas morning. They sat down on the floor as soon as they reached the library. And each one took a stocking which had been hanging in front of the mantelpiece. Every stocking was well filled. And each stocking stuck out queerly so that no one could guess what was in it. After the stockings had been looked at and the oranges and apples had rolled out of the toes, the presents were taken from the tree. Before long they began to feel[298] hungry, for they hadn’t waited to have breakfast first. They ate Santa’s wonderful oranges, and the children’s mother said to their daddy:

“Christmas comes just once a year! Christmas comes just once a year!” shouted the kids as they rushed downstairs on Christmas morning. They plopped down on the floor as soon as they reached the library. Each one grabbed a stocking that had been hanging in front of the fireplace. Every stocking was stuffed full. And each stocking jutted out in a funny way so that nobody could guess what was inside. After looking at the stockings and watching the oranges and apples roll out of the toes, they began to take the presents from the tree. Before long, they started feeling hungry since they hadn’t bothered to have breakfast first. They munched on Santa’s amazing oranges, and the kids’ mom said to their dad:

“Dear me, I wish I could find such big juicy oranges as Santa Claus does. He’s a better shopper than I am!”

“Wow, I wish I could find big juicy oranges like Santa Claus does. He’s a way better shopper than I am!”

“He’s a wonder,” said Dot and Jimmie and Betty together, and then every one took his or her orange and paraded into the dining-room, singing once more,

“He’s amazing,” said Dot, Jimmie, and Betty in unison, and then everyone grabbed their orange and marched into the dining room, singing once again,

“Christmas comes but once a year!”

“Christmas comes only once a year!”


DECEMBER 26: Santa’s Telescope

“Did you ever hear of Santa Claus’ telescope?” asked daddy. The children shook their heads.

“Have you ever heard of Santa Claus’ telescope?” asked Dad. The kids shook their heads.

“He has the most wonderful telescope—more wonderful than any other, and he can see through it miles and miles and miles.

“He has the most amazing telescope—better than any other, and he can see through it for miles and miles and miles.”

“Every Christmas morning he sits at the window at the extreme end of his toy-shop and looks through the telescope. He sees into the different homes and he watches the children as they take their presents and open them, and empty their stockings.

“Every Christmas morning, he sits at the window at the far end of his toy shop and looks through the telescope. He sees into the different homes and watches the children as they take their presents, open them, and empty their stockings."

“‘There,’ he said to himself last Christmas, ‘it is just as I thought; little girls will never grow tired of dolls and boys will always like trains.

“‘There,’ he said to himself last Christmas, ‘it’s just like I thought; little girls will never get tired of dolls, and boys will always love trains.”

“‘And they enjoy a good game, too, for the winter evenings. And, ah, I see that boy at his skates! He asked for a pair in his letter to me—that is, he asked for them in six different letters he wrote me. He really can hardly wait to start using them. I do believe he would like it if the floor were suddenly covered with ice!

“‘And they enjoy a good game, too, for the winter evenings. And, ah, I see that boy on his skates! He asked for a pair in his letter to me—that is, he mentioned them in six different letters he wrote me. He can hardly wait to start using them. I honestly think he would love it if the floor were suddenly covered with ice!

“‘And how that little girl is hugging her doll! I thought the one I made with the golden curls and the eyes that opened and shut would just about suit her. She told me the kind she wanted in her letter. What a help those letters are! They tell me what they want, and they tell me so many more nice things, too. They tell me how much they are looking forward to my visit, and that they hope I’ll have a Merry Christmas, too. The dear little people! As if I could help but have a Merry Christmas when I look through this telescope and see their smiles! How happy they do look! How their eyes sparkle.

“‘And look at that little girl hugging her doll! I thought the one I made with the golden curls and the eyes that open and close would be just right for her. She mentioned the kind she wanted in her letter. Those letters are so helpful! They tell me what they want, and so many other nice things, too. They share how much they're looking forward to my visit and that they hope I have a Merry Christmas as well. Those sweet little kids! As if I could help but have a Merry Christmas when I look through this telescope and see their smiles! They really do look so happy! Their eyes are sparkling.

“‘And if ever I see a child scowl or look cross—oh, dear—how sad it does make me! There! I just saw a little girl look very cross because she thinks her brother’s set of soldiers are better than her paper dolls. Oh, that makes me very unhappy!’

“‘And if I ever see a child frown or look upset—oh, dear—how sad it makes me! There! I just saw a little girl looking really upset because she thinks her brother’s toy soldiers are better than her paper dolls. Oh, that makes me very unhappy!’”

“But Santa’s faithful dog, Boy of the North, put his head in Santa’s lap and licked his hands.

“But Santa’s loyal dog, Boy of the North, rested his head in Santa’s lap and licked his hands.

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[299]

“‘Oh, Boy of the North, you will not see me unhappy! I feel happy again. The little girl is not scowling now. Something or some one must have whispered in her ear that it was making me sad!

“‘Oh, Boy of the North, you will not see me unhappy! I feel happy again. The little girl is not frowning now. Someone must have whispered in her ear that it was making me sad!

“‘Now I see a little girl who has been so sick this fall. She has that nice white lamb with the blue ribbon around its neck that I gave her. And how she does love him. What joy it is to have this telescope!’ And again this year Santa will look through his telescope!”

“‘Now I see a little girl who has been really sick this fall. She has that cute white lamb with the blue ribbon around its neck that I gave her. And how much she loves him. What a joy it is to have this telescope!’ And once again this year, Santa will look through his telescope!”


DECEMBER 27: Christmas Letters

Santa Claus was talking to his dog, Boy of the North.

Santa Claus was chatting with his dog, Boy of the North.

“You see I get so many letters—hundreds and hundreds of letters. I love them so much and I read them many times. But if I kept them I would have to build houses and houses to hold them all. So I have a yearly bonfire, as you know, Boy of the North.

“You see, I get so many letters—hundreds and hundreds of them. I love them so much and read them multiple times. But if I kept them, I would need to build house after house to store them all. So, as you know, Boy of the North, I have a yearly bonfire.”

“The ashes from the letters of the children keep me warm all through the long winter months. And in the summer I have to have a fire to help make the toys and to keep us warm. For it’s cold here in the summer too.

“The ashes from the kids' letters keep me warm all through the long winter months. And in the summer, I need to have a fire to help make the toys and keep us warm. It’s cold here in the summer too.”

“Yes, these ashes are used for the bottom of my fire in my big stove in the toy-shop and in my little house alongside. And I never have any trouble with my fire because it is started with these wonderful letters which keep going until next year. When we put fresh wood on the fire it starts up anew, because at the bottom are these ashes. Only I can have such a fire, so you see what a lucky old chap I am.”

“Yes, I use these ashes at the bottom of my fire in my big stove in the toy shop and in my little house next door. I never have any trouble with my fire because it’s started with these amazing letters that keep burning until next year. When we add fresh wood to the fire, it ignites again, thanks to these ashes below. Only I can have such a fire, so you can see how lucky I am.”

And Santa Claus started the bonfire of the letters children had written to him which made him so happy to read and which kept his fire going all through the year, and Boy of the North wagged his tail as the fire was started.

And Santa Claus started the bonfire of the letters kids had sent him, which made him really happy to read and kept his fire burning all year long, and Boy of the North wagged his tail as the fire was lit.


DECEMBER 28: Homes without Chimneys

“When they began to build these great, big apartment houses, years ago, Santa Claus was on the lookout,” said daddy. ‘Now,’ he said to himself, ‘I must think out a way to get to the children who will live in those big buildings.’

“When they started building these huge apartment buildings years ago, Santa Claus was paying attention,” said Dad. “Now,” he thought to himself, “I need to figure out a way to reach the kids who will live in those big buildings.”

“The people went on building, and they were so interested in watching the floors grow—one went right on top of the other—that they seemed[300] to forget all about Santa Claus and his one trip of the year, which is worth more than anything else that happens.

The people kept building, and they were so focused on seeing the floors stack up—one right on top of the other—that they seemed[300] to forget all about Santa Claus and his annual visit, which is worth more than anything else that happens.

“And then the people began to build fire-escapes. For they said that when the buildings were so large and there were so many rooms and so many families, they must have a way of getting out in case of fire. And from top to bottom of every building—on every side—they put fire escapes, so that no home was without one.

“And then the people started to build fire escapes. They said that when the buildings got so large, with so many rooms and families, there needed to be a way to get out in case of a fire. So, from top to bottom of every building—on every side—they installed fire escapes, ensuring that no home was left without one.”

“‘Well,’ said Santa Claus, as he drove his reindeer over the roofs of the city that night, to see about his Christmas trip, ‘that is something I like! Now I know what to do!’

“‘Well,’ said Santa Claus, as he flew his reindeer over the rooftops of the city that night to check on his Christmas journey, ‘that’s something I like! Now I know what to do!’”

“So when Santa Claus goes to the city homes where there are no chimneys he leaves his reindeer on the roof, and down he goes on the fire-escape to every single home, and in he gets with his pack. For did you ever know any place locked up so tightly but that there was a way for Santa Claus to get in?

“So when Santa Claus visits homes in the city without chimneys, he leaves his reindeer on the roof and uses the fire escape to get into each place with his bag of gifts. After all, is there ever a home so securely locked that Santa Claus can't find a way in?”

“Oh, yes, Santa Claus visits the cities and the villages and the farms. He just has to do a little differently in some homes than in others. But it makes no difference to him what they may build, for, after all, Santa Claus is Santa Claus, and he always makes a way to visit children every Christmas! For he is the children’s King and he reigns over Christmas Day—the greatest day of all!”

“Oh, yes, Santa Claus visits the cities, villages, and farms. He just has to approach some homes a bit differently than others. But it doesn't matter to him what they might build, because, after all, Santa Claus is Santa Claus, and he always finds a way to visit children every Christmas! He is the children’s King, and he rules over Christmas Day—the greatest day of all!”


DECEMBER 29: The Barnyard Christmas

“Well, as it was Christmas time,” said daddy, “all the barnyard fowls thought they should play some games, so all joined in. There were the turkey hens, turkey gobblers, peafowls, guinea-hens, roosters, chickens, Mr. and Mrs. Duck and all the little ducks. And after they had finished playing the farmer gave them a regular Christmas time feast which made them full of the joyous Christmas spirit of happiness—as well as of food!”

“Well, since it was Christmas time,” said Dad, “all the barnyard birds thought they should play some games, so everyone joined in. There were the turkey hens, turkey gobblers, peafowls, guinea hens, roosters, chickens, Mr. and Mrs. Duck, and all the little ducks. And after they finished playing, the farmer treated them to a Christmas feast that made them full of the joyful Christmas spirit of happiness—as well as food!”


DECEMBER 30: Ambitions

“Do you know what ambition means?” asked daddy. “I think it means to want to get on,” said Jack. “Isn’t there a word called ambitious? And when a person is spoken of as ambitious it means that person wants to get on and improve and all.”

“Do you know what ambition means?” asked Dad. “I think it means wanting to get ahead,” said Jack. “Isn’t there a word called ambitious? And when someone is described as ambitious, it means that person wants to succeed and grow and all.”

“Right,” said daddy. “That’s fine. That saves me all the trouble of explaining, too.”

“Right,” Dad said. “That’s cool. That saves me the trouble of explaining, too.”

“It was nearing the New Year,” daddy said, “and Billie Brownie was[301] going around calling one evening. The Dreamland King promised to help him. So he called on a little boy.

“It was almost New Year,” Dad said, “and Billie Brownie was[301] going around visiting one evening. The Dreamland King promised to help him. So he visited a little boy.”

“‘How are you this fine evening?’ Billie Brownie asked the little boy, whose name, by the way, was Jasper.

“‘How are you this nice evening?’ Billie Brownie asked the little boy, whose name, by the way, was Jasper.”

“‘I am thinking of what I am going to do when I am big,’ said Jasper. ‘I have great ambitions.’

“‘I’m thinking about what I’m going to do when I grow up,’ said Jasper. ‘I have big dreams.’”

“‘Gracious,’ said Billie Brownie, ‘that does sound noble.’

“‘Wow,’ said Billie Brownie, ‘that really does sound grand.’”

“‘Would you like to hear them?’ asked Jasper.

“‘Do you want to hear them?’ asked Jasper.

“‘Enormously,’ said Billie Brownie.

“‘Massively,’ said Billie Brownie.

“‘Well,’ said Jasper, ‘when I grow up I want to be very famous. I want to be praised more than anything. Oh, Billie Brownie, I want to write great stories and books and have every one say that I’m greater than Shakespeare. I want to write great plays and have audiences rise to their feet and cheer and cheer. I want to play in concerts and have signs go up which say that all the seats are sold and that there is only standing room.

“‘Well,’ said Jasper, ‘when I grow up I want to be really famous. I want to be admired more than anything. Oh, Billie Brownie, I want to write amazing stories and books and have everyone say that I’m better than Shakespeare. I want to write incredible plays and have the audience stand up and cheer and cheer. I want to perform in concerts and see signs saying that all the seats are sold out and that there’s only standing room left.

“‘I want to be so popular that I’ll never have to pay for anything, but others will always be honored to treat me. I want some day to make a great speech and have the policemen called out to keep back the crowds who would hear me. I would like to be a great singer and have crowds stand in the rain waiting in line to get tickets. And I’d like to be a tight-rope walker in a circus and have people admire me.

“‘I want to be so popular that I’ll never have to pay for anything, but others will always be happy to treat me. I want to make a great speech someday and have the police called to control the crowds that would come to hear me. I’d love to be a famous singer and have crowds waiting in the rain for tickets. And I want to be a tightrope walker in a circus and have people admire me.

“‘I’d like to have long hair and have folks think me clever without having to say a word. I’d like to own a big automobile and I’d like to act in a show where all I’d have to do would be to smile and folks would think me grand.’

“‘I want long hair and for people to think I'm smart without me saying anything. I want to drive a fancy car, and I want to be in a show where all I have to do is smile and everyone thinks I'm amazing.’”

“‘Well, well,’ said Billie Brownie. ‘Anything else?’

“‘Well, well,’ said Billie Brownie. ‘Anything else?’

“‘Yes,’ said Jasper, ‘I’d like to make a great deal of money and have a fine job and not have to work at all.’

“‘Yeah,’ said Jasper, ‘I’d like to make a lot of money and have a great job without having to work at all.’”

“‘In fact,’ said Billie Brownie, ‘you’d like to be famous and rich and admired without doing a thing yourself! Well, well, Jasper, your ideas are all mixed up. You haven’t ambitions. You’re just greedy, I fear. And if I were you, I’d think a while and make a New Year’s resolution that I’d be good and kind and work hard and make myself worth while rather than rich. And when you’ve tried what fun it is to work hard and play hard and be kind, you’ll find how happy you are. And happiness is greater than fame. Billie Brownie knows!’”

“‘Honestly,’ said Billie Brownie, ‘you want to be famous and rich and admired without lifting a finger! Well, Jasper, your ideas are all mixed up. You don’t have real ambitions. You’re just greedy, I think. If I were you, I’d take some time to reflect and make a New Year’s resolution to be good and kind, work hard, and make myself worthwhile instead of just rich. Once you experience how rewarding it is to work hard, have fun, and be kind, you’ll see how happy you can be. And happiness is way more important than fame. Billie Brownie knows!’”


DECEMBER 31: Little Pitchers

Fairy Grant-Your-Wishes was calling on a little girl named Janet on New Year’s Eve after Janet was in bed and asleep. For the Dreamland King had arranged this.

Fairy Grant-Your-Wishes was visiting a little girl named Janet on New Year’s Eve after Janet had gone to bed and fallen asleep. The Dreamland King had set this up.

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[302]

“I have come to grant your wishes,” the Fairy said.

"I've come to grant your wishes," the Fairy said.

“Then I wish,” said Janet, “that my mother and daddy would know that it hurts me dreadfully when they say that ‘little pitchers have big ears.’ I feel so much in the way then. And when people come to visit and say that ‘children should be seen and not heard,’ and ‘I used to know you when you were so high.’ Oh, dear, I wish they wouldn’t say such things.”

“Then I wish,” said Janet, “that my mom and dad would understand that it hurts me a lot when they say that ‘little pitchers have big ears.’ I feel so much like a burden then. And when people come to visit and say that ‘children should be seen and not heard,’ and ‘I used to know you when you were so little.’ Oh, dear, I wish they wouldn’t say stuff like that.”

“I’ll tell you what I’ll do,” the Fairy said, “I will ask the Dreamland King to tell your mother and daddy that it hurts you to be told these things. And I will get the Dreamland King to tell as many other people as he can, too. And he will send his messengers right out by the direct route from Dreamland to Grown-up-Land.”

“I’ll tell you what I’ll do,” the Fairy said, “I will ask the Dreamland King to let your mom and dad know that it hurts you to hear these things. And I will get the Dreamland King to tell as many other people as he can, too. He will send his messengers straight from Dreamland to Grown-up-Land.”

THE END

THE END


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