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LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE STORY ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Trying, Motivation, Conversation

1. Have you ever tried hard to do something a little bit scary? What was it? How did it turn out?

2. When we are learning, do you think it’s better to try, or not try? Why or why not?

Bedtime Story for Kids written by Prarthana Gururaj

Illustrated by Yesim Serce

Book design by Jade Maitre

Music Video by Devonshire Waltz Andante Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Starting Out Waltz Vivace Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The post I Can Try, I Can Fly! first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

© 2023 Storyberries

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LET’S DISCUSS THE STORIES ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Trying, Learning, Motivation

1. In this story, the Easter Bunny has a lot to learn on his first Easter egg delivery! How are some of the ways he learns where to put the eggs?

2. When the Park Keeper tells the Easter Bunny he is holding the map upside down, the Easter Bunny laughs and says he will be better next Easter. Do you think this is the right way to approach things when someone helps you to be better? Why or why not?

3. How do you think the Easter Bunny’s response is helpful to him learning?

Bedtime Story written by Andrea Kaczmarek

Illustrated by Faishal Aziz

Music Video by “Vivacity” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The post The Easter Bunny School first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

© Storyberries 2022

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LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE STORY ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Growth Mindset, Motivation, Trying, Emotions

1. When Flynn couldn’t fly the first time, he ran home crying. Why do you think he did that?

2. What made Flynn want to try again at flying?

3. What did Flynn do, to try and achieve his goal? Which of those things do you think was the most important to him succeeding? Why?

4. What do you think would have happened if Flynn had given up? Do you think this was a good option? 5. When do you think is the best time to give up?

Short bedtime story written by Glenn Francis F. Faelnar

Illustrated by Yesim Serce

Book Design by Jade Maitre

Music Video by Mana Two – Part 1 Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Silver Blue Light Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Screen Saver Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Ascending the Vale Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The post Flynn first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

© Storyberries 2022

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LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE STORY ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Motivation, Conscientiousness

1. In this story, Antony the Ant teaches Scowly Puss that keeping busy can sometimes help us to not feel so bored. Why do you think this might be?

2. Scowly Puss takes great pride in making the perfect furniture for Queen Antonette. Do you think it is good that he took the time to do this job well? Why or why not?

Feelings, Sadness, Boredom

1. Why do you think Scowly Puss feels sad when he feels bored? Do you think the two feelings always come together? Why or why not?

Bedtime Story for Kids written by Jade Maitre

Illustrated by Dia Lee

Book design by Jade Maitre

Other Credits – Music video by March of the Spoons Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Zazie Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Marty Gots a Plan Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Two Finger Johnny Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The post Scowly Puss and the Very Rainy Day first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

Let’s Chat About The Stories ~ Ideas for Talking With Kids

Motivation, Perseverance

1. Frog longs to touch the stars. How does he go about achieving his dream?

2. Does he touch the stars in the way he first thought he would?

3. What might this story show about the ways we can sometimes achieve our dreams?

Bedtime Story written by Sheesh Pal, translated by Alisha Berger

Bedtime Story illustrated by Proiti Roy

Other Credits:

Music Video by “Frozen Star” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “The Path of the Goblin King v2” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) , “Brittle Rille” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Frog’s Starry Wish (English), translated by Alisha Berger, based on original story मेंढक का तारों भरा सपना (Hindi), written by Sheesh Pal, illustrated by Proiti Roy, published by Room to Read (© Room to Read, 2016) under a CC BY 4.0 license on StoryWeaver. Read, create and translate stories for free on www.storyweaver.org.in

* THE STORY ‘FROG’S STARRY WISH’ WAS CREATED BY ROOM TO READ AND IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS -BY-4.0 LICENSE. FORMATTING CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE ORIGINAL WORK FOR EASE OF READING ON OUR WEBSITE.

The post Frog’s Starry Wish first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

“Ethan, I don’t know how much longer I can do this.  My feet really hurt.”

“Yeah, so do mine, Sammy.  Maybe we should just live at the zoo like Uncle Carl. He gets fed well and just relaxes all day,” said Ethan.

“When I said I don’t know how much longer I can do this, I meant this job. I didn’t mean give up on our dream of being independent elephants.”

“Relax. I haven’t lost sight of that dream either, Sammy.  Look, I appreciated Mr. Dilley giving us a job at his carwash, but using my trunk as a water hose isn’t how I want to spend my days.”

“You think I do? I have one dream in life, just one.”

“I know, I know, I’ve heard this story a thousand times. You want to be a chef more than anything else on Earth,” said Ethan.

“That’s right, a chef,” said Sammy. “But that’s never going to happen, because nobody wants to eat food cooked by an elephant.”

“You just haven’t found the right restaurant yet,” said Ethan. “Don’t give up, Sammy. Somebody will give you a job eventually.”

“Well, I’ve applied to every restaurant in town and they all said the same thing: ‘Sorry, but we don’t even serve peanut butter stew here.’ What are they thinking? How can you not serve peanut butter stew at a restaurant?”

“I agree. It doesn’t make sense,” said Ethan. “It’s not worth getting upset over though, Sammy. They obviously don’t know what they’re talking about, since they don’t even serve peanut butter stew.”

“Thanks, Ethan.  I’m just tired of waiting for someone else to give me a chance. So first thing tomorrow morning I am going to the bank for a loan. We’ll just open up our own place.  And every customer that walks through the door will be treated with respect.  And I mean every customer – little boys and girls, grown-ups, puppy dogs, elephants, even a tiger if he’s willing to behave himself.”

“Can I be the one who greets them at the door with a song?” asked Ethan. “I’ve always dreamed of being a singer.”

“Absolutely,” said Sammy. “I’ll make the stew and you can sing your heart out to all the customers.”

Ethan took the sponge he had been using to wipe down a little blue car and pretended it was a microphone. To the surprise of Sammy and the man sitting in the little blue car, Ethan began to sing:

“Our days here,

Are almost through,

Doot-doot, doot–doot, doot-doot, doot-doot, doot;

No more, Carwash Blues,

Doot-doot, doot–doot, doot-doot, doot-doot, doot;

Because we’ve got better things to do,

Like singing tunes,

And making stew,

That’s

All

We

Really

Want

To

Do,

Doot-doot, doot–doot, doot-doot, doot-doot, doot.”

“That’s great. That’s wonderful,” said the man in the little blue car. “But until then, can you please get the suds off my car?”

Ethan and Sammy finished washing the little blue car as the man requested and smiled the whole time they cleaned it. Even with sore feet it was easy for them to smile now, because they knew their dreams were going to come true. Their days of working at the car wash would be over soon. Or so it seemed.

Mr. Dilley had been paying Ethan and Sammy with peanuts, which they felt was the only good thing about working at the car wash. But when Sammy tried to use several bags of peanuts at the bank, he was informed he would have to shell out something else: money.

Sammy was heartbroken. He and Ethan didn’t have one nickel between them, and the cost of starting up a restaurant was more than Sammy ever imagined. He didn’t know how he was going to explain this to Ethan when he got back.  But Sammy didn’t have to say anything – the sad look on his face spoke a thousand words.

“It’s all right, Sammy,” said Ethan. “We’ll figure something out.”

Sammy just nodded, as a little tear rolled down his cheek.

A good thing happened the next morning, though. Mr. Dilley agreed to start paying Ethan and Sammy with money, not just peanuts.  But the job paid very little, and if they saved every penny they made between them it would take a very, very, long time to afford a restaurant of their own.

Ethan and Sammy tried to keep their spirits up, but it was tough.  Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and Sammy still couldn’t find anyone willing to give him a loan for his restaurant.

For a while it seemed as though Ethan and Sammy would spend the rest of their lives working at the car wash, until something unexpected happened.  Something wonderful!

While hosing down a car one afternoon, Ethan and Sammy abruptly stopped what they were doing when the sound of bells and music filled the air.

“Where’s that music coming from?” asked Sammy.

“Beats me, but it sounds like it’s getting closer,” said Ethan. “Let’s go take a look.”

Ethan and Sammy walked to the front of the car wash and were surprised to see a big, orange truck in the parking lot.  The big orange truck was playing music and had bells that chimed repeatedly. Several people walked up to the truck and began speaking to a man who stood inside it. Everyone was smiling and looked very happy.

“Here you go, young lady,” said the man in the big orange truck. “Enjoy your ice-cream sandwich.”

“What? You’ve got to be kidding me!  That man is selling ice-cream to people from his truck,” said Sammy. “What a brilliant idea.  Don’t wait for your customers to come to you – go out and find them!”

“And he is playing music for them,” said Ethan. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Sammy?”

“Yeah, how does he keep the ice-cream from melting?”

“No, that’s not what I was thinking,” said Ethan, shaking his head. “I am sure there’s a freezer on the truck, Sammy. I’m talking about us, silly. A truck should be a lot less expensive than a restaurant. Why don’t we start our own business by renting a truck, and just go out and find our customers like the man with the ice-cream?”

Sammy didn’t say a word, but smiled from ear to floppy ear. He knew right then and there that his life was going to change. And it did. After a pay raise and a couple more months of working at the car wash, Ethan and Sammy went to the bank and got the loan they needed to start their business. They had the words “Stew and Tunes” written on the side of their truck. It took awhile to catch on, but eventually the whole town of Belvar fell in love with Sammy’s peanut butter stew.

Unlike the big orange truck that delivered ice-cream, bells didn’t chime on Ethan and Sammy’s truck, but there was plenty of music to be sure. And everyone in Belvar knew the truck was close by when they heard Ethan sing:

“We’re so happy,

To see you,

Doot-doot, doot–doot, doot-doot, doot-doot, doot;

No more, Carwash Blues,

Doot-doot, doot–doot, doot-doot, doot-doot, doot;

Because we’ve got better things to do,

Like singing tunes,

And making stew,

That’s

All

We

Really

Want

To

Do,

Doot-doot, doot–doot, doot-doot, doot-doot, doot.”

 © Artie Knapp 2020

Let’s Chat About The Stories ~ Ideas for Talking With Kids

Motivation

1. The two elephants in this story have a big dream. But it’s hard to get. Does this stop them from trying to realise their dream?

2. What do you think this story says about following your dreams?

3. Do you have any big dreams? What are they!

Bedtime story written by Artie Knapp

In-text illustrations by Aja Mulford

The post No More Car Wash Blues first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

© Storyberries 2020

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Let’s Chat About The Stories ~ Ideas for Talking With Kids

Motivation, Trying, Practice

1. Why do you think we often need to practice things before we can do them well?

2. Do you think it’s possible to learn or do something if you don’t try? Why or why not?

3. What is the best thing you have done that you are proud of, and you did it through trying?

Bedtime story written by Jade Maitre

Illustrated by Mihailo Tatic

The post The Dragon Who Couldn’t Puff first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

Circus Tortellini isn’t an ordinary circus.

Circus Tortellini travels from town to town with a Clever Circus School.

Circus Tortellini visits schools and puts up its Bright Big Top right next to a school, and then the fun begins.

Franco Tortellini is the ringmaster, and he knows that all children love a circus and can learn lots and lots. “Children learn special things at our Circus School…” Franco laughs.

When Circus Tortellini is ready, they begin with the show full of excitement. The children, teachers, parents, grandparents and friends are all invited.

Franco Tortellini booms– ‘Welcome to the Amazing Circus Tortellini’.

There are clowns, jugglers, acrobats, tight rope walkers, ponies, trapeze artists, strongmen, a magic show, unicycles, trampolines and popcorn.

Leon, Mia, Emma and Noah just can’t stop clapping as they watch the show.

“I’m going to be the ringmaster, I’ll be amazing!” Leon laughs

“I want to balance on the ponies in a pink tutu.” Mia beams.

“I shall juggle 10 flashing balls.” Noah whoops

“And I shall walk a tightrope high above your heads.” Emma points up high to the trapeze.

At the end of the show, with the wonderful costumes, fun and plenty of scares– Franco Tortellini and his family take a bow and Franco booms “Goodbye children, see you on Monday morning, bright and ready for Circus School!”

And that’s what happens, for the next week, there is no classroom, just the Big Top and the children Learn Project Circus!

For the four friends – Leon, Mia, Noah and Emma things turn out different to what they expect.

Franco Tortellini and his family – Gina, Francesca, Pepitto and Angelo with the other circus artists divide the children into groups in the school yard-and they throw balls, do skipping, roll out the mats and jump around – “Let’s see what you are good at!”

Franco and Angelo just walk, talk, play and mess around.

The children do lots of different things – they balance on wobbly planks, they climb up ropes, they bounce on trampolines laughing and the end of the day, they rub their aching legs and arms.

The next day, all the children are put into their Circus School groups.

Franco laughs his very loud laughs and tells them. “We watched you all yesterday, and we think we’ve found the very best groups for you all.”

“I’m a clown, I always knew it!” Leon shakes his head.

“I’m in the juggling and hula hoop team.” Mia is happy.

“But I’ve got ponies and popcorn.” Emma smiles

Noah scratches his head “Unicycles, whatever that is, and selling programs and showing people to their seats.”

They all laugh, not sure what to expect.

“Don’t let anybody ever tell you circus is easy…” At break time they fall onto a bench rubbing their aching legs.

“Well, how many balls can you juggle?” Leon turns to Mia.

“Well, we didn’t start with balls at all. We started off with bright floaty scarves. We start on balls this afternoon.”

“Ah….” The others shrug.

“Unicycles are wobbly.” Noah joins in. “We spent the morning learning how to get on and off and wobble around.”

“Well, clowns are the most important circus acts.” Leon tells his friends. “They make people laugh. But they help in-between to put things up or take them down. This afternoon we are going to learn to trampoline.”

Mia laughed. “Trampoline is easy.”

“You try it with great big floppy boots on…” Leon looked at her. “And my clown name is Loopy, clowns have clown names, and their own special make-up!”

Every day the friends practiced in their groups -– now they are starting to feel a bit nervous, their big circus day is at the end of the week.

“Have you got your costumes?” Emma joins them. “We got our pink tutus and tights today, Mrs. Tortellini is cool, she does the costumes.”

Leon has the most to do, the clowns always do, as he keeps telling them how important the clowns are.

“Yes, Loopy, the world’s greatest clown ha ha ha.” They all laugh.

At last, it is the day of the Grand Circus Show!

Leon, or, Loopy, runs around with a bucket filled with confetti, but the head clown has a bucket filled with water, just to make the audience nervous!

Leon handed out umbrellas to make them more nervous. Even his mum doesn’t know Leon under the big orange wig and baggy patchwork pants. Leon was now Loopy!

The clowns then do bell ringing, noisy and out of tune, but then, they stop, shake their heads and play a proper tune.

They also do their clown trampoline act – Crazy Bouncing in Big Boots!

Emma balances with outstretched arms on her pony.

Later, Emma slips out of her pink tutu and into her red circus T-Shirt to sell popcorn in the break, the people are happy “Lovely show, those children are so good…”

Noah first shows the audience to their seats wearing a red T-Shirt and trying to be helpful.

Later he changes into his sparkling jacket and silver hat for the unicycle show, then he starts to feel nervous.

Twisting, Turning and Weaving around – all on one wheel, not so easy. But the group manage well. The music helps and they even cycle up and down ramps.

Noah laughs as he remembers his first wobbles.

Mia’s act is juggling, all the jugglers wear bright baggy rainbow costumes and juggle with balls, rings and do plate spinning. At the end, they throw up the rainbow scarves The bright colored scarves float down and everything is magical.

“If you drop one, you just laugh, it’s all part of the act…” Gino always tells them.

Later, the jugglers leave the ring – but, they quickly slip off the costumes, they have black clothes underneath, then they slip on a black mask.

When they are all ready, they run back into the ring with all the lights switched off.

Now they have hula hoops that shine orange, pink, green and yellow in the dark.

Mia feels so good. “It’s magical, it’s ShowTime.” She smiles and twists her yellow hoop to join the pattern of the others.

The friends can’t believe it; their circus show is a huge success.

But, now, sadly, it’s the end of the show, they all troop out, back into the circus ring.

Franco in his red coat and top hat tells them to take the biggest and lowest bow-  and Franco’s voice booms loud. “Just one week, learning new things, these children are real stars!”

The clowns, the jugglers, the balancers, the cyclists, the tightrope walkers, the acrobats and dancers all take a big bow.

Leon, Mia, Noah and Emma have had the very best Circus Week, and can’t wait until Circus Tortellini is back in town again!

“Next time, I’ll be a clown, too.” Noah tells Leon. “You can wobble and fall off a unicycle…” They all laugh.

“Who would have believed it?” Mia now in her normal clothes. “We had so much fun, but my bones are aching and bruised. But, I’ve got a brilliant idea.”

They all looked at her.

“Let’s meet in my garden with the trampoline and practice our very own circus. I can teach you juggling.” Mia laughs.

“And I can teach you about Big Boot Bouncing.” Loopy Leon laughs, too.

“And we can call it Circus Pepperoni.” Noah joined in.

“Circus Pepperoni?” The others looked puzzled.

“Yes, because I love hot pepperoni on my pizza!”

© Andrea Kaczmarek 2020

LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE STORY ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Motivation, Perseverance, Resilience

1. How do the children in this story approach being the stars of their very own circus?

2. Do you think they succeed in putting on a good show? Why or why not?

Short Story for Kids written by Andrea Kaczmarek

In-text illustration by Andrea Kaczmarek

The post The Circus School first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

In a little hilly hamlet of southern India, lived a young girl called Bulbuli. She lived in a hut with her mother. Her house was surrounded by the tallest and greenest trees you would ever have seen. On misty days, the leaves of plants and trees held the biggest dewdrops you could imagine.

Bulbuli was as sprightly as her name. She, along with her friends, would prance through the endless forests around her village. She loved to take in deep breaths every morning as the air carried all kinds of different aromas. Sometimes she could smell a sweet, sweet fragrance. At other times it was a strong and sharp scent. Then there were days when all she could smell was a familiar bouquet.

Waking up to those refreshing scents was the best way for Bulbuli to begin her day. Then there was Totaram the parrot, who would fly into the village every morning, perch himself atop a tree facing Bulbuli’s hut, and tell her of the entire buzz of the forest. He would also tell her of his flights to different lands and the people who lived there.

Bulbuli loved to hear Totaram’s tales. She longed to visit these lands and see their different sights. Her heart would race and thump loudly as Totaram would speak, but it would always end with a deep sigh. She had to stop dreaming of faraway lands when she had never even been to Senseless Point.

Everybody in the village talked of Senseless Point. A few people from the neighbouring villages had been there but no one from her own village. From all the talk around, it seemed like a mysterious place promising an experience of a lifetime.

Bulbuli believed that if she ever had the chance to go to Senseless Point, she would return to her hamlet and describe it to everyone. She would tell everyone about this mysterious place.

On this particular morning, Bulbuli waited for Totaram’s whistle. She fed the hens and collected their eggs. Next she fed the cows and then milked them. All the while she paused from time to time to listen to Totaram’s call. Tired of waiting, she left for her school. All her students in her school sat under a huge banyan tree.

Bulbuli could hardly pay attention to what was being taught. Her eyes searched for Totaram, who had never missed visiting her ever since the time they became friends.

Several days passed and Bulbuli grew more and more concerned about Totaram. She worried that Totaram might be hurt. She had no way of knowing if he was safe. Bulbuli grew more despondent with each day. After school, she would walk through the forests calling out to Totaram.

“Hello! Are you here somewhere Totaram?” she would yell, cupping her mouth with her hands. But there was no response.

Then one very early morning, even before the sun had risen, she heard a very noisy and distressed bird call. She leapt out of bed and rushed out to look. It was Totaram. “Bulbuli! Wake up! I need to talk to you!”

Bulbuli stretched out her arm so that Totaram could perch on it. “Where have you been, Totaram? I have been so worried about you. What is the matter? You seem very upset!”

“There is trouble at Senseless Point. War has broken out in the forest.”

“Calm down Totaram, or you will wake the entire village. What kind of trouble are you talking about? And who is at war?” asked a puzzled Bulbuli.

“The jungle… Oops! Sorry Bulbuli. I do need to stop screaming. The jungles are at war. Senseless Point is not what it used to be. All the animals are frightened. They do not know what is going to happen next. Bulbuli, we have to think of something!” cried Totaram anxiously.

“I still do not understand. How can jungles be at war? Why don’t you take me to Senseless Point?” said Bulbuli.

Totaram grew even more agitated.

“Senseless Point is two sunrises and two dusks away. Your small feet will not be able to carry you there.”

“My mind is bigger than my feet, Totaram, Don’t let the size of my feet fool you. I’m not afraid to do difficult things. Besides, the least I can do is try.”

“The journey is long and hard, Bulbuli. I’m not sure…” mused Totarem.

“Well, I cannot think of any other way to help. You must take me to Senseless Point,” pleaded Bulbuli. Totaram thought for a long time. Reluctantly, he agreed.

“All right then, but we must leave immediately,” he said.

Just then Bulbuli realised that she could not leave without telling her mother. Totaram suggested that they stop on the way to get Koyal, his friend, to tell her mother first thing in the morning.

“Hurry now. We must not lose any time,” Totaram urged.

So off they went. Totaram flew just above Bulbuli’s head and led the way. Bulbuli walked and walked for several hours. She was not unused to walking through thickets and tall grass. But then she grew hungry and tired. Totaram could see that she needed to eat and drink.

“Just a little longer Bulbuli. There are coconut trees ahead,” said Totaram. When they reached the coconut plantations, Totaram let out a shrill whistle. “Whoeeeee….”

From nowhere swung a frisky monkey. He was so full of beans that Totaram had to chide him.

“Calm down, Bandaroo! I have work for you. Stop prancing around.”

“All right Totaram. What is it?” asked Bandaroo.

“Pluck a couple of coconuts and toss them below. My friend Bulbuli here is hungry,” informed Totaram. Bandaroo obliged. He threw down three green coconuts. They split open as they crashed to the ground. Bulbuli hungrily reached out for them and scooped out the creamy kernel. She ate quickly when all the while Bandaroo squealed with delight from the tree above.

“Thanks Bandaroo. That was filling,” said Bulbuli.

“Call me anytime folks. I’m the best thrower in the jungle,” said Bandaroo chirpily.

Totaram and Bulbuli carried on with their journey. After several hours, Bulbuli grew weary and exhausted. However, she was not going to give up. She had an opportunity of a lifetime here. A visit to Senseless Point for people around her village was like a pilgrimage.

Each time that she felt fatigued, Bulbuli tried to picture Senseless Point in her mind. She imagined a beautiful place that could fill people’s hearts with happiness. That scene in her mind was enough to make her forget how footsore she was. The first dusk of their journey set in. ‘Another day to go,’ thought Bulbuli. Bulbuli rested under a tree while Totaram found a comfortable spot on a branch above. Soon it was dawn.

Bulbuli was awakened by the chattering of what seemed like a million birds in the jungle. Bulbuli took several big breaths and stretched her arms out to wake up her body. The morning felt different. She could smell all the familiar scents that she used to every morning, but somehow, they were stronger and more refreshing.

“Totaram! Can you smell the freshness in the air? I love it!” she told the parrot. “You have all day to take your whiffs. Let us get moving,” ordered Totaram.

Totaram and she talked little the next day. He could see that Bulbuli was tired, hungry and thirsty.

Totaram flew down to perch on her shoulder. “There is a stream nearby. We’ll rest there for a while.”

In a little while, Bulbuli heard the sound of rushing water. In no time at all they arrived at the stream. The clear water glistened in the sunlight. The water seemed to be racing with itself to get somewhere. It was a beautiful sight.

Bulbuli leaned over and cupped the water in her hands and drank all that she could. She splashed water on her face and refreshed herself. Just as she was done, Totaram landed on her shoulder once again and nudged her to stretch out her palms. He then dropped red, delicious berries in them.

“Oh Totaram! You are the nicest friend I know. Thank you so much,” smiled Bulbuli.

“Go ahead and eat them. Berries are my favourite food. I have already eaten too many today!” gushed Totaram.

They rested a while and then set out once again. Bulbuli walked and walked while Totaram flew just above her talking to her all the while.

After several hours, Bulbuli sat down. “I need to rest Totaram. I am really very exhausted.” Totaram let out a loud whistle. Within minutes, an elephant strolled up to them. Totaram introduced Hathi to Bulbuli and told him of their journey to Senseless Point.

“I believe only a human can help the war in the jungle. Animals are running away from what is paradise for us,” said a concerned Hathi.

“Will you give Bulbuli a ride, Hathi?” asked Totaram. “Her will is strong but her strength is failing.”

“Of course. Climb up, little girl, but I can only take you up to the trail. After that you are on your own. I cannot be away from my group for long,” said Hathi. Bulbuli was relieved.. Her small legs needed rest and she was able to get a spectacular view of the jungle from atop Hathi’s back.

Hathi, like Totaram, had many tales to tell. The day passed easily. At dusk, the trio settled by a cave. Totaram and Hathi gathered dried leaves and straw and made a bed for Bulbuli. As soon as Bulbuli lay down, she dozed off. At the third sunrise, Totaram did not have to wake Bulbuli.

She was up at the crack of dawn. Totaram brought her some purple berries this time, which she ate with delight. The young girl, the parrot and the elephant began the last leg of their journey. Bulbuli was becoming more uncertain of what to expect. First there was the anticipation of Senseless Point. Then there was the uneasiness of the jungles at war.

As she was getting closer to her destination, her heart began to fill with thrill and excitement but with a tinge of apprehension.

Shortly, Hathi stopped. He said “It is time for me to say goodbye. I must return to my family. All the animals would be grateful to you if you could help end the war of the jungles. We cannot bear to live anywhere else. These jungles have been our home for generations.”

Bulbuli thanked Hathi for carrying her as far as he did. “I hope the jungles hear me out, Hathi. I promise to do my best.”

Totaram sat on Bulbuli’s shoulder and asked her to slow down.

“Look at that trail going downward. That will lead us to Senseless Point,” instructed Totaram.

At this point, a strange humming sound enveloped the jungle. As they walked further, the noise grew louder and louder. “Where is that noise coming from?” asked Bulbuli, covering her ears.

“That is the sound of three jungles at war, and it is only going to get louder as we approach Senseless Point,” hollered Totaram.

Bulbuli could barely believe what was going on. Never before had she encountered such a scene. As she climbed down the trail and looked around, she saw nothing out of the ordinary. But the clamour was ear-splitting.

Totaram pecked at her ear to get her attention. With the shrieks of the jungles, Bulbuli could hardly hear Totaram. Within three more steps, Bulbuli found herself amidst a clearing. It was as if all the trees of the jungle had suddenly disappeared. There were hillocks stretching as far as her eyes could see.

“This is Senseless Point. This is a place where everything grows wild. Humans hardly ever come here,” said Totaram. Then he began screaming, “A human being is here, a human being!” But in the deafening din of the jungles, his voice went unheard.

Bulbuli could not get herself to remove her hands from her ears. She could not understand what the jungles were saying, but by now it was clear that there were three jungles involved.

In the distance, just in front of her, she could see green beds. On her right, were hundreds and hundreds of shrubs with magenta flowers. On her left, she could see very tall plants. The sight before her was breathtaking. And the aroma was stunning.

Bulbuli’s face lit up with wonder. She turned towards each jungle several times over, to take in the splendour. Almost instantly, the noise of the jungles began to die down, as if the jungles had spotted her.

That was when Bulbuli took her first deep breath. She could smell the aroma of Tea. Then in the next breath, she was drawn to the fragrance on her right. It was a spicy fragrance- something she was familiar with. Unsure, she breathed in some more and said to herself, “Ah! Elaichi!”

A gentle breeze pushed her to her left. Her head turned and she smiled when she took in her next deep breath. It was an attractive and pure smell. Instantly, she recognised the plant.

Bulbuli joined her hands and bowed with reverence. “You are Tulsi!”

Bulbuli was overwhelmed by the fragrances. They smelled like three octaves of the same musical note – Sa, Sa, Sa. Bulbuli felt joyful. She stretched her arms and twirled around with her eyes closed.

The fragrances and the musical notes played in her head, over and over again. All her senses were alive. This was a magical moment for her. Never before had she felt so delighted.

Just then, the Elaichi plant spoke,

“Maybe this little girl could punish the Tea bushes.”

“Maybe. Little girl, can you stop the Tea bushes from stealing our fragrance?” asked a Tulsi plant.

Bulbuli was stunned to hear the jungles speak to her. Before she could respond, a Tea bush spoke up. “Maybe if these two were not around, humans might be able to appreciate our aroma.”

“Is that what this war is all about, worrying about your smells getting stolen?” asked a puzzled Bulbuli. She smiled to herself. “Do you have any idea what you all smell like from where I stand? I can smell each of you distinctly.”

“It really is not our fault. We are not fragrance thieves. Our leaves take on the smell of anything that grows around us. In fact, with Tulsi and Elaichi around us, we have to work extra hard to keep our identity. It is not as if the Tulsi jungle and the Elaichi jungle have lost their perfume to me. You just said that you can smell their individual whiff,” said a Tea bush.

Bulbuli took several deep breaths to calm down. She discovered that every time she took in a collected breath of Tea, Elaichi and Tulsi, it helped her relax. There was something very soothing about the three of them together.

“My mother has taught me important things from the Vedas. Do you know what they have to say?” asked Bulbuli. “The sun should be a giver of happiness, the sky should be a giver of happiness, and all trees and plants should be givers of happiness. All these should give us peace of mind. Do you think you are doing that?”

The jungles fell silent. They were listening to Bulbuli. Bulbuli had an idea. She whispered something to Totaram. He flew off from her shoulder almost immediately.

A Tulsi plant spoke. “The Elaichi and Tulsi grow wild. We have no control over where and how we grow. And neither do we tell the wind which way to blow.”

Bulbuli thought for a moment. “In that case, how can you blame the Tea? Maybe you ought to blame the wind.”

“The wind! Tulsi and Elaichi fight constantly with the wind too. They do not want the wind to take their perfume out of here,” said a Tea bush.

Bulbuli was aghast. “Is that true?” she asked.

Neither of the two guilty jungles replied. Bulbuli sighed deeply. Just then Totaram returned. He carried a few Tulsi leaves, some Elaichi seeds and Tea leaves in his beak and placed them on Bulbuli’s palm. Bulbuli gently rubbed them together. She raised her palm to smell them. She let out a loud delighted shriek.

The jungles screamed back in unison, “What is the matter, little girl? Are you all right?”

Bulbuli laughed with joy. “You can now wave the white flag for peace. I have a bit of all three of you in my hand and together you smell like nothing else in the world. One whiff of all of you together is so relaxing.”

Totatram whispered in Bulbuli’s ear. She smiled. “Totaram tells me that the animals in the jungles have known just which leaf to eat when they are unwell. Even the birds have eaten your fruit and leaves together to know how quickly you can make them better again. Did you jungles even know that?” asked Bulbuli.

“These animals eat your leaves to relieve all kinds of sickness. They even come here to Senseless Point to rejuvenate themselves. Totaram, get me a bunch of Tea, Elaichi and Tulsi. I am going back home to brew a warm cup of Tea with Tulsi and Elaichi for my mother. Celebrate, jungles! The world is going to know how well you taste together. Which means that you have to get on well with each other. Can you do that?” asked Bulbuli.

Bulbuli and Totaram giggled. So did the jungles. This time the noise level rose not because of the fighting, but with laughter. Bulbuli was relieved to see the war coming to an end. She realised that the jungles had each been able to feel pride in their uniqueness.

Bulbuli asked Totaram to collect bunches of Tea, Tulsi leaves along with Elaichi seeds. “Jungles, I am now going to return to my village with the most exquisite and refreshing Tea, one with Tulsi and Elaichi. And I promise to return with people from my village to introduce them to Senseless Point. The most refreshing place on earth!”

That is how Tulsi and Elaichi flavoured tea was discovered. Have you tried it yet?

BEDTIME STORY WRITTEN BY TANYA LUTHER AGARWAL

ILLUSTRATED BY SANJAY SARKAR

OTHER CREDITS: This book was published on StoryWeaver by Pratham Books © 2010. The development and production of the print version of ‘Jungle Brew’ has been supported by Tim Talkington. Pratham Books is a not-for-profit organization that publishes books in multiple Indian languages to promote reading among children. www.prathambooks.org

Music Video: “Unanswered Questions” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “An Upsetting Theme” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “To the Ends” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Suvaco do Cristo” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Lotus” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Impending Boom” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Hidden Agenda” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ and additional music from: https://mixkit.co/

* THE STORY ‘’JUNGLE BREW‘ WAS CREATED BY PRATHAM BOOKS AND IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS -BY-4.0 LICENSE. MINOR FORMATTING CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE ORIGINAL WORK FOR EASE OF READING ON OUR WEBSITE.

Let’s Chat About The Stories ~ Ideas for Talking With Kids

Passion

1. Why do you think Bulbuli dreams of visiting Senseless Point? Have you ever had a dream like this? How did it make you feel?

Motivation, Courage

1. Bulbuli is determined to visit Senseless Point and stop the war between the jungles. How does she show her motivation and courage? What do you think this says about being brave?

Friendship

1. The voyage to Senseless Point is very difficult for a little girl like Bulbuli. Bulbuli’s friend Totaram helps her in many ways. How does the parrot help his friend? Why do you think he does this for Bulbuli?

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