The Proud Boy THERE was once a very proud boy. He always walked through the village with his eyes turned down and his hands in his pockets. The boys used to stare at him, and say nothing; and when he was out of sight, they breathed freely. So the proud boy was lonely, and would have had no friends out of doors if it had not been for two stray dogs, the green trees, and a flock of geese upon the common. One day, just by the weaver's cottage, he met the tailor's son. Now the tailor's son made more noise than any other boy in the village, and when he had done anything wrong he stuck to it, ... read more

On the way to the Sun HE had journeyed a long way, and was very tired. It seemed like a dream when he stood up after a sleep in the field, and looked over the wall, and saw the garden, and the flowers, and the children playing all about. He looked at the long road behind him, at the dark wood and the barren hills; it was the world to which he belonged. He looked at the garden before him, at the big house, and the terrace, and the steps that led down to the smooth lawn it was the world which belonged to the children. "Poor boy," said the elder child, "I will get you something to eat." ... read more

NATURE OBSERVES HER LAWS The sun-god was getting married. The happy news spread far and wide and reached the earth too. Most of the creatures were happy with the news except the frogs. They called a meeting and decided to have the marriage stalled. One of the young frogs asked, "But how to do that?" Another said, "We will request god Jupiter." So, the frogs started croaking day and night. Their croak reached the skies and the gods informed Jupiter of it. Immediately, he made for the earth to see the frogs. Reaching there, he asked, "What is you problem?" The frogs replied, " ... read more

Once upon a time, there was a boy called Atilola. His parents loved him dearly because he was their only child and they made sure he lacked nothing. They treated him like a delicate egg and would not allow anyone to reprimand him, even when he behaved very badly. Because of this, Atilola grew to be a selfish, spoilt child who found it difficult to obey instructions. One day, during the rainy season, Atilola, who was about ten years old at the time, told his mother that he was going outside to play with his friends. ‘Stay in the neighbourhood and do not wonder off into the valley; the sky ... read more

Once, there was a merchant, not a rich merchant. And he had a camel, not a beautiful camel. But he loved that camel. And one day, he came to look for the camel but the camel was not there. The camel was gone. ‘Oh, where is my camel? My camel, where is he? And he looked all around in every direction; he searched high and low, but could he find his camel? Finally, he saw coming along the path towards him, three strangers. Along the tree-lined path they walked towards him, and when they reached him he stopped the first: ‘Have you seen my camel?’ ‘Your camel is blind in one eye.’ ‘That is ... read more