Story Prism

Today's story, 'Anasi And The Pot Of Wisdom' is a folktale from Africa about how everyone on Earth got some wisdom.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/anansi-and-the-pot-of-wisdomSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.comTranscript:Stories from near and far are adapted from a local folk tale, teaching children, new perspectives from around the world. Without much ado let's get started.Anansi literally translates to spider, and is a folktale character associated with stories of wisdom, knowledge, and trickery, most commonly depicted as a spider, in African folklore.Anansi and the Pot of WisdomAnansi, the spider loves to spin a tale! He can amuse you for hours with stories full of wonder, stories full of fun, and stories full of facts.Children, which is your favourite Story?Anandi was very nosy. He knew almost everything about almost everybody. Almost. But Anansi wanted to know everything!So, one day, he went to the house of the Sun God. "Oh, mighty Sun God! You see everything and everyone! Won't you share your great wisdom with me? I'll use it wisely to spin tales of wonder and fun for everyone."The Sun God agreed, "Anansi, I will put all the wisdom in the world here in this clay pot. You must share this wisdom with everyone."Anansi was delighted and promised to do so. Anansi took the pot home. He looked deep into the clay pot and sure enough, he saw sights he had never seen before.He heard sounds he did not know existed.He became greedy. "This is too good to give away. I will keep this great wisdom for myself," thought Anansi."I must hide it!" he decided, and he looked around for a good hiding place. Anansi decided to climb to the top of the tallest tree. There he would tie up the clay pot and the leafy branches will hide it.Children, do you think that the top of the tree was a good place to hide the pot? Can you suggest another place.NiceNow listen ahead.He started climbing the tree, holding the pot in front of him. “The climbing is hard! He thoughtHave you ever climbed a tree while holding a pot? Anansi wishes he had nine limbs! His youngest daughter was outside and saw what a hard time Anansi was having. "Father, it would be easier if you tied the pot to your back. Then all your limbs would be free for climbing."Do you think Anansi is happy to get good advice from his daughter? Think again!"She is right—that would be easier! Why is it my young daughter could think of it, while I who possess all the wisdom of the world did not?"Anansi got so angry that he threw the pot to the ground. All the wisdom of the world came flowing out of the pot. Some fell here, some fell there. No one got all the wisdom, but everyone git some wisdom. This is why, even today, wisdom is everywhere. If you listen to the stories—stories spun from storytellers all around the world—you will hear it.

Aesop's fables are a group of stories thought to have been written by Aesop, a Greek Storyteller. Each Aesop story demonstrates a moral lesson. Today's story - 'The Serpent &The Eagle ' is a story that teaches us tobe kindFree activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-serpent-and-the-eagleSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptOnce, a Serpent and an Eagle were struggling with each other in a deadly conflict. The Serpent had succeeded in surprising the Eagle and had wrapped himself around the Eagle's neck. The Eagle could not reach the Serpent.Children, can you please help the Eagle with ideas of how he could free himself?Indeed, he couldn't, as the serpent had wrapped himself around the eagle's neck. Hence, neither could he attack the serpent with his beak nor claws.Helpless, the eagle decided to soar in the sky. Far into the sky he flew, trying to shake off his enemy. But the Serpent's hold only tightened, and slowly the Eagle sank back to earth, gasping for breath.A Countryman chanced to see the unequal combat. In pity for the noble Eagle he rushed up and soon had loosened the coiling Serpent and freed the Eagle.The Serpent was furious. He could not bite the watchful Countryman. Instead, he struck at the drinking bottle, hanging at the Countryman's belt, and into it let fly the poison of his fangs. The eagle saw this act and was worried.Well! The Countryman now went on toward home. Becoming thirsty on the way, he filled his bottle at a spring and was about to drink. There was a sudden rush of great wings. Sweeping down, the Eagle seized the poisoned water bottle from out the countryman's hand for it was this countryman that had saved him from the serpent, and flew away with it to hide it where it could never be found.Thus, he saved his saviour!

Panchatantra stories are one of the most widely translated books in history and are known for their wisdom on practical life. The stories are delightfully narrated, with animals and birds often being the central characters. Thus they provide valuable life lessons in a light-hearted manner.The Elephants And The Mice is a story about friendship..Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-elephants-and-the-miceSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com. TranscriptThere was a village that was left by its people after it was shattered by an earthquake. However, the mice living in the village decided to stay and make it their home.Children, do you think there were some other animals that made this village their home?Yes, it could be bats, mongoose, hawks, etc.On the outskirts of this village, there was a lake, where a herd of elephants visited regularly to bathe and drink water. Since the village was on the way to this lake, the elephants trampled the mice while walking there.So, the king of mice decided to meet the elephants. He told them, ” O elephants, as you travel through the village, many mice are trampled. We will be very grateful if you could please consider changing your route. We will remember and return the favour when you are in need.”The elephant king laughed, “We are giant elephants. What favour can you mice return? Nevertheless, we honour your request and change our route.”Children, if there was only one way to the pond and that was through the village, can you suggest another solution?That's great.Now listen ahead..After a few days, the elephants got trapped and entangled in nets that were set up by hunters. They struggled hard to escape, but in vain. The elephant king remembered the promise made by the king of mice. So, he sent a fellow elephant who got lucky and was not trapped, to ask the mice king to come and help them.Soon, all the mice came and started nibbling the nets, and freed the elephants. The king of the elephants couldn't thank the mice enough!Moral of the Story: A friend in need is a friend indeed. Always be kind to people, and grateful for their help.

Today's story, 'The Empty Pot' is a folktale from China about honesty. Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-empty-potSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.comTranscript:Once upon a time, in China, there was a kind and hardworking boy named Ping. Ping loved flowers and plants, and he could make anything grow beautifully. He seemed to possess a Green thumb.One day, the Emperor announced a special contest. He wanted to choose the next Emperor so that he could train the successor.He gave every child in the kingdom a seed. He said, "Whoever grows the most beautiful flower from this seed will become the next Emperor."The emperor distributed the seeds to all the children who arrived at his palace. Ping was also there.Ping was extremely excited!He carefully and with all his love planted his seed in a pot and took care of it every day.Children, how do you think Ping took care of the seed?Indeed, for the next few months he took utmost care of his seed. He watered it adequately, gave it the right amount of sunlight, and made sure it had good soil. Unfortunately, no matter what he did, nothing grew. Weeks passed, and the pot stayed empty. Ping was sad and worried, but he kept trying.Finally, the day of the contest arrived. All the children brought their pots to the palace, filled with big, colorful flowers.Children, please name some of the flowers you think were brought in by the children?That's nice.Yes! There were pretty petunias, dazzling dahlias, and lovely lilies.Ping felt embarrassed because his pot was still empty, but he decided to be brave and bring it anyway.When the Emperor saw all the beautiful flowers, he frowned. Then he saw Ping's empty pot and smiled.He said, "Ping is the winner! He will be the next Emperor." Everyone was surprised.Children, can you guess why?The Emperor explained, "The seeds I gave you were boiled, so they couldn't grow. Ping was the only one honest enough to bring the truth."Ping became the next Emperor, and everyone learned that honesty is the most important thing of all.

Today's story is an original story that I wrote, inspired by the ornaments my neighbour's little child was hanging so lovingly on his Christmas tree.Do you know the significance of each of the Christmas ornaments? Or do you think it's just for decoration? Well, enjoy the story “No Ordinary Ornament."Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/no-ordinary-ornamentSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptIt was late November, little Rhea watched as the movers carried luggage to the apartment next door. She was excited that finally, she would have neighbours. She crossed her fingers and prayed that the new family would have kids who could be her companions. She kept peeping out of her window now and then to check and get an update on the move.It was around noon when she heard the kids and rushed to the door. To her delight, she saw three kids walking toward the next-door apartment. Seeing Rhea, they came to meet her and introduced themselves as Tim, Kelly, and Ryan.Well! What followed was days of playing, chatting, and sleepovers. In fact, a strong bond of friendship developed among them. They all celebrated Rhea's birthday together on the 20th of December, which Rhea claimed was the best so far.All the kids were excited that the Christmas holidays were round the corner and, on the first day of the holiday, Kelly invited Rhea to her house to put up their Christmas tree. Rhea had seen many Christmas trees in the malls and schools but never helped someone put one up. So she was thrilled.Ms. Brown, the children's mother, brought the big fir tree in with the help of the children. Mr. Brown unpacked the boxes filled with all the decorations from previous years.“This is going to be my first time decorating a Christmas tree!” said one very excited Rhea with a twinkle in her eyes.Taking out the lights from one of the boxes, Kelly replied, “Let's put up these lights first. You may then unpack the bells that my father wraps so well every year so they don't break.”“But why do we put these bells?” asked Rhea innocently. Kelly glanced at the two siblings looking for an answer. And they in turn looked at their father for the answer. “Children, bells are rung in the church after the mass. When you go to the church you hear the bells right? And that's why we also put bells on the Christmas tree,” answered the father.“That's interesting,” Tim nodded as he started to open the next box. “So dad, why do we put all decorations on the tree; the candy canes, the bird in the nest, angels, etc. Is it for decoration or is there some significance that is there?”“I'll take this one!” mom replied, taking out a candy cane. “I'm glad you asked. This is the staff of the Shepherd. And the wreath is for...” before she could finish Tim jumped in, “Sprucing the front door!”“No dear, that represents the thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries represent the blood.”Holding a rabbit in one hand and a fruit basket in the other Rhea asked, “What about these, aunty?”“The rabbit symbolizes peace with nature and the fruit is so we always have plenty to eat and to remind us to be generous.”“Mom, Dad, how come you never told us about this earlier?” Kelly inquired.“I was waiting for you to be inquisitive enough and ask yourself,” mom said lovingly hanging the bird ornament on the tree, “and this bird in the nest reflects happiness and joy.”The tree was already looking beautiful.Ryan opened another box and asked, “Hey mom, this frog must be from Kelly's toys!”“Ha, ha! The frogs traditionally are symbols of good luck. Frogs can't move backward or side to side.”“You know,” father jumped in, “They always move forward suggesting we all achieve our goals and accomplishments.”“Mmm… I will be like the frog from now onwards, moving ahead to achieve my goals,” Rhea thought to herself.Ryan took out the teapot, “Now this for sure has no meaning!”“Dear Ryan, you serve tea to guests in the teapot. This teapot ornament symbolizes hospitality,” Ms. Brown responded.Rhea said, “I have seen angels being hung. Do you have them?”“Oh, of course! Open the box marked ‘angels and stars', right over there,” Mr. Brown replied. “Rhea, angels are a must, for through them we ask for guidance in our lives.”“But what about this house ornament?” questioned Kelly.“That symbolizes shelter and protection for the family. And the star that we perch on the top represents the stars that led the three wise men to baby Jesus,” the mother helped the children understand. “Now I'll ask you all a question. Why is there a Christmas tree during Christmas in the first place?” asked father.Kelly, Rhea, and Ryan looked puzzled but Tim yelled out, “I know, I read somewhere, it's because the evergreens would always keep the away from the evil spirits away! Isn't it?”“You're right! The Christmas tree is to keep evil spirits and illness at bay,” Mr. Brown patted Tim.Everybody stepped back to look at the Christmas tree. It looked gorgeous, adorned with all the ornaments.Then Ms. Brown announced, “Rhea join us on Christmas Day morning to find the Christmas pickle ornament.”“Pickle ornament?” one very confused Rhea asked.Kelly excitedly said, “You know, it's a Christmas tradition to hide a pickle ornament in the tree, and the first person who finds it gets an extra present and has a year of good fortune.”“I'll be there for sure! Thanks, uncle and auntie, for letting me be a part of your Christmas traditions and I learned so much today,” Rhea said.“So did we!” said the siblings unanimously

Today's story: "The Ugly Duckling" is adapted from a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-ugly-ducklingSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.Transcript ONCE ON A FARM LONG AGO, a Mama Duck sat on her nest. “How long must I wait for my babies to hatch? I have to sit here all by myself!” But what could she do? A Mama duck must keep her eggs warm till they hatch. At last, the eggs began to crack. One yellow duckling stepped out of its shell, then another. Each little chick shook its wings. “Quack, quack!”“Look at you!” cried Mama Duck with joy. “You're all so cute!”“Quack, quack, quack!” they said with pride.“Come line up," said Mama Duck. "We will go down to the lake for your very first swim.”She counted – one, two, three, four, five.“Oh dear!” she said with a frown. “I had six eggs. I should have six ducklings.”One large egg was still in the nest. “Well!" said Mama Duck, "it looks like that big egg will take more time.” So she returned to sit on her nest again and wait some more.The next day, the big egg started to hatch! Out popped a baby boy bird. Mummy thought, “My goodness! How different this one looked!” He was much larger than the others. He was not yellow, but dark-grey all over. And after he stepped out of his egg, he also walked with a funny wobble. Children and all animals walk differently. Can you try the walk of some animals like, duck, lion, deer, elephant etc.Nice! I am sure you enjoyed that. One of the yellow ducklings pointed. “What's that? He can't be one of us!”“I have never seen such an ugly duckling!” said another. “How can you say such a thing?” said Mama Duck in a very stern voice. “You are only one day old! Your brother hatched from the very same nest as you did. Now line up. We will go to the lake for your very first swim.”All the way the other ducklings quacked, “Ugly! Ugly! Ugly!” The Ugly Duckling did not know why the other ducklings were yelling at him. He fell behind to take the last spot in line.When they got to the lake, each yellow duck jumped in and swam behind Mama Duck. When it was his turn, the Ugly Duckling jumped in too, and he started to paddle. “At least he can swim,” Mama Duck thought to herself.When the yellow ducklings got out of the water and started to play, the Ugly Duckling tried to play with his brothers and sisters. They yelled at him, “Go away! We will not play with you! You are ugly. And you walk weird!” Children, how do you think the ugly duckling felt?Yes, sad indeed.I hope you include everyone in your games. When Mama Duck was close by, she would not let them talk this way.“Be nice!” she would scold. But she was not always close by.One day, one of the yellow ducklings said to the Ugly Duckling, “You know what? You would do us a big favour if you just went away!” All of them started to quack: “Go! Go away!”“Why won't they let me stay with them?” thought the Ugly Duckling. He hung his head down low. “They must be right. I should go.” And he flew to the other side of the lake trying to find some friends.Unfortunately, nobody wanted to play with him. ‘‘Go away!' said the pig.‘Go away!' said the sheep.‘Go away!' said the cow. ‘Go away!' said the horse. No one wanted to be his friend. Soon, it started to get cold. It started to snow! The ugly duckling found an empty barn and lived there. He was cold, sad and alone.At last, spring came. Little dots of green spotted the tree branches. Short, bright flowers popped up from the ground. “It's time for me to go back to the lake to swim again,” the ugly duckling thought. “I feel good!” said the young bird, flapping his wings. “Why, I don't think I ever felt as strong as I do right now!”Spring passed, then summer.The leaves started to change colors when one day, the Ugly Duckling heard quiet splashing sounds behind him. He turned around.A flock of beautiful birds sat on the lake.“Don't worry!” he said to the beautiful birds, holding out one of his wings.“I am leaving. I won't make trouble for you.” When he happened to glance down at the lake, he saw a reflection in the water that looked like one of those beautiful birds.Why was the bird so close to him? He jumped back. The reflection jumped back, too. Children whose reflection was that?Yes! The ugly ducklings, who had now become a swan. “What's this?” he thought, puzzled. He stretched his neck and strangely, the reflection of the beautiful bird in the lake stretched its neck, too. A little later he started to leave the lake.“Why are you leaving so soon?" called out one of the beautiful birds. "Come back!” said another.  “Stay with us!” said yet another swan. “We'll be friends.”Then, the bird who used to be the Ugly Duckling realized what had happened. He was no longer an ugly grey bird that wobbled when it walked. He had grown into a beautiful swan! Then a dark thought crossed his mind."You only want me because I'm a swan and I look like you," said he. "That's not it at all!" said the first swan who had spoken. "We saw you all alone down here and thought you might want to join us. We don't care how birds look. Why, take a look at Pelican over there." "No one would take me for a swan," squawked Pelican.  "How did you end up with them?" asked once the Ugly Duckling."Stayed up too late the night before," shrugged Pelican. "Slept till noon. My flock took off without me. Was sure glad the swans came along when they did. Thanks, guys!" Said the second swan who had spoken, "And there's Egret." "What can I tell you?" said Egret. "I love to ride those wind currents! Then found out my entire flock was gone. By then there was no way I could catch up. If the swans didn't come along and invited me to join them, who knows where I'd be now?" Another good point. Our hero often imagined how lovely it would be to stretch out and just fly, fly, and fly some more.The bird who used to be an Ugly Duckling considered, "These birds may be beautiful to look at, but they are also beautiful inside. This is the flock for me." And so the entire flock, including their newest friend, flapped their wings together. And in one moment the flock took off into the clear blue sky. Moral:The true beauty is what is inside of our heart. No matter how you are be yourself and love yourself the way you are.               

'Ran And The Cherry Tree' is a story that teaches us to think about others before we think about ourselves.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/ram-and-the-cherry-treeSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptOnce upon a time there was a blackbird that lived in a cherry tree outside Ram's window. Every day, the blackbird would chirp around and sing his song. Ram really like his songs. When Ram ate his breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner; the blackbird also ate his breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner.Children, What healthy things did you eat today?What was the blackbird's breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack?The blackbird always ate the cherries off the cherry tree outside Ram's window for all his meals.One day, Ram's mother planned to make a cherry pie. So, Ram and mother picked all the cherries off the cherry tree. Mother washed the cherries and then she put them in the crust to bake.When the pie was baked, she put it by the window and opened the window to help it cool off.Ram was eating his breakfast. He saw the blackbird fly around the tree looking for his breakfast.“What is this? There are no cherries on the tree today?” thought the blackbird.The bird circled around the tree looking at every branch for even some cherries.Then, the blackbird flew in through the window and sat by RamAfter that, the blackbird flew over to the window by the pie.Ram smiled. The blackbird looked at Ram. He smiled.The blackbird said, “I will have my pie without ice-cream!”And with that, the blackbird took the pie under his wing and flew out of the window. He flew up to the cherry tree to hide. Ram saw him as he hid the cherry pie in a little hole in the tree.“That blackbird stole the cherry pie!” Ram shouted.Why did the blackbird steal the cherry pie?Indeed, the blackbird stole the cherry pie as Ram  and his mother did not leave any cherries on the tree for the blackbird.When Ram looked outside, he saw the blackbird eating the whole pie! He was eating the crust! He was eating the cherries! Soon, the pie was all gone.The blackbird taught Ram a lesson:That we should think of others before you think of yourself.

Mullah Nasruddin is a popular character in Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and South Asian folklore. He's known as oa witty trickster who uses humour, and clever wisdom to reveal truths, often in unexpected or humorous ways. His tales, which are enjoyed by both children and adults, serve as lessons about humility and respect,Today's Story is : Mullah Nasruddin Feeds His CoatFree activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/mullah-nasruddin-feeds-his-coatSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptMullah Nasruddin had been working in the fields all day long. He was tired and sweaty and his clothes and shoes were covered with mud and stains. Because he had been fasting all day long, for Ramadan, he was also quite hungry.Children Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which fasting is observed from dawn to sunset.So, Mallah Nasruddin was also observing fast and hence was very hungry.But finally, it was almost sundown and Nasruddin knew that he would soon be able to eat.The wealthiest man in town had invited everyone to come break their fasts in his home that evening with a huge feast. Nasruddin knew that he would be late if he went home to change his clothes before heading into town. He decided it was better to arrive in dirty clothes than to be late.“Oh, what a party it would be! What a feast!” Mallah Nasruddin thought as he walked to the wealthy man's home, Nasruddin imagined the delicious foods that he would soon be eating: dates, lentils and chickpeas, olives and bread, hummus, falafel, chicken and beef — and best of all — the desserts — halvah, date rolls, figs and baklava!Children, what is your favourite dessert?That's nice!When Nasruddin arrived, the wealthy man opened the door and looked Nasruddin up and down scornfully, from his worn, ragged clothes down to his muddy shoes. Without a word of welcome, he gestured for Nasruddin to come in and walked away abruptly.Children, what was the wealthy man thinking or feeling? Let's hear what happens next.Nasruddin joined the throngs of people, who were all dressed in their finest clothing. The tables were laden with all sorts of delicious foods: dates, lentils and chickpeas, olives and bread, hummus, falafel, meat — and best of all — the desserts — halvah, date rolls, figs and baklava!Despite his efforts to hurry, the seats were all taken and nobody tried to move over or make a space for Nasruddin. In fact, nobody offered him food. He had to reach over and around people to get any food for his plate. Nobody spoke to him. It was as if he wasn't even there.The other guests ignored him so completely that Nasruddin could not enjoy the food on his plate, no matter how finely prepared and how tasty it was. In fact, after only a few bites, Nasruddin was so uncomfortable that he decided to leave.He hurried home and changed into his finest clothing, including a beautiful coat.Nasruddin returned to the feast and this time the host welcomed him with a huge smile. "Come in, come in," greeted the host. As Nasruddin entered, people waved and called to him from all corners of the room as they invited him to sit near them and offered him food.Children,  what the host and the other guests were thinking now?Yes! They were probably thinking what a fine young man he is.Nasruddin sat down quietly. Picking up a plump fig, he carefully placed it into his coat pocket, saying, "Eat, coat, eat”Next he took a handful of nuts and put them into the pocket, saying, "Eat, coat, eat." Now he began to feed his coat, grabbing all sorts of foods.He fed the coat lentils and chickpeas, olives and bread, hummus, falafel, chicken and beef — and best of all — the desserts — halvah, date rolls, figs and baklava!Nasruddin became silent as all the other guests watched this strange behavior.Soon everyone in the room was staring at Nasruddin, wondering what he was doing.The host hurried over. "Nasruddin, whatever are you doing? Why are you feeding your coat in this manner?""Well," replied Nasruddin, "when I first came to this feast in my old farming clothes, I was not welcome. No one would speak with me. But when I changed into this coat, suddenly I was greeted warmly. So I realized it was not me that was welcome at this party, but my clothing. And so I am feeding my coat."Children,  how do you think the host and the other guests might have been feeling when Nasruddin told them why he was feeding his coat?Indeed, they would have been embarrassed.

Tenali Raman was a learned scholar and a poet in King Krishnadevaraya's court. He was a minister in the court and was also one of the eight poets. He was famous for his wit and quick thinking.On the Story Prism podcast, Tenali Raman tales are a collection of some of those stories.Today's Story, 'Tenali and The Racing Horse', is where Tenali proves that the Urge to succeed is very important.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/tenali-and-the-racing-horseSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptOne day, an Arabian horse trader came with a shipload of the finest Persian horses to Vijayanagara. The king,Krishnadevrai, was an avid horse lover. He bought many horses from the trader. All the courtiers too bought one horse each.All the while, Tenali Raman was quiet and disinterested. Seeing this, one of the courtiers asked, “Raman, why are you so silent, and wouldn't you also buy a horse?”“Vijayanagara horses are superior to these Persian horses,” Raman remarked. The king and the rest of the courtiers were surprised to hear this. King Sri Krishnadevaraya said, “How can you be so sure, Raman? Can you prove it?”“Certainly, your majesty,” Raman replied. Children, Tenali's horse was certainly not better than the Persian horses. Then, why does he take up the challenge? The king announced that there would be a horse race. A Vijayanagara horse was to be trained by Raman, and the Persian horses were to be trained by the rest of the courtiers. The race would determine which horse breed is superior.All the courtiers put in a lot of effort in training and feeding their horses. On the day of the race, the horses were lined up on the racetrack. Tenali brought his horse, which looked weak and ill-fed. Everyone laughed and said that Raman would lose the race. When it was time for the race, Raman announced he would ride the horse. Children, have you participated in a race? How did you prepare for it? He then took a long pole, to the edge of which he tied some grass.He mounted on the horse and held the pole in front of the horse so that it could see the grass, but not reach for it.When the race started, all the horses ran swiftly. Raman dangled the grass in front of the horse. The hungry horse ran for the grass, but no matter how fast it ran, it could not get hold of the grass. The horse kept running as fast as it could and came first.Everyone was astonished by what had happened. The king asked Raman, “How did you make this happen?”Raman smiled and replied, “Your majesty, the hunger to succeed is the only thing that can help anyone to succeed.”The king understood what Raman had said and rewarded him for his intelligence.Moral of the storyHave a strong urge to succeed. 

Panchatantra stories are one of the most widely translated books in history and are known for their wisdom on practical life. The stories are delightfully narrated, with animals and birds often being the central characters. Thus they provide valuable life lessons in a light-hearted manner.The Monkey and the Wedge is a story about a playful monkey who interferes in other's work…listen to the story to find out what happens..Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/the-monkey-and-the-wedgeSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com. TranscriptThere was once a merchant who employed many carpenters and masons to build a temple in his garden.Children, do you know of any machines that are used at a construction site?Indeed, cranes, excavators, bulldozers, concrete mixers etcLet's listen ahead.Regularly, they would start work in the morning; take a break for the mid-day meals, and return to resume work till the evening.One day, a group of monkeys arrived at the site of the building and watched the workers leaving for their mid-day meals.One of the carpenters was sawing a huge log of wood. Since it was only half-done; he placed a wedge in between to prevent the log from closing up. He then went off along with the other workers for his meal.When all the workers were gone, the monkeys came down from the trees and started jumping around the site and playing with the instruments.Children, what instruments does a carpenter use?Yes! Measuring tape, hand saw, screwdriver etc.There was one monkey, who got curious about the wedge placed between the log. He sat down on the log, and having placed himself in between the half-split log, caught hold of the wedge and started pulling at it.All of a sudden, the wedge came out. As a result, the half-split log closed in and the monkey got caught in the gap of the log.As was his destiny, he was severely wounded.The wise indeed say:One, who interferes in other's work, surely comes to grief. 

Tenali Raman was a learned scholar and a poet in King Krishnadevaraya's court. He was a minister in the court and was also one of the eight poets. He was famous for his wit and quick thinking.On the Story Prism podcast, Tenali Raman tales are a collection of some of those stories.On the Story Prism podcast, Tenali Raman tales are a collection of some of those stories,So, gather around for the story The Biggest Fool in the Kingdom, a story where Tenali Raman calls The Kind a Fool…. Listen to the story to find out what happens. Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/The-biggest-fool-in-the-kingdomSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptKing Krishnadevaraya loved horses and had the best collection of horse breeds in the Kingdom. Children, I am sure you collect something or the other. Please share what it is.That's great.Well, one day, a trader came to the King and told him that he had brought with him a horse of the best breed in Arabia.He invited the King to inspect the horse. King Krishnadevaraya loved the horse; so the trader said that the King could buy this one and that he had two more like this one, back in Arabia that he would go back to get. The King loved the horse so much that he had to have the other two as well. He paid the trader 5000 gold coins in advance. The trader promised that he would return within two days with the other horses. Children, what is your guess, will the trader keep his promise?Hope you keep promises when you make them…For remember : Promise breaker is a shoemaker. Two days turned into two weeks, and still, there was no sign of the trader and the two horses. One evening, to ease his mind, the King went on a stroll in his garden. There he spotted Tenali Raman writing down something on a piece of paper. Curious, the King asked, “Tenali what he was jotting down?”“Nothing of importance your majesty,” replied Tenali hiding the paper. Children, what do you think Tenali was writing that he didn't want the King to see?Let's listen ahead to find out.Tenali Raman was hesitant to show the paper.But after further questioning, he showed the King the paper. On the paper was a list of names, the King's being at the top of the list.The King questioned, “ What is this list for/”Tenali meekly answered, “These were the names of the biggest fools in the Vijayanagar Kingdom!”As expected, the King was furious that his name was at the top and asked Tenali Raman for an explanation.Tenali referred to the horse story, saying the King was a fool to believe that the trader, a stranger, would return after receiving 5000 gold coins.Countering his argument, the King then asked, what happens if/when the trader does come back? In true Tenali humour, he replied by saying, in that case, the trader would be a bigger fool, and his name would replace the King's on the list! 

Akbar and Birbal folktales are very famous in India. These are a set of moral stories inspired by the interactions of Mughal Emperor Akbar and his wisest courtier Birbal and have been enjoyed by children for many many years. These stories were mostly passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth, till the print medium started. You know children, Birbal was an extremely witty courtier and. you will really enjoy listening to the witty, interesting, and sometimes funny, occurrences in the lives of Akbar and Birbal. These stories also help us to think smart just like Birbal.Today's story: The pot full of wit is where Akbar once asked Birbal to leave , but then he misses Birbal and tries to get Birbal back into the court…But would Akbar succeedFree activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-pot-full-of-witSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptAkbar was once infuriated with Birbal and banished him from his kingdom. Birbal travelled to a faraway village and assumed a new identity and started working as a farmer. But after a couple of weeks, Akbar started to miss Birbal and hence asked his soldiers to find where he is and bring him back to the kingdom. The soldiers searched every part of the kingdom, “Birbal, Birbal where are you? King Akbar wants you back.” But, could not find Birbal.Then Akbar then came up with an idea to find Birbal.Akbar felt the only way to lure Birbal back to the city is to send a challenge his wayChildren, can you guess what the idea was?Let's find out.King Akbar sent word across the kingdom that the head of each village had to send him a pot full of wit. Anyone who can send the pot full of wit can instead fill up the pot with gold and diamonds from his treasure.Children, wit means the ability to use words in a clever and imaginative way, So how can anyone fill a pot with WIT?.The people in Birbal's village found the announcement absurd and were wondering how to fill the pot with wit.Then guess who came up with the idea?Yes, Birbal!He stepped in to help and came up with a way to give the king what he wanted. He put a small watermelon into the pot without separating it from its vine. That means the watermelon was still growing. He watered it every day and grew it big enough so that all the space in the pot was taken up.Birbal then separated the watermelon from the vine and sent the pot to the king. The instruction that was sent with the pot read, “You can find the wit in the pot if you carefully remove the watermelon without cutting it.” Akbar realised that only Birbal could have sent the pot. He travelled to the village himself and brought Birbal back to the capital.Moral: Even the toughest questions can be answered cleverly if you think hard.   

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome to ManitTranscriptThere was a boy named Kevin who was playing with his ball on the front lawn of his house. Kevin was a curious boy, so he used to be curious about anything which was scary and intriguing.One day while playing cricket with his friend, he hit the ball so hard that it landed on the front porch of an abandoned house.There was a poster on the door that said, “Don't enter or else you will die.” But neither Kevin nor his friend saw this message and entered the house. As soon as they entered, there was a loud bang on the door, and it closed.Kevin was scared. His jaw fell, his legs trembled. His well-built body tried to open the rusty door but could not. Suddenly, a girl named Ritu also entered the haunted house. She also did not notice the message on the door.When she entered, there was a loud bang on the door, and it closed. The girl got scared and asked Kevin,” You also got stuck in this old, abandoned house?” Kevin replied,” Yep, I am also stuck here.” Ritu said” We need to find a way out of here.”Suddenly, a ghostly voice said in a deep voice, “If you can pass all my 3 levels, I'll let you go but if you don't, you'll die”. They were now scared, and anxious but they did not have a choice. Their courage motivated them, and they agreed. After that, the ghost said, “In your first level you should try to break the doll or else you will die.”They entered a bedroom and saw a girl who had the doll. She was a terrifying ghost, and she could do anything. Kevin and Ritu had a plan. Ritu would distract her, and Kevin could take the cute doll and break it and that is exactly what happened. After that they entered a room. The ghostly voice said” Excellent job on your first level now for level 2 you will go to the library. If you make a sound you die.” The voice also said, “The books also make sound.” They entered the library and saw an old woman who was a ghost with an axe. They were terrified and thought if they made a sound they would die. Ritu saw the shiny golden key on the cover of a book. She whispered to Kevin” We should take that.” They tip- toed towards the shelves, took the key, and opened the exit door.” This is the last level” the ghost said.” It is your fate escape or die.” He also said. A woman gave two paper rolls to both Kevin and Ritu. Kevin saw that they both wrote ‘D' which means they said ‘die.' Kevin used a trick and changed a roll to ‘escape,' and they both escaped the haunted house.

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome AarushTranscriptThe mystery TreasureAdventures are what Charlie loved, what a courageous man. On a wonderful sunny morning a well built, very adventurous person named Charlie started a short trek. On the way he heard the melodious music of the beautiful birds singing in happiness.he could see the eagles flying around and could feel the sun drowning his energy. As he reached the peak of the mountain he felt a sigh of relief and suddenly saw a map at the peak of the mountain. He examined the map and was able to identify that the map led to treasure hidden in the amazon forest. The almond eyes of Charlie could not believe it and did want to find the treasure and so the adventure began. Charlie went back home, packed his survival gear and flew to the amazon forest. Charlie started the journey early in the mourning and as the sun rose the sight of the forest was heavenly. The color combination of the wildlife and the forest was amazing.You could hear the leaves of the humongous trees rustling, the waterfalls cascading and the loud roar of the tigers waking up the jungle.since it is the amazon forest the feeling of dampness was there throughout.As charlie got deeper into the jungle the sun settled and charlie decided to call the day of. The sky was sparkling with the stars and that is a sight you would never see in the cities. After a good night sleep Charlie was all fresh in the mourning. The day was very cloudy and later in the morning a hail storm took place. Charlie had to find a good shelter. To find it he de-rooted from the course and was able to find a mother tree to give him shelter. The rain took away the last of Charlie's survival gear and also gave him a big wound. Charlie gave his wound a little time to heal and focused on the survival resources. After a long period of time Charlie decided to go on where he left the journey. He then realizes that he is lost in the forest. Charlie gathers water, and food and heads towards the area he thinks the treasure is. After a couple of long days he starts to find familiar landmarks and is able to follow the map to find the treasure.His body is tired but is refreshed with the treasure and he is amazingly happy with feelings beyond words.

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome Ayaan.TranscriptHistory takes a turnBy: Ayaan Shaik gathering all my equipment, I went fishing not checking the weather. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a very stormy day., Fishing is certainly  my favorite thing to do in the  free time. Thunder was blazing onto the ocean's ferocious waves. I, Lincoln, 24 years old, am an Olympic swimmer, I was confident that I could pull through the storm. What I had not realized was a huge mighty tsunami coming to life in a distance….My brain was full of thoughts, and I had shivers running down my spine(we can't change idioms) . The boat suddenly stopped moving. I turned around to check on the engine. Luckily, the moment I attached it to the power back up it started working. I immediately turned around to check on the waves, they were humongous and frightening. My eyes were wide open and veins were appearing on my forehead. The next moment, it had swallowed both my boat and meProbably a few hours later as I opened my eyes, I saw what looked like diamond and emerald ores sparkling in a mythical cave. It was a jaw dropping sight. I said to myself, “This is unbelievable! What a majestic view! This must be worth millions of dollars.” Slowly and carefully I moved deeper into the cave, awestruckby the twinkling ores.Abruptly, there were no more sparkles , but what  came before my eyes was a huge ancient city. My mouth had let out a big smile. It seemed like a realm ,before I thought of anything else, a hammer struck my head with a loud THUD! I woke up in a jail cell. It was very different from what we have on earth. It was made of stone with moss coverings. I said to myself, “Someone from this city might have seen me as a threat.. Or maybe they don't allow visitors…?” As I looked out of the bars, the city was majestic but it was almost in ruins, there were very large dwellings though they were not as advanced a civilization as us.. I turned back and saw people with tridents walking across, they must have ben the guards… They had emerald green eyes and scales running all over their body. They were as tall as me which is quite tall standing at 6”4. But were quite plump which made them wobble and difficult to move . y. Don't get me wrong but though they were plump they sure were strong. One of the guards saw me and yelled out, “GENERAL! THE CREATURE HAS WOKEN UP!”The next moment, there were 6 guards at my cell. They dragged me out and grabbed me tight. I didn't say a word or do anything fearing that they might do something. They pushed me upstairs to something that looked like a court room,,. Whatever may be the room, it was reeking of foul-smell . Apart from that it was beautifully build.  I  could hear the waves of the ocean flowing above which made me realize that we were under the water.A big man wearing a crown was sitting on a golden throne at the far end . He was the immortal warrior who became king 3 centuries ago. (how did you come to know of it?? Probably somewhere you read or youoverheard)The kind had hundreds of people bowing down to him. He said with an angry tone, “Oh Creature! You have committed a crime by entering here without permission. I can not afford you to go tell everyone about us. I said, “My mouth will be shut tight about this! I won't tell a single soul is you let me go now.” The king replied, “ But I will let you fight and if win over my people , I'll free you.I had no choice so  accepted the challenge….Now I was  blindfolded, but realized that there was only one guard with me. I could have easily knocked him down but I did not want to infuriate them and waited for the right time.  Hence,I followed their command and went to the arena. Once at the arena they guard removed my blindfold. Glancing around I was ghast as it was very large. It looked like it was a 400 year old colosseum. It was very well built. It looked like  a mixture of Roman and Turkish architecture People were going in and out.But once settled, I guessed there might be 70thousand of them.. I was taken inside to the main area to fight. The king was watching me from his cabin. I did not want to hurt my opponent but I had no other option. He looked very strong but he couldn't walk properly. In contrast to them, I was more agile and could easily defend myself thanks to boxing fights that I used to do when I was 17. As a soft melody was being played by the musicians, the fight had started.We fought for 30 minutes and were exhausted. I came up with a plan… I strategically brought the fight near the gate and let him punch me hard. I acted that I was knocked out… As the judge was announcing his victory, the gates had opened!At that very moment I got up as if I had been revived and ran past the guards. They could not keep up with me because I was much faster than them. I made my way back to the mythical cave and jumped into the water. I swam very fast! I swam as far as I could. After a while I fainted at a beach due to the unavailability of oxygen.Fortunately, I was found by a group of Swedish fishermen. After a while I woke up in their boat. They asked me in their Swedish accent, “Where are you from?” I replied, “ I am from Norway” They took my to the nearest port which was the Bergen port in Norway.. It was just a 20-minute walk from home. Upon my arrival, my friends and family were overjoyed as I had not been home for 2 days. My friend Scott and I went to the local coffee shot to have a chat. It was a pleasant night. They crickets were talking to each other and wolves were howling. As we entered into the shop, hearing the chorus singing, we took a seat and ordered an expresso and latte. I was telling Scott, “You would not believe me! I was swallowed by a tsunami and landed into a mythical cave! I found a huge underwater city.” Saying that, I started on with the whole story. Since I was always honest, he believed me. Sott said, “Wow! That's crazy, you are so lucky you had such an amazing adventure!” After a while we both headed home. As I was tucking myself in bed, hearing the owls hooting, played a soft song and started thinking about all the adventure… Not so long after, I had fell asleep. ---The end---           

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome Muskan.TranscriptPerfect World There was a boy named Rohan. He lived in a huge, beautiful mansion in the outskirts of Delhi. He was a very arrogant and unkind boy along with being a coward.He behaved very rudely with all the servants and shouted at them if so much even on the littlest of things. . The servants would also get shouted at if when Rohan woke up, they were doing something else and couldn`t make his bed just then.. Rohan was also very unkind. If another friend or one of the servants got hurt, he would just ignore them and walk on. Whol;e day he asked the chefs to make a variety of his favourite dishes and subsequently, he became plump.One day, he was in his usual field outside his house playing by himself. He hated this field, as it was littered all over with garbage and a putrid smell seemed to come from it every moment of the day. But then there was no other field around.Suddenly, Rohan glimpsed something that gave him a huge shock. A huge portal appeared in the middle of the field! Through the portal, Rohan could see a huge field with beautiful daises and glowing sunflowers on the edges. The edge was also lined with small pretty huts. A little further, Rohan could also glimpse majestic mansions and brick villas. He was a little frightened at first. But soon his curiosity overshadowed his fear. He ran at the portal as fast as his obese body allowed him to.He appeared through the portal, huffing and puffing and crossed the beautiful place and ashe caught his breath, he gazed around and was baffled. This was the field he had been playing in! He began to think that the portal had been his own imagination. But then, why was the field so clean?“I definitely went through the portal” he thought.Suddenly, he froze. There was a boy, looking just like Rohan, playing football with a bunch of kids. Just then, the other boy too saw Rohan, and walked over to him. Rohan learnt that the other boy`s name was Sohan.As the boys were talking, their eyes fell on three men, running, their faces covered, sacks on their shoulders.“Thieves!” shouted Sohan. “Rohan, you keep the men from escaping, while I call the police.” For a moment Rohan was temped to decline, as fear injected his mind. However, a little voice inside him said, “Rohan, think about the innocent people who have been robbed!”Feeling new hope, Rohan nodded. Sohan ran to the telephone booth on the next street and Rohan blocked the thieves.“Move aside, silly boy!” hissed one of the men, who was evidently the leader of the pack.When Rohan did not move, one of the thieves hurtled forward. Rohan`s old karate training became fresh in his mind as he extended his foot and aimed a mighty kick to the man, making him recoil in pain. The leader steps forward, but falls back at an accurately aimed kick on his stomach. Rohan kicks the last thief`s nose.Just then, the police arrived, and rounded up all the men. Rhan bid farewell to Sohan and went through the portal into his own world.Rohan worked every day to have kindness and helped every person he could. Soon, he was a very humble, kind and brave boy. He had lots of friends and was doing well in school.

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome Muskan.Transcript The secret of the peacock heirloom.Lush, the peacock habitat is a vibrant ecosystem loaded with life and colour, just as its name suggests. A tranquil forest with dense vegetation and a variety of tall, green trees. Amidst the symphony of bird calls and the riot of colours from the blooming flowers adorning the habitat, reside nature's living canvases, peacocks.In the city of Starheaven, it is believed that peacocks are gods after the last magical peacock, Lord Peacock, died. Ever since the preservation of this heritage of the dynasty has been the responsibility of every citizen in Starheaven.One sunny morning, amidst the gentle chirp of birds, and the whistling of the gentle breeze, a tall, witty lady,Olivia, was summoned at an urgent excavation which was being conducted at Lush. This was being done to discover the ancient statue of Lord Peacock which was rumoured to have a magical ring that could grant wishes. The slim, smartly dressed archaeologist's hazel eyes beamed with excitement to finally have her dream of being a part of the team reaching to the statue, come true. Hold your horses, dear listeners, as Olivia's hopes tarnished when she encountered Max, her biggest rival, eager to get his hands on the ring and create chaos in the world.During the process of the excavation, Olivia and Max stood tall, exchanging disgusted looks to each other setting a distinct quiet at the site. The thought of getting to the statue before Max kept ringing in Olivia's agile mind. “I need to succeed in this challenge come what may!”, was the only statement she was murmuring to herself.After about half an hour, Olivia's assistant exclaimed with joy,” We have found something!”. Olivia's high bun bounced up and down as if it were is spring when she rushed and bent down for a visual. The site of the finding let the young lady to smile as if she was already victorious. To her joy, it was an inscription that stated the way to the Lord's statue.In the meantime, Max, with a flushed face, was cooking up a plan to get to the statue before Olivlia. When Olivia's team returned to their office, using new-age technology, they managed to decode the script and discover a clue that stated to pass a labyrinth situated deep underground of the site. “Enterif you dare.”, the last statement of the inscription caused a strain of chill running through Olivia.As the peacocks called it a day and hid under the bushy trees of Lush, Olivia and her team silently dug through the ground until they saw the labyrinth, unknown that Max was following them. Olivia bravely jumped down with a lantern towards the ancient corridors which twisted and turned uncountable times,unknowlingly leading the way for Max. Deep below the dense vegetation of the forest, the ancient walls were shrouded in damp moss, and the scent of earth filled the air.Although the creepy sounds of crickets distracted her, Olivia maintained her lead dodging pitfalls and several collapsing walls. Soon, the Ancient statues came alive, blocking their way as they raced through the maze. Finally in the dim-lit chamber,the statue beamed in an outwardly aura with the mesmerising ring drawing Olivia and Max towards it. Without wasting time they both darted forward. Just when they did so, a large snake pounced on Olivia causing Max to steal the ring. “Ha ha ha!”, Max cackled as he escaped. When Olivia glanced at the snake, she was horrified to have noticed that the snake had scales in vibrant colours, which meant that it was poisonous! This instantly gave Olivia sweaty palms. But Max didn't know that, nothing could let Olivia's spirits down, “No!”, Olivia screamed in shock, “I cannot give up!”, she said to herself. She threw the snake away, and as it was slithering further away from her, she climbed the boulders beside her moving upwards and out of the labyrinth.“Team, stop Max!” she yelled in terror. But they failed to stop Max. She then stepped forward and put her athletic training to test. Olivia performed her signature high jump over Max. His face was astonished, she snatched the ring from his hand and landed safely.Before he could react, Olivia's team caught hold of him and immediately took him to the police station. The next day Olivia made her dream come true, using the powers of the magical ring she wore, a ginormous golden temple arose from the ground. The breathtaking piece of art was a preservation for the elusive statue and its ring, and a wonderful tribute to the eternal heritage of the peacock dynasty.

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome SaanvitaTranscriptTitle: The Magical HornThere once was a place full of magical creatures, there were enchanted forests, charming oceans, vibrant coloured birds and there were the mythical unicorns !!!This was their fantasy land called. Mesmer, . The forest was mesmerizing. Below each colourful tree, there were beautiful houses. The flowers were equally if not more beautiful. There were pink Lily flowers, white daisies, golden sunflowers,  purple vines and dark green creepers. The unicorns used these flowers and vines to make garlands and crowns for each other. All of them were happy ey make magical things like toys, paper etc.Once when Bella, a unicorn, got her unicorn keeper Wendy. She was super excited as to have a unicorn keep meant to get magical powers. Indeed, Wendy gave powers to Bella and explained, “ Bella! You must listen to me and never misuse these powers.” Bella nodded and always obeyed to her keeper, Wendy.One day while playing fetch, the ball fell near a big purple door that was decorated beautifully. Wendy and Bella went to get the ball. Bella asked, “ where does this door lead to??” , Wendy replied,” It's a door between the evil queen and the unicorns. You must never enter it.”That day Bella kept thinking about the purple door. Bella was thinking about the purple door while both of them walked back home. Bella somehow couldn't get the purple door out of her mind and eventually she sneaked towards the door and walked straight into the door.. Bella was surprised to see the room for it had sparkling jewels studded everywhere and the pleasant fragrance gave the room a very calming effect. The evil queen wanted to get magical powers from the unicorn. Looking at Bella, the the evil queen thought if she acted nice then Bella will give her powers.The evil queen changed herself into a beautiful queen and welcomed Bella. Bella was impressed by the beauty of the queen and the room. The queen gifted Bella several gifts like rainbow sprinkles, sparkly bracelets, colorful hatchets, a Unicorn heart chocolate etc.The evil queen asked, “What are your special powers, my dear Bella?”By now Bella felt she was safe and shared everything with the evil queen.“These are great powers, why don't you share some with me…Sharing is caring, right?”Back in Mesmer, Wendy who noticed Bella was missing started to search for her. Luckily When Bella was about to give her powers Wendy pushed open the purple door and d grabbed Bella and stopped her in the nick of time..The evil queen got angry and came to her evil form. Then the evil queen tried to grab Bella but Wendy carried Bella and ran outside the purple door. She then locked the door forever. So that no innocent unicorn gets caught by the evil queen. Bella promised to never run away from Wendy and always be safeThe End  

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome AryahiTranscriptSame people different Worlds The floor boards creaked as Tim entered the eldritch hallway with broken and cracked brick-covered walls now engulfed by moss. Owls hooted, leaves rustled and lightning struck the ground. There was also an unpleasant, damp, putrid smell mixed with the heavy mist that surrounded him. The closer Tim got the odour was almost unbearable with the mist(how is there mist inside??) thickening with every step he took. Soon, he reached a large old fashioned wooden door. After pushing the seemingly immutable door, with quite a lot of effort he found a gateway, a portal.It was levitating, radiating enchanted emerald light drawing Tim towards it. His penetrating almond eyes directly glanced into the portal. His curiosity had won, he stepped in. Woosh! He disappeared, he was in another world. A cool but harsh breeze hit his face and shivers ran down his spine. He was surrounded by stone alters with unknown symbols and vines creeping around them. He asked himself, “Where am I?”. He looked around frantically, the portal behind him had disappeared. His eyes widened in horror as he started running around desperately, looking for help but to no avail. He was stuck…the sheer shock made him collapse. All he could do was lay down and reflect on his life, he questioned his choices, and all the trouble he had caused to his loved ones and he really wanted to correct them all.Regaining consciousness, he looking around and saw himself in a cave dimly lit by a burned-out campfire, the cave-wallscovered with moss and vegetationin the cracks everywhere and creepers crawling in and out of the cracks on the walls. them. ‘Where am I?' he thought .“You awake? “Questioned a familiar voice. Tim frantically got up and glared directly at the man's face. His jaw dropped. He saw the curly brown hair, almond eyes and oval face that belonged to him. The realization struck harder than lightning. The man in front of him was himself. He stood there in disbelief which quickly turned into fear. He was clearly no match for him. Despite this, he maintained a calm demeaner and assertively questioned, “I thank you for saving me, however do you plan on fighting me?”“‘You can call me Timmothy and no I won't be fighting you, you can trust me.” responded the clone.Tim,now assured, politely questioned “You know any way out of here?”. Timmothy's expression changed into that of someone afraid when he said, “ Yes…” he responded, “however it's quite risky,” Tim just nodded. He was ready for any challenges as long as he reached home.“There is a key guarded by an ancient tribe,” Timmothy continued, “without their approval we cannot escape”. Tim's eyes darkened.“And if we were to use force?” questioned Tim in an arrogant voice.Timmothy retorted,“We can't, there's too many of them”, Tim just sighed in response.“Let's sleep for now, we will talk to them tomorrow” suggested Timmothy. Tim just nodded and lay down on the bare floor of the cave, tossing and turning, thinking about the tribal people and how he would fight them all.Now at dawn(morning time) Tim, with a sparkle in his eyes was off to meet the tribe's officials, to convince them to lend the key to the duo.  he knew it wouldn't be easy but he had a plan. Soon he found himself in a lush green forest surrounded by a variety of birds singing and underneath a giant tree the most important key officials rested, the ones who were going to pass the judgment regarding handing over the key. A few moments later in front of him, stood the leader. He was a tall, well-built man with a dark skin tone, his body and face were both scared but all Tim cared about was the fact that he was the only one with the access to the key and that Tim had to convince him to give the key.Tim was immediately met with a hostile glare from the leader and the aura surrounding the place became dense the birds became quiet with this. Tim knew convincing the king would be impossible..“I have got it!”, shouted a voice. Everyone turned towards the voice and found Timmothy running towards the exit after trapping all of the tribe's forces(you have to add what this tribe's force was earlier). Tim just chuckled and making use of the opportunity dashed towards exit and was off to the portal. Timmothy had done it, he had gotten the key .Timmothy placed the key on the alter(you have to describe the alter when they enter the portal) , causing it to glow violently in the air and both their eyes once again laid on the enchanted portal it now radiating a light shade of blue it, it perfectly fit into the dome shape of the alter. With a look of appreciation and admiration the clones glanced at each other one last time with a final goodbye both entered the portal, going back to their families. 

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome VaanikaTranscriptA HeistSplash! A hot summer afternoon was the perfect time to go swimming, or at least four siblings thought so. Daisy and Lily were both 11 years old. Daisy tended to forget things, while luckily Lily's memory was strong.“Daisy, just so you don't forget, let me remind you, we need to pack caps, swimsuits, goggles, scuba-diving sets and oxygen masks for emergencies,” Lily reminded Daisy for the third time that morning.Jivaran was Daisy and Lily's younger brother. Incontrast to his looks, especially his  fierce eyes, he was innocent and kind at heart. He had a fiery temper, and only Daisy's peaceful words could calm him down. Jasmine was a year younger than Jivaran. This nine-year old girl had innocent inquisitive eyes. She was very fast runner and was also a prodigy in science and mathematics. The four kids jumped down into the water – sometimes splashing water on other and sometimes swimming.“Good thing I know how to swim, this lake is very deep”, Jivaran commented.‘We all know how to swim', Lily said. “Come on, let us go to the other side of the lake”. Excitedly, the three kids followed Lily towards the other side of the lake. Jasmine suddenly shouted, “Wait, the water is becoming hot and black. Jump out right now. Don't ask why”. They came out of the lake frantically. Jasmine bit her lips and her hands fumbled. They ran into the hut and dried themselves quickly. (Jasmine picked up two chemicals and an empty bottle from the shelf.) – I had told you to add this while packing..how are there specific chemicals in the hut??)  She poured a few drops of both chemicals into the empty bottle. Running outside towards the lake, she poured the contents of the bottle into the water.“A water poisoner must have been spilled into the water that turned it hot and black. I mixed the right chemicals from our hut to make this solution. I read about this antidote in a chemistry book. It reverses the poisoning process, however, needs to be done within the first 10 minutes of being added,”, Jasmine explained. “Hurry, let us wear our oxygen masks and dive in to save anybody who is still in the lake”.“Last year, grandfather gifted us these electronic devices that we can use to communicate through any medium, including water. Let's us take them with us too. They are insulated and safe to use”, Jivaran suggested. They all dived in and started to hear voices.“Johnson, why did you spill the chemical? Now there are very little chances of you being able to train at the ‘Kron Krutz Academy' next month,” a gruff voice said.“K.K.A! We have to stop them,” Daisy exclaimed.“I packed chains, maybe we can use them now to lock them up,” Jasmine advised.The siblings carefully sneaked behind the men and locked them up.“Who are you?” Jivaran asked.“Name's Herbet Krutz. This is my student, Triv Jhonson. What do you want?” Herbet Krutz said.He broke the chains and pulled a lever. Suddenly, the children were stuck in a tiny jail. Herbet and Triv laughed wickedly at them. Jasmine was lost in her thoughts.“The “Kron Krutz Colony has to be put out of business. They know how to make new kinds of bombs to annihilate their enemies if peace was denied. K.K.C has the dangerous documents. We must act fast,” Jivaran explained.“Aha! The jail is not covered from the top. We can swim up, hurry,” Jasmine exclaimed.They swam out, taking all of the documents that K.K.C took. They called the police the moment they were out. The police observed the documents and said, “Good work, children. But where are the thieves?”“All under the lake,” Daisy giggled.The police arrested each and every member of the K.K.C. The net day, the case came out in the newspaper of how Four children saved the world from K.K.C's bad intentions. The four siblings were very happ

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome AryahiTranscriptAdventures in a boxOnce upon a time Khyati, Diya, Anaya, and Aarna. These 4 friends were sitting peacefully in the park and enjoying the gentle breeze with the melodious chirping of the birds. Suddenly a man dropped a big box in front of them.It was a regular brown cardboard box and before the friends could ask, the man vanished. Everybody opened the box together and Anaya saw a note saying “FINISH THIS GAME IN ONE HOUR and GOOD LUCK YOU NEED IT” Everyone gasped. They all stuck their head in the box, which didn't contain anything. Wpoosh! They all got sucked in. The first place they landed was a thick forest. They all were scared and shocked. Then a hologram appeared in the air. They all read out loud, “If you want to live in a place even hotter, go to a place where you can find more water” Aarna screamed, “ The pond a place where you can find more water!” They all sprinted to the pond and saw a big chest.. unfortunately, they saw a lion guarding a treasure chest. There were also balloons tied around the chest and a note saying, “Figure out the code or this lion will eat you.”So they popped the balloons and there were alphabet letters inside each balloon. They unscrambled the letters to make a word and typed the code on the lock of the chest Khyati said “Yes it worked!Now, inside the chest was another clue, “If you want to go to a place that is free go to a place with more trees.” They all screamed monkey habitat. They ran there and they saw a portal. The portal was blue and oval shaped so they remembered that(remembered??). They jumped in and landed in a small village. But now the problem was they didn't see any clue and they didn't know anything about the village. they started roaming around and asking for directions(to where??). But sooner than later they were lost.Frustrated and exhausted they kept roaming around. But when they reached the pond the clue appeared again(where?). It said “Since this is a place that is very hot go to an area where things don't rot”. They all screamed the farm! They looked at each other in a confused state, “ which farm?” they exclaimed together. They tried asking everyone but it was hopeless. Until they ran into the farm itself. They went inside and the farmer angrily told them to leave. The farmer said, “Hey, why are you on my farm? Don't you have anything else to do?” But before that, they jumped into the portal.(are the farm and the portal side by side??) They reached home (you should not reach home before completing the bom]nus level)there was a man saying, “Congratulations you have completed the first four levels but now you have to complete the bonus level.” Diya shouted, “Oh come on we completed all these levels now you are giving us a bonus level?” Everyone was having mixed emotions about this. Their forehead furrowed, their legs went jelly, and their mouth parched. Then Anaya said, “Anything for going home guys.”Then she told the conductor, “We will play”. So they saw a portal and jumped in. They suddenly appeared in Dubai! They were all shocked, happy, and thrilled. Khyati said, “We finally visited Dubai!” They all hugged each other and jumped around until Diya said, “Guys focus I know we finally visited Dubai but we have to solve the clues to get home.” Everyone agreed. Then the host made the next clue appear with his magic it said, “Since this is a city where the season now is fall go to the building that is very tall”. They all screamed together “Burj Khalifa”. Now their main problem was everyone here speaks Arabic and they can't understand the language. So they kept walking for hours and hours, their legs started hurting and they were struggling to walk. So late at night they entered the hotel and slept on the couches at the reception. Then when they woke up in the morning they asked the receptionist to help book a cab for them and tell the driver that they had to go to the Burj Khalifa. But once they reached the Burj Khalifa they were forbidden to use the lift so they took the stairs all the way to the top. Then the game conductor handed over parachutes to them and asked them to jump down. They all were very frightened but they just closed their eyes and jumped down. While falling down they entered a box that sucked them in and they reached home. “Home sweet home” they all shouted unanimously. They were so happy that they reached home and they all finally relaxed. Then they made a promise to each other that they would never again pick up any unclaimed object!    

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome RohanTranscriptThe lost sheet                                                                         Hi, I am Soham, I am a teenage boy. I am an introvert and I am not enthusiastic about school. and I only have one close friend, Adi in the whole class.(there's no purpose of this in the story) . It was Monday morning just a normal day the first period was Maths it is not my favorite subject and next was worse, social, it was all about French Revolution and I zoned out after two classes. Luckily it was break so I met Adi and went to the cafeteria As we were relishing our breakfast out of nowhere John Busters, our school's big bully, came and started irritating me , “Hi skinny long nose what is up?” , He's should have been in ninth grade but ended up in 7th. I just ignored him for I detested any conflict. Soon the bell rang and we were all back to the boring class.  The next class was Science. I could see that John was writing something on an A4 sheet with some drawings on it. Later while taking my book from the shelf I saw that the paper on which Jonos wrote was kept on the teacher's desk .I was aghast..It said(Aadi (Or should it be soham??)you know the science teacher Mr Fullerman, His name should be Mr Fuller Bum and Mrs Wellington should be Mrs Wellingbun And last but not least Mr Patrick is Mr fatrick). Just as the teacher was walking in I grabbed it and put it in my bag. The next was the Library class.I ran across the corridor in speed of light and luckily saw my friend, adi , sitting alone . As I reread what was written on the paper and was signed Soham, shivers ran down my spine and my jaws dropped. But I hadn't written it . I knew it was John's plan to trap me. Hearing us chat , the librarian asked us what happened so I didn't know what to say so I put it in the book which is in front of me. After the library class the school ended. = I walked home. Once I unpacked my bag, I couldn't find the dreaded sheet. Then I remembered that I left the sheet in the book. I didn't know what to do and I was extremely nervous. . Later while playing football I couldn't shoot, I couldn't run so are Adi (who??) asked me what happened, I told him that I lost the paper he was worried too but we came up with a plant since the paper was lost the plan was that at 8:00 PM we would sneak out of our houses and go to the school jump into the school through the window and search the book take the paper and come back. The plan was simple. It was 8 PM I sneaked out of my house and my friend and I went towards the school. After about 10 minutes of walking we were standing behind our school. The problem was that the library was on the first floor. So, we slowly open the restroom door and jumped in, It was pitch dark but luckily I got a flashlight and slowly opened the door and came into the long corridor of her school. I have never been a friend with dark but I had to overcome it and get the paper. As quiet as a mouse, I climbed the stairs and went to the library and opened the door and went in and I suddenly hit a table and chair a crash in sound a code throughout the school. The security was alerted they were looking everywhere so I lifted the table and arranged the chairs and hit behind one shelf. The security came inside the library he was looking around and after about two minutes he left for another 5 minutes and slowly started looking for the book. I found the book finally. I eagerly opened it but ohh no!! The sheet was missing. I didn't know what to do I was scared . With no other plan in our mindswe returned home. A. I couldn't sleep and I was restless. I was worried the next day The next day with drowsy with messed up hair, I went to school and during the break our teacher Mr Fullerman called me.Now my hands trembled and legs went jelly. I was scared. He showed me the paper, “ What is this??” I couldn't speak a word for if I told the truth John will not spare me or else if I falsely comit to the crime , I would be in trouble. . As I was pondering , Out of nowhere John came running and said , “ Sir leave Soham I have written this I… it was a prank. I am sorry!” Sir understood and said, “ it was okay,” and asked us not to repeat it, I could not believe what just happebed. I was speechless. One good thing came out of all this was that from then onwards john and I were best friends. We played together, cracked jokes but never played pranks which will hurt others.I hope you all will like this story!!

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome to Harshith.TranscriptThe Healing Magical TreeOnce there were two brothers who loved each other and were always taking care of each other.. They stayed in a house near a forest and alwys enjoyed going to the open patch in the midle of the forest to play.One day they both are playing together, one of the brother was near fruit tree and he was hungry. He jumped up grabbed a few of them that looked liked oranges land gobbled two of them. Within a minute he realized that they were poisonous as  .,the boy who ate the fruit was getting multi-coloured glowing pimples on his body and he was shivering. The other brother came and saw,he was shocked .Just then a muni who was also a doctor asked him the problem. The boy said pointing to the tree laden with fruit,''my brother got some kind of pimples  after eating that fruit. the muni saw the fruit that the boy had eaten,It was leftover near the tree, the muni said,” oh, young boy these are poisoness and there's just one cure.”.The boy pleaded the muni to tell''where this medicine would be''.The muni said that it would be on the himalayasand described the magical tree to him.The brother  had to face many obstacles while bringing the fruit like, he was injured ,the mountain was a bit high ,he do not have any water for drinking.so his throat was parched. When he was climbing the tree he saw a cave, where a lion was living at that time the lion saw the boy and started growling.Then the lion moved towards the boy, nervously tried to climb the tree .But the lion caught the boy's shoe and the lion threw him down he was bruised at many places. after falling down he was scared and he was shivering then he thought about his brother. There was a gun shot in the distant and the lion left the boy and went back. The boy gathered his courage and Finally he reached the place where the muni had told about the magical tree. after looking around for some time he saw up towards the the peak  then he saw the magical tree.  .He started climbing up again, but the boy did not went near the cave and he climbed up safely and reached to the tree.He struggled a lot as by now he was very tired.Then he saw an another tree in which there were many apples hanging on it then he ate it and relaxed for some time.After resting he went back to his brother. said ''my brother eat this fruit you will be absolutely fine.His brother took the fruit and ate it, he shouted and told ''Mm,.... very delicious ''. then all his pimplea vanished . he said to his brother, “Thank you so much.” The boy's brother was fully recovered.The boy was very happy and told his brother that you are my best brother and thanked him .   The End      

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/podcast-summer-camp Let's give a warm welcome to Akshit.TranscriptOnce upon a time in the magical world of eonia there lived a young boy named ahaan. Ahaan was a very outgoing child and loved all types of activities. In Eonia you could find potions for everything! But there was one potion where if you drank it once you need to go through the dangerous forest to find the solution to it. Ahaan with his curious mind took this potion and drank it. Ahaan had suddenly become smaller than a cockroach! He started to panic because he couldnt do anything but go through that forest. A few hours passed and Ahaan had barely moved because his footsteps are so small! Ahaan thought that he could hang on to a car which goes near the forest! He had done this and then a few minutes later he was in the dangerous forest. He was always very scared of such big animals amd obstacles. The first obstacle which ahaan had to cross was the jump over the alligators but there were a few things to help him because he was so small. Ahaan had did the first one frightened but in ease and calm. Ahaan found out that the solution to make it across these obstacles was to keep his mind calm and composed. the 2nd obstacle was to solve a few math equations. Ahaan was good at math so he passed this one with ease as well. then was the last obstacle which was to walk on the bridge and if u miss one step you will fall into the lava! Ahaan closed his eyes walked carefully and kept calm and then he had crossed it! Ahaan couldnt believe it. He had drunk the solution potion and was back to his normal size and was happier than ever! He had told this tale to everyone in his village and he is an inspirtatioon to all.

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-amazing-adventure Let's give a warm welcome to VirinchiTranscriptTHE AMAZING ADVENTURE The ship was in the abled hands of captain Edward and his crew, it was a cargo ship travelling from Australia to Indonesia to transport metal andwheat. It was a clear day with waves so gentle that the ship was sailing smoothly.As night approached, the captain asked the crew to check if everything was okay, which they did. All was good.  Unfortunately, captain Edward forgot to steer the ship In the middle of the night they headed straight to Antarctica and most importantly they also headed towards a tsunami! Edward just woke up and saw an icy land he thought they were heading to Indonesia, but he knew Indonesia doesn't have ice suddenly he remembered that he forgot to steer the ship. His legs went jelly and his forehead furrowed at the thought of what could happen. H ran to the operating area and tried to steer the ship but it was too late and worse the tsunami struck and the crew felt shivers down their spine and they got frightened.The ship looked like it was surfing on the tsunami going up and down. !Suddenly all went blank and th next thing they knew that they landed on an island which had no food, no water, and no resources except wood! Edward made an SOS sign on the snow and the crew luckily found an axe to cut trees and make a raft, so that they could make a raft and sail out.By now they all were extremely hungry and had little energy. they needed food. Edward said “our lives are at stake! If we do not react fast, we would all die!” All the crew members listened to the captain and quickly built a raft and one of the crew members was really good at ice fishing and he caught a few fish.In that time Edward was trying to make a fire so he can cook the meat after all nobody likes raw meat. When Edward finally lit fire . they all cooked some fish and ate . without losing on time they set sail on the raft and after two days they reached land but not Australia , instead they landed in Madagascar. There they contacted their loved ones who helped them reach home safely. 

For the next few days, you can listen to a couple of stories every single day.And That's because on our podcast we will have some special storytellers!! We have middle and high school students who through the summer have been learning about how to craft their own stories and then produce them on a podcast.Let's start with our very first guest and she happens to be the youngest participant on Story Wroting and podcasting workshop..Let's give a warm welcome to Mohira.Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptThere lived 2 friends but not just 2 friends they were inseparable. Maya and Lilly. But one day it had to be broken. Maya had to protect her mom no matter what, Lilly saved the day by arriving just in time. Except Maya had to move away because she is really strong even though she is just a kid. Maya said ‘'I am going to miss you but whenever you call me I will be hear'' Lilly then said ‘'I will miss you too''.On the way to a different contry Maya could not stop thinking about Lilly and all the memories they had. A few years passed Maya was now 20 but they did not stop looking for Maya. Maya then heard someone scream and she could not belive her eyes IT WAS LILLY Maya rushed and gave her a big hug and Lilly smilled with happy tears in her eyes and hugged her sayind ‘'I thought I would never find you'' as they walked to lillys car the car did not start lukyliy Maya was a mechanic she fixed the car and got back toghther

Aesop's fables are a group of stories thought to have been written by Aesop, a Greek Storyteller. Each Aesop story demonstrates a moral lesson. Today's story - 'The Rat And The Elephant ' is a story that teaches us that we should not be prod of ourselves.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-rat-and-the-elephantSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptA Rat was walking through the city. He was a very proud Rat who believed that he was the most frightening animal alive.‘Oh, yes!' said the Rat to himself. As he walked towards a busy street, “Everyone's scared of me. Scary Rat coming through. Out of my way!” Children, are you scared of a rat? What would you do if you saw one?That's funnyLet's listen ahead. The Rat turned a corner and saw a crowd of people standing by the side of the road. ‘Brilliant,' thought the rat. ‘I do like a crowd.' He jumped out into the middle of the road right in front of the crowd and waited for the first scream... but there wasn't one. Everybody was staring up the road. Nobody even noticed the Rat. ‘Look everybody,' said the Rat. ‘Over here. Rat. See.'Nothing happened. The people were all too busy looking up the road. ‘This is ridiculous,' said the Rat. ‘Are you all blind? Can't you see me?' Then the Rat saw what the people were looking at. Children, any guesses what the crowd was looking at? Let's listen ahead. An elephant was coming down the road. Sitting on the elephant's back and stroking a large white cat rode the King.“Wow,” said a man. “Just look at the size of that elephant!”“Never mind the elephant,” said the Rat. “What about me? Look at me. I'm a scary rat.”“Yes look at its wonderful long trunk,' said a woman.“That's just its nose,” said the Rat. “I've got a nose.”“And its huge ears,” said a little girl.“I've got ears,” said the Rat, jumping up and down. But nobody was listening. They were too busy admiring the enormous elephant.“That is the most wonderful creature in the whole world,” they all said.“No...no!” said the Rat. “There's nothing wonderful about elephants. How many legs have they got? Four like me. How many eyes have they got? Two like me. What colour are they? Grey like me. See, I'm exactly the same as an elephant except an elephant's really slow and boring and I'm truly the most fierce and terrifying creature in the world.”But nobody noticed the Rat... ...apart from the King's Cat.“Look at me...look at me. I'm exactly like an elephant except better. Elephants are rubbish. I am the most fierce and...'The Rat didn't finish what he was saying because... ...in an instant, the white cat had run down the elephant's trunk and was staring the Rat in the face.“Exactly like an elephant, eh?” said the Cat looking down at the Rat. “Well maybe not exactly,” said the Rat looking nervously at the cat's sharp claws.“Obviously my nose isn't quite as long...my ears are a bit smaller...and I haven't got a king riding on my back…”Suddenly, the Cat's paw flashed out and pinned the Rat to the ground. The Rat couldn't move.“You think I could do this to an elephant?” said the Cat. “Um...not sure,” said the Rat. The Cat scooped up the Rat and held him up to her mouth. “Think I could do this to an elephant?” said the Cat.“No, maybe not,” said the Rat shaking in fear.“Think I could eat an elephant in two seconds flat?” asked the Cat.“Nope,” whispered the Rat.“Look what I've found,” said the Cat to the people putting the terrified Rat back down on the ground. The Rat was shaking and looked so small and scared that people weren't at all frightened of him.“What is it?” said a man. “Sort of mouse I think,” said his wife.“Funny little mouse thing probably.”As he slunk away the Rat heard the Cat say, “A rat and an elephant may be the same colour but that doesn't make them the same size. You remember that...Mr Rat.' And the Rat did remember that. Forever.

Aesop's fables are a group of stories thought to have been written by Aesop, a Greek Storyteller. Each Aesop story demonstrates a moral lesson. Today's story - 'The Bundle Of Sticks' is a story that teaches us that we must work together.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-bundle-of-sticksSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptOnce upon a time, a very old man lived on a beautiful and comfortable farm in the country. From his window, he could see pasture land, barns filled with animals, fields of grain, orchards and forests beyond. The farm was special to the old man as it had been in his family for many generations. He had lived there his whole life and raised his family. Now his wife was dead, and he, too, was in the last days of his life.The old man lay on his bed worrying about his grown children. The children could not seem to get along. The old man heard them quarrelling day and night. Even though the children were good at what they each did, such as farming, working with the animals, carpentry, cooking or preserving the food they grew, each child thought their job was the most important and that the other one didn't work hard enough. They were all grown up, but they held grudges against each other, and they were jealous of each other's fortune.Children, what is one thing that you like about a sibling or a friend?That's great. Let's listen ahead..The old man tried talking to his children about living in peace, but they seemed to grow increasingly bitter day after day. He felt sure that they would not be able to keep the family farm after he had died because the sons could not seem to work together or appreciate each other's hard work.Then one day, as his strength waned, the old man had an idea. He called his children to his bedside.“I have one last favour to ask of you,” he said, “I want each one of you to go to the jungle and find two sticks. Bring them here to me tomorrow, and I will explain further.”The children did as their father asked and came to his room the next day with two sticks each.“Thank you, my children,” the old man said.“Please see if you can break one of your sticks in half,” asked the old man.All the children easily broke their sticks in half.Then the old man asked the children to pass him their second sticks. Children, what do you think the father would do with all the sticks?Let's find out. Then the old man collected the sticks in a bundle, passed it back to his children, and said, “Pass this bundle of sticks amongst you and try to break the bundle as it was the single stick?”The children passed the bundle around, but not even one of them could break the bundle of sticks.“You, my children, are like these sticks,” the old man said.“If you go your separate ways and quarrelling, you will each be alone like the individual sticks and will face the difficulties of life alone. But if you be together, work together, appreciate one another's strengths, cherish what you have in common, and above all, care for each other, you will be powerful like a bundle of sticks, and nothing in life can make you weak or break you. My children, try to find strength and joy in each other's company, and you will live well and succeed in life,” the old man explained.The children took their father's lesson to heart, focusing on what they shared in common, appreciating one another's strengths, and working together. The old man died peacefully, and the farm remained in the family for generations to come. In unity is strength

'The Needle Tree' is a story that teaches us to be kindFree activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-little-thief-in-the-pantrySend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptThe Little Thief in the Pantry"MOTHER dear,” said a little mouse named Greywhiskers, one day, “I think the people in our house must be very kind; don't you? They leave such nice things for us in the kitchen pantry.”Children, what things do you think were left in the pantry that the little mouse liked?Great! let's listen ahead.There was a twinkle in the mother's eye and she replied, “Well, my child, no doubt they are kind, but I don't think they are quite as fond of us as you seem to think. Now remember, Greywhiskers, I have absolutely forbidden you to put your nose above the ground unless I am with you, for kind as the people are, I shouldn't be at all surprised if would try to catch you.”Greywhiskers twitched his tail with scorn; he was quite sure he knew how to take care of himself, and he didn't mean to walk meekly after his mother's tail all his life. So, as soon as she had curled herself up for an afternoon nap he stole away, and scampered across the pantry shelves.Ah! here was something particularly good today.A large iced cake stood far back upon the shelf, and Greywhiskers licked his lips as he sniffed it. Across the top of the cake there were words written in pink sugar; but as Greywhiskers could not read, he did not know that he was nibbling at little Miss Daisy's birthday cake. But he did feel a little guilty when he heard his mother calling.Off he ran, and was back in the hole again by the time his mother had finished rubbing her eyes after her nap.She took Greywhiskers up to the pantry then, and when she saw the hole in the cake she seemed a little annoyed.“Some mouse has evidently been here before us,” she said, but of course she never guessed that it was her own little son.Now, after the previous day's adventure Greywhisker's became more confident and the next day the naughty little mouse again popped up to the pantry when his mother was asleep; but at first he could find nothing at all to eat, though there was a most delicious smell of toasted cheese.Presently he found a dear little wooden house, and there hung the cheese, just inside it.Children, do you know what this little wooden house with chees hung was?Let's find out.In ran Greywhiskers, but, oh! “click” went the little wooden house, and mousie was caught fast in a trap.When the morning came, the cook, who had set the trap, lifted it from the shelf, and then called a pretty little girl to come and see the thief who had eaten her cake.“What are you going to do with him?” asked Daisy.“Why, drown him, my dear, to be sure.”The tears came into the little girl's pretty blue eyes.“You didn't know it was stealing, did you, mousie dear?” she said.“No,” squeaked Greywhiskers sadly; “indeed I didn't.”Cook's back was turned for a moment, and in that moment tender-hearted little Daisy lifted the lid of the trap, and out popped mousie.Oh! how quickly he ran home to his mother, and how she comforted and petted him until he began to forget his fright; and then she made him promise never to disobey her again, and you may be sure he never did.

Today's story-Watching the Garden is a folktale from Thailand about a little boy trying to get the beans from his garden back.To find out if he succeeds, listen to the storyFree activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-watching-the-gardenSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.comTranscript:Once in Thailand, a little boy was sent to watch the garden by his grandfather. But after a while he grew bored and went off to play. As soon as he left, a crow swooped down and stole some beans. Just then, the boy's grandfather came and was most annoyed. After some time, the boy returned with a smile, which quickly turned upside down when he saw his grandfather's face.“Look what happened when you left,” the old man said to the boy.“We need those beans. You should have watched. It was your work.”The boy felt very sad and wanted to help.He decided to get the beans back from the crow. So he ran to a hunter and said, “Please sir, shoot an arrow at that crow so he will drop the beans he stole.”“Why should I bother the crow?” asked the hunter. “You made the mistake, not the crow.”The boy walked on until he found a mouse.“Please little mouse,” he said. “Chew the hunter's bowstrings so he will shoot an arrow for me.”“I am not mad at the hunter,” said the mouse, “it's your problem”.So, the boy walked on soon he saw a cat and said, “Please friend cat, nip that mouse so it will help me.”But the cat too refused.Children, who do you think the little boy would meet next?Exactly -a dog!So, the boy met a dog.“Dear dog,” he said. “Chase that cat so it will nip the mouse and help me.”“Chase him yourself,” replied the dog. “I am busy.” Then the boy found a hammer and begged him to beat the dog.“I am too tired,” said the hammer.So the boy ran to a fire.“Fire, strong fire,” he said, “Burn that stubborn hammer so it will agree.”“Too much work,” sizzled the fire.Children , let's list all the people and things that the boy metYes- the hunter, the mouse, the cat, the dog, the hammer, and the fire.Next the boy pleaded with some water, “Pour yourself on the fire, dear water, to help me.”“But I like that fire,” replied the water.So the boy asked the earth to cover the water but the earth refused to.Then the boy found an elephant and begged, “Could you please pound the earth so it will cover the water.”The elephant shook his trunk.So the boy sat down and cried.Children, why did the boy cry?Yes, the boy cried as he was sad about losing the beans and wanted to get them back. But no one was helping him.At that time, a little mosquito flew around him. The boy suddenly caught it.“Now, little mosquito,” he said, “Fly into the elephant's ears and annoy him or else squeeze you to death.”The mosquito was scared. He flew into the elephants ear.The elephant was scared and he pounded the earth.The earth was scared and it covered the water.The water was scared and fell on the fire.The fire was scared and ran to burn the hammer.The hammer was scared and threatened the dog.The dog was scared and chased the cat.The cat was scared and ran to nip the mouse.The mouse was scared and ran to bit the bowstring.The hunter was scared and he shot an arrow.The arrow scared the crow.The crow dropped the beans and they fell right into the garden again.The grandfather was delighted and forgave the boy at once. then they enjoyed a meal of the best noodles and the freshest vegetables.But after that the boy always watched the garden very carefully and he waited until he was all finished before he went to play.Try to recall all the events in the story.And remember that we must finish our work before running off to play.

Aesop's fables are a group of stories thought to have been written by Aesop, a Greek Storyteller. Each Aesop story demonstrates a moral lesson. Today's story - 'The Crow And the Pitcher' is a story that teaches us that we must not give up in the face of adversity.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-crow-and-the-pitcherSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptOnce upon a time, on a scorching summer day, a thirsty crow was flying over the countryside in search of water. The sun beat down mercilessly, and the crow's throat felt parched.Children, what are the different kinds of drinks that you enjoy while quenching your thirst?Great.After a long flight looking for water, the thirsty crow spotted a pitcher under a shady tree. The crow had a smile on his face. Hopeful, the crow hurriedly flew down to satisfy his thirst.As the crow reached the pitcher, it saw that there was indeed water inside, but alas, the water level was so low that the crow couldn't reach it with its beak. He was disappointed but he didn't give up. He was determined to find a way to drink the water from the pitcher. So, the crow peered inside, trying to figure out a way to quench its thirst.Children, can you please suggest a way for the crow to quench his thirst?Let's listen ahead. After a moment of thinking, the clever crow had an idea. It began to pick up small pebbles from the ground nearby and dropped them into the pitcher one by one.Children, do you know what happened when the crow dropped stones in the pitcher?Indeed, with each pebble dropped in, the water level rose ever so slightly. The crow continued this method, dropping pebble after pebble into the pitcher.Slowly but surely, the water level began to rise, inch by inch, until at last, it was high enough for the crow to dip its beak and take refreshing sips of water. The crow drank water to his heart's content. Then with his thirst quenched, it flew away, feeling satisfied and delighted.From that day on, whenever the crow encountered a challenge, it remembered the lesson it had learned from the pitcher: that with patience, perseverance, and a little bit of creativity, even the most difficult obstacles could be overcome.And that is what we learn from this story: whenever we face problems, we must not give up immediately, but think through it, and we are bound to get the solution.

'The Needle Tree' is a story that teaches us to be kindFree activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-needle-treeSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptThe Needle TreeOnce, two brothers lived at the forest's edge. The older brother was always unkind to his younger brother. He used to even take all the food and snatched all the good clothes from the younger one.Children, what was the unkind behaviour of the older brother?Indeed, the older brother used to take food and good clothes from the younger sibling.The older brother would go into the forest in search of firewood to sell in the market. But he was unkind and as he walked through the forest, he chopped off the branches of every tree he passed.One day he came upon a magical tree.The tree stopped him before he chopped its branches and said, ‘Oh, kind sir, please spare my branches. If you spare me, I will provide you with golden apples.”The older brother agreed. The tree gave him two golden apples. The older brother was disappointed with just two golden apples.Overcome by greed, the brother threatened the tree, “I'll cut you if you don't provide me with more apples.”The tree was offended and instead of giving him more apples, the tree showered him with hundreds of tiny needles. The brother fell to the ground, crying in pain as the sun began to set.Soon, the kind-hearted younger brother became worried and went in search of his older brother. He searched every nook and corner of the forest until he found him at the trunk of the apple tree, lying in pain with hundreds of needles on his body.He rushed to him and started to painstakingly remove each needle with love. Once the needles were out, the older brother apologized for mistreating his younger brother. The magical tree saw the change in the older brother's heart and gifted them with all the golden apples the brothers could need. 

Welcome to the Turtle Tales series.The Singing Turtle is an adapted folktale from Japan where a turtle helps a hard-working man to earn money by singing.Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources are available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-the-singing-turtleSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.Once upon a time, there lived two brothers. These two brothers lived with their mother a little further away from the city. Now, one of them was a hard worker.   He worked hard and did not waste his time being lazy.Whereas, the other brother was a lazy bone and did not work at all. He preferred to sleep in his bed all day long.Their mother had been sick and the family had always been poor. The hard-working brother's earnings were always spent by the lazy brother. Every day the hard-working brother went to the town with his lunch and came back in late the evening. During his lunch break, the hard-working brother would go to the river and have his lunch by the river.One day, the hard-working brother told his brother that he's going to the city, “I'll be back late in the night. There are some sticks I have gathered. I will sell them and make some money,” saying that, he left.But as luck would have it he could not sell even a single stick by lunchtime.The poor brother was upset. He knew his brother and mother were relying on him.Children, what should the hard-working brother do now?So, as usual, during the lunch hour, he went to the river. But instead of having his lunch, he started weeping. When he was weeping, the hard-working brother heard a voice.“Why are you crying?” asked the voice.The hard-working brother looked down wondering where the voice was coming from.Then the voice asked him to look down. When the hard-working brother did so, he saw the voice was that of a turtle.He was even more surprised when the turtle said, “I would like to help you. I am a singing turtle and if you take me to the market, I can help you fetch good money.”The hard-working brother was confused and wondered, “But why would you help me?”“I have been eating the crumbs you left behind after your lunch. I am indebted to you,” said the turtle politely.The hard-working brother thanked the singing turtle for extending help and took him to the market. He was able to earn a handsome amount as people were excited to hear a turtle sing. Children, can you imagine what songs he sang?That's good.The hard-working brother took his earnings and the turtle to his house. He narrated the entire story to his family. The next day when he was washing up the turtle, the lazy brother snatched the turtle and said, “I can earn more than you can.”With that, the lazy brother took the turtle to the market. The lazy brother ordered and ordered the turtles to sing but that only made the turtle go back into his shell. The townspeople blamed the man for lying to them and said that it was an ordinary turtle anyway and not a singing turtle.Angrily, the lazy brother left him in the market and stomped his way home.Children, is that a good thing to do? The turtle slowly made his way back to the hut. Once home, the turtle told everything to the hard-working brother and the mother.Upon hearing the story that mother told both the brothers, “Bad habits chase away the good things in life. You should be nice and polite to everyone.”The Lazy brother apologized and promised to be polite and also work hard.The hard-working brother and the turtle were delighted by this change of heart of the lazy brother.

The Escapades of Letter D is a story about Alphabet D finding out a secret about his toys and also teaches how everyone can play together.Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-alphabet-escapades-letter-d.Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptIt was night-time and all the alphabets had finished playing and together they put away all the toys: the duck, deer, dinosaur, doll, etc. They never left theirtoys scattered. They always placed them back neatly in the drawers or in the toy basket.After putting away the toys, they quickly washed up, had their delicious dinner, and went to their room. Soon they were busy reading and in no time, they were fast asleep.One day, after all the other alphabets had gone to sleep Alphabet d decided to return to the playroom to play some more.He quietly got out of the bed, tiptoed out of the bedroom, and walked towards the playroom. As he approached the playroom, he heard some noises. He stopped and wondered what those noises were.D was very inquisitive and instead of rushing into the playroom, he decided to peep through the window to find out what was happening“Oh My God! What are all the toys doing outside their baskets and drawers?” he wondered.He carefully looked and realized that all the toys were playing around in the room. Or were they getting ready for something?Alphabet D wanted to join them but thought that might scare the toys.So, he decided to just watch them through the window.He had never seen anything like this before.Alphabet D saw the doll dressed up in her shimmering shining dress.“Is there going to a party?” Alphabet D wondered.In the other corner Alphabet D's favourite deer was draping itself in a golden skin.The very next moment, the toy tub caught Alphabet D's attention. He saw the duck fluttering its wings to dry itself and quacking; quack -quack -quack-quackOnce she was done drying, she waddled towards the middle of the room.The doll was ready by now. And so was the deer. They both walked elegantly towards the middle of the room. All the others also assembled in the middle for what looked like a dance party.Suddenly, Alphabet D heard the beating of the drum. It was the dog. He appeared playing a beat on the drum. And everybody started rejoicing and dancing.                  The doves came in and started circling right above all the others, fluttering their wings to the beat.Indeed, it was a dance partyAll you little children listening out there, I am sure you all love parties, especially birthday parties.So, what's your favourite part of any birthday party?Is it the fun-filled games, or the delicious food, or the scrumptious cake, or the refreshing drinks, or the rhythmic dancing? Or is it everything put together.Well, even the toys in our story were having a great time in the party.So, till now in the story, Alphabet D, instead of sleeping, wants to play more and goes to the playroom, only to realize that all the toys were having a party.As the toys were dancing, the dinosaur came with refreshing drinks and served them to all the animals.But then the mean red coloured dragon, who always troubled the other toys, appeared from behind the cupboard. All the animals started running here and there as they were scared of the dragon. He was a big bully and scared all the toys by his loud shrieks and by blowing fire.The toys shouted together, “Someone please help us!” and were running helter-skelter.Hearing the commotion, the lion who was relaxing in the den rushed out.One look at the dragon and the lion understood the problem that it was the dragon scaring all the other toys.He roared, "You red dragon, that is no way to spoil the party. Instead why don't you join them and have fun too!”“But no one ever invites me to the party,” said one very angry dragon.The doll gathering courage said, “Dragon dear, you are most welcome to join our party, but please don't scare us.”The dragon for the first time felt bad and apologized. All the toys accepted his apologies and soon he too was enjoying the party.I love to sing,You love to sing,We love to sing together!I love to dance,You love to dance,We love to dance together!Alphabet D was glad to see the toys having a good time. He had a smile on his face, but by now his eyes were heavy and he slowly trudged back to his room and went to sleep.Hello Children! I am alphabet D. Hope you liked the story.You know I make the sound /d/Let's see what all words in the story started with /d//d/ drawers/d/ dinner and was it /d/ delicious?/d/ doll. What was she wearing? Shimmering shining dress. And that is/d/ dress/d/ deer/d/duck/d/ dog, who was playing a/d/ drum/d/ doves/d/ dance, and who came and disturbed the party?/d/ dragon, and the lion came out of his/d/ denJoin me in colouring and tons of fun activities by asking your parent or guardian to visit www.rituvaish.com. Once there, click on the D story! If you'd like us to display your artwork on our website, draw a picture of something that starts with alphabet D, colour it, and request a grown-up to send it to rituvaish@gmail.com. That's r-i-t-u-v-a-i-s-h at gmail.com.

Welcome to the Fox Tales series. Scrapefoot and the three bears is a story about a fox who enters the castle of the three bears but is thrown out of the window. This has many similarities to the fairy tale; Goldilocks and the three bears.Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-scrapefoot-the-fox-and-the-three-bearsSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptOnce upon a time in a land not so far away, lay the most beautiful forest with mighty old trees, mosses in all shades of green, clear babbling streams, and light open spaces filled with delicate sweet-smelling flowers.In the middle of this wonderful forest stood the castle of the Three Bears. They were the masters of the forest.And in the same forest, there was a Fox who lived all alone, his name was Scrapefoot.Children, can you guess why he was called, Scrapefoot?The old fox was known for the fact that he would rather beg and bow to anyone than do an honest day of work. He was lazy. It was his typical bow whereby her foot would scrape heavily backward over the floor that earned him the name -Scrapefoot.He was very proud of himself. He would spend hours grooming himself daily and making sure that his tail was fluffy and lovely.Scrapefoot was very much afraid of the Bears, but amongst all the things that he wanted very much, one was that he wanted to visit the great grey castle. And one day as he was roaming through the wood he found himself near the Bears' castle, and he wondered, “ Oh, how much I want to see this big, great, grey castle of the bears from the inside!”He wondered whether he could get into the castle. He looked to the right, he looked to the left, he looked far ahead and way behind, and he could not see anyone.Then he skidded here and he skidded there, till at last, he arrived at the door of the big grey castle. He tried to see if he could open it. Yes! the door was not locked.“Would it be my lucky day? Looks like I will get to go inside this great grey castle at last, ” Scrapefoot smiled to himself.He raised his paws and pushed the door and opened it just a little more. Next, he put his nose in and looked. Luckily he could not see anyone. So, then he opened it a little way farther and put one paw in, and then another paw, and another and another, and then he was all inside the Bears' castle.He stood at the door, awestruck.Children, put on your thinking caps and tell me why do you think Scrapefoot was awestruck?After a moment, he realized that he was in a great hall with beautiful chandeliers, satin curtains and walls adorned with attractive paintings.Next, his eyes fell on the three thrones; one big, one middling, and one little one.He thought, “Why don't I sit on one of the thrones and feel like the master of the forest?”So, he sat down on the big throne. But he found it so hard and uncomfortable that it made his bones ache, and he jumped down at once and got into the middling throne, and he turned round and round in it, but he couldn't make himself comfortable. So then, he went to the little chair and sat down in it, and felt very nice, “This is so soft, warm, and comfortable!” The Scrapefoot was quite happy, but all at once, it broke to pieces under him.“Never mind! Let me see the other parts of the castle,” Leaving the throne behind, Scrapefoot walked around the castle. Soon he found the dining room. In it stood a huge heavy but beautifully carved table with three plates on it.The first plate was filled with big smoked salmon.Children salmon a medium-sized silver-coloured fish that lives in the seas or rivers. The Scrapefoot thought, “The bears surely know which fish is good. So I must taste it.”He took the plate but the strong and weird smell of the salmon made him quickly push the plate as far away as he could.On the second plate, lay a lovely cake, dripping with honey, “Ahh, the bears are famous to know which is the best honey. So let me try this.”A bit cautious after his first experience Scrapefoot very, very carefully took the plate. But as soon as she smelled the richness and sweetness of the honey, he pushed the plate even further away than the first one.Looks like Scrapefoot didn't have a sweet tooth.Children, which is your favourite dessert?On the third plate, stood a little saucer filled with milk.Scrapefoot carefully smelled the milk but this did not smell too strong, too weird, too rich, or too sweet. He took a little lick and liked it so much that he went on drinking it till it was all gone.“That was delicious! I wish there was some more,” exclaimed Scrapefoot.Then Scrapefoot thought, “I really want to see what is upstairs in this castle.” He tried to listen to any sounds, but he could not hear anyone.So upstairs he went, and he found a great room with three beds in it; one was a big bed, and one was a middling bed, and one was a little white bed, and Scrapefoot climbed up into the big bed, but it was so hard and lumpy and uncomfortable that he jumped down again at once, and tried the middling bed. That was rather better, but he could not get so comfortable in it as he wanted.So after turning about a little while he got up and went to the little bed; and that was so soft and so warm and so nice that he fell fast asleep children, at once.Children, what do you think is going to happen in the story now?Let's listen ahead.And after a time the Bears came home, and when they got into the hall. The Big Bear went to his chair and said, “Who's been sitting in my throne?” and the middling Bear said, “Who's been sitting in my throne?” and the little Bear said, 'Who's been sitting in my throne and has broken it all to pieces?'Next, they were feeling a little hungry. So, they went to the dining room, and the big Bear said, “Who's touched my plate of salmon?” ' and the middling Bear said, “ Who pushed my plate so far away?” The little Bear said, 'Who's been drinking my milk and has drunk it all up?' Then they went upstairs and into the bedroom, and the big Bear said, “Who's been sleeping in my bed?” and the middling Bear said, “ Who's been sleeping in my bed?” and the little Bear said, “Who's been sleeping in my bed? -- and see here he is!”So, then the Bears stood around the little bed came and wondered what they should do with Scrapefoot, the fox.The s big Bear said, 'Let's hang him!' and then the middling Bear said, 'Let's drown him!' and then the little Bear said, 'Let's throw him out of the window.' And then the Bears took him to the window, and the big Bear took two legs on one side and the middling Bear took two legs on the other side, and they swung him backward and forwards, backward and forwards, and out of the window, he went.Poor Scrapefoot was so frightened that he thought every bone in his body must be broken. But he got up and first shook one leg -- no, that was not broken; and then another, and that was not broken, and another and another, and then he wagged his tail and found there were no bones broken. So,     then he galloped off home as fast as he could go, and never went near the Bears' great, grey castle!

'Jumpy Learns A Lesson' is a story that teaches us to have the spirit of never giving up.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-jumpy-learns-a-lessonSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptJumpy Frog opened his eyes to the bright sun of a new day. He stretched out his long legs and stuck out his tongue to taste the morning air. Jumpy hopped out of his bed onto the green, dew-soaked leaves and raced to his mom nearby.“Wake up, Mommy, wake up,” Jumpy shouted with excitement.“Good morning, my baby boy,” his mom said. Jumpy yelled, “Do you know what today is?”His mom teased, “No, what is today?” Children, can you guess why is Jumpy so excited?Let's find out. “My Birthday”, exclaimed Jumpy. “I'm 5 years old today.”“Oh,” mom said, “Is it your birthday TODAY?”“Mom, you remember, don't you?” said Jumpy.“Of course I do. It's my favourite day of the year,” Mom said. She pulled out a big box with a bright red bow.“Happy Birthday, my son!”“Oh, Mom, is this what I think it is?” Jumpy hoped she had gotten all his hints about what he wanted. A new guitar! The kind that his favourite band plays. Shiny blue and sounding awesome!Jumpy pulled apart the wrapping paper and yanked off the bow. He opened the box and it was…… the guitar! Jumpy was so happy. He immediately picked it up and started playing. Only to his surprise, it did not sound too good.Jumpy quickly got discouraged and threw down the guitar. Mom picked it back up and said, “Jumpy, try again. You'll never know how good you could be if you give up so fast.” Children, have you learned any new things recently? Please share what it was.That's lovely Jumpy was disappointed. He wanted the guitar, but he did not want to take the time to learn to play it.He surely did not want to hurt his mom's feelings, so he picked the guitar back up and tried again. It sounded just as bad. He got very upset!“Jumpy”, said his mom, “never give up. Practice, practice, and practice. Soon you'll see that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.” That night Jumpy tried again. The day after that he tried again. The day after that he tried again. Each day he tried a little longer and a little harder. Until one day Jumpy played the most beautiful song on his guitar.His mom had been listening, as she had each day. She was so proud of him for not giving up.Jumpy and his mom would sit for hours together while Jumpy played the song over and over until it was perfect!Jumpy was so proud of himself and his mom was so proud of him too!Jumpy said, “Thank you so much for buying me this guitar. I guess you believed in me before I even believed in myself!”Jumpy's mom said,” That's what moms' are for! With this guitar, you will make beautiful music forever. Now what better gift could there be?”Jumpy said, “This is the best birthday gift ever.”Jumpy and his mom sat together on a bunch of lily pads while Jumpy played his music as the sun set around them.

The Woodpeckers' Granary is a story that is about woodpeckers working as a team to gather acorns, make their granary and protect it too. It also teaches children am important life lesson of not taking others things without permission.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-originals-the-woodpeckers-granary.Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptYou must have heard that it's wrong to take other people's things without their permission. Well, in today's story, someone learns a lesson about not picking up things that don't belong to them.So gather around.Before I plunge into the story, let me tell you dear children that acorn woodpeckers are a particular type of woodpeckers that eat, as the name implies, mainly acorns.   They live in a family that cooperates and helps each other.A big flock of acorn woodpeckers was soaring in the sky.This flock had a fledgling named, Nutty.Nutty loved his flock for it had his papa, mummy, uncles, aunts, and cousins too. They always stayed together and had a lot of fun playing as well as working together.One day while flying they spotted an oak tree grove. As they were circling over the grove, all of them were enchanted by its tall oaks. So, they decided to get a closer look and landed in the oak grove.They found that not only were the tall oak trees gorgeous, there were beautiful wildflowers growing and they could even hear the gurgling of a waterfall nearby. Every member of the flock was elated.Looking at his flock's happy faces, papa announced “Let's make this our new home. It is so pretty here.” The whole flock chirped in agreement.The fledglings couldn't believe their ears, “Hurray! A new home! That's awesome.”Looking keenly all around the oak trees Nutty was worried.“There are no holes here,” he gave an anxious shriek.Another fledgling added, “Where will we store our acorns?”“Well! We will teach you how to make the holes and store the nuts. It's hard work, but doing things together makes it enjoyable,” papa assured the little ones.All the cousins exchanged a smile and gave high-five to each other with their wings and said, “That'll be fun! We have never made our holes as in our previous home we already had them.”Nutty exclaimed, “I'll make the biggest one!”Mummy who was observing the excitement amongst the young ones added, “ We don't need to make big ones. You have to learn to make the holes just the right size to fit the acorn.”One of the uncles explained, “And remember not to make them lower on the trunk as then the other animals might take our nuts.”Soon, all the elders got busy with what woodpeckers love doing the most, drilling small holes in the trunk of the oak trees.Papa made himself comfortable on the trunk of one of the oak trees and called all the fledglings, “Come here, let me teach you how to make the right size holes and the correct distance apart.”Happily, all the fledglings gave noisy trills and under papa's guidance got busy pecking the wood to make the cavities.One of the uncles, flying around the grove, gave a loud call to the flock, “I suggest that since it's fall, some of us should start harvesting the green acorns. If we delay, we might not have enough acorns in our new granary for the winter months. The others can keep drilling the wood.”The flock unanimously agreed. They knew building a new granary isn't an easy task.Every day, some would fly out in search of acorns, bring back some to keep in the cavities. In the meantime, the others would frantically make holes in the oak trees.In a few weeks, all their hard work paid off. Their granary was almost ready.The fledglings were most excited as it was their first year to make holes and store the nuts. They were also very possessive about them.One day, after soaring in the sky, the flock returned to the grove of the oak trees.Nutty, enthusiastic about his acorn went straight to check on his very first acorn that he had stored.Nutty couldn't believe that the hole was empty. He screeched, “My acorn is not there.”All you little children listening out there, can you guess what had happened to the acorn.Well let's listen ahead to find out. One day Nutty found that one of the acorns was missing and gave out a loud shriek that his acorn is not there.“Mine is also missing,” shouted another one from behind the tree. Mummy calmed them down, “They might have fallen down to the ground. Go look for them”Instantly, the two cousins flew down and looked all around the tree but could not find their acorns.Unfortunately, the next day too some of the acorns were gone.“For sure there is a thief!” announced one of the uncles.Vexed with the situation the father said, “There has to be a way to find out who the trespassers are who are stealing from our granary. Let's have a flock meeting right now.”Everyone got together and started thinking about ways to find out who the thief was.One of the aunts suggested, “Let us do aerial passes around the grove and catch the thief.”Mummy recommended, “That's a great idea. But let's distribute the work as we can neither afford to skip collecting the nuts nor can we skip guarding our granary.”Uncle approved, “That's right. Hence, some keep gathering the nuts, while the others keep a watch on our granary..”“That's a great plan,” echoed the flock.The next day, the woodpeckers were nervous but everyone went about carrying on with their respective duties.Till noon, the guarding woodpeckers found nothing unusual, apart from the rustling of the leaves and the melodious music of the wind passing through the grove.Suddenly, the guards saw some movement amongst the dry heap of leaves and they became alert.They saw a tiny squirrel who looked here and there for any predators and then quickly climbed and reached the granary, She was about to get the acorn out when the guard woodpeckers shouted, “Hey! You thief squirrel, you should be ashamed of yourself for stealing our food. Go away at once. If you are seen anywhere around our granary, you'll have to face the consequences.”The squirrel was taken aback, the words of the guarding woodpecker pinched her badly and she scurried away. That night she couldn't sleep as the words, “You thief squirrel” kept on resonating in her ears.She thought, “I am not a thief!”But then she realised that if we pick up something, that belongs to someone else without taking permission, that's being a thief. She was devastated and vowed to rectify her mistake.The next morning, she went looking for acorns and came back with them to the oak grove.The guarding woodpeckers yelled out, “ We told you that you should not come close to our granary.”The squirrel pleaded showing the acorns that she had brought, “I am so sorry. See, I have come to replace the nuts back in the hole. I promise never to steal again. Please don't call me a thief.”The woodpeckers were surprised by squirrel's change of heart.Nutty said pleasantly, “Thanks! That's sweet of you. to replace our nuts.”The others replied,“ We forgive you and won't call you a thief.”From that day, the squirrel worked hard and never stole anything.And As for the woodpeckers, the flock was delighted that they could find the thief.Since then, the acorn woodpeckers have always believed in: Team work makes dreams work.

Akbar and Birbal folktales are very famous in India. These are a set of moral stories inspired by the interactions of Mughal Emperor Akbar and his wisest courtier Birbal and have been enjoyed by children for many many years. These stories were mostly passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth, till the print medium started. You know children, Birbal was an extremely witty courtier and. you will really enjoy listening to the witty, interesting, and sometimes funny, occurrences in the lives of Akbar and Birbal. These stories also help us to think smart just like Birbal.Today's story: The Nine Stick is a witty story where Akbar loses his favourite ring and requests Birbal to help out find the thief. Was Birbal successful? to find out, listen to the story.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-nine-sticksSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptAkbar was one of the greatest rulers in India.As the highest ruler in the land, the emperor, Akbar resided in a spacious palace with throngs of obedient servants and so many riches and treasures, it would take all one thousand of his elephants to carry them!The emperor's most precious riches and treasures were his jewels. Glittering gold crowns... sparkling silver anklets... radiant ruby earrings... The glistening gems were so dear to the emperor that he kept them locked away in a big locker hidden deep beneath the palace.Only ten people had a key to that locker: the emperor himself, plus nine pf his trusted attendants who had a very special job.Every time the emperor wished to wear a piece of jewelry, be it - the emerald pendant — the one shaped like a peacock! or a shimmering bracelet, he would ask one of the trusted servants to bring it from the locker.To get to the locker, the attendant had to push through a secret hole in the wall. Then they had to run down a hidden set of stairs and unlock a heavy steel door. Once they entered the vault, they would seek out whichever jewel the emperor desired, bring it back to the great ruler's chamber, and then help him put it on as he admired himself in the mirror.One day, the emperor, Akbar, decided he'd wear a thick gold ring set with a dazzling diamond the size of an apricot. The ring had been passed down in his family from generation to generation, and the emperor considered it to be his greatest treasure.So, he asked one of his nine attendants to fetch the ring from the locker. But when the attendant came back, the great ruler was flabbergasted to hear that the ring wasn't there!The emperor exclaimed, “What?!? My greatest treasure is missing? It can't be! Send for another attendant! Let them try!”So a second attendant went to the locker to look for the ring… and, like the first attendant, he too claimed it was nowhere to be found.Emperor said not believing the attendant, “ Come now! That ring didn't just get up and walk away! The door to that vault is as thick as the trunk of a banyan tree!”But then the third attendant too reported the ring was gone. And so did the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and the ninth.All returned empty-handed.The emperor was now very angry and decided to go himself and look for the diamond ring himself.So, the emperor grabbed his key, marched down to the locker and spent hours sifting through his vast collection of jewels… until, at last, he collapsed in a heap.Emperor Akbar called out to Birbal, “ You need to help…my greatest treasure is gone!”Birbal was the emperor's favourite advisor. The wise and witty man was famous for his razor-sharp intellect and was the first person the emperor called whenever he had a problem he couldn't solve, a question he couldn't answer, or a puzzle he couldn't crack.Children, do you know any riddle? Please ask either your friend or your family members to solve it.As the emperor told Birbal what had happened.  The shrewd advisor, Birbal,  listened carefully, scratching his chin and nodding his head. By the time the emperor finished his story, Birbal's brilliant mind was already hard at work.Birbal said, “Kindly remind me, Your Imperial Highness… Who in this palace holds a key to the vault of jewels?”“Well, I do, of course… plus my nine jewellery attendants. And all nine of them gave their word that the ring isn't there!” said Akbar.Birbal said, “Looks like your ring has been stolen. And it seems like one of your nine jewellery attendants is the culprit! But leave everything to me, sir, and you will see your greatest treasure very soon. All I need is a little bit of wood, a little bit of time... and maybe… just maybe… a little bit... of magic!”Children, What do you think Birbal is talking about?So that night, the emperor's favourite advisor… wise, witty Birbal... summoned the 9 attendants to his office.Birbal said, “Welcome, everyone. As you know, we have a mystery on our hands. The emperor's diamond ring is missing from the vault… and one of you has stolen it! Now ladies and gentlemen... other than the emperor himself, you nine are the only ones in this entire palace who possess a key to the locker  So if you're the thief who made off with His Imperial Excellency's diamond ring, confess now and you will be forgiven.”Birbal waited a moment, but no one would confess.Birbal added, “So since none of you will come clean, we'll just have to resort… to magic!”Birbal strolled over to his desk and pulled open a drawer. He reached inside and then lifted out nine sticks of wood. All nine sticks were identical: same color, same thickness, same length. The wise advisor handed one stick to each attendant.Laying the nine sticks on the table Birbal said, “Ladies and gentlemen, you may think these nine identical sticks look like ordinary pieces of wood… but no!These sticks have special powers… powers that will tell us who stole the emperor's ring!”The attendants looked confused. Birbal smiled and added, “Let me tell you how these sticks will find out the thief. If you give one of these sticks to an honest, trustworthy person, nothing will happen; the stick will stay exactly as it is. But if you give the stick to someone who is dishonest and deceitful… someone who has stolen, say... the stick will grow exactly two inches longer! Overnight!”The attendants looked at the sticks in awe.Birbal then asked each one of the attendants to go back to their room taking their sticks and placing them under their beds. The they should lock the door and make sure no one else entered the room. Then, the first thing next morning they should bring back the sticks and the sticks would tell who stole the emperor's ring.Bright and early the next morning, the nine attendants grabbed their sticks, unlocked their doors, and returned to Birbal's office.Birbal entered with the emperor Akbar and said, “ Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! Now, we need to measure those sticks of yours! Why don't you do the honors, Your Imperial Excellency?”Birbal handed the emperor a measuring tape. The great ruler walked from attendant to attendant, measuring each of their sticks with care.Once the emperor was finished, he turned to Birbal with a quizzical look.Akbar said quizzically, “ Well, this is most peculiar! According to my measurements, none of the nine sticks have grown longer! But one of the nine sticks... has gotten shorter!”The attendants gasped. Birbal's eyes gleamed.With a twinkle in his eyes Birbal asked,Birbal with a surprise look said, “One of the sticks has ‘gotten shorter,' you say? How much shorter, Your Imperial Highness?”The emperor held up two fingers and gestured toward one of the attendants whose stick was shorter by two inches.The attendant immediately began to shudder and sweat. Birbal walked over to the nervous woman and took the stick from her quivering hand. He peered at the stick closely.Birbal exclaimed, “This attendant's stick is two whole inches shorter than all the rest! Ladies and gentlemen, we have found the thief who stole the emperor's.”He asked the royal guards to take the attendant to her room and bring back the emperor's diamond ring.Akbar was confused.“You told that in the hands of someone dishonest and deceitful, the magic stick was supposed to grow two inches overnight. But that attendant's stick didn't grow two inches... It shrank!”The wise advisor smile and explained that the sticks weren't magical. He just hoped that he would make the thief believe that they were and at night the culprit cut the stick by exactly two inches.In short, the guilty attendant cut two inches off of her stick because that way, if the stick grew two inches overnight, it would still look like all the other sticks come morning!Akbar patted Birbal's back and said, “You are my real gem.”Thanks to Birbal's wit and wisdom, by the end of the day the emperor was wearing his thick gold ring set with a dazzling diamond the size of an apricot.But the great ruler no longer considered the bright, brilliant jewel his “greatest treasure.”Because now he realized that his greatest treasure was bright… and brilliant… but it wasn't any ornament.It was Birbal! A wise and witty friend who was always there for him, no matter what. 

Today's story- The Blue Jackal is from the Panchatantra. It's a story about a jackal who acts like someone else and tries to rule the forest, but does he succeed? Listen to the story to find out.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-panchatantra-the-blue-jackalSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptOnce there was an adventurous jackal in a forest who frequently strayed into the neighbouring village looking for food. The village was filled with dogs that scared the jackal. Although he was scared of the dogs, the jackal loved food and travelled to the city again and again.One day, as he was going to enter a house, he heard barking. He was shocked to find a gang of dogs running towards the house. They looked violent and caused the jackal to panic. In a hurry, he ran to the next house he saw open. It happened to be the house of a washerman. Scared, the jackal tumbled into a tub of indigo, the blue dye used for bleaching clothes. The dogs couldn't see the jackal and they ran another way. Children, what colour was the jackal now?Let's listen ahead. The jackal came back to the forest with his body dyed in blue. He appeared very different from any other animal. With his cunning mind at work, he was pleased as no one would be able to recognize him and he could easily fool anyone in the jungle.Just like he had thought, everyone in the forest was surprised to see such an unusual animal.When the lions, tigers, panthers, wolves and other animals in the forest saw him, they were frightened and ran in all directions. They thought to themselves, "We do not know his power and strength. It is better we keep a distance from him. Haven't the elders warned us not to trust strangers?”Finally, the lions and the tigers gathered courage and asked who he was and who had sent him.“I have been sent by God himself to look after you. I will now be the king of the jungle,” the jackal said.The lion protested, “Don't you know, I have always been the king of the forest.”“From now, that must change and all of you must serve me” The Jackal said happily.Some animals like the tiger protested and asked what would happen if they didn't obey him. He replied, “God would destroy the entire forest if you all didn't obey me.”Scared for their lives and their forest, the animals asked the blue Jackal what he would like them to do.“Bring me lots of food,” said the blue jackal promptly.The animals quickly scurried and returned with lots of food for the Jackal.He had so much food that he gave his leftovers to the other animals and said, “ You must serve me fresh food every day. Hope that is clear.”He even threw out the pack of jackals from the forest because he knew that they could identify him someday.The blue Jackal was very happy with himself for fooling the entire forest and was happy to be away from the city dogs.But one day the banned pack of jackals was walking around the forest, howling loudly. The blue jackal began howling too out of habit.Because of this mistake, the lions and other animals immediately recognized that their king was after all a jackal and not a God-send creature. They at once pounced on the blue jackal and in turn, banished him from the forest forever.

Akbar and Birbal folktales are very famous in India. These are a set of moral stories inspired by the interactions of Mughal Emperor Akbar and his wisest courtier Birbal and have been enjoyed by children for many many years. These stories were mostly passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth, till the print medium started. You know children, Birbal was an extremely witty courtier and. you will really enjoy listening to the witty, interesting, and sometimes funny, occurrences in the lives of Akbar and Birbal. These stories also help us to think smart just like Birbal.Today's story: Birbal's Khichadi is a tale where Birbal helps a poor man get his much-deserved reward.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-birbals-khichadiSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptOn a cold winter day, emperor Akbar and Birbal took a walk along the lake. As they were discussing matters related to the empire, a thought came to Birbal that a man would do anything for money. He expressed his feelings to Akbar. Akbar put his finger into the lake and immediately removed it because it was freezing cold.Akbar immediately said, “ I don't think a man would spend an entire night in the cold water of this lake for money.”Birbal replied confidently, “I am sure I can find such a person.” Akbar then challenged Birbal to find such a person and said that he would reward the person with a thousand gold coins.Children, do you think Birbal would be successful in finding a person who would be ready to stand in freezing water for a whole night?Let's see.Birbal searched far and wide until he found a poor man who was desperate enough to accept the challenge. This poor man was really in need of money.The poor man entered the lake and Akbar had guards posted near him to make sure that he did as promised.Children, what's your guess, would the poor man would be able to stand in cold water.Well, the poor man kept standing the whole night inside the pond, shivering badly. But he did not come out even once.The next morning the guards took the poor man to Akbar.The Emperor asked, “Tell me something, how could you stand in the freezing cold water all through the night?”The innocent poor man replied, “Huzoor, I could see a faintly glowing light coming from your palace, a kilometre away. Looking at that light gave me imaginary warmth and strength to keep standing in the water.”After listening to the poor man, Akbar declined to pay him his reward saying that he had got warmth from the light and this was cheating. The poor man went away disappointed and empty-handed.Children, do you think Akbar did the right thing by not giving the reward to the poor man?That's correct, it wasn't good on Akbar's part not to give the poor man his well-deserved money.Birbal tried to say something in the favour of the poor man but the Emperor refused to listen to him. Soon after, Birbal stopped coming to the durbar and sent a messenger to the king stating that he would come to the court only after he had cooked his khichdi.One day passed, the second day passed, the third and fourth day too. When Birbal did not come to the court for five days, the Emperor himself went to Birbal's house to see what he was doing.Children, can you guess what Birbal was doing?Listen ahead to find out.Birbal had lit the fire and kept the pot of khichdi one metre away from it. Akbar asked him “How will the khichadi get cooked with the fire one metre away? Are you in your senses, Birbal?”Birbal humbly replied, “O' Jahapanah! If it is possible for a person to receive warmth from a light that was a kilometre away, then it is also possible for me to cook this khichdi a metre away from the fire.” Akbar understood his mistake. He called back the poor man and rewarded him with 1000 gold coins as promised.

Tenali Raman was a learned scholar and a poet in King Krishnadevaraya's court. He was a minister in the court and was also one of the eight poets. He was famous for his wit and quick thinking.On the Story Prism podcast, Tenali Raman tales are a collection of some of those stories.Today's story- Raman Outsmarts a Thief is a story that teaches us that being a quick thinker and witty can save us from dire situations. Do you think Raman would be able to save himself this time?Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-tenali-outsmarts-a-thiefSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptOnce upon a time, Raman set out on a long journey. In those days, one had to walk through the jungle to get to another city.Children, how can we travel from one place to another nowadays?That's a lot of ways, but long-long ago, people had to walk if they wanted to travel.So, Raman started his journey. On the way, another traveller joined Raman, who said, “This forest is infested with thieves. I am afraid they will rob me. Can I travel with you?” the man asked Raman. Raman readily agreed.That night, the two of them stopped at some place in the forest to rest. Raman was tired and fell asleep soon. His companion was waiting for this moment. In fact, he was a thief who used to rob travellers. He got up and looked under Raman's pillow without disturbing him. He found nothing. He carefully searched Raman's pockets looking for money. To his disappointment, he did not find even a paisa! Then he opened the bundle Raman was carrying. Again, he found nothing.The next morning, the two resumed their journey. They halted for the night again. Raman again had a sound sleep. Whereas his companion yet again searched Raman's belongings, looking for money and valuables. Again, he was disappointed.The next day, the two travellers reached the holy city of Tirupati, the famous holy city in southern India. This was where Raman and his companion had to part company.At that moment the companion confessed that he was a thief. “ I have never met with failure. But this time I failed. Now that we are parting company, please tell me where you hid the money in the night?” pleaded the thief. “Unless I know your secret, I may not be able to sleep,” he confessed.Raman smiled, “I knew you were a thief the moment I saw you. I took care to hide money where you would never find it.”Children, where do you think Raman hid his money?Let's listen ahead.“But where? I looked for it everywhere,” cried out the thief.“Did you look for it under your pillow?” asked Raman.“I looked for it under your pillow and found nothing. Why should I look for your money under my pillow?” asked the bewildered thief.“Because I hid the money under your pillow,” said Raman, “I was confident it was the one place you would never look for my money.”That indeed surprised the thief's companion. He quietly went off his way thinking about how witty Raman was. Careful and smart thinking can help one beat even the worst people in the world

Today's story - The Little New Year is an adapted legend from the USA. It's about Love and Kindness.Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/the-little-new-yearSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptOne cold morning John awoke from his dreams and sat up in bed and listened. He thought he heard a knock at his window; but though the moon was shining brightly, Mat, a kind hearted boy, had been busy at work. John could not see through the thickly painted panes, so he crept sleepily out of bed, and opened the window, and whispered: “Who is there?”“I am,” replied a tinkling voice. “I am the little New Year, ho! ho! And I've promised to bring a blessing to everyone. But I am such a little fellow I need somebody to help me distribute them. Won't you please come out and help?” Children, what is Mat distributing?Yes, blessings in different forms.Let's listen ahead “Oh, it's so cold!” said John; “I'd rather go back to my warm bed; “ and he shivered as Mat, who was passing, tickled him under the chin with one of the frosty paint brushes.“Never mind the cold,” urged the New Year; “please help me.”So John hurried into his clothes, and was soon out in the yard. There he found a rosy-cheeked boy a little smaller than himself, pulling a large cart which seemed to be loaded with good things. On one side of this cart was painted the word “Love,” and on the other “Kindness.” As soon as the New Year saw John he said, “Now please take hold and help me pull;” and down the driveway and up the hill they travelled until they came to an old shop.“Here is where I make my first call,” said the New Year. John looked wonderingly at him. “Why, nobody lives here but a man named Mr Brown, and he hasn't any children!” “He needs my help,” said the New Year; “for grown people like to be thought of just as much as children do. You shovel out a path to his door, while I unload some of my blessings; and the little hands went busily at work, piling up warm clothing, wood, and a New Year's dinner, the New Year singing as he worked:—   “Oh, I am the little New Year; ho! ho!   Here I come tripping it over the snow,   Shaking my bells with a merry din;   So open your door and let me in.”On hearing some noise outside, Mr Brown came to the door, and when he saw all the nice gifts, tears ran down his cheeks for gladness; and as he carried them into the house, he whispered: “The dear god, thank you so much.”“Where are we going now?” asked John, as they ran down the hill. Children, where do you think the New Year will go next?Nice.Let's listen ahead “To take some flowers to a poor sick girl,” answered the New Year.Soon they came to a small white house, where the New Year stopped. “Why, Bestie, the little girl who sews lives, here,” said John. “I didn't know she was sick.” “See,” said the New Year, “this window is open a little; let us throw this bunch of pinks into the room. They will please her when she wakes and will make her happy for several days.”Then they hurried to other places, leaving some blessings behind them.“What a wonderful cart you have,” said John; “though you have taken so much out, it never seems to get empty.”“You are right, John, there is never any end to love and kindness. As long as I find people to love and be kind to, my cart is full of blessings for them; and it will never grow empty until I can no longer find people to help. If you will go with me every day and help me scatter my blessings, you will see how happy you will be all the long year.”“A happy New Year!” called someone, and John found himself in bed, and his sister standing in the doorway smiling at him. “Have you had a pleasant dream, dear?” she asked.“Why, where is the little New Year?” said John; “he was just here with me.”“Come into Mamma's room and see what he has brought you,” answered his sister. There in a snowy white cradle, he found a tiny baby brother, the gift of the New Year. How happy John was then! But he did not forget his dream.From that day John tried very hard to be helpful. He made all his friends glad because the happy New Year had come. 

Today's story is an original story that I wrote, inspired by the ornaments my neighbour's little child was hanging so lovingly on his Christmas tree.Do you know the significance of each of the Christmas ornaments? Or do you think it's just for decoration? Well, enjoy the story “No Ordinary Ornament."Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-no-ordinary-ornamentSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptIt was late November, little Rhea watched as the movers carried luggage to the apartment next door. She was excited that finally, she would have neighbours. She crossed her fingers and prayed that the new family would have kids who could be her companions. She kept peeping out of her window now and then to check and get an update on the move.It was around noon when she heard the kids and rushed to the door. To her delight, she saw three kids walking toward the next-door apartment. Seeing Rhea, they came to meet her and introduced themselves as Tim, Kelly, and Ryan.Well! What followed was days of playing, chatting, and sleepovers. In fact, a strong bond of friendship developed among them. They all celebrated Rhea's birthday together on the 20th of December, which Rhea claimed was the best so far.All the kids were excited that the Christmas holidays were round the corner and, on the first day of the holiday, Kelly invited Rhea to her house to put up their Christmas tree. Rhea had seen many Christmas trees in the malls and schools but never helped someone put one up. So she was thrilled.Ms. Brown, the children's mother, brought the big fir tree in with the help of the children. Mr. Brown unpacked the boxes filled with all the decorations from previous years.“This is going to be my first time decorating a Christmas tree!” said one very excited Rhea with a twinkle in her eyes.Taking out the lights from one of the boxes, Kelly replied, “Let's put up these lights first. You may then unpack the bells that my father wraps so well every year so they don't break.”“But why do we put these bells?” asked Rhea innocently. Kelly glanced at the two siblings looking for an answer. And they in turn looked at their father for the answer. “Children, bells are rung in the church after the mass. When you go to the church you hear the bells right? And that's why we also put bells on the Christmas tree,” answered the father.“That's interesting,” Tim nodded as he started to open the next box. “So dad, why do we put all decorations on the tree; the candy canes, the bird in the nest, angels, etc. Is it for decoration or is there some significance that is there?”“I'll take this one!” mom replied, taking out a candy cane. “I'm glad you asked. This is the staff of the Shepherd. And the wreath is for...” before she could finish Tim jumped in, “Sprucing the front door!”“No dear, that represents the thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries represent the blood.”Holding a rabbit in one hand and a fruit basket in the other Rhea asked, “What about these, aunty?”“The rabbit symbolizes peace with nature and the fruit is so we always have plenty to eat and to remind us to be generous.”“Mom, Dad, how come you never told us about this earlier?” Kelly inquired.“I was waiting for you to be inquisitive enough and ask yourself,” mom said lovingly hanging the bird ornament on the tree, “and this bird in the nest reflects happiness and joy.”The tree was already looking beautiful.Ryan opened another box and asked, “Hey mom, this frog must be from Kelly's toys!”“Ha, ha! The frogs traditionally are symbols of good luck. Frogs can't move backward or side to side.”“You know,” father jumped in, “They always move forward suggesting we all achieve our goals and accomplishments.”“Mmm… I will be like the frog from now onwards, moving ahead to achieve my goals,” Rhea thought to herself.Ryan took out the teapot, “Now this for sure has no meaning!”“Dear Ryan, you serve tea to guests in the teapot. This teapot ornament symbolizes hospitality,” Ms. Brown responded.Rhea said, “I have seen angels being hung. Do you have them?”“Oh, of course! Open the box marked ‘angels and stars', right over there,” Mr. Brown replied. “Rhea, angels are a must, for through them we ask for guidance in our lives.”“But what about this house ornament?” questioned Kelly.“That symbolizes shelter and protection for the family. And the star that we perch on the top represents the stars that led the three wise men to baby Jesus,” the mother helped the children understand. “Now I'll ask you all a question. Why is there a Christmas tree during Christmas in the first place?” asked father.Kelly, Rhea, and Ryan looked puzzled but Tim yelled out, “I know, I read somewhere, it's because the evergreens would always keep the away from the evil spirits away! Isn't it?”“You're right! The Christmas tree is to keep evil spirits and illness at bay,” Mr. Brown patted Tim.Everybody stepped back to look at the Christmas tree. It looked gorgeous, adorned with all the ornaments.Then Ms. Brown announced, “Rhea join us on Christmas Day morning to find the Christmas pickle ornament.”“Pickle ornament?” one very confused Rhea asked.Kelly excitedly said, “You know, it's a Christmas tradition to hide a pickle ornament in the tree, and the first person who finds it gets an extra present and has a year of good fortune.”“I'll be there for sure! Thanks, uncle and auntie, for letting me be a part of your Christmas traditions and I learned so much today,” Rhea said.“So did we!” said the siblings unanimously.

Today's story – Santa's Christmas is about the spirit of Christmas It's a time for people to come together, celebrate, and spread positive energy.Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/santas-christmasSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptIt was a beautiful December day, with a clear blue sky and snow-covered tree tops. Christmas was in the air but up in Santa's lodge, all was quiet. The usual hustle and bustle for preparing Christmas presents had gone for Santa had fallen ill.“Oh dear, what will children say when they don't receive presents this year,” Santa wondered sadly, as he lay on his bed.Suddenly, he heard a noise from outside. Children , who do you think was outside?Nice. Let's listen ahead. He looked out of his window and saw his four reindeer standing patiently as always. But they seemed quite out of breath as if they had just finished a long trip. And as Santa took a closer look, he could not believe what he saw. For behind the reindeer was the long train of sledges carrying children little children dressed in all sorts of colours.One by one, they hopped out onto the snow and headed towards Santa's lodge. Soon came a knock on the door.“Come in,” Santa called out as he was extremely curious.In came a little girl hugging something soft in her arms. “I hear you were sick Mr Santa,” she began. “So, I am giving you my teddy bear to keep you company.”“Thank you little Emma,” said Santa as he knew every child by name.Then entered a young boy with a red package in his arms.“We knew that you were ill Papa Santa,” he said. “So my family knitted this quilt for you to keep you warm in the winter days.”“What a wonderful thought Paul,” beamed Santa patting him on the head.One by one, the children came in through Santa's door, each with a special gift to wish Santa a speedy recovery. Children, name a few gift that you think Santa got from the children?Yes, there were cookies, pieces, socks, mittens, books, jigsaw puzzles, and even a small Christmas tree! “Children delivered to my doorstep!” exclaimed Santa. “Come let us all share these wonderful gifts.” and he gathered the children around him in a big circle.“Santa, which present did you like the most?” Emma soon piped up.“My dear little ones, it is the love and kindness that each one of you has shown me today. That is the best present of all!” Santa said smiling.He looked fondly at all the eager faces around him. “This, my little ones is the true meaning of Christmas,” Santa said.With that, Santa gave each of the children are big warm holiday hug. 

Escapades of Letter C is a story of Alphabet C's positive attitude when faced with a difficult time while going to the circus.Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-alphabet-escapades-letter-c.Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptOnce a farmer lived on a big farm on the outskirts of the city with his wife and two children, Cocco and Camy. And there was alphabet C that stayed with them too. Camy, the younger of the two children carried Alphabet C everywhere.The farmer often went to the city to get seeds, manure, and other things needed on the farm.One day, when the farmer returned from one such trip to the city, he exclaimed, “There is a circus running in the city!”Cocco and Camy were very excited. Mummy was milking the cow and when she returned, both the kids shouted in delight, “Mummy! May we please go to the circus? Please, please!”“Sure! That will be fun,” answered mummy hugging the children.Alphabet C, who was listening to all the excitement also wanted to go to the circus. He pleaded, “Please take me along to the circus!”Mummy explained, “You are welcome Alphabet C, but you should stay close to us as a city is a huge place, and we do not want you to get lost.”“Pinky promise! I will stay with Cocco and Camy all the time,” said one very excited alphabet C.Let me ask a question to all you lovely children listening to the story out there: When you go to a new place, should you go far away from your parent or a grown-up? No, never! Is that a pinky promise?Coming back to the story- Remember Camy and Cocco along with alphabet C were excited about going to the circus in the city.Camy, who was only 5 years old asked sheepishly, “But what exactly is a circus?”Mummy took Camy in her lap and explained, “Well, Circus has acrobats, clowns, and other performances, in a large tent. The rest you can find out when we go there!”Children and Alphabet C waited impatiently waited for Sunday.On Saturday, mummy asked everybody, “What snacks would you all like me to pack for the circus?”Coco exclaimed, “Let's take a chocolate cake!”Camy added, “ I want my favourite carrots!”“I think we should take some sandwiches and juice too as we might return late from the circus,” father said.“And how did you children forget candy??”“Yes! Yes! Please take that too,” the children said together.The next day, Cocco and Camy wore nice clothes, combed their hair neatly, and were ready. In the excitement Camy forgot Alphabet C, who came rolling behind, “Please don't leave me! Please don't leave me!”Camy Picked him and said, “I am really sorry. I didn't mean to leave you behind!”Mummy was ready with the snacks too.They all sat in the car and were off to the city.We are driving down the bumpy road,the bumpy roadthe bumpy roadWe are driving down the bumpy road,To the circus, it'll lead!They all were singing songs and rhymes when suddenly they heard a Boom!All of them jumped in their seats because of that loud sound.Father got down from the car and looking around the car he said, “Don't worry, it's just a flat tyre, I have a spare tyre and will fix it in 10 min.”The children looked at their father with pride.“My daddy is the best,” said Camy.The farmer opened the trunk of the car to replace the tyre, but he realized he didn't have a spare tyre.“I am so sorry; I forget to place the spare tyre!” father said very sadly.The children had tears rolling down their cheeks, “Now we'll have to wait another year to watch the circus,” said Cocco, sobbing.“Crying doesn't help dear Cocco, let's think of some other ways to reach the circus,” said Alphabet C.“That's right,” said mumma.“Shhh everybody be quiet, I hear something,” said alphabet C.Just then they heard the chime of the bells and the clippety-clop, clippety-clop! Being on the farm they knew that it was the sound of a horse or listening carefully was it the sound of two horses galloping.All of them looked in the direction of the sound and sure enough, there were two horses pulling a beautiful carriage.The farmer waved to the coachman who immediately stopped.Father explained that they were going to the city and had a flat tyre. Unfortunately, he forgot to keep the spare tyre.The coachman said politely, “I can take you to the town. Please sit in the carriage.”The farmer and his family couldn't leave an offer like and thanking the coachman climbed onto the carriage.Off they all went clippety-clop, clippety-clop!The coachman asked on the way, “Where do you want to go in the city?”“We are going to the circus!” Shrieked the children in excitement.“Wow! What a coincidence, I work at the circus and would drop you right at the gate!”“That's awesome!” The two kids shouted clapping their hands.As they approached the city children spotted colourful tents, “Is that where the circus is?”“Indeed,” said the coachman.Once they reached, they thanked the coachman.Alphabet C whispered in Camy's ear, “Please give carrots to the horses. I think they would love them.”“That's a great idea!” Camy said and took out some carrots from the basket and gave them to the horses, “Thank you very much for bringing us to the circus dear horses!”With a big smile on their faces, they bought the tickets and some people dressed as caterpillars showed them their seats.Soon the circus started with a clown wearing colourful outfit riding his cycle that had just one wheel.“That's called a unicycle!' father told the children.He had a cane in his hand and did funny tricks that made the whole audience roar out in laughter.Then, there were the acrobats. The children were awestruck by their balancing acts.Soon there was a short break. By now the children were hungry and they ate the cake and farmer bought them caramelized popped corn.There were many other performances and the farmer's family had a great time at the circus. So did alphabet C.When the circus finished, the farmer took a car mechanic who took them in his car and repaired the tyre.They thanked the car mechanic.“All is well that ends well!” exclaimed Alphabet C as they drove back to the farm.Hello Children! I am alphabet C. Hope you liked the story.You know I make two sounds: /k/ and /s/I mostly make the sound /k/ as in /c/ car.   But I also make the sound /s/ as in circus.Let's see what all words in the story started with the sound /c/.Remember was mummy was milking? /c/ cowAnd there were many other words/c/ cake/c/ carrot/c/ candy/c/ car/c/ carriage/c/ coachman/c/ caterpillar/c/ clownAnd what kind of popcorn did the father get? /c/caramelized.And do you remember the names of the children? Cocco and CamyBut sometimes I make the sound /s/ too/s/ city/s/ circusIs that confusing?Not at all if I tell you a rule:When ‘c‘ comes directly before the letters ‘e‘, ‘i‘ or ‘y‘ we use the /s/ sound.In other cases, we use a /k/ sound.Simple!! Isn't it?

Today's story-Watching the Garden is a folktale from Thailand about a little boy trying to get the beans from his garden back.To find out if he succeeds, listen to the storyFree activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/watching-the-gardenSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.comTranscript:Once in Thailand, a little boy was sent to watch the garden by his grandfather. But after a while he grew bored and went off to play. As soon as he left, a crow swooped down and stole some beans. Just then, the boy's grandfather came and was most annoyed. After some time, the boy returned with a smile, which quickly turned upside down when he saw his grandfather's face.“Look what happened when you left,” the old man said to the boy.“We need those beans. You should have watched. It was your work.”The boy felt very sad and wanted to help.He decided to get the beans back from the crow. So he ran to a hunter and said, “Please sir, shoot an arrow at that crow so he will drop the beans he stole.”“Why should I bother the crow?” asked the hunter. “You made the mistake, not the crow.”The boy walked on until he found a mouse.“Please little mouse,” he said. “Chew the hunter's bowstrings so he will shoot an arrow for me.”“I am not mad at the hunter,” said the mouse, “it's your problem”.So, the boy walked on soon he saw a cat and said, “Please friend cat, nip that mouse so it will help me.”But the cat too refused.Children, who do you think the little boy would meet next?Exactly -a dog!So, the boy met a dog.“Dear dog,” he said. “Chase that cat so it will nip the mouse and help me.”“Chase him yourself,” replied the dog. “I am busy.” Then the boy found a hammer and begged him to beat the dog.“I am too tired,” said the hammer.So the boy ran to a fire.“Fire, strong fire,” he said, “Burn that stubborn hammer so it will agree.”“Too much work,” sizzled the fire.Children , let's list all the people and things that the boy metYes- the hunter, the mouse, the cat, the dog, the hammer, and the fire.Next the boy pleaded with some water, “Pour yourself on the fire, dear water, to help me.”“But I like that fire,” replied the water.So the boy asked the earth to cover the water but the earth refused to.Then the boy found an elephant and begged, “Could you please pound the earth so it will cover the water.”The elephant shook his trunk.So the boy sat down and cried.Children, why did the boy cry?Yes, the boy cried as he was sad about losing the beans and wanted to get them back. But no one was helping him.At that time, a little mosquito flew around him. The boy suddenly caught it.“Now, little mosquito,” he said, “Fly into the elephant's ears and annoy him or else squeeze you to death.”The mosquito was scared. He flew into the elephants ear.The elephant was scared and he pounded the earth.The earth was scared and it covered the water.The water was scared and fell on the fire.The fire was scared and ran to burn the hammer.The hammer was scared and threatened the dog.The dog was scared and chased the cat.The cat was scared and ran to nip the mouse.The mouse was scared and ran to bit the bowstring.The hunter was scared and he shot an arrow.The arrow scared the crow.The crow dropped the beans and they fell right into the garden again.The grandfather was delighted and forgave the boy at once. then they enjoyed a meal of the best noodles and the freshest vegetables.But after that the boy always watched the garden very carefully and he waited until he was all finished before he went to play.Try to recall all the events in the story.And remember that we must finish our work before running off to play.

Escapades of Letter B is a story of Alphabet B's adventure in a forest. He observes the daily routine of various animals and becomes especially fond of the baby bear.Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-alphabet-escapades-letter-b.Send your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptAlphabet B was very adventurous. He loved to travel to places near and far.On one of his travels, he reached a beautiful forest. The forest was full of big and small trees, with fruits and flowers of many kinds and colours. He liked the forest so much that he decided to stay there for a few days.Alphabet B quietly observed the daily routine of the animals there. He watched the squirrels, the baboons, the deer, the birds, the bees to just name a few.Alphabet B was very fond of the bear family that lived in a cave towards the east of the forest, especially the baby bear. This cub was no ordinary baby bear. While all his friends and family roamed around in the jungle, looking for the honeycombs, fighting with the honeybees, eating the honey that the bees made, the baby bear had a different routine. Unlike the rest of the bears, the baby bear, would come out of the cave with his family but he trotted straight to his favourite banyan tree. He lay his precious belongings which were his books and the soap water that he loved to make bubbles with. Next, he would pluck a few banana leaves and lay them neatly under the banyan tree. Then he sat comfortably and started reading his books.As soon as the baby bear's friends saw him, they rushed towards the banyan tree. The baboons jumped from tree to tree to reach the banyan tree, the birds flew, the ants marched, the rabbits scurried, and the beetles flew to the banyan tree. Even the barn owl would get up from the middle of his sleep when the baby bear arrived at the banyan tree.All the animals gathered around the banyan tree because they all loved when the baby bear read stories to them. Even the alphabet B would hide amongst the branches of the banyan tree and enjoy the stories that the baby bear read.After reading the story for his friends, baby bear would blow bubbles some big and the others small. He loved to observe his friends play with the bubbles. The little birds would pop them with their tiny beaks, the baboons would push then with their hands, just like we push a ball. The ants would wriggle when bubbles would fall on them, and the beetles chased them till they popped. Well, the owls, needless to say went back to sleep. This happened every single day.There was a gigantic beehive opposite the banyan tree. The bees were extremely curious. They wanted to know what was happening under the banyan tree every single day. One of them asked the other bee while cleaning the beehive, “Why do all the animals rush to meet the baby bear every day?”The other bee replied, “I have no idea, but they all seem to enjoy their time together.”One day, a group of beetles were rushing towards the banyan tree, as they had gotten late. When the beetles crossed the hive, they heard a bee shout out, “Heybeetles! Why do you all go to the bear under the banyan tree? What's so special about him?”One beetle stopped and shouted back, “0h! don't you know he tells us very nice stories. Why don't you come and join someday?Bees were excited but scared at the same time. Excited as they also wanted to enjoy the story, Scared, as the bees and the bears had never been friends.But still a few of the brave bees gathered their courage and followed the beetles. Scared of being shoed away, they approached the bear slowly. And To the bees' surprise, the bear said, “Please don't be afraid, you are welcomed to listen to the story.” All the beetles, bees, and other animals heard him in pin drop silence. The bees were enchanted not just by the story, but by the baby bear too for he was very gentle and kindhearted. They all thanked him and went back happily Now, every day even the bees joined the baby bear's story telling sessions. Each following day the numbers kept on increasing.One day, after the storytelling session, the bear was returning to his cave when he saw some nice blue coloured berries and he plucked them and tossed them into his mouth. “Umm these are delicious, wonder why no one eats them?” thought the baby bear, plucking a bunch of berries. But as soon as he ate them, he had such a terrible-terrible tummy ache, it was so acute that he lay on the ground shouting in pain. -Someone please help me…help me.Well children, should the bear have eaten those berries, without knowing if they were safe or harmful? Yes, indeed. He did a big mistake eating the wild berries. You too should not try to eat anything you are not sure of.In fact, those blue berries, which looked so delicious were not the good blue berries to be eaten.The birds saw him in pain and fluttered their wings as fast as they could they told the baby bears parents, “Please come, baby bear is not well.”Mummy and papa bear hurried to the place where baby bear lay. Mummy bear patted the baby bears hands and said, “Don't worry, you will be ok soon.” The birds were circling around the baby bear and fanning him. But nothing that the mummy papa bear did, or the birds did help the baby bear. Alphabet B was really sad and prayed for the bear cub to become fine soon. The bees were busy as usual cleaning their hive but when they heard a lot of commotion, they rushed to see what had happened. Looking at the baby bear, the bees at once buzzed into action and took a big piece of hive with delicious honey dripping from it towards the baby bear. Seeing the bees, Papa bear shooed them, “Go away, please leave us alone as out baby is in a lot of pain.”One of the bees politely said, “We are not here to trouble your baby bear, but to give him some honey that will help his stomach.”Astonished the mummy bear, thanked the bees and took the honeycomb. She placed the piece of honeycomb oozing with honey in bear's month. As he sucked into the hive, the honey worked like magic and in no time the baby bear was feeling better. Mumma and papa bear thanked the bees for helping. All the animals were delighted. d mummy and papa bear shouted, “Three cheers for the bees. All the animals echoed-Hip -hip -hurray, Hip -hip -hurray, Hip -hip -hurray!Everyone left for their homes as it was getting dark.Alphabet B smiled and was happy that the bear cub was healthy again. He decided it was time to travel again and slowly walked away from the forest for yet another adventure.

Escapades of Letter A is a story of Alphabet A's first day of school and his excitement to learn the sound he makes.Free activity sheets and other downloadable resources available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-alphabet-escapades-of-letter-aSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptIt was the day alphabet A had been waiting for; the day he would go to school. He quickly got ready and was on his way. He was really excited about the school. He wanted to hear lots of stories and learn about the shapes, animals, plants and of course, the sound that he makes.On the way to school, he crossed a pond. There he met an alligator. The alligator was looking up at the tree beside the pond.“What are you doing alligator?” asked Alphabet A“I am collecting all the apples that are falling down from this apple tree. Want to join me?”“I would have loved to, but I have to go to school. They will tell me lots of stories and teach me about the different shapes, animals, plants ….and of course the sound that I make. Waving bye to the alligator, Alphabet A went ahead. He now met some ants.“What are you doing ants?” asked letter A.“We are carrying grains to our ant hill. Want to join us?”“I would have loved to, but I have to go to school. They will tell me lots of stories and teach me about the different shapes, animals, plants ….and of course the sound that I make.Waving bye to the ants he said, “Hope you collect lots of grains today!”Jumping along, Alphabet A reached school.School was fun. His teacher told a story during the circle time. Then they played with the blocks. After the snack time, the teacher took them to the playground. Alphabet A was really enjoying the school.But he was most excited when the teacher taught the sound that alphabet A makes.A says /a/.A says /a/.Letter A was delighted, He kept saying “A says /a/. A says /a/. A says /a/.”Soon it was time to return home. Delighted, letter A thanked the teacher and waved bbye to all his new friends, “ Cu tomorrow friends!”A was glad he learnt learn what sound he makes and kept singing to himself, “A says /a/. A says /a/.”While he was returning, he met a wood cutter with an axe. Axe is like a big knife used for cutting trees.As soon as he saw the axe, A shouted, “Axe starts with me. Yipee! A says /a/, Axe.”He went ahead and met the ants again.A asked ants, “So, how many grains did you collect?”The ants kept marching and said ‘lots! We hope that you enjoyed your school.”Then suddenly A exclaimed, “Wow! Ants, my dear friends, your name starts with the sound that I make! A says /a/ ants.”Ants smiled and gave him a thumbs up to alphabet A.A marched ahead. He met the alligator again as he was passing the pond.“What did you do whole day alligator?”“I made an apple pie with all the apples I collected!”Suddenly, he realized he heard the sound he makes.He exclaimed, “Wow! A says/a/, /a/ apple. That's what you collected. Alligator your name starts with A. A says/a/, Alligator. Oh my god! I learnt so much at the school today.”“I am glad you enjoyed school. Now run off home!” said the alligator.Alphabet happily went home singing- A says /a/. A says /a/.

A crow is a bird whom most people ignore and do not attach any special things like peacock feathers, Cuckoo's singing or sparrow's nests.Today's story – ‘The Crow's Discover'- is a story where a crow tries to learn something that would be special, but does he succeed?Let's listen to the story and find out.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/archive-the-crows-discoverySend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptThe sun's rays had started to paint the east horizon with hues of red and orange. In his nest, Kalu, the crow, woke up and looked around. He was bored. He cleared his throat and called a few times.” Ka, ka! It is so boring,” He thought to himself. Then suddenly, He heard beautiful music. A koel was singing his sweet song somewhere nearby.Children, “koels and cuckoos are cousins belonging to the same family. Both birds lay eggs in the nests of host birds. koels are primarily found in the  Indian Subcontinent, China, and Southeast Asia.Getting back to the storyFor a while, Kalu enjoyed the song. Then he got mad. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair! It was he who had warmed the eggs that the koel had hatched from, and now that little bird was singing so much better than his! But he shouldn't be jealous, he told himself, the thing to do was to take singing lessons from the Koel.Kalu went looking for the koel and found his at last. The koel looked at him a little suspiciously, but Kalu was very respectful.“You have the sweetest voice in the world. Will you teach me to sing?” Kalu asked humbly.“For sure, but you have to be here at dawn every morning,” said the koel. Kalu nodded.“Great! So, let's start tomorrow morning,” said the koel soaring high in the sky.Kalu was very worried. He loved his sleep and never woke up before sunrise. But he was very firm about his singing lessons and so he wound up his alarm clock and set it before he went to bed. When the alarm rang, Kalu jumped out of the bed, rubbed his eyes and spread his wings to yawn. Then, he flapped his wings as fast as he could and reached the koel.The koel was waiting impatiently.“Good morning Koel!” greeted Kalu.“Let's get started.” Kuhoo, kuhoo. Now you copy me, Kalu, “she sang and asked Kalu to try. Eagerly, Kalu tried, but all he could say was, “Ka-ka, Ka-ka.”After a while, the koel had had enough, “I give up. You are just not able to learn. Please find another teacher. I have to rush to the place I recently found some grains piled up. let me go and enjoy that. Don't tell anyone else, Kalu as then I'll have to share which I don't want to.” Kalu was very disappointed that He couldn't learn to sing.He had tears rolling down his cheeks and sadly He returned to his nest.Another day Kalu saw a mouse gnawing at a sack. Kalu called out, “Hey mouse, please teach me to gnaw too!”The mouse whispered, “Shhhh, be quiet, else all the mice will come and finish the grains in this sack. This is my find and I want to eat it every day. I don't want to share with anyone. Moreover, you are a crow, you crows can never learn anything, except cawing. I can't teach you.”Children, what can you say about the character of the mouse? Is he helpful, mean, kind, or unkind?Well, days passed and Kalu went about doing his regular chores. But he had a burning desire to be able to do something as special as singing like Koel or gnawing like the mice.Soon it was the rainy season. Kalu used to watch the peacocks dancing. He loved to see their grace in every movement. He wanted to dance just like them.So one day he went up to one of the peacocks and requested, “Would you be kind enough to teach me to dance?”The peacock smiled and said, “Sure, I could most certainly do that. Just follow me.”The peacock continued, “One-two move to the left, 3-4 move to the right.”The crow focussed and tried. He couldn't get it right on the first try. He tried again, and again, but all in vain.  “Looks like I can never learn to sing like koel, gnaw like a mouse, or even dance like a peacock!” Sadly he walked back home.“I am good at nothing,” He said sobbing.As He passed a house, He saw wheat spread on a mat for drying.He burst into a smile. Children, why did the crow burst into a smile?Let's listen ahead. Kalu flapped his wings as fast as he could, announcing about the wheat to all his friends and family.They all gathered in the backyard and had a feast.They all thanked Kalu for being generous.It was then that a thought struck Kalu, “So what if I can sing, gnaw, or dance, but I am generous and invited my friends and family to share the wheat that I found. No other animal did that.”He was proud of himself and grateful that He was a part of such a kind and sharing family.

Today's story, The Mountain Lion Learns A Lesson is an adapted folktale from Spain. It is a story about an arrogant Puma who learns a lesson.Free activity sheet available at www.rituvaish.com/the-mountain-lion-learns-a-lessonSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.comTranscript:It is said that many, many years ago, there lived in Mexico a lion, as black as coal and strong like no other animal.He knew that his presence scared the other animals in the forest, so he enjoyed scaring them whenever he saw the opportunity.If he caught them off guard, he would suddenly start roaring, causing them to be greatly startled. Another of his favourite hobbies was to climb trees and jump noiselessly so close to them that they were terrified. The Puma had a lot of fun with these practical jokes, but the other animals were fed up with his pranks.Children, do you play any tricks on your friends?Remember, our pranks should not harm anyone.One day, the Puma was running at such speed and suddenly it tripped over the house of a small grasshopper and destroyed it. The grasshopper got very angry.“Do you think what you have done is nice?” he said angrily, facing him bravely.“I'm tired of you acting so arrogantly and troubling all the animals in the forest. Look, you destroyed my home that I had so painstakingly made!”“How dare you talk to me like that?” The Puma roared so loudly that it could be heard throughout the forest.“An insect as small and useless as you doesn't have to tell me what I should or shouldn't do, that's all!”The grasshopper was not scared, he gathered his courage and said, “That's what you think?” the grasshopper screeched, his voice becoming almost hoarse from the effort to appear threatening.“You have kicked my home and you will have to take care of the rebuilding cost of it.”“Ha ha ha! Don't even dream of it, you fool! Get out of the way and let me pass. I have more important things to do than be here wasting time with you.” Roared the lionThe Puma was preparing to leave without giving in, without even apologizing. This made the grasshopper enraged. “Since you are so brave and believe you are stronger and smarter than anyone, I challenge you to fight. Tomorrow at this time, we will face each other right here. I will gather my army and you will gather yours. We'll see who wins!”Children, whom do you think will be in the army of the grasshopper and the army of the lion?Let's listen ahead.“Alright! You and your army will get what they deserve and then you will learn to respect me," shouted the lion, convinced that the grasshopper had everything to lose.Both, the Puma and the grasshopper went in search of their army. The grasshopper gathered his friends the wasps; the Puma asked some of the foxes. When the appointed time arrived, the two sides appeared ready to confront each other in the open field. They looked at each other with contempt and watched every movement.One of the foxes with the most experience in this type of situation decided it was time to attack. He looked at the Puma to ask for his approval and when it nodded, he encouraged the others to attack the opponents, “Attack! Let not even one of those insects remain!”The grasshopper reacted and also shouted at the army of wasps at him. “Let's go, friends! This is going to be a piece of cake! Attack!”The Puma and the foxes were much larger in size and strength, but they did not have the secret weapon of the waspsChildren, what do you think the secret weapon of the wasps is?Yes, indeed, the secret weapons are their stingers.They took their secret weapons and stuck them into the backs of their enemies, again and again.The Puma and the foxes began to jump due to the unbearable pain.The stings were hurting the Pumaand foxes so much that they ran towards the nearest lake and jumped into the water to relieve the stinging. They submerged their bodies except their heads. The dozens of wasps, under the orders of the grasshopper, remained buzzing a short distance above them.If the Puma and the foxes wanted to get out of the water, wham!... They would come back to bite them! So they had to soak for hours.As night fell, the temperature of the water dropped and they were so cold that their bones were hurting. They were hungry, thirsty, and could no longer bear the strain of staying afloat. Putting aside his pride, the Puma surrendered.“Okay, grasshopper. I admit that I was wrong. You and your army have won the battle,” the Puma acknowledged with a tired voice.Of course, the Puma felt very humiliated but had no other option. The grasshopper sighed and applauded his faithful wasp friends as a thank-you for their help. Then he looked into the lion's eyes, “I hope you have learned your lesson. Strength is not the most valuable thing one has. Nor is size or believing oneself better than others. And let it be clear to you: no matter how small some of us may be, together we can defeat the most powerful.”

Today's story, The red leather shoes, is about a shoemaker who extends kindness to someone in need. And what she gets in return, she never saw coming! Free activity sheet available at https://www.rituvaish.com/archive-the-red-leather-shoesSend your artwork to rituvaish@gmail.com.TranscriptLong, long ago, in a small village in a sprawling kingdom, there lived a shoemaker.Customers travelled from all corners of the kingdom to order shoes from the shoemaker. For everyone agreed the woman had a gift for making the most beautiful, comfortable footwear, and making it fast.Children, which colour are your favourite shoes?Everyone was in awe of her skill and speed.Eventually, though, things began to change.The shoemaker was growing older — so her eyes were growing weaker, her fingers were growing stiffer, and her work was growing slower.But, the shoes she made were still as beautiful and comfortable as ever, but her customers were growing annoyed about how long they had to wait. Soon, the customers found a cobbler in the capital city, a young fellow who could churn out shoes like they were pancakes on a griddle, but certainly, the craftsmanship suffered and was no way close to the shoemakers.Unfortunately, before long, the shoemaker in the village had no customers. And with no customers, she had no income. She couldn't afford the material to make new shoes… or food to fill her belly!Children, what do you think will happen to her now?One morning, as she sat down for a meager breakfast of rice and tea, she glanced around her dusty shop. The shoemaker frowned as she sipped her tea. If she didn't get any customers soon, she'd be in trouble! She kept thinking that there must be something she could do. Then, all of a sudden, something caught her eye. She shuffled to the kitchen, stretched up her creaky arms, and brought a box down from the shelf. It was a wooden box made from a walnut tree, with elaborate, intricate designs carved along the sides and top.When the shoemaker lifted the box's dusty lid, her eyes lit up. “There you are! I'd almost forgotten about you!”Children, do you have a special box in which you keep your most prized possessions?Let's listen ahead to find out what she found in the box.The shoemaker reached inside and unfolded a big piece of leather. She rubbed the material between her fingers. It was as smooth as the petals of a rose and as red as a pomegranate.The leather had been a gift from her mother, a brilliantly talented shoemaker who passed all of her skills down to her one and only child. And years and years ago, just before the old woman cobbled her final pair of shoes and let out her final breath, she pulled her daughter aside and placed the leather in her hand.The shoemaker recalled her mother's words, “This leather will make a marvelous pair of shoes, but do not be hasty in using it, wait for the right time.” The shoemaker knew the time had come. At last, she would use her beloved red leather to make a magnificent pair of shoes — so magnificent that she could make a pretty penny selling them!The shoemaker fetched her cobbling tools and got to work. Day after day, week after week, month after month, she stooped down at her table, until at last the red leather shoes were finished. She excitedly placed the shoes in the front window of her shop expecting someone to buy it.And sure enough, it wasn't long before she heard the door chime ring. A customer entered and asked her the price of that pair of shoes.The shoemaker proudly said, “ They're fifty silver coins.”“Fifty silver coins? The cobbler in the capital city would charge way less than that!” the customer yelled out in surprise.The shoemaker explained, “But the cobbler in the capital city would never craft ….”Before even she could finish her sentence, the customed stomped out, “I'm sorry. But fifty silver coins sounds way too steep to me. Good luck with the shoes.”Well, as it turned out, the shoemaker needed far more than luck. All those who walked in, walked out saying that it was way too expensive compared to the one in the capital city. Much to the old shoemaker's dismay, all of them made a beeline for the door.Well, it wasn't long before the shoemaker's cupboards were bare, her pockets were empty, and she was left with little more than a heavy heart and a hungry belly.Then one evening, as a ferocious storm raged outside, the shoemaker sat huddled by the fire. She was rubbing her bony hands and trying to ignore her grumbling belly when all of a sudden she heard a knock. ...Children, who could be at the door?The shoemaker heaved herself to her feet and waddled to the door. Shivering outside was a haggard man. His face was smudged with soot. Raindrops pelted down on his long, shabby coat and tattered hat.He said, “Good evening, madam. Sorry to bother you, but I spotted the glow of your fire through your front window. I've been begging in the streets all day long and I am chilled to my bones! May I please come in and warm myself?”“Of course!” The shoemaker took the beggar's arm and led him to the fire. She said, “I would have offered you some food, but I ate my last bowl of rice days ago, and I haven't been able to …”The shoemaker stopped short. For her eyes had wandered down to the beggar's feet. The man wasn't wearing any shoes or socks, and his toes, soles, and heels were all dirty and wet.“I'm sorry, sir... but your feet! Have you no shoes to wear?”“No, madam. I have no shoes. As a poor beggar, I have nothing at all, really! But you.. How is it you've fallen on such hard times?The shoemaker heaved a sigh and told the whole story.The beggar nodded. Then he gestured toward the front window.“I couldn't help but notice those red leather shoes you have on display. They're utterly spectacular! I've never seen anything like them! Are you telling me nobody will buy those?”Sadly the shoemaker said, “Not even one! Everyone who comes into my shop says the shoes are too expensive.”“That's a pity, hope people understand and appreciate the craftsmanship of these splendid shoes. Well, it's time for me to move on. Thank you for the fire and for the company. It means more than I can say.” The old beggar said.As the man began trudging toward the door, the shoemaker stopped himChildren, why did the shoemaker stop the beggar?Well, the shoemaker gave him the red leather shoes from the window.The old beggar's eyes twinkled as he slipped the shoes on. They fit like a glove. The old beggar thanked her profusely and disappeared into the dark and rainy night.By morning, the storm had passed. Outside the shoemaker's shop, the sky sparkled a brilliant blue, and the sun shone high in the sky.That day the shoemaker decided that she would sell her cobbling tools to get some money then decide what to do next.But just as the shoemaker began gathering up her hammers and scissors, her pincers and pliers...there was a knock at the door.Children, any guesses on who was at the door?When the shoemaker opened the door, she saw an elegant horse and carriage on the street outside. The finely-dressed driver waved his velvet-gloved hand and grinned. He politely said, “Good morning, madam! Please, come with me. We don't have a moment to waste. The King wishes to see you immediately!”The shoemaker was confused. The king? But she did as she was instructed and climbed into the carriage.When the carriage reached the palace, the shoemaker was ushered into a great hall. The moment she spotted the king sitting on his plush velvet throne, decked out in his lush satin robe, she bowed low to the ground.The king said, “Good morning, dear madam! Please. You may rise.”Slowly, she rose to her feet.The king went on, “ I've summoned you to my palace to repay you for the red leather shoes.The shoemaker blinked her eyes. She was totally confused.The king explained, “ You see, nobody outside these palace walls knows it, but from time to time, I like to disguise myself, so I may wander about my kingdom unrecognized. I wish to see first-hand how my people live and how they treat each other. Last night I disguised myself as an old beggar. I made my way to your shop in the thunder, wind, and rain and I knocked at your door. And what did you do? You took me in, you sat me by the fire, and you gave me your most prized possession; the red leather shoes.The shoemaker felt her cheeks flush and said, “Of course I couldn't just leave you out there shivering in the cold!”The king added, “So you say. But do you know how many of your fellow citizens turned me away as I wandered from house to house? Do you know how many of them slammed their door in my face? And so I'd like to repay you by making you the official royal shoemaker. And in return, you may live in this palace and enjoy all the comforts therein. Do you accept my offer?”The shoemaker's heart stuttered and skittered inside her chest. It felt like a dragonfly fluttering its delicate wings.Humbled the shoemaker said, “Yes, Your Majesty. I accept your offer.”And so, the shoemaker packed up her shop in the village and moved into the palace, where she spent her days making beautiful, comfortable shoes for the king.She worked slowly, but the king didn't mind. For what the shoemaker lacked in speed, she made up for in skill. And even if her hands weren't quick, her heart was warm, and that's what mattered most of all.