Author: rgsind
Homework Help
Over the Clouds
Wicked Friendship!
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Story: Abrar Mohsin
Illustrations: Sonal & Sumit, Freepik
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A Lesson for the Angry Ostriches
The Road to Change
Shersingh lion, the King of Champakvan, was watching the news on television. There were several incidents of road accidents being reported. He became upset and thought to do something about it.
Shersingh invited Jumbo elephant to discuss the issue with him. Jumbo was well versed in the matters of road safety as he was the head of Champakvan’s Road Safety Patrol.
“Champakvan is witnessing an increase in the number of road accidents. This disturbs me greatly. I want your advice on what we can do to make Champakvan safer for all,” Shersingh said to Jumbo.
“Don’t worry, sir. I will definitely help you make Champakvan safer. First, let me study the situation and prepare a report. Based on that, I will be able to suggest some measures,” said Jumbo.
“Take all the time you need, Jumbo. The report has to be detailed,” said Shersingh.
Jumbo set to work right away. He went around all the roads in Champakvan observing the traffic movements and making notes. He compiled all of them in his report.
After a couple of weeks, Jumbo presented his report to Shersingh.
“One of the main issues I observed is that the residents of Champakvan do not follow traffic rules. They do not stay within the speed limit, they disregard traffic signals, do not follow lane discipline and park their vehicles wherever they find space, thus blocking traffic. Several signals at the main junctions are not working, causing a lot of chaos. They need to be fixed immediately. We also need to appoint traffic policemen at these junctions to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic,” said Jumbo.
“Good work, Jumbo. I will ask my ministers to fix the signals right away. But what can we do to get the citizens to follow traffic rules?” asked Shersingh.
“I feel there is a lack of awareness about traffic rules and road safety among the citizens. Through campaigns, we can make our citizens aware of the benefit of following the rules. Wearing helmet for two-wheeler riders and seat belt for those driving cars should be made compulsory. If they do not follow the rules, fines should be levied,” suggested Jumbo.
“That is an excellent idea, Jumbo. Let us also put up signs indicating speed limits near schools and hospitals, and prohibiting parking in congested areas,” said Shersingh.
“That will surely help, sir,” said Jumbo. “Another thing I observed is that though kids under the age of 18 are prohibited by law from riding motorcycles or cars, there are many of them who do so.
This is causing a lot of accidents. We can tackle this problem by penalising their parents for allowing them to drive in the first place,” said Jumbo.
“Yes, underage driving is a major cause of concern,” agreed Shersingh.
More From Champak: Public Transportation in India
“There’s one more thing, sir. You could also consider allocating a separate lane for cyclists and pedestrians so that they can travel safely,” added Jumbo.
“Consider it done! Thank you for your suggestions, Jumbo. These steps are sure to make Champakvan safer for motorists and pedestrians alike. In celebration of this change, I declare the last week of February as Road Safety Week. Every year, during this week, we shall organise competitions, workshops on road safety and a survey on traffic trends and accidents,” said Shersingh.
Next morning, the front page news on Champakvan Times was about the changes introduced by Shersingh with Jumbo’s suggestions. It read that besides setting up a dedicated accident helpline, Shersingh had created a new department to look into the traffic activities at Champakvan, under the leadership of Jumbo. He was commended for a job well done.
THE GHOST IN THE ROOM
One night, Marty, the mole was jolted out of his sleep by a strange sound.
Chrrr…chrrr…chrrr…
Marty switched on the lights and scanned the room for the source of the sound. He didn’t see anything unusual and the sound stopped, too. So, he switched off the lights and tried to go back to sleep, but then he heard the sound again.
This had been going on for two days now. Marty hadn’t been able to sleep a wink through the night because of the strange sound.
The next day at work, Billy, the goat greeted him, “Good morning, Marty! How are you?”
“How do you think I am? Can’t you see I am fine?” snapped Marty.
“It was a harmless question, Marty. There was no need to snap at me like that,” said Billy offended.
“I’m sorry, Billy. I haven’t been able to sleep at all for the last couple of days. That is why I am quite irritable,” said Marty. He told Billy about his problem.
“That must be a ghost,” concluded Billy.
“A ghost? Are you serious?” laughed Marty.
“Yes, I am serious. Since you are away at work, your house is empty for most of the day. So, some ghost must have made itself at home in your house. You may find this funny but do give it a thought,” said Billy gravely.
Marty started thinking about it. He could not concentrate on his work that day.
“What if Billy is right? What if it is a ghost? What if it harms me?” thought Marty.
Marty left work early that day to consult with Jacky, the jackal, who claimed to be a professional ghost hunter. Jacky’s business had been down for some time now, so he was elated to see Marty.
“I see that you are in distress. How can I help you?” asked Jacky.
“O holy one, I think there is a ghost in my house. It does not let me sleep at night,” said Marty.
“I see…,” said Jacky, closing his eyes as if he was meditating. He began chanting some strange spells.
Jacky then opened his eyes and said, “You are right. There is a ghost in your house, and a stubborn one, too. It will not be easy to get rid of it.”
Marty became scared. “Oh, please! You must help me!” he pleaded.
“I will surely try, but it is going to be a difficult process. I will need a lot of expensive food items,” said Jacky, handing Marty a long list. “After you buy them, take me to your house. I will start the process of getting rid of the ghost tonight.”
“I will get them right away,” said Marty and immediately rushed to the market to buy all the items on the list. At the shop, Marty met his friend Rocco, the raccoon.
“So many food items! Are you having a party without telling me?” asked Rocco.
Marty told him about the ghost in his house and how he approached Jacky to get rid of it.
Rocco smiled and said, “Let me also come with you, just in case you need some help.
Marty agreed. He bought all the items on the list and went back along with Rocco to meet Jacky.
Jacky panicked when he saw Rocco. “Why did he bring along this raccoon? He is going to mess up my plan!” he thought.
Jacky told Marty, “There can’t be too many people when I am performing the ritual.”
“Don’t worry. I will be as quiet as a mouse and not interfere with your ritual,” said Rocco.
“Alright. Marty, I shall be staying at your place tonight, so please make the necessary arrangements,” said Jacky.
That night, Jacky arrived at Marty’s house and inspected it. He then took a bath and had a hearty meal.
“Now that I am here, rest assured that the ghost will no longer trouble you,” said Jacky yawning. “I will pretend to go to sleep now. When the ghost comes, I will trap it.”
Marty was convinced that his problem would soon be over. He gave up his own bed to Jacky and slept on the floor, next to Rocco.
Within a few minutes after the lights were switched off, the strange sound started.
Chrrr…chrrr…chrrr…
Jacky woke up with a start. He sat upright and looked around the room, holding on to the blanket nervously.
“It’s the ghost again,” said Marty.
They noticed the flower vase moving.
“Oh no! There really is a ghost!” exclaimed Jacky, trembling with fear.
“Cast your spells, O holy one. Get rid of this ghost,” said Rocco casually.
“Are you mad? What if the ghost catches me? I am getting out of here and so should the two of you!” said Jacky, running out of the house.
Come, let’s get out of here,” Marty said to Rocco.
No, wait. Let’s see what it is,” said Rocco, walking towards the flower vase
Marty switched on the lights and Rocco picked up the vase to inspect it.
“So, you are the ghost!” said Rocco looking inside the vase. He then helped a butterfly get out of it.
“How did you get inside the vase?” Marty asked the butterfly.
“A couple of days ago, I flew in through that window as I was attracted by the smell of these flowers. But then I ventured inside the vase and got stuck. When the lights were switched off, I tried to get out unnoticed. But I didn’t realise that the sound of my wings flapping would scare all of you,” said the butterfly embarrassed.
“You didn’t just scare me, you scared the great Jacky as well,” said Marty amused.
Rocco said, “I knew there was no ghost. Jacky just wanted to use your fear to make some money. He had a hearty dinner and would have slept happily, had it not been for our friend here.”
The three had a hearty laugh.
Life of an Ant and a Spider
Behind the bush, upon the mound,
ants are moving without a sound.
Leaves are passed along the chain,
where ants are lined as one.
Strands of silver make its net,
a fly is caught in its web;
Now it’s too late,
the spider comes to seal its fate.
They march on to feed the queen,
deep below she lays unseen.
Workers feed the silent drones,
in their capsule breeding zones.
The spider shoots its webs to reach,
across the ever-widening breach.
Swinging on a single thread,
beyond the gap, the web is spread
-Saurabh Patil, 12 years, Belgaum
Spring Terrarium
You will need: Transparent jar with a lid, colored tissue paper, small twigs, scissors, glue
How to make:
1. Tear off tiny pieces of green tissue paper and scrunch them into crumpled balls.
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2. Glue the tiny tissue paper balls to the inside of the jar lid.
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3. Next, tear off tiny pieces of colored tissue paper and glue them to the branches of the twig.
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4. Glue the bottom of the twig to the inside of the jar lid with green paper
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5. Carefully place the jar over the tiny tree you have created and screw the lid on.
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Your Spring Terrarium is ready!
Try making this yourself at home! Send your creations to us at writetochampak@delhipress.in
Shagun Singh
Insanely Sane
Franky Frog: Which was the first Hindi silent film?
Meeku: If it was a silent film then how do we know that it was in hindi?
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Sher Singh: Do you know why freedom fighters were telling Simon to go back?
Cheeku: Because he was standing in the front.
The Desert Festival
Love for the Mother Earth
Mapping the World
Desert Maze
The Boy Who Could Carry the Mountain- An Indian folktale Retold by Rohini Ramakrishnan
Rakesh and Ramu came running to the riverside. They wanted to be the first to reach, so that they could grab the best aerial roots of the big banyan tree to swing on.
“Where is Hari?” asked Ramu. Their friend was nowhere to be seen.
“He must be still eating his breakfast,” joked Rakesh.
“Yes. He does loves his idlis,” said Ramu.
“His mother makes the most delicious onion chutney and drumstick sambar,” said Ramu, remembering the breakfast he had shared with Hari recently. The river flowed on smoothly. The sun was shining brightly. It was a warm morning. Rakesh and Ramu looked up at the banyan tree. None of the other children from the village had turned up yet, so they were free to choose their roots leisurely. Usually, an argument would erupt over the choice of roots.
“Where is this boy?” grumbled Rakesh.
Suddenly, the two boys heard Hari shouting out to them.
“Raamuuu! Rakesh! Come here quickly!”
They saw Hari almost rolling down the small hillock a few metres away.
“What happened?” they asked.
Gradually, Hari’s panting stopped and he was able to speak.
“You must come and see this,” said Hari.
“See what?” asked Ramu.
“I’ll tell you in a bit; just come with me now,” said Hari, running back the same way he had come.
The other two ran behind him. Together, they climbed the hillock. When they came down, they were near the village boundary. The river water tumbled over the big, black boulders. There were goats grazing and they could hear the buzz of the bees around a hive that was on an enormous jackfruit tree.
Hari kept running till he reached a boy standing near the river. He was of their age. As they went near him, Hari turned to his friends and introduced the boy, “This is Sethu. He is new here. He says he can carry this mountain on his shoulders.”
Rakesh and Ramu turned to look at the mountain behind Sethu. They knew the mountain all too well. They had climbed up its slippery slopes numerous times to search for lost goats. They had even hid behind the huge boulders while playing hide-and-seek.
“This is the funniest thing we’ve heard all day!” the two laughed loudly.
Hari felt bad. He looked at Sethu, who simply smiled a quiet, wise smile. Rakesh and Ramu were puzzled by his smile.
“You really mean it?” asked Ramu surprised.
“Of course I do,” replied Sethu calmly.
“Then prove you can lift the mountain!” said Rakesh.
Sethu continued to smile confidently and said, “Alright. I will prove it to you but only on one condition.”
“What condition?” asked Ramu.
“You have to feed me for three days and on the fourth day, I will carry the mountain,” replied Sethu.
Ramu, Rakesh and Sethu huddled to discuss it.
“Do you think he can really carry the mountain?” asked Ramu in a low voice.
“There is no harm in giving him a chance to prove his claim,” said Ramesh.
“And besides, if he does carry that mountain, we would be the first among our friends to have seen such a thing. Then we can use this fact to demand the best roots to swing on every day,” said Sethu excitedly.
The three friends agreed. For the next three days, the three friends took turns to feed Sethu.
On the first day, Hari brought a big tiffin carrier filled with big, fluffy idlis, sambar and fiery, red-hot onion chutney. Sethu gulped them down within minutes.
On the second day, Rakesh and Ramu brought lunch, which included tamarind rice, potato fry, papads, curd with pickles and a big bottle of buttermilk to wash it all down. After eating, Sethu laid down under the shady banyan tree to have a nap.
On the third day, the three brought whatever snacks their mothers had made at home—murukkus, samosas, laddus, roasted groundnuts, vadas and so on.
“Some rotis and chicken curry would have been nice. But these will do, too,” said Sethu, while munching on a samosa.
Sethu enjoyed three days of tasty meals and relaxing naps.
“This must be in preparation for the feat,” thought the three friends.
That night, the boys were so excited that they could not sleep a wink.
The next day, as discussed, the friends met at 4 p.m. at the foot of the mountain. As soon as Sethu joined them, the friends could not contain themselves anymore. They started to ask Sethu all sorts of questions.
“Did you bring a shovel to dig the mountain?”
“Are you going to use a magic spell to lift the mountain?”
“How can you hold it up with your skinny hands?”
Sethu did not answer them. Instead, he took his time assessing the mountain—walking up and down, stopping in between to get a good look it, and holding his head thoughtfully as wondering which would be the best way to lift the mountain.
Finally, he turned to look at them and gave them a calm, wise smile and announced, “Okay, I am ready.”
The three friends looked on wide-eyed in anticipation.
Sethu took his position near the mountain and said, “Now you three can lift the mountain and carefully place it on my shoulders.”
The friends were stunned.
“Hurry up! I don’t have all day,” said Ramesh
“But…but…” is all the other three could say.
Looking at the confusion on their faces, Sethu said, “I said I would carry the mountain on my shoulders; not lift it off the ground.”
The boys realised that Sethu had tricked them. Their shock turned to a frown.
“Please don’t hate me. I did it for a reason,” said Sethu, smiling sheepishly.
“What is the reason?” asked Sethu.
“I had heard so much about your mothers’ cooking that I wanted to try some for myself. So, I came up with this plot to get you guys to feed me,” confessed Sethu.
The three friends looked at each other and then burst out laughing. The sound of their laughter filled the valley.
“You sly fox!” said Ramesh laughing.
“I have an idea! How about we use this to trick the other kids into giving us the best roots to swing on?” suggested Ramu. “This is a great idea!” they all agreed.
The four friends ran back to banyan tree, eager to try the trick.
Mischievous Trixie
Dixie duck and her seven chicks lived in the forest of Everwood. Whenever Dixie stepped out, her chicks would follow.
Every day, they would go to the store and then head to the pond for a swim, before returning home. On the way back, they would stop over at Pinto, the donkey’s house for a quick hello.
Among the chicks, Trixie was the most mischievous one. She would eat her siblings’ share of food, peck them when they were asleep and play tricks on them. She would venture out on her own and stray from her mother when they went out together.
Dixie shared her worry with Pinto. “I am worried about Trixie. She roams around on her own without telling me. What if something happens to her? No matter how many times I tell her, she never listens to me,” said Dixie.
“Don’t worry, Dixie. She just likes exploring her surroundings. Moreover, everyone knows her in this forest, so even if she does get lost, she will be able to find her way back,” consoled Pinto.
One day, Dixie had to make a quick run to the store leaving her chicks at home. Within a short while, Trixie started feeling bored and decided to go out on her own. Her siblings tried to stop her, but she did not listen to them.
After walking around for some time, Trixie decided to head back home. But she realised that she had ventured farther than usual. She couldn’t figure her way back, and began to panic.
Trixie saw a parrot sitting on a tree and asked, “Do you know the way to the pond?”
“No, I don’t. But you look hungry. Do you want a piece of my guava? It is sweet,” offered the parrot.
“No, thank you. I am not hungry. I just want to go home,” said Trixie and walked on.
“After some time, Trixie met a squirrel. “Have you seen my mother?” she asked.
“No. But do you want to rest in my house for a while?” asked the squirrel.
“No, thank you. I don’t want to take rest.
I want to go to my mother,” replied Trixie.
Trixie continued to walk until she reached the river. There she saw a frog eating some insects.
“Have you seen my mother?” Trixie asked the frog.
“No, I haven’t. You look tired. Drink some fresh river water and eat some insects. You will feel better,” said the frog.
“No, thank you. I only want my mother,” said Trixie, walking away.
Jojo, the jackal had been following Trixie since the time he found her talking to the parrot and learnt that she was alone and lost. He had been waiting for the right moment to pounce on Trixie and make a meal out of her.
When Trixie walked away from the river, Jojo came up to her and said, “Hey, little one. I saw your mother just now. She is there, behind that bush, looking for you.”
Trixie became elated and ran towards the bush. As soon as she turned her back, Jojo pounced on her and pinned her to the ground. Trixie started crying.
Suddenly, someone hit Jojo on the head. It was Pinto! Jojo became scared and ran away.
“Uncle Pinto! I am so glad to see you! Thank you for saving me from that jackal,” said a relived Trixie. “But how did you find me?”
“I have been following you since the time you left home. Your mother knew you would be up to some mischief, so she asked me to keep an eye on you,” said Pinto.
“Then why didn’t you help me earlier when I was lost?” asked Trixie.
“I didn’t help you because I wanted you to learn a lesson. But when I saw that jackal, I knew I had to step in to save you. Now do you realise why your mother worries about you and asks you not to go out on your own without informing her?” asked Pinto.
“Yes, Uncle Pinto. I have learnt my lesson. I will listen to my mother and not venture out on my own,” said Trixie.
“Good. Let me take you home now. You’ve had enough adventure for one day,” said Pinto.
When they reached home, Dixie was happy to see Trixie back home safe. Trixie narrated what had happened and apologised to her mother.
“Thank you for saving my little one, Pinto. I am sure from now on Trixie’s mischief will be restricted to the house,” said Dixie smiling
Trixie laughed in agreement.
Rainbow Family Pleasantness
One day came a long, serene rain,
Saplings, plants, farmers, reservoirs smiled again.
Others gave a frown of pain,
Due to foresight, there was no stink or overflowing drains.
Then arose the shining sun,
It was curtains up for a boon.
I looked up with elegant smile,
Sweet rainbow appeared within a mile.
I met the rainbow at the horizon,
It was a joyful, lovely reunion.
S. Miracle
11 years, Hyderabad
The Proud Tortoise
All the animals in Shringar forest lived in love and harmony. Kutkut squirrel, Minku monkey, Chatori sparrow, Bhola bear and Kuchoo rabbit lived along the river which flowed through the forest. Kachaalu tortoise also lived in the river. Unlike everyone, he was very proud and arrogant by nature.
Kutkut squirrel lived on the tree near the river and tried to make friends with Kachaalu who would not speak to anyone. He was always ready to pick a fight with anyone he could find. He was very proud of his personality and looks. He ignored all the animals of the Shringar forest.
If any of the animals wanted to ride along the river on his back, he would not answer them or he would take them and topple them midway inside the river and mock them.
Kachaalu would say, “I am not a tortoise up for rides. I am here to take the world for a stride! I am best suited for the seas and not this river.”
Kutkut squirrel, Minku monkey, Chatori sparrow, Bhola bear and Kuchoo rabbit would play in the forest the whole day. Unlike them Kachaalu would stay away, building castles in the air. One day Kachaalu asked everyone to gather and declared, “I am travelling towards the larger part of the world, the sea. All of you continue your stay in this small Shringar forest while I am off to have some fun!”
Having said this, Kachaalu set out on his journey. After swimming for a week, he reached the sea and was overjoyed at the sight of it.
Kachaalu kept wandering here and there in the sea. He wanted to be friends with the big fish in the sea but they just drove him away saying, “We will never be friends with a small tortoise like you.”
Tears rolled down Kachaalu’s eyes. He now missed the love and affection showered on him by the animals Shringar forest even though he had always quarrelled with them.
“No one is concerned about me here!
Neither do they want to be friends with me nor are they are bothered about my welfare,” he thought to himself.
Kachaalu thought of going back to Shringar forest. But what would he do if everyone in the forest laughed at him.
But he felt homesick and decided to go back to the forest. Kachaalu was scared. His mind raced with thoughts about his old friends and if they would forgive him. He wondered if they would love him like before. With these feelings Kachaalu made his way to the forest.
On reaching Shrinagar forest, Kachaalu saw his friends looking worried. He asked Kutkut squirrel, “Oh Kutkut, why are so sad?” At the sound of Kachaalu’s words she jumped in surprise.
“Hey Kachaalu, Are you fine? We were all worried about you,” she said with happiness.
Hearing her words, Kachaalu started to cry. “Please forgive me, my dear friend. You always tried to love me but I was too proud. I should leave from here. I don’t deserve your love.”
Just then, Bhola bear said, “No, my dear friend, you are not going anywhere. This Shringar forest will always continue to be your home as it has been till now. Wipe your tears and give me a hug.”
Putting an end to this, all the animals rushed to hug Kachaalu.
Shringar forest thus was once again home to lots of love, joy, harmony and happiness.
Selfie with the statue
Work Without Risk
Danny donkey was in big trouble. Growing up, he always had fun while his mother made trips to the pond and back, with bundles of clothes on her back. His mother worked for Wasim washer man, along with other donkeys.
But now Danny was big, and he too had to work all day. Danny was lazy, and he found work to be a burden, so he would walk slowly and leisurely and always reach home late. One day, Wasim lost his patience with Danny and gave him a thrashing.
“Carrying bundles is tedious work. Not only do I have to carry the load, but I also get beaten up if I don’t reach on time. I am not doing this work. I will find some other work which is easy,” he thought to himself and left home one night.
Next morning, he saw monkeys swinging on the bar and doing somersaults for people. He thought “How much fun they are having while they are swinging on the bars. I should also learn to do the same and that way I will have fun while working.”
Next day, Danny started practicing. But standing on two feet, and dancing proved to be very difficult, and when it came to swing on the bars, he became quite afraid.
“Oh! This is so much more riskier than carrying clothes. There is fear of breaking my limbs,”saying so Danny moved on.
He then saw elephants roaming in the market taking kids for a ride on their back.
“Aha! This is easy work. Just carry a small person on your back and eat food till you are full. I shall do this work from tomorrow,” he said to himself.
Next day, he asked Champu monkey to sit on his back.
“Alright!” Champu jumped and sat on his back.
“Aah! My back is broken. Get off me fast,” Danny screamed. “Oh! This work is even harder. I am having difficulty in breathing,” saying so, Danny ran away from there.
What should I do now?” he asked himself.
“Is work necessary? What if I manage my livelihood without working!” he thought to himself and jumped in joy. He ran towards the jungle “So many green leaves. I can eat till I am full.”
As soon Danny tried to eat, the crows started cawing.
“Go away from here. This is our house. Let us rest.” Danny did not pay any attention and munched on the leaves.
“Friends this is our nest. This animal is trying to eat our home. Come, lets teach him a lesson,” said one of the crows.
In a minute the crows attacked Danny and pecked him everywhere. He had to run away to save himself.
“I just got saved. These crows were very dangerous. I still want to live without working, but I don’t want to risk my life for that,” said Danny. His eyes fell on Bholu bear who was climbing a tree. He knew that bears ate honey.
“Why shouldn’t I try to eat honey? If this big bear can become full by eating honey then why not me? This work is easy.” Thinking this, he went to the tree which Bholu had climbed.
“But how will I climb the tree?” While Danny was thinking over this, a swarm of bees arrived and seeing that their hive was broken, they started buzzing loudly.
“This bear has eaten our honey and despite that, he is still standing here. Come on, let’s teach him a lesson.”As soon as he heard this, Danny ran but bees followed him, till he jumped into a pond.
“I am not a bear,” he kept shouting but bees kept stinging him. till the queen bee told everyone to leave.
“I thought that without working hard and taking risk, I could live easily. But living without working has proven to be much more dangerous,” Danny said in pain.
On hearing his words, he heard someone laugh. “Who is it?” Danny looked around and saw a tiny ant sitting on a leaf.
“I am just a tiny little ant. My stomach is smaller than yours. But I have to work hard throughout the year. To live, we have to work and not run away from it,” she said.
Danny carefully listened to what the tiny ant said. He then returned home and thought he would enjoy his work and not run away from it.
Antship
Preparing for Exams
Damru’s Open Hours
Rubber Band Necklace
You will need: Lots of small rubber bands, strings, ribbon, red colour paper, punch machine, glue, scissors and pencil.
Tip:Instead of rubber bands, use colourful strings to make flowers.
How to make
1. Thread some rubber bands (about 60) through a piece of string that is 5cms long.
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2. Tie the ends of the string into a knot. You will now have a rubber band flower.
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3. Make three more rubber band flowers.
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4. Thread a long string through the four rubber band flowers.
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5. Cut two strips of ribbon, each about 10cms long
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6. Using the punch machine, make a hole on one end of each ribbon.
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7. Thread a ribbon through one end of the string that runs through the rubber band flowers.
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8. Tie a knot as shown. Similarly, thread the second ribbon to the other end of the string.
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9. Draw a heart on the red colour paper and cut it out.
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10. Using the punch machine, make a hole on the top of the cutout.
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11. Write a message for your valentine on the heart.
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12. Tie a string to the heart as shown.
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13. Tie the other end of the string between the rubber band flowers.
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14. To wear the necklace, tie the ends of the ribbon around your neck.
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Your valentine necklace is ready!
Chucklesome Delight
Henry Hen: What do you call a sleeping bull.
Meeku: A bull dozer.
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Sher Singh: What cut would you like to get? U-cut, step cut, feather-cut…
Jumpy Monkey: Hair cut.
Wondering in Space
Bunny Cat’s Valentine
Bunny, the cat’s school teacher had told the students about Valentine’s Day that is celebrated on 14th February every year and it is a day to express love for near and dear ones. Bunny was thrilled when she came to know about this.
Coming back from school, Bunny sat down to decide to who she should gift a greeting card as a Valentine gift. Bunny’s grandmother was nearby.
Bunny said, “Dadi, can you help me? I was thinking about who should be my Valentine?”
Dadi suggested that Bunny should show gratitude towards people who she learns from. She said, “Bunny your friends, teachers, relatives and family members can be your Valentine. It helps you…”
“Dadi! Please I already know that. My teacher has already told us everything,” Bunny interrupted her Dadi, making a face.
“Okay dear. But let me know once you finish,” said Dadi leaving Bunny alone.
“Shall I make a card for my friend Sofie who sits beside me? No. She didn’t show her new compass box to me.”
“Shall I give a gift to Jimmy? Na! Na! He pulls my tail every now and then,” Bunny murmured to herself.
“Bunny, I am leaving for your aunt’s house. I will be back tomorrow morning. Don’t trouble Dadi,” said Bunny’s mother and left.
“Mom. I know. I will take care of myself. Please don’t disturb me,” fumed Bunny.
Few hours had passed since her mother left, and Bunny was still engrossed in making her special valentine card and deciding on who to give.
“Shall I gift it to Dadi? But last week only I had given her a birthday gift. Now I should think of someone else,” thought Bunny to herself.
She had gone over all the names of her friends, but Bunny was still unable to settle on any one name. By now it was evening
Bunny came to the balcony to take a break. She saw the sun and waved it good bye. She kept gazing at the sun for a long time. She felt a sense of loneliness as the darkness increased. She could not understand what was bothering her.
Bunny looked up at the sky. The birds were flying hurriedly to their home and the children waiting for them. Seeing the birds, Bunny too started missing her mother.
Bunny decided to spend some time with her Dadi; and sat on the sofa watching her favourite show on television. But nothing seemed to make her happy. Dadi served her favourite ice-cream, but Bunny was not interested. She had never been silent before.
Bunny had never lived without her mother for a single day. She was used to see her mother taking care of her, loving her, making her favourite dishes, taking up homework and all other things with her.
“Oh mom! Where are you? I am missing you a lot. Please come back soon,” Bunny said aloud.
“I have taken you for granted. I’m so sorry mom. I love you,” Bunny realised her deepest love for her mom that day.
The next morning when her mother came back, Bunny ran as fast as she could and snuggled into her. She didn’t utter a word.
Her mother patted her lovingly, but was curious to know what happened to Bunny.
Then she saw a greeting card in Bunny’s hand.
She removed and started reading, “To my dearest mom, Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you a lot. But please don’t leave me alone again. Yours, Bunny.”
Bunny’s mother hugged her and said, “Happy Valentine’s Day to you, dear. I love you too.”
Go to the Jungle, Sam
Dr. Fancy and Mac were headed to the jungle in the African savannah. Sam, the lion, was sitting quietly with them in their jeep.
Dr. Fancy caressed Sam’s head affectionately and said, “Sam, lions are supposed to live in jungles, not in human homes. You should also learn to enjoy living in the jungle.”
Sam hung his head low. Dr. Fancy again said in a loving tone, “I understand, Sam. You must be thinking how will you live alone without us, isn’t it? Sam, you have grown up now. You can certainly live on your own. You don’t need to be scared. All the lions of the jungle are just like you. The only difference would be that they would be ahead of you in certain things. But then, even you are a lion! So don’t be frightened.”
Dr. Fancy’s words could do nothing to soothe Sam’s fears. He turned his face in the other direction and sat quietly.
Some years ago, Dr. Fancy and Mac had brought Sam home. He was just a cub then. He had lost his mother and looked very vulnerable.
Dr. Fancy and Mac had raised him in their home, but when Sam grew up; they realized his need to live in a jungle. So they decided to take him to his real home in the African jungle.
Sam was now a pet lion. He had grown very close to Dr. Fancy in all these years. Naturally, he was upset at their decision.
Soon they reached the jungle. It was time to leave Sam there.
“Sam, don’t be scared. We will stay with you until you get comfortable here. So Sam, go on. See what the jungle is like. After all, this is going to be your home,” Dr. Fancy kissed him tenderly.
Sam walked on. He had tears in his eyes, but what could he do? He couldn’t disobey Dr. Fancy. Also, he was curious to see the jungle.
He had just gone a little further when he saw some wild buffaloes. Sam became stiff upon seeing them.
When the wild buffaloes saw him scared, they saw this as a chance to dominate him. When they moved towards him, Sam ran back and hid behind Dr. Fancy.
“Sam, they are just wild buffaloes. You got terrified of them!” Dr. Fancy realized now that he had deprived a lion of his actual wild nature. Dr. Fancy prepared himself and trained Sam to fight them.
Sam was ready now. He walked towards the jungle again. This time he met a pack of wolves. Sam stopped in his tracks, but then he remembered Dr. Fancy’s words, “You are a lion, Sam.” Sam walked ahead with confidence. All the wolves got intimidated and ran away.
Sam had gained some self-assurance by now. He kept wandering in the jungle through the day, but he hadn’t met any lions till then.
Later that day, Sam came running to Dr. Fancy around midnight. Dr. Fancy didn’t notice it until he switched on the torch that Sam was badly wounded.
“Oh, his condition proves that he has met other lions. They have attacked him savagely,” Mac said.
Dr. Fancy felt disappointed. Sam had not been able to fight and this fear had led him to come back to them.
It was a question of Sam’s life. He couldn’t do anything without Dr. Fancy.
Dr. Fancy began giving him intense training from the next day. Sam would enter the jungle every day, but would come back injured.
After a few days, Sam didn’t return at night. That entire night the jungle reverberated with the roars of lions. Dr. Fancy got very worried about Sam.
With the breaking of the dawn, Dr. Fancy and Mac set out to find Sam. What they saw lit their faces up.
It was Sam, who had injured four lions. Sam had woken up to his nature. Now he was ready to be a part of the jungle. Sam strengthened this belief and Dr. Fancy was happy now.
Sam had made a place for himself in the jungle now. All the lions were afraid of him. He was treated as the king of the jungle.
Seeing this Dr. Fancy and Mac were happy. They gathered their stuff and moved towards their vehicle. Right then, they saw Sam running towards them.
“Hey Sam! What are you doing here? Have you come to bid us goodbye?” Dr. Fancy and Mac became very emotional. “There is no danger to you now. I am happy that you will be able to become the king of the jungle.
I was worried about your safety, but now that fear is gone. You are very brave. Go, and be happy in the jungle.”
Dr. Fancy patted Sam’s cheek, but Sam had tears in his eyes. He climbed up the vehicle, as if saying, “You wanted me to be brave, and I did that. Now take me back. I can’t live without you.”
Dr. Fancy read Sam’s feelings from his eyes and hugged him tightly while sobbing himself.
“How will I live without you, Sam? What a fool was I that I thought that you were coming to us out of fear, but you were coming for us and even now you are pleading so much. But Sam, your future is in the jungle. Please understand.”
Dr. Fancy caressed Sam. Mac switched on the ignition, but Sam didn’t get down.
Dr. Fancy insisted on waiting for a few hours and then the vehicle sped towards the city. Sam was still sitting in the rear seat.
The Humble and The Proud
Akash Towers was a tall building. It had many floors. It housed many offices that could be reached by a staircase.
Staff and visitors used to climb the stairs to reach their offices. It was very tiring. It was time consuming. So the Management installed a lift.
The electric lift proved to be very useful. It transported everyone to various floors.
“This lift is great. I would start panting when I used the stairs and now with the lift, I reach the desired floor within seconds,” said a man to his partner while travelling together in the lift.
“I also use the lift all the time. I don’t even look towards the stairs that used to make me feel so tired,” replied the other man.
Many people praised the lift. The lift kept hearing people admiring it throughout the day. It felt very proud. The stairs were located near the lift. Despite the lift being available many people still used the stairs.
“Your days are over. Why don’t you stay at home and rest? People get tired because of you. At least now think of becoming better,” said the lift to the stairs.
“Greetings, Sister. I was thinking of speaking to you for some time now. I am happy that you began the conversation,” The stairs replied humbly.
However, the lift remained proud.
It said, “Don’t try to talk to me. Nobody cares for you in this building anymore. I don’t like your attitude.”
“Don’t say that! You and I have the same job, to take people up and down this building. Then why shouldn’t we do it happily?” The stairs questioned in a patient tone.
The lift said, “Everyone admires me in this building. They only want to use me. I am the queen. You are the servant. Ha..ha..ha…”
The lift began misbehaving now.
The stairs replied, “Don’t be so proud, Sister. You can’t do anything without electricity. I can serve people without anyone’s help.”
The lift got irritated at this true fact.
She added, “Whatever you say, you can’t compete with me. It’s better you agree that I am the queen and you the servant.”
“Don’t argue unnecessarily. How can someone be queen if she herself is dependent on electricity?” The stairs had just completed its sentence, when the power was cut off.
Without electricity, the lift could not function. A board with the words ‘Out of Order’ was placed outside it. People turned towards the stairs.
Seeing people using the stairs, the lift became jealous.
She thought, “I will teach the stairs a lesson.I will go to any extent for that.” Just then the electric supply resumed. The lift began working when it got power. It started calling people to use it rather than the stairs.
“There is no need to tire yourself. I am ready to take everybody up. Come and use me. ” The lift was acting stubborn as she wanted no one to use the stairs.
“Don’t act silly, Sister. It is dangerous to take more people than your capacity. This will only cause danger to their life,” The stairs tried to stop the lift, but it didn’t listen. Taking twenty people instead of four in a hurry caused the lift to start panting.
Overloading led to the breakage of the cable. The lift fell down with a loud sound
in the basement. All its pride was lost in a fraction of a second. Many people were also hurt. They were now finding fault with the lift. Even the lift had suffered major damage.
“This lift is useless. We will have to stop using it.” The engineer announced after
inspection. Now, the lift couldn’t control her tears.
She thought, “If only I had listened to the stairs, I wouldn’t have been in such a
state now.”
The lift was regretting her mistake. She thought, “After I am repaired, the first thing I will do is seek the forgiveness of my sister, the Stairs and live happily with it.”
The stairs felt sorry for the lift. However, it also had the satisfaction that the lift had changed for the better.
