Читать онлайн Fairy Tales for Fun and Wisdom

Illustrations Fooocus

© Kirill Shatilov, 2025

ISBN 978-5-0065-4406-2

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

Предисловие автора

Когда я был совсем маленьким, лет пяти, бабушка решила научить меня французскому языку, который знала и любила, потому что никогда не ходила в школу, а учила его дома, от гувернанток, и начала читать мне французские сказки. Как сейчас помню замечательные, добрые и весёлые истории про козлёнка Рудуду и медвежонка Рикики. На дворе было начало 1970-х годов, и продавались эти истории в виде маленьких журнальчиков в единственном тогда в Москве магазине иностранной книги.

Шли годы. Детская память – отличная вещь. Особенно когда она не забита лишними датами, правилами и формулами. Поэтому многие тогдашние французские слова и выражения – вместе с произношением – врезались в неё намертво. Больше я французский никогда и нигде специально не учил, однако впоследствии всегда чувствовал себя во Франции уверенно и даже вступал с французами, которые далеко не все хорошо знают английский язык, в смелые беседы. Я даже не замечал, как Рикики и Рудуду то и дело протягивают мне руку помощи.

Именно поэтому сегодня мне захотелось направить тем же путём моих маленьких и наверняка любознательных читателей, подарив им книжку английских сказок и ярких картинок, в которой бы развлеченье и открытие мира английского языка совмещалось с дружескими поученьями.

Читайте, запоминайте, мудрейте и будьте здоровы!

The Nightingale and the Hidden Spring (Соловей и скрытый источник)

In the mountains of Greece, a nightingale sang every evening by a dry well. The villagers wondered why it sang, as the well hadn’t held water in years.

One day, a young girl named Eleni asked the bird, “Why do you sing here?”

The nightingale replied, “This well once gave life to your village. If you listen closely, it still whispers of water.”

Eleni gathered the villagers, and together they dug deeper into the well. At last, a fresh spring bubbled forth, bringing water back to the village.

The nightingale’s song became a symbol of hope, reminding the villagers that even forgotten things can hold life.

Moral:

Patience and persistence can uncover hidden treasures.

Notes:

– Nightingale – a bird known for its beautiful song (соловей).

– Whispers – soft speaking sounds (шёпоты).

– Persistence – continuing to try despite difficulty (настойчивость).

– Uncover – to reveal something hidden (обнаружить).

The Wise Turtle and the Hasty Rabbit (Мудрая черепаха и торопливый кролик)

Once, in a green forest, a rabbit and a turtle argued about who was the fastest animal. The rabbit laughed loudly, “Turtle, you are so slow! You can’t even dream of beating me in a race.”

The turtle smiled and said, “Let’s see if wisdom can beat speed. I challenge you to a race!”

The next morning, all the animals gathered to watch. The rabbit ran quickly and was soon far ahead. He thought, “The turtle is so slow; I can take a nap and still win!”

While the rabbit slept under a tree, the turtle kept moving, step by step, slowly but steadily. When the rabbit woke up, he saw the turtle near the finish line! He ran as fast as he could, but it was too late. The turtle won the race.

The rabbit hung his head in shame and said, “I learned my lesson. I won’t underestimate others again.”

Moral:

Slow and steady wins the race.

Notes:

– Argued – to talk angrily with someone when you disagree (ссориться, спорить).

– Challenge – to invite someone to compete or fight (бросать вызов).

– Steadily – moving in a regular and continuous way (неуклонно, устойчиво).

– Underestimate – to think someone is less capable than they really are (недооценивать).

The Lion and the Clever Mouse (Лев и хитрая мышка)

One sunny day, a lion was sleeping under a big tree. Suddenly, a little mouse ran across his paw. The lion woke up angrily and caught the mouse with his strong claws.

The mouse squeaked, “Please don’t eat me, Mr. Lion! One day, I will help you in return.”

The lion laughed. “How can a tiny mouse like you help the king of the jungle?” But he let the mouse go.

A week later, the lion was caught in a hunter’s net. He roared for help, but no one came. The mouse heard the lion’s roar and ran to him. “Don’t worry, Mr. Lion, I’ll save you!”

The mouse used her sharp teeth to chew the ropes of the net. Soon, the lion was free. He smiled and said, “Thank you, little mouse. I will never judge someone by their size again.”

Moral:

Even the smallest friend can make a big difference.

Notes:

– Claws – the sharp nails of an animal (когти).

– Squeaked – made a high, quick sound (пронзительно пискнул).

– Hunter’s net – a trap made of ropes used to catch animals (охотничья сеть).

– Chew – to bite something repeatedly (грызть, жевать).

The Ant and the Lazy Grasshopper (Муравей и ленивый кузнечик)

In a sunny meadow, ants worked hard to collect food for winter. A grasshopper played his violin and laughed. “Why are you working so hard? There’s plenty of time before winter!”

An ant replied, “We are preparing for the cold days ahead. You should, too.”

The grasshopper laughed louder, “Winter is far away. I want to sing and dance now!”

When winter came, the grasshopper had no food. He knocked on the ants’ door, shivering. “Please, can you share some food?”

The ants shared their food but said, “Next time, remember: hard work today saves you tomorrow.”

Moral:

Plan ahead and work hard.

Notes:

– Meadow – a grassy field with flowers (луг).

– Violin – a musical instrument (скрипка).

– Shivering – shaking because of cold (дрожать от холода).

– Knocked – hit a door to ask to come in (постучал).

The Talking Shadow (Говорящая тень)

Once, in a quiet village by the sea, a boy named Mali loved chasing his shadow. He’d run, jump, and wave, watching it copy his every move.

One day, as the sun set and the world turned golden, Mali noticed his shadow acting strangely. Instead of following him, it began pointing toward the forest.

Mali stopped. “What do you want, shadow?” he asked.

To his surprise, the shadow spoke. “There’s danger in the forest. Someone needs your help.”

Mali was frightened but curious. He followed the direction of the shadow’s pointing arm. In the forest, he found an old woman trapped under a fallen branch.

“Please, help me,” she whispered weakly.

Mali used all his strength to lift the branch, freeing the woman. She smiled and said, “Your courage and your shadow saved me. Never ignore what your heart – or your shadow – tells you.”

As Mali walked back, he looked at his shadow and smiled. It was back to following him silently.