Fairy Tales for Fun and Wisdom - страница 2
– 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).