Stranger At the Farm

aT the Farm Nilima Sinha

In a farm near a deep, dark forest lived three little kids called Bela, Ballu and Tallu. They were good friends. All day long they munched the grass, played with each other and lazed in the sun. One day, as she munched the green grass, Bela saw a little rabbit far away under a tree. Hoppity, hoppity, hop! He skipped around happily. “Oh, look! Isn’t he cute? I must catch him!” cried Bela. 2

She ran to the tree. But Golu, the rabbit, had disappeared. Bela peeped into the bushes. He was not there. 3

Then she looked behind the trees. He was not there. Where did he go? Bela saw shiny new leaves on a low branch. “Mmmm... they look delicious!” Bela forgot all about the rabbit. She ran to nibble the leaves. They were so crunchy and tasty! Munch, munch, munch! She wanted more... and more. Soon Bela had eaten all the leaves on the low branch. There were more tender leaves up above. She stretched and stretched to reach. But they were just too high. 4

5

“Hello, kid,” spoke a deep, loud voice. It was a stranger – someone she had never met before. “Hello,” replied Bela politely. “Can I help you?” asked the stranger kindly. “Thank you. But who are you?” asked Bela. 6

“A friend! I have something very special for you,” replied the stranger. “What is it?” asked Bela. “Come and see,” replied the stranger. 7

Bela was curious. She stepped closer to look. “See?” He held out a bunch of fresh green leaves, as shiny as the ones high up in the tree. “Want some?” he asked. “Oh, yes!” cried Bela, delighted. 8

“Come over, then,” invited the stranger. “Jump across that fence!” The leaves were really very tempting. Bela quickly jumped over the fence. 9

The stranger suddenly grabbed her hand. He pulled her hard. “Help, help!” screamed Bela. Golu, hiding in his burrow, heard the scream. He peeped out and saw Bela with the stranger. 10

“Stop! You are hurting her!” he cried. The stranger pulled Bela harder. “Go away!” he said to Golu. 11

Golu knew he must help. He rushed to the farm. “Help! There is a big, bad wolf! He has caught Bela!” The animals in the farm rushed to the rescue. “He is so strong! Let’s all attack together!” cried Golu. 12

Ballu, Tallu, and the other animals at the farm — the dog and the sheep — ran to help. 13

All the animals, big and small, attacked the greedy wolf. At last, all together, they chased the wicked wolf away. Ballu and Tallu hugged Bela. 14

“Don’t you know?” asked Ballu. “You should never talk to a stranger! All strangers may not be bad, but we must be careful.” “And never take anything from someone you do not know,” added Tallu . 15

“You are right. I will remember!” said Bela. She saw the rabbit sitting near the tree. “There he is... our new friend!” “Hello! I am Golu,” said the rabbit, hopping over. “Thank you for helping, dear Golu!” said the three kids. They gave their new friend a juicy red carrot for his dinner. 16 1785\\1