Once upon a time there lived moles. Little creatures in warm, smooth fur coats.
Underground they had a home ― a burrow, and also a pantry and tunnels ― underground passages through which from the burrow one could venture in all directions.
Mother Mole twitched her nose and thought: 'Spring! A whole year has passed. Soon summer will come, and we'll start venturing to the surface, enjoying fresh air and sunshine. I'll show the little ones how interesting it is up there! And then autumn comes and winter again: cold, snow. We'll go deep underground again and sit in our soft burrow, lined with moss and grass'.
Today marks thirty days since your birth, ― Mother Mole said to her five little children. ― It's time to show you the way up, to the surface. We'll dig a tunnel there. We'll breathe in the fresh spring air, feel the spring. We'll try some fresh vitamin-rich grass. And besides, our earthworm supplies are running low.
But what is spring? ― asked one little one.
Spring is when it's warm, and the sun's rays warm the earth and everything around it, including us moles. In spring nature wakes up, and various insects emerge from hibernation: little worms, beetles, ants. That's our food. Green grass appears ― also a wonderful treat, ― explained Mum. ― Right then, enough talking. To work! We'll dig a tunnel in this direction. Dig away, don't be lazy!
The whole family worked together, making their way closer and closer to the spring sunshine.
In time, you children will leave your home, ― Mother Mole continued. ― You'll go your own ways and build new tunnels and burrows. So learn how to do it!
Mum, the earth is cold, ― complained the little daughter.
Never mind. Soon the sun will warm it up, and it will become warm.
But what is the sun?
Although I don't see very well, ― answered Mother Mole, ― I could make out: it's big, round, and warm long rays come from it.
But what are rays? ― asked another little one.
We'll get to the surface, and then you'll understand what they are.
Finally the mole family poked their little heads above ground.
How warm it is! What an unusual smell! ― exclaimed the daughter. ― Mum, tell us a story about how Thumbelina almost married our Uncle Mole and how a bird stole her away.
I've told you that story a hundred times.
Oh, tell it again, ― the children asked in unison.
All right, I'll tell it. Lie down on the ground and turn your bellies up. Let the sun warm you while I tell the story.
And Mother Mole spoke softly: 'When Uncle Mole was visiting Aunt Fieldmouse ― a field mouse ― he saw a little girl. Well, not saw. He heard her. He was blind, you see. She sang a cheerful little song so clearly and beautifully. Uncle Mole liked it very much, and he began visiting Fieldmouse every week.
Uncle had never been married and had no children. He wanted to take the little songstress as his wife.
Marry me, Thumbelina. I'll give you a fur coat just like mine. It's been lying in a chest for many years. It seems to be waiting for you. Although I'm blind and can't see you, Aunt told me how thin and pretty you are. I hear your voice, it's so clear. We'll live together. Fieldmouse says you eat little ― only half a grain of wheat. So my supplies will last us a long time. You'll tell me stories, sing songs and keep house. I'll feed you. Will you agree to be my wife?
She agrees, ― answered Fieldmouse. ― She'll just prepare a dowry: she'll sew a white dress.
And now I invite you to visit, I'll show you my home.
Thumbelina said nothing and silently followed the mouse.
They walked through the underground tunnel, and came to visit the mole. The girl very much liked Uncle's place. He had a big home, chests full of fur coats, and storerooms full of food. Thumbelina began sewing herself a dress and preparing for the wedding.
She sewed all day long, and in the evening she would come out of the mouse's burrow to look at the sun and sky.
The wedding day arrived. Uncle with his friends came for the bride and brought many gifts. Aunt said that Thumbelina was very beautiful: in a long white dress and a fluffy white veil.
Before the wedding the bride wanted to look at the sun and breathe fresh air. After all, she would have to live in the underground home all winter.
Thumbelina went up to the surface, looking so beautiful, and began to sing a cheerful song. Suddenly a little bird flew down, grabbed her and carried her far, far away ― only Aunt Fieldmouse saw her go. And so Uncle Mole never married after that and lived out his life alone'.
Why didn't he find another bride? ― asked the son.
Many moles don't want to marry and live as hermits, ― answered Mother Mole and shrugged her paws. ― We've warmed ourselves in the sun, and now it's time for lunch. Look, earthworms have come out ― grab them quickly before they hide!
The little moles had their lunch and got ready to head home. One after another they slowly crawled back to their burrow.
