In a large, dense forest there once lived a rabbit family. It was a big and close-knit family. All the little rabbits obeyed their father — the wise Rabbit, and their mother — the kind Rabbit Mother.
But trouble suddenly struck the smallest, most mischievous and restless Little Rabbit Long-Ears. He suddenly stopped listening to everyone, even his mum and dad.
Little Rabbit, breakfast is ready!
Said Rabbit Mother.
But Little Rabbit just drooped his long ears, pretending not to hear.
Little Rabbit, it's time to go to bed!
Reminded Father Rabbit, but in response everyone saw those drooped long ears again—the ears that wouldn't listen.
One day the little rabbits were playing near their home. Our little one was desperate to run off further and see what was beyond those thick, dark bushes.
Little Rabbit, you can't run far into the forest. Mum won't allow it!
His brothers and sisters cried out to him.
But Little Rabbit had already pinned back his ears and bolted away from them.
That's what I think of that.
Thought Little Rabbit.
I'll decide for myself what to do and where to go.
He stopped, perked up his ears, opened his eyes wide and saw that he had ended up in a large forest clearing.
Suddenly his perked-up ears heard the voice of a large bird scolding her chicks.
I'm flying off, you sit still, or you'll fall out of the nest and end up in the teeth of predators.
Mother Bird fluttered away, and the chicks were left alone in the nest.
Little Rabbit saw that at first they sat quietly and still, but then they started pushing and teasing each other.
I'm the strongest.
Said one chick.
That's what you think, we'll see about that.
Said the second, pushing his brother.
They made such a racket, screamed so loudly, that a fox came running out from behind the bushes at the noise. And as soon as she raised her snout up, she spotted a chick that had fallen from the nest…All she had to do was open her mouth and swallow the disobedient little one.
Little Rabbit froze in horror.
Those naughty listeners! I would never…
He thought.
And suddenly our little one realised that he was just as disobedient as those chicks, and that right now, he too could end up in the teeth of that cunning fox. He turned and ran back towards his home, to the safety of his parents.
Of course, he asked forgiveness for his disobedience and became the most obedient Little Rabbit in the whole forest!
