In a small house lived a little girl with her parents – Vera. She loved playing in her room while Mum was cooking in the kitchen. But when Mum asked her to tidy up after herself, Vera would whinge and refuse. She really didn't like cleaning her room at all.
One evening, the girl was busy with her toys as usual. Suddenly, someone sneezed in the corner behind the bed. Vera thought she'd imagined it. But it happened again.
Then Vera became curious, and she wasn't frightened one bit. She moved all the toys away from the corner and peeked behind the bed. There sat a strange, shaggy little man. His hair and beard looked like dust bunnies. The little man lifted his head and got a fright – he hadn't expected to be discovered, since no one had ever looked in that corner before.
Who are you?
Vera asked nervously.
And what are you doing here?
G'day, Vera! I'm the Dusty Little Man. You never clean your room, and for me – that's the perfect place to live! The more dust there is, the faster I'll grow!
I don't want you living in my room!
The girl said firmly.
Well, you'll never get rid of me then. Why don't we be mates instead!
Said the little man.
I'm almost ready, and soon I'll drive you all out of this house and build my own kingdom!
No, I'll never be your mate!
The girl cried out.
I'll clean all the dust right now and chase you out for good! And I won't let you come back here ever again!
The girl ran to Mum in the kitchen, got a damp floor cloth and the vacuum cleaner from her, and started tidying her room. Very soon everything around sparkled clean, and the Dusty Little Man had no choice but to leave the house for good.
From that day on, Vera's room was always tidy and all the dust was wiped away.
