A little fox walks through the forest, wagging her tail, barely lifting her feet. She stumbles and falls. She sits down and cries:
Oh, this path is enchanted! I've hurt my little feet, darn it!
A bear comes along, swaying from side to side, rocking from one foot to the other. His legs get tangled. Misha falls:
Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!
And coming towards them is a little wolf, small though he may be, trotting briskly through the forest, only the sound of twigs crunching under his paws.
Stop, little wolf, don't walk on this path, you'll fall! — the fox and bear cried out together.
Why is that? — the little wolf asked in surprise.
This path is enchanted, — said the fox, — I've fallen twice, and Misha hurt himself very badly!
But the little wolf just smiled.
What? You're not afraid of falling? — roared the bear.
Not one bit! — the little wolf answered bravely.
Why? Do you know the secret to breaking the spell on this path?
And not just this one!
Dear little wolf, grey-furred friend, you're so kind, please tell us the secret! — the bear and little fox began to plead.
The secret is simple,
Hold your tail up high!
Keep your back straight,
And as you walk,
Lift your knees up high.
To keep from any trouble —
Swing your arms about,
Chase the spell right out.
Come on now, get up and follow me and do as I do!
The little wolf stepped onto the path first, the little fox followed the wolf, and Misha followed the fox. They walk along the path happily, lifting their feet high, swinging their arms, chests puffed out. Three times they walked along this path from the forest to the stream, and not once did anyone fall.
Thank you, little wolf, for helping us break the spell on the path!
You're welcome! Children, repeat after us, and you'll never end up on an enchanted path.
