Once upon a time there lived moles. Little creatures in warm, smooth fur coats.
Underground they had a home ― a burrow, and also a larder and tunnels ― underground passages through which one could venture from the burrow in all directions.
Mother Mole twitched her nose and thought: "Spring! A whole year has passed. Soon summer will come, and we shall begin to venture to the surface, enjoying the fresh air and the sun's rays. 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," said Mother Mole to her five little children. "It's time I showed you the way up, to the surface. We shall dig a tunnel there. We'll breathe in the fresh spring air, feel the spring. We'll try some fresh vitamin-rich grass. Besides, our supply of worms is 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 awakens, and various insects emerge from hibernation: little worms, beetles, ants. That's our food. Green grass appears ― also a wonderful delicacy," explained Mother. "Right then, enough talking. To work! We shall 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 to say. "You'll go your own way and build new tunnels and burrows. So learn how to do it!"
Mummy, the earth is cold," complained the little daughter.
Never mind. Soon the sun will warm it, 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 large, round, and warm long rays come from it."
And what are rays?" asked another little one.
We'll go to the surface, and then you'll understand what they are."
At last the mole family poked their little heads above ground.
How warm it is! How it smells so unusual!" exclaimed the daughter. "Mummy, tell us the fairy tale about how Thumbelina almost married our Uncle Mole and how a bird stole her away."
I've told you that a hundred times."
Oh, tell it once more," the children asked in unison.
All right, I'll tell it. Lie down on the ground and turn your little bellies upwards. Let the sun warm you whilst I tell the tale."
And Mother Mole began to speak softly: "When Uncle Mole was visiting Aunt Field Mouse, he saw a little girl. Not quite. He didn't see her, but heard her. He was blind, you see. She sang loudly and beautifully, a merry little song. Uncle Mole liked it very much, and he began to visit Field Mouse every week.
Uncle had never been married and had no children. He wanted to take the little songstress as his wife.
Will you marry me, Thumbelina? I shall give you a fur coat just like mine. It's been lying in a chest for many years. It seems it was waiting for you. Although I'm blind and can't see you, Aunt told me how thin and pretty you are. I hear your little voice, it's so clear. We'll live together. Field Mouse says you eat little ― only half a grain of wheat. So my stores will last us a long time. You'll tell me fairy tales, sing songs and keep house. I'll feed you. Will you agree to be my wife?"
She agrees," answered Field Mouse. "Only she'll prepare a dowry: she'll sew a white dress."
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 home. He had a large house, chests full of furs, and storerooms full of food. Thumbelina began to sew herself a dress and prepare 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 came with his friends to fetch 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 the fresh air. After all, she was to live in the underground home all winter.
Thumbelina went up to the surface, looking so beautiful, and began to sing a merry song. Suddenly a little bird flew down, seized her and carried her far, far away. Only Aunt Field Mouse 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 wish 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 began to head home. One after another, they slowly crawled back to their burrow.
