Boy Vova was such a slob as the world had never seen before. His room was constantly cluttered with toys or things he'd picked up from the street. Clothes were scattered all over the house. He wore socks of different colours, and his shirt was never tucked into his trousers.
His parents tried for a long time to tidy up the house. But all their attempts were unsuccessful, and they had a completely disorganised son.
Vova was especially careless with books, most of which he had borrowed from the library. He would start reading one book, but would quickly get bored with it. Then he would take another book from the library and start reading it, but he would also get bored with that one. Over the school year, Vova had taken a whole pile of books from the library, but hadn't read a single one all the way through, not even halfway. Books were scattered everywhere in his room, and he would move them from place to place. Some of the books had pages torn out and scribbled on with pens and pencils.
When the school year came to an end, all the children were told they had to return their books to the library. Vova came home and began searching for books in the mess he had created. Yes, the slovenly boy did notice that many books were missing pages. He hastily glued the pages he found into the first book he came across and went to the library.
When the librarian saw the books that Vova brought to return, he was very surprised.
What have you done to these books?
The librarian asked Vova sternly.
What's wrong with them? They were like this.
Are you sure about that?
Of course.
Vova answered hastily.
Then go into this fairy tale and see for yourself.
With these words, the librarian opened the torn book, made a magical gesture with his hand and blew on Vova with such force that the boy didn't even realise how he ended up in a dense forest.
Before him stood a hut on chicken legs. Vova decided to go inside. Sitting at the table was a very colourful pair: an old and frightening Baba Yaga and a huge Dragon.
How could I have refused to be here?
The Dragon muttered without stopping, looking around.
Why are you so worried?
Baba Yaga tried to calm him.
Don't you understand, old woman? I'm from a completely different fairy tale. I'm supposed to guard the princess. Without me, she won't be able to choose a worthy husband. Only I can test the qualities of the knights, their courage and skill.
The Dragon thundered in the small hut, nervously waving his huge tail.
Then Baba Yaga noticed Vova, who was standing in the doorway.
And who might you be? Also from another fairy tale? Lost, poor thing?
Baba Yaga asked spitefully.
Yes.
Vova mumbled.
Sit down. Tell us.
Said the Dragon.
What's there to tell? I just got lost.
Ah, if only I could get my hands on whoever damaged these books. I would...
All three heads of the Dragon roared menacingly!
I know how to find him.
Baba Yaga suddenly cried out.
I have a magic dish. It will show us who is tearing the books and gluing other people's pages into our fairy tale.
There's no peace from this Dragon.
Baba Yaga continued, glancing at the frightened Vova.
He flies around all day looking for a castle with a princess, but can't find it. And then he starts roaring in frustration, so hard that the trees shake. There's no peace for anyone.
The old woman kept saying.
Baba Yaga took out the dish and was about to start casting a spell, but Vova stopped her.
Well, we'll find out who's guilty, but then what? How will that help everyone get back to their own fairy tales?
Vova asked.
Then he should fix his mistake, since he's caused such trouble.
Said Baba Yaga.
Baba Yaga spoke the magic words and pictures sparkled on the surface of the dish, as if on a television screen. And Baba Yaga and the astonished Dragon saw how Vova had been careless with the books: throwing them about, scattering them. They also saw how he had hastily glued one of the books together.
So it was you who made a mess of our fairy tale. I'll roast you and eat you right now.
Baba Yaga screamed.
No. I'll eat him right now.
The Dragon growled.
But I'll start first!
One head cried out.
And I want the middle bit, the tastiest part!
The middle head echoed.
Well, I'll have the leftovers then. Leftovers are sweet.
The third head sang maliciously.
Vova barely managed to escape from the crazed pair in the hut. He ran so fast that he didn't notice how he ended up at a river. On the bank sat a girl crying bitterly.
Why are you crying here?
Vova asked quickly, out of breath.
I shouldn't be in this fairy tale. And without me, everything in my fairy tale will be lost.
The girl answered sadly.
And who are you?
Who? I'm Marya the Craftswoman. And what's your name and how did you end up here?
And then Vova, for the first time in his life, admitted his slovenliness and told how his carelessness had mixed up the fairy tales.
How could you behave like that?! Because of your slovenliness and carelessness, others are suffering. And we've all suffered.
Marya sobbed.
I understand now. I would fix everything. I just don't know how to get back.
Marya the Craftswoman possessed magical power. She helped Vova get back home.
When he got home, he saw all his mess and seemed to change. Something clicked deep in his soul. The boy, as if bewitched, began very carefully and gently to glue all the torn pages back together, first checking them against the neighbouring pages so as not to make a mistake.
The boy worked tirelessly and gradually all the books were restored and returned to the library. And his room was always tidy now.
From that day on, every book that appeared in Vova's room was kept in perfect condition and was always read from beginning to end! The boy became a true book lover.
So the instructive story transformed the slovenly Vova into a great lover of reading and knowledge — Vladimir!
