The little bear was born in autumn. Autumn changed the forest every day, and the bear cub loved to watch the leaves fall, the grass turn yellow, and the frost paint everything gray in the mornings.
Not long ago, beautiful curly trees stood all around, but now they had turned into long gray sticks. However, a colorful rustling carpet appeared under his feet, perfect for running on!
Where did it come from? — the little bear wondered.
It was getting colder, and mama bear, telling her son about some unknown winter, urged him to eat plenty, store up fat, so he could sleep deeply and peacefully for a long time.
The mother bear forced her son to eat to accumulate a layer of fat for hibernation, but the restless cub would run off to play and ate very poorly. He should have listened to his wise and experienced mother...
Winter arrived, and mother began preparing the little bear for hibernation. Misha was very upset. Lying in the den for three whole months seemed like a waste of time to him, when there was so much interesting stuff around!
The mother bear knew that the little bear had not accumulated the necessary layer of fat for winter, so she held him as close as possible. This kept the little one warm. Finally, the bears fell asleep. Outside, a harsh winter raged with strong, biting frosts.
The hungry little bear woke up before his mother. He was terribly hungry and decided to look for food in the forest. He barely managed to crawl out of the snow-covered den. His eyes watered from the white snow and the sun. There was no food anywhere.
The little bear returned to the den and snuggled up to his sleeping mother. He warmed up, but he was still hungry. A whole month remained until spring. The little one became very sad and scared.
Spring saw how hard it was for the little bear and decided to help him.
When the hungry little bear peeked out of the den again, he saw a beautiful girl in a bright green dress decorated with flowers and leaves, with a wreath of dandelions on her head.
The girl walked toward the little bear, and wherever she walked, the snow melted.
Who are you? — the bear cub asked in surprise.
I am Spring, — the girl answered.
What does Spring mean? — the curious little one persisted.
It is a season that comes after the cold winter. In spring it is warm. The snow melts, and nature awakens.
Will my mother wake up too? I am so hungry!
But why didn't you listen to her? She tried her best to prepare you for winter hibernation, but games were more important to you.
I won't do it again. Please, save me!
Very well, I will help you, but only this time. From now on, you must obey your mother.
Spring removed her sunny shawl and covered the little bear with it. He warmed up instantly.
Spring twirled in the meadow, and the meadow became covered with juicy grass, flowers, and berries. The little bear rushed at the food hungrily.
When he had eaten his fill, he thanked his savior and returned to the den to his mother. He snuggled up to the mother bear again and slept through the last winter month. When spring came, they woke up.
Hooray, spring! — the little bear cried out joyfully, peeking out of the den.
Do you know what spring is? — the mother bear was surprised.
Of course I do! It's the most wonderful time of year!
The little bear told his mother what had happened to him during the winter. He was ashamed of how foolishly he had behaved in the autumn. He promised that from now on he would obey the mother bear in everything.
And indeed, he became very obedient. Even when his mother forbade him something, he didn't get upset or whine. Because he knew that the mother bear loved him very much and would never give him bad advice.
You must always obey adults. They only want the best for their children.
