In a thick, dense forest lived industrious gnomes. Even during winter, they were never idle—they helped forest creatures find food. They also cleared snow from tree crowns so that bright sunshine could reach every corner of the thicket.
The gnomes loved Winter dearly, but by the end of February, they began to long for warm days.
One day, they decided to set out in search of Spring.
The gnomes run along a path when they meet Autumn.
She asks them:
Where are you rushing off to in such a hurry?
We're looking for Spring and hurrying to find her!
Autumn wanted to enchant the gnomes and rule the forest instead of Spring. She began showing them trees painted in gold. The little forest folk didn't like gray, rainy days. They weren't tempted by the gold.
They ran on further. They meet Winter.
Where are you little gnomes running to?
We're searching for Spring and hurrying to find her!
Winter wanted to stay in the forest longer. She began praising her own beauty, silvering the trees and bushes. But the gnomes were no longer interested—everything had been covered in snow for so long. Winter grew furious and began to block the path, bringing harsh frost. The little creatures froze and, to warm themselves, ran on further.
They found themselves in a meadow. They look, and there Spring is working with all her might! Little birds are chirping, streams are flowing, the first snowdrops appear on patches of bare ground, and emerald grass is sprouting.
How delighted the gnomes were! Spring rejoiced and rewarded her guests with bright rays of sunshine. The forest folk began to shine and helped their friend with her work.
And Spring grows warmer and more beautiful each day—she knows that soon Summer will come to visit.
