In the village of Dubrovka lived a cat nicknamed Mischief. He was called that because more than anything in the world he loved to misbehave, play pranks on everyone, and spend long hours playing in the yard. Mischief also loved to eat well and nap on the green grass in the garden.
The cat's best friend was his owner, a boy named Kolya Knotkin. He was a small boy who lived with his mom and dad in a house on the edge of the village near a dense forest. The friends spent a lot of time together. They played in the garden and yard, and went to the forest. Mischief loved to pick berries, and Kolya loved to pick mushrooms.
But everything changed when the boy started first grade at his village school. He was a diligent student. There was less time to play with his pet. The cat felt hurt by Kolya and missed him very much when the boy was in class.
Kolya explained to his friend that studying was very important and that everyone should learn. But Mischief said that he lived perfectly well without studying.
Yes, I don't know how to read, count, or write. I don't need this at all! — the fluffy cat meowed glumly.
You're wrong! Would you like me to study with you? — Kolya said again and again.
No, I don't want to! — Mischief answered stubbornly.
After such conversations, the cat would run off to play in the yard, or more often, into the forest. There he had another friend — a young rabbit named Floppy. The friends loved to run along forest paths, smell flowers, chase bright butterflies, and lie in the shade under a spruce tree.
One day Mischief ran into the forest but couldn't find the young rabbit. He waited for him on the forest clearing for a very long time. When they finally met, the cat learned that Floppy, like Kolya, had become a student. He goes to school.
Is there a school in the forest? — the cat asked the young rabbit.
Of course! Our Forest School, — the friend answered proudly.
But why do you need to study? — Mischief persisted.
It's my dream! — answered Floppy. — You need to be able to read well. After all, you can learn many interesting things from books. For example, about distant countries, seas and oceans, about exotic animals living far, far away. I'm very curious!
Mischief thought seriously, because both his friends now went to school. And only he alone was not a student.
Floppy, I'm not a forest dweller. But maybe they'll accept me to the Forest School too?
Of course! You and I will sit at the same desk and study together! I'm so happy!
The cat didn't tell Kolya anything and kept it all a secret. Every morning the boy went to his school, and Mischief went to his. He really enjoyed studying. At the Forest School, the cat made new friends.
Time passed. Mischief learned to read, count, and write. He was a diligent student. Now the cat could study interesting books. He especially loved fairy tales.
Kolya's birthday arrived. In the morning, the boy received a congratulatory email from Mischief. Kolya couldn't believe his eyes. The boy decided that someone was playing a prank on him. But then the cat entered the room with a large bouquet of flowers that he had collected in the forest together with Floppy. Mischief revealed his secret to Kolya. Their faces shone with joy. Now their friendship became even stronger.
Mischief's favorite activity became reading fairy tales together with Kolya. In such moments, both were absolutely happy.
