The Rabbit and the Green Meadow – A Chinese Fairy Tale about Help and Kindness
A Chinese fairy tale about a white rabbit who helped an old farmer find lost seeds and bring life back to the fields. A story about friendship and care for nature.
Short Description: This fairy tale tells of a white rabbit who helped an old farmer find lost seeds to replant the fields. A story about kindness, hard work, and care for nature.
In the village of Yun, surrounded by green hills, lived an old farmer. He was known for his love of the land, but one day a misfortune struck: the seeds he had stored for the spring sowing disappeared. The farmer searched everywhere but to no avail. "Without seeds, I can't sow the fields, and that means the village will have no harvest," he despaired.
His sadness was noticed by a white rabbit who lived nearby at the edge of the forest. The rabbit often watched the old man carefully tending the earth and decided to help him. "I will help the farmer find his seeds," thought the rabbit and set out to search.
The rabbit began his journey in the village barns, sniffing every corner. But the seeds were not there. Then he decided to go into the forest, where he noticed tracks leading to a burrow. These were the tracks of field mice who often carried grains for their stores.
The rabbit politely tapped his paw on the ground near the burrow. A small mouse peeked out of the burrow. "Hello, mouse," said the rabbit. "Did you happen to take the farmer's seeds? He is very worried because he can't sow his fields without them."
The mouse felt embarrassed but honestly admitted, "We didn't know these seeds belonged to the farmer. We took them to survive the winter. But since it's so important, I'll give them back."
The mouse brought out a bag of seeds, and the rabbit thanked her. Carefully, he took the bag in his teeth and hurried back to the village. When the farmer saw the rabbit with the bag of seeds, his eyes filled with tears of joy. "Thank you, dear rabbit! You saved our harvest!"
The next day, the farmer began sowing the seeds in the field, and the rabbit helped him—jumping alongside him, encouraging him with his presence. Soon, green shoots covered the fields, and later a rich harvest followed. The villagers were happy once again.
The neighbors noticed that the pond had become beautiful again and that its water filled the surrounding fields. They thanked Zhang and his grandmother for restoring the village to its former splendor.
Moral of the Story: A good heart and helping others make the world better. Caring for nature and each other brings fruitful results.
Questions for Discussion with Children:
- Why was the farmer so sad?
- How did the rabbit find the seeds?
- What does this story teach?
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