The Foolish Old Man Who Moved Mountains
10 pages · 4 min · ages 5+
Based on: Chinese Folk Tale
Old Man lived near two tall mountains. They were very big and very green. The mountains touched the soft white clouds. Old Man was old but very cheerful. He liked to whistle a happy tune. He smiled at the bright morning sun. Every day was a beautiful new day.
The mountains blocked the long dusty road. The family had to walk very far. Going to town took a long time. The path was steep and very rocky. Old Man wanted a much easier way. He wanted his family to be happy. The big mountains stood in their way.
One day, Old Man found a basket. He had a very bold new plan. "I will move these huge mountains," he said. His family looked at the giant rocks. He carried one small basket of dirt. He walked slowly to the blue sea. Old Man felt very strong and steady.
His children wanted to help him work. The grandchildren brought their tiny little shovels. They all filled their baskets with earth. The work was hard but very fun. They sang songs while they worked together. Step by step, they moved the dirt. They were a very busy, happy team.
A Wise Man walked down the road. He saw the family digging the dirt. The Wise Man stopped and he laughed. He thought the task was too big. "You are too old for this," he said. The mountains are much bigger than you. He watched them with his thinking eyes.
Old Man stopped and wiped his brow. He was a very determined old man. "I may be old," he told him. "But my family will keep on digging." He showed the Wise Man his shovel. The mountains will never grow any bigger. But my family will always keep working.
"My children will dig after I go." "Their children will also move the dirt." Each small basket makes a big change. We do not need to hurry today. The work will get done in time. We have plenty of love and heart. The family nodded and they kept digging.
The Wise Man thought about these words. He saw their bright and happy faces. He picked up a heavy wooden shovel. "I will help you move it too." Now they had one more busy friend. They worked under the silver night moon. The pile of dirt grew very small.
A Mountain Spirit lived in the trees. He was a kind and magical friend. He watched the family work so hard. Their persistence made the spirit very happy. He saw how much they loved together. He wanted to help the brave family. The spirit used his soft, glowing magic.
The mountains moved to a new place. Now the path was wide and flat. The family could walk to town easily. Old Man smiled at his brave family. They had worked hard for many days. They knew that big things take time. Everyone was happy in their green home.