Thumbelina

10 pages · 4 min · ages 5+

Based on: Danish (Hans Christian Andersen)

A tiny seed grew into a flower. The petals were bright and pink. Suddenly, the flower opened up wide. Inside sat a very tiny girl. She was no bigger than a thumb. Her dress was made of silk. Thumbelina looked at the glimmering sun. She felt very happy and brave.

Thumbelina wanted to see the world. She walked through the tall grass. The green leaves felt like trees. She found a big blue pond. A lily pad floated on water. It was like a little boat. She stepped onto the rippling water. The wind pushed her gently along.

The sun began to go down. Thumbelina met a friendly field mouse. The mouse lived in a hole. She offered Thumbelina some yellow corn. The girl thanked her new friend. They sat by the warm fire. The mouse told many funny stories. Thumbelina felt safe in the home.

Winter brought cold, white snow. Thumbelina found a bird outside. It was a beautiful, dark swallow. His wing was hurt and cold. He could not fly away south. Thumbelina brought him some soft wool. She stayed by his side nightly. His shimmering feathers started to move.

She brought him fresh water daily. She gave him her own food. The bird grew stronger every day. He chirped a sweet, happy song. Thumbelina was small but very strong. She did not fear the cold. She helped her friend get well. The swallow was very thankful now.

Spring arrived with warm, yellow sun. The swallow stretched his long wings. He was ready to fly again. He asked Thumbelina to go along. The girl looked at the sky. It was a very big jump. She climbed onto his soft back. They flew high into the clouds.

They flew over many green hills. The air was fresh and cool. Thumbelina held on very tight. She saw many vibrant flowers below. The world looked like a painting. She felt like a brave pilot. The swallow flew across the sea. They were going to a land.

They landed in a warm place. The sun stayed up all day. Every flower had a tiny door. The swallow landed on a rose. This was his favorite summer home. Thumbelina hopped down onto a petal. She smelled the sweet, sugary air. Everything was bright and very pretty.

A boy stood in the flower. He had wings like a butterfly. He was the handsome Flower Prince. He was just as small as her. He smiled a very kind smile. He gave her a tiny crown. Thumbelina felt a happy spark inside. She found someone just like her.

All the flower people came out. They danced on the soft grass. Thumbelina felt right at home here. She had found her own kingdom. She was a brave, kind girl. The swallow visited her every year. They were friends for a lifetime. Thumbelina was happy in her garden.