A Thumb-Sized Guest

This Ukrainian folktale appears under the heading “A Thumb-Sized Guest.” The opening picture shows a red mitten on a snowy path. Its caption reads, “A small shelter waits for some unexpected guests.”

One snowy morning, Oksana dropped a knitted mitten while carrying a basket along the forest path. Mouse found it first. She slipped through the opening and curled inside the thumb. “What a snug home,” she said. The wool kept the wind away.

Soon Hare stopped beside the mitten. “Could I warm my paws?” he asked. Mouse left the thumb and pressed against one side. Hare tucked in his long feet, and the two settled together.

Fox arrived next, brushing snow from her whiskers. The mitten no longer looked roomy, but Hare folded his ears. Mouse moved closer to him. Fox squeezed inside, wrapping her tail around her paws.

Then Bear peered down at the opening. “Perhaps just my nose?” he asked. “Let us shuffle first,” said Mouse. Everyone shifted a little. The wool stretched until Bear could fit inside, though his round back made the mitten bulge.

A tiny wren hopped up last. “Is there a place for me?” Bear looked doubtful, but Mouse pointed toward the empty thumb. “My first room is free.” Wren slipped into it. “Thank you,” she chirped. “Small rooms suit small guests.”

Before long, the animals heard Oksana's boots crunching along the path. “Someone is coming for this mitten,” said Fox. Wren poked out her head. From her perch at the opening, she spotted a low spruce with thick branches.

“There is another roof!” Wren called. The animals climbed out. Bear lifted a sturdy branch while the others stepped beneath it. Hare brushed loose snow from their resting place. Mouse nestled beside Fox, and Wren settled above them.

Oksana picked up her mitten. “How did it get so stretched?” she wondered. Beneath the spruce, five neighbors rested out of the wind. The smallest guest had found shelter for the biggest.