WholeReader. One month study class

This ancient story explains what is real friendship is, how strong belief in friend could be, and that frienship can even melt down a heart of tyrant. "A young man whose name was Pyth´ias had done something which the tyrant Dionysius did not like. For this offense he was dragged to prison, and a day was set when he should be put to death. His home was far away, and he wanted very much to see his father and mother and friends before he died. “Only give me leave to go home and say good-by to those whom I love,” he said, “and then I will come back and give up my life.” The tyrant laughed at him. “How can I know that you will keep your promise?” he said. “You only want to cheat me, and save yourself.” Then a young man whose name was Damon spoke and said,— “O king! Put me in prison in place of my friend Pythias, and let him go to his own country to put his affairs in order, and to bid his friends farewell. I know that he will come back as he promised, for he is a man wh...

The book plays up a funny standard situation when a squirrel hides nuts in different places. "In the meantime Timmy Tiptoes came to his senses. He found himself tucked up in a little moss bed, very much in the dark, feeling sore; so it seemed to be under ground. Timmy coughed and groaned, because his ribs hurt. There was a chirpy noise, and a small striped Chipmunk appeared with a night light, and hoped he felt better? It was most kind to Timmy Tiptoes; it lent him his night-cap; and the house was full of provisions." Beatrix Potter, "The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes", 26

Personages of Beatrix Poter are animals but with human personality. Children involves into the books very easy and enjoy them sincerily. "Mr. Jeremy took a reed pole, and pushed the boat out into open water. “I know a good place for minnows,” said Mr. Jeremy Fisher. Mr. Jeremy stuck his pole into the mud and fastened the boat to it. Then he settled himself cross-legged and arranged his fishing tackle. He had the dearest little red float. His rod was a tough stalk of grass, his line was a fine long white horse-hair, and he tied a little wriggling worm at the end." Beatrix Potter, "The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher", 8

Great story about a man who saved Rome "He leaped into the deep, swift stream. He still had his heavy armor on; and when he sank out of sight, no one thought that he would ever be seen again. But he was a strong man, and the best swimmer in Rome. The next minute he rose. He was halfway across the river, and safe from the spears and darts which Porsena’s soldiers hurled after him. Soon he reached the farther side, where his friends stood ready to help him. Shout after shout greeted him as he climbed upon the bank. Then Porsena’s men shouted also, for they had never seen a man so brave and strong as Horatius. He had kept them out of Rome, but he had done a deed which they could not help but praise. As for the Romans, they were very grateful to Horatius for having saved their city. They called him Horatius Co´cles, which meant the “one-eyed Horatius,” because he had lost an eye in defending the bridge; they caused a fine statue of brass to be made in his honor; and they gav...

The story teaches that real jewels it is not a material things. For Cornelia her two sons are the are real treasure not a jewels. "“Is it true, Cornelia, that you have no jewels?” asked her friend. “Is it true, as I have heard it whispered, that you are poor?” “No, I am not poor,” answered Cornelia, and as she spoke she drew her two boys to her side; “for here are my jewels. They are worth more than all your gems.” I am sure that the boys never forgot their mother’s pride and love and care; and in after years, when they had become great men in Rome, they often thought of this scene in the garden. And the world still likes to hear the story of Cornelia’s jewels." James Baldwin, "Fifty Famous Stories Retold", 26.14

The story tells about Cincinnatus a brave citizen of Rome. He was wise but never wanted power. One day Romans were needed his help to protect city, and he did his best to win against tribe of fierce, half-wild men. After a victory he came back to his farm and to his daily routine. He could even be a King after victory but he had prefered a quiet life. When fate requires you to take decisive action do what is in your power and do not demand anything in return. "So Cincinnatus left his plow standing where it was, and hurried to the city. When he passed through the streets, and gave orders as to what should be done, some of the people were afraid, for they knew that he had all power in Rome to do what he pleased. But he armed the guards and the boys, and went out at their head to fight the fierce mountain men, and free the Roman army from the trap into which it had fallen. A few days afterward there was great joy in Rome. There was good news from Cincinnatus. The men of the...

This story teach reader to be responsible to their pets, and remind someone that animals also could sometimes ring into bell of justice. "One hot afternoon, when no one was upon the street, the horse chanced to wander into the market place. Not a man nor child was there, for the heat of the sun had driven them all indoors. The gates were wide open; the poor beast could roam where he pleased. He saw the grapevine rope that hung from the bell of justice. The leaves and tendrils upon it were still fresh and green, for it had not been there long. What a fine dinner they would be for a starving horse! He stretched his thin neck, and took one of the tempting morsels in his mouth. It was hard to break it from the vine. He pulled at it, and the great bell above him began to ring. All the people in Atri heard it. It seemed to say,— “Some one has done me wrong! Some one has done me wrong! Oh! come and judge my case! Oh! come and judge my case! For I’ve been wronged!” The judges ...

This story teaches youths to be brave and believe in yourself in even the most hard situations. Grace saved sailors life when storm was very dangerous. "At last they were close to the rock, and now they were in greater danger than before. The fierce waves broke against the boat, and it would have been dashed in pieces, had it not been for the strength and skill of the brave girl. But after many trials, Grace’s father climbed upon the wreck, while Grace herself held the boat. Then one by one the worn-out crew were helped on board. It was all that the girl could do to keep the frail boat from being drifted away, or broken upon the sharp edges of the rock." James Baldwin, "Fifty Famous Stories Retold", 19.12

This story teaches children that in order to be happy it is enough to enjoy what you already have. The miller was very happy every day and even King envy him. "“I envy nobody— no, not I!— For I am as happy as I can be; And nobody envies me.” “You’re wrong, my friend,” said the king. “You’re wrong as wrong can be. I envy you; and I would gladly change places with you, if I could only be as light-hearted as you are.” The miller smiled, and bowed to the king. “I am sure I could not think of changing places with you, sir,” he said. “Now tell me,” said the king, “what makes you so cheerful and glad here in your dusty mill, while I, who am king, am sad and in trouble every day.” The miller smiled again, and said, “I do not know why you are sad, but I can easily tell why I am glad. I earn my own bread; I love my wife and my children; I love my friends, and they love me; and I owe not a penny to any man. Why should I not be happy? For here is the River Dee, and every day i...

This short and nice story explains that any episode of our life teaches us and provide us with hope and solution. "“Poor thing!” said Bruce: “you, too, know what it is to fail.” But the spider did not lose hope with the sixth failure. With still more care, she made ready to try for the seventh time. Bruce almost forgot his own troubles as he watched her swing herself out upon the slender line. Would she fail again? No! The thread was carried safely to the beam, and fastened there. “I, too, will try a seventh time!” cried Bruce." James Baldwin, "Fifty Famous Stories Retold", 8.5

This story about a cruel King John and wise shepherd who saved life of Abbot by answering three difficult king`s questions instead of Abbot. "“You are witty, I see,” he said. “But we will let that pass, and say that your answer is right. And now tell me how soon I may ride round the world.” “You must rise with the sun,” said the shepherd, “and you must ride with the sun until it rises again the next morning. As soon as you do that, you will find that you have ridden round the world in twenty-four hours.”" James Baldwin, "Fifty Famous Stories Retold", 6.30

The story tell us about king of England, William, who had to make his wise wise choice about who of his three sons will rule a kingdom. "Lastly came the youngest brother, Henry, with quiet steps and a sober, thoughtful look. He had been taught to read and write, and for that reason he was nicknamed Beauclerc, or the Handsome Scholar. “Fair sir,” said the wise man, “answer me this question: If, instead of being a boy, it had pleased God that you should be a bird, what kind of a bird would you rather be?” “A starling,” said Henry. “I would rather be a starling, because it is good-mannered and kind and a joy to every one who sees it, and it never tries to rob or abuse its neighbor.” Then the wise men talked with one another for a little while, and when they had agreed among themselves, they spoke to the king." James Baldwin, "Fifty Famous Stories Retold", 4.13

This beautiful book is a set of 50 short easy to read stories with slightly historical value based on fairy tales, the fables or the myths. The moral of the King Canute story is that wise man , like King Canute was, knows that there is only One King and no one is higher. "“Sea,” cried Canute, “I command you to come no farther! Waves, stop your rolling, and do not dare to touch my feet!” But the tide came in, just as it always did. The water rose higher and higher. It came up around the king’s chair, and wet not only his feet, but also his robe. His officers stood about him, alarmed, and wondering whether he was not mad. Then Canute took off his crown, and threw it down upon the sand. “I shall never wear it again,” he said. “And do you, my men, learn a lesson from what you have seen. There is only one King who is all-powerful; and it is he who rules the sea, and holds the ocean in the hollow of his hand. It is he whom you ought to praise and serve above all others.”...

This funny children's fairy tale introduces children to the world of insects and small field animals with their food and habits. "And one day a little old woman ran up and down in a red spotty cloak. “Your house is on fire, Mother Ladybird! Fly away home to your children!” Another day, a big fat spider came in to shelter from the rain. “Beg pardon, this is not Miss Muffet’s?” “Go away, you bold bad spider! Leaving ends of cobweb all over my nice clean house!”" Beatrix Potter, "The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse", 1.9