The Tale of the Honest Woodcutter

Once upon a twinkly time, up high on a mountain, there lived a cheerful woodcutter. He lived with the birds and the trees, as happy as a bumblebee.

Where does the woodcutter live?

One day, the woodcutter whistled a merry tune by the shimmering pond. Chop, chop, chop went his axe, until, whoops-a-daisy, it fell in with a 'plop!'

What happened to the woodcutter's axe?

Oh my, oh my, the woodcutter cried a river of tears. Just then, a puff of sparkles appeared—it was the jolly mountain spirit!

Who appeared after the woodcutter cried?

'Why do you weep, dear friend?' asked the spirit with a twinkle. The woodcutter sniffled, 'My axe took a swim without asking!'

What reason did the woodcutter give for his sadness?

'Ah-ha,' chuckled the spirit, 'Let me see what I can find!' With a whoosh, splash, and a dash, he dove into the pond.

What did the spirit do to help the woodcutter?

Up popped the spirit with a golden axe, gleaming like stars. 'Is this yours?' he asked, eyes dancing.

What did the spirit first bring from the pond?

'Oh, no!' laughed the woodcutter, 'That one doesn't belong in my humble hands!'

Did the woodcutter claim the golden axe as his own?

Down again splished the spirit, and up again, with a silver axe sparkling like a moonbeam. 'Is this your axe?' he wondered.

What did the mountain spirit bring next?

'Alas, that is not mine either,' grinned the woodcutter, truthful as a blue sky.

How does the woodcutter respond to the silver axe?

A final dive produced the dull, wooden axe. 'Is this your treasured tool?' asked the spirit, hopeful.

What did the spirit find last in the pond?

'Yes, yes!' cried the woodcutter, hugging his humble axe, cheeks rosy with joy.

How does the woodcutter feel about finding his axe?

The spirit beamed, rewarding the woodcutter with the shiny axes too, for a heart so true deserves a little treasure!

What reward did the spirit give the woodcutter?