The Little Red Hen

One morning, the little red hen found a few grains of wheat beside the garden gate. She gathered them into her basket. Cat was stretching beneath the pear tree, and Duck was splashing in a puddle. Hen held up a grain. 'If we plant these,' she said, 'we can grow wheat and make bread.'

Hen asked, 'Who will help me plant them?' 'Not I,' said Cat. 'This sunny spot is lovely.' 'Not I,' said Duck. 'I am having a splash.' Hen looked at the soft brown earth. 'Then I will begin.' She made little holes, placed the grains inside, and covered them gently. Last of all, she watered the ground.

Rain fell, and the sun came out again. Soon, little green shoots pushed through the soil. Every day, Hen checked the patch. She pulled out weeds and brought water when the earth was dry. The shoots grew taller than her basket. At last, their tips turned golden and nodded in the breeze.

Hen called to her friends. 'The wheat is ready. Will you help me gather it?' Cat rolled onto a warm stone. Duck was watching ripples in the water. Neither came to help. So Hen gathered the wheat herself. She rubbed the ripe heads over a cloth until the little grains dropped out, pattering like gentle rain.

In the kitchen, Hen poured the grains into her little hand mill. She turned the handle slowly. Round and round it went, with a soft rumbling sound. Pale flour fell into the bowl below. Hen brushed a dusty feather against her cheek and smiled. Her basket of grains was becoming something new.

Hen mixed the flour with water and yeast, then folded and pressed the dough. She left it in a bowl beneath a clean cloth. While she rested, it grew soft and puffy. Then she shaped a loaf and put it in the oven. Soon, the kitchen smelled warm and toasty. Even outside, Cat and Duck noticed.

The loaf cooled on the table, its crust a beautiful golden brown. Cat and Duck hurried to the door. 'May we have some?' they asked. Hen shook her head kindly. 'I planted the wheat, gathered the grain, ground the flour, and baked this loaf. Today, I am going to enjoy it.' She sat down for a well-earned rest.

The next morning, Cat came carrying the empty basket. Duck brought the water jug. 'May we help with the next patch?' asked Cat. Hen smiled and moved aside. Together, they planted a fresh row. There would be more watering, more waiting, and another loaf one day. But this time, the work had already begun with three willing friends.