When you decide to read a story to your seven-year-old, choose stories that capture their attention and match their cognitive and language level. The plot should be strong and straightforward, with logical but simple development of events and characters. Characters should evolve in response to events, helping your child understand relationships and cause-and-effect.
Use clear and simple language, gradually introducing new vocabulary to expand your child’s language skills. Encourage your child to participate by asking questions or sharing their opinions about the events and characters.
The Evil in the Bottle
Once upon a time, in a small village at the edge of a vast forest, there lived a poor woodcutter and his son, Peter. Peter was a smart and curious boy who loved exploring the forest and discovering its secrets. Despite the hardships of life, his father always told him, “Kindness and courage will make your dreams come true.”
One day, while helping his father cut wood, Peter ventured deeper into the forest than ever before. As he walked, he discovered an old bottle covered in moss hidden under a tree. Dusty and sealed with a strange cork, Peter’s curiosity got the best of him, and he pulled the cork out.
Suddenly, a huge cloud of smoke erupted from the bottle! It twisted and turned into a frightening mist with glowing eyes. It yawned and said in a booming voice, “Finally, I am free! I have been trapped in this bottle for a thousand years. Now I will take revenge on whoever released me!”
Peter was scared, but he remembered his father’s words. He stood tall and said, “Please, don’t hurt me. I didn’t trap you. I only found the bottle and wanted to see what was inside.”
The evil spirit paused. “Very well, I will give you one chance. If you complete a difficult task, I will grant you three wishes. Fail, and you will be mine forever.”
Peter nodded, hoping to find a way to win. The spirit handed him an empty jug. “Fill this jug with river water without spilling a single drop.”
Peter approached the river, holding the jug tightly. But seeing the rushing water, he froze. What if he spilled a drop? He sat down, feeling scared and suffocated. Then he closed his eyes and remembered his father’s words: “Kindness and courage will take you far.” He took a deep breath and tried again.
At that moment, a clever fox appeared from behind a bush. “You seem to need help. I will assist you if you promise to do me a favor later.” Peter agreed. The fox showed him how to cover the jug with a large leaf. “Pour slowly,” said the fox. Peter did exactly as told, and not a single drop spilled!
“Thank you, fox!” said Peter. The spirit cried out in astonishment, “You did it! Now, you have three wishes.”
Peter thought carefully. His first wish: “I wish my family would never be poor again.” A large chest of gold appeared!
For his second wish, he said, “I wish to be wise so I can help others.” The spirit granted him the gift of learning and understanding quickly.
For his last wish, he said, “I wish for you to be freed from your curse and never hurt anyone again.”
The spirit’s eyes softened. “No one has ever wished for me before.” Then it turned into a gentle breeze and disappeared quietly.
Peter ran home with the gold. His father was amazed and proud. They used the treasure to build a better life and helped all the villagers. Peter also returned to the forest and asked the fox, “What can I do for you?”
The fox said, “I wish for a safe place for my family with food and water.”
Using his gold and wisdom, Peter created a special spot in the forest with fruit trees, fresh water, and safety for the fox family. The fox promised to protect the forest forever.
Peter and the fox remained friends, and Peter never forgot that kindness, courage, and intelligence can change the world. He, his father, and the whole village lived happily ever after.
Ask your child:
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What did Peter remember that helped him stay brave when he was scared?
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How did the fox help, and how did Peter repay the fox?
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If you had three wishes like Peter, what would you wish for?
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