Read the Story

Maryam loved asking questions about the world around her. One afternoon, she spotted a tiny blue door at the base of an ancient apple tree. She opened it carefully and found a tunnel leading to a sunny meadow. A hedgehog called Hazel hurried over. “I’m trying to carry these berries home, but my basket has a hole,” she said. Maryam looked around and found a broad leaf. She folded it into a little tray, and Hazel placed the berries inside. Together, they carried the fruit to Hazel’s cosy burrow. “Thank you for being so helpful,” said Hazel. She offered Maryam a bright red apple. Maryam smiled. She had discovered that a small act of help could make someone’s day much better. When Maryam returned through the little door, she wondered what other surprises the apple tree might hold.