Today I would like to tell you an interesting story called Puss in Boots.It is a very, very old fairy tale, but the truths told in it are useful even now.The story is about a little boy and a clever cat who change their destiny together.
Once upon a time there was a miller, the kind of man who made his money by grinding flour for other people.He had three sons, the oldest and the second son were not too fond of work and always thought of themselves and didn’t care much about others.Only the youngest son, named Bell, was a very honest and hard-working boy.
One day, Dad got sick and died.Before he left, he left something as an inheritance to each of his three sons.The oldest got a mill, and as soon as he saw it, he was happy and said, “With this mill, I can open a mill and surely make a lot of money!”The second got a donkey and was quite happy with that too.Finally there was only one cat left, which no one wanted, so they had to give it to the youngest son, Bell.
Although the cat didn’t look like anything special, Bell loved it.He saved a little bit of food every day and gave it to the cat first. The two of them lived together in this way, and although the days were not rich, they were quite good.
One day, while Bell was working in the field, the cat suddenly ran over to him and said, “O master, can you make me a pair of boots?And also give me a bag.When I get them, I will bring you good luck.”
Bell was a little surprised to hear this and thought, “How can a cat talk?And it said it would bring me good luck?”But he believed the cat and really did make him boots and sewed a cloth bag for him.
When the cat had put on the boots, he hung the bag around his neck, pulled the string tight with his hand, and then bounded off into the forest.
It went around the forest and caught two magpies.Then it ran to the door of the palace and asked to see the king.
The guards thought the cat looked funny in its boots, so they took the cat into the king’s room.
The cat said politely to the king, “Your Majesty, I have been sent by the Count of Belle, and here is a present from him to you – a pair of very precious magpies.”
When the king heard this, he thought it was very new and said with a smile, “Oh?From the Earl of Bell?How interesting!Thank you, Mr. Cat.”After saying this, he also rewarded the cat with two gold coins.
The cat ran home happily and gave the gold coins to Bell.From that day on, the cat began to run to the palace often, each time bringing different gifts, such as birds, rabbits, and herbs from the forest.Each time, the cat said that it was a gift from “Count Bell”.
The king became more and more fond of the mysterious Earl of Belle, and although he had not yet met him, he had already developed a liking for him.
One day, the cat heard about a beautiful castle in the north, but there was a terrible monster living there.This demon is so powerful that it turns into all kinds of animals, such as lions, tigers and whatnot.Not only did it take over the castle, but it also often bullied the people in the neighborhood.
After hearing this, the cat thought about it and said, “If I can defeat this demon, not only can I help the people out of trouble, but I can also let my master have this castle.Wouldn’t that be better?”
So the cat traveled all the way north and finally came to the front of that castle.
It knocked on the door and said to the demon inside, “I am a messenger sent by the king, please open the door for a moment.”
When the demon heard that it was the king’s man, he did not dare to be slow, and hurriedly opened the door.
After the cat went in, he pretended to be very impressed and said, “I heard that you can turn into all kinds of animals, such as lions, elephants and so on, is it true?”
The demon said proudly, “Of course it’s true!If you don’t believe me, I’ll change to show you now!”
After saying that, it really turned into a huge lion with a majestic look!
The cat pretended to be afraid, and then added, “Great King, you are really powerful!But I also heard that you can also turn into very small animals, such as mice or rabbits, is that true?”
When the demon heard this, he said angrily, “You say I can’t?Well, I’ll change to show you!”
After saying that, it turned into a small mouse and ran around on the floor.
The cat had been waiting for this moment for a long time, and pounced on it at once, swallowing the mouse in one mouthful.
With that, the demon was destroyed and the castle was uninhabited.The cat immediately ran back to tell Bell, “Master, the castle is ours now!We can move in.”
Bell couldn’t believe the news, but he followed the cat to the castle and became “Count Bell”.
Later, the cat went to the king and invited him to the castle.
The king was very happy to hear that, because he had always been very curious about who the mysterious Earl of Bell was.So he followed the cat in his carriage and set out.
When he arrived at the door of the castle, Bell himself came out to meet him.The king saw that the castle was more beautiful than his own palace, and Bell was young and handsome, and he liked him very much at once.
The king smiled and said, “Oh, this is the most wonderful house I have ever seen!Count Bell, I wonder if you would like to marry my daughter?”
Hearing this, Bell quickly bowed and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty, I am very willing!”
Shortly afterward, Bell and the princess had a grand wedding and lived happily ever after.
And the cat in boots?It quietly left the castle and never came back.
In fact, it didn’t hate Belle, but felt that it had accomplished its mission.Its master was now living a good life and didn’t need its help anymore.So it decided to go back to the forest and live a free life.
What does this story tell us?
This story may sound a bit magical, but it is trying to tell us some very important lessons:
- Good things come to those who are kind*.
Bell grew up hardworking and kind. Although his family was poor at the beginning and he didn’t get much, he didn’t complain about the world but lived seriously.In the end, his kindness helped him win happiness. - Friends are important, sometimes they give us unexpected help*
That cat is not a human being, but it knows how to be grateful and is willing to give to its master.It used its wisdom and courage to change Bell’s fate. - Don’t look down on any person or cat*
In the beginning, people might think that Belle is not capable of much, and even the cat is disliked.But it was because they helped each other that they realized their dreams. - Seize the opportunity when it comes*
The cat knew it was a rare opportunity, so it took the initiative and tried to find a way to help its master win the king’s favor.In life we should be like the cat and be brave enough to fight for the opportunities that are ours.
A Word to the Children
Dear children, remember: no matter whether you are the richest child now or not, as long as you are kind-hearted and willing to work hard, good luck will come to you one day.Just like Belle, who relied on her good qualities and a smart cat to live a happy life!
If you like this story, you can also try to tell it to your mom or dad, or draw it to make a picture book.Maybe you can write your own fairy tale too!
