Russian Short Stories

Pushok the bunny refuses to sleep and sneaks out to see the forest at night. A wise owl reminds him that bunnies need rest to play tomorrow. Pushok decides his cozy bed is best and falls asleep.

An old woman bakes a round bun, Kolobok, who rolls away from the house singing his boastful song. He escapes a hare, a wolf and a bear, but a sly fox flatters him into sitting on her nose to sing again — and gobbles him up. A classic Russian folk tale about pride and flattery.

Grandpa plants a turnip that grows enormous. He can’t pull it out alone, so he calls Grandma, then their granddaughter, the dog, the cat — and finally a tiny mouse. Together they pull it out at last. A classic Russian folk tale about teamwork.

Luchik, the smallest lighthouse on the coast, is afraid of the dark. One foggy night he shines with all his might and guides a lost fishing boat safely home. From then on he is no longer afraid.

Ogonyok the dragon wakes up with hiccups that shoot sparks and smoke, frightening the village. A brave girl named Masha climbs up, tries every remedy, and cures him with a big surprise “BOO!” They become best friends.

A proud hare races a slow tortoise and dashes ahead, then naps under a tree. The tortoise keeps going steadily without stopping and crosses the finish line while the hare sleeps. Slow and steady wins the race.

Anya finds a golden pencil that brings her drawings to life. After drawing treats for herself, she sees her classmate Misha crying over a torn backpack and draws him a new one. The pencil shines brighter — the best magic is making others happy.

An ant falls into a stream and a dove saves her by dropping a leaf. Days later, the ant sees a hunter about to net the dove and bites his leg, so the dove escapes. A retelling of the classic Aesop fable.

Kolyuchka the hedgehog loves hugs, but his spines poke everyone. Feeling lonely, he watches others cuddle. His friends knit him a soft wool scarf, wrap him up, and give him the biggest hug ever — no pokes.

Kind Nastenka is sent into the winter forest by her cruel stepmother. When Father Frost (Morozko) asks if she is warm, she politely says yes despite the cold. He rewards her with a fur coat and a chest of gifts. Her rude stepsister complains and returns with nothing. A classic Russian winter tale.