This is a retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, The Leap-Frog.
Dayan crouched behind gooseberry bushes, ready to edge deeper under the branches. He watched as Maral entered the garden and disappeared from view. They were enjoying a lively game of hide-and-seek. While he listened for her footsteps, a Leap-frog emerged from behind a cluster of lavender. The Leap-frog winked at Dayan.
Curiosity got the better of him. He stepped out of hiding to signal for Maral to come quietly. The two children crept closer to investigate. To their surprise, they discovered three unusual friends: a Flea, a Grasshopper, and a Leap-frog, preparing for what seemed to be a jumping contest.

The inseparable trio shared a love for adventure and fun; they constantly dared each other to exciting contests. Today, they decided to hold a grand jumping competition to see who among them could leap the highest.
Dayan and Maral had the perfect spot to watch it all unfold. Excitement spread and soon creatures gathered to witness the epic showdown between the three renowned jumpers.
The best jumper will be granted a special wish by the magical Fairy of the Woods!” proclaimed the Fairy herself. “With such a fantastic prize, this competition will be one to remember!
The Flea was the first to step forward. He had exquisite manners and bowed to the company on all sides; for he was human-taught. This insect was the personification of style. He was dead-set on leaping his way to the top spot, no doubt about it!
With a spring in his step, the Grasshopper took center stage. Though larger than the Flea, he was just as well-mannered and impeccably dressed in his vibrant, birth-given green ensemble. The talk of his town, he proudly boasted of his lineage from an ancient Egyptian family.
Recently relocated from the countryside, the Grasshopper now resided in a magnificent, three-story abode constructed entirely from playing cards. The walls were a kaleidoscope of colors, with the Queen of Hearts replacing doors and windows.
Thus, the Flea and the Grasshopper gave an account of themselves and thought they were quite good enough to win the wish from the fairy.
The Leap-Frog didn’t say much, but everyone knew he was a deep thinker. He listened carefully to his friends and smiled, knowing he had a secret plan.
When the competition began, the Flea propelled himself skyward with such astonishing force that he vanished from everyone’s view in an instant! The crowd gasped in awe, but with his landing spot shrouded in mystery, it was impossible to determine the actual height of his incredible leap.
It was now the Grasshopper’s turn. With great determination, he took a deep breath and launched himself into the air. Alas, he only managed to reach half the height he had hoped for. He was a little embarrassed, but he still smiled and bowed to the crowd.
All eyes were on the Leap-frog as he took center stage. He stood still for a long time, lost in thought. Everyone started to believe that he might not jump at all. But suddenly, pop! The Leap-frog made a spectacular jump, landing gracefully on a nearby lily pad, right in front of the magical Fairy of the Woods, who was sitting on a little golden stool.

A smile danced on the Fairy’s lips as she proclaimed, “What an extraordinary leap! It requires not only skill but also intelligence and courage to achieve such a feat. Leap-frog, you have demonstrated your exceptional jumping prowess.
Rising from her seat, the Fairy announced, “The time has come to grant the winner’s wish!” She addressed the Leap-frog, “Your remarkable leap has earned you this magical opportunity. Share your heart’s desire, and it shall be yours.”
The Leap-frog thought for a moment, then leaned in to whisper his wish to the Fairy. With a wave of her magic wand, the Fairy granted his wish, and everyone cheered for the Leap-frog’s incredible victory.
The Flea and the Grasshopper exchanged glances, their spirits deflated like a pair of punctured balloons. They had both put so much effort into their jumps, but the Leap-frog’s cleverness had won the day.
Sensing their disappointment, the Fairy chimed in with words of wisdom. “Cheer up, my friends! Remember, there’s more than one way to be a champ. The Flea’s awe-inspiring leap and the Grasshopper’s stylish form are nothing to sneeze at โ unless you’re allergic to compliments!โ
Unable to repress a chuckle, the Flea and the Grasshopper realized the truth in the Fairy’s words.
With a newfound understanding, they approached the Leap-frog and congratulated him wholeheartedly. The Leap-frog, touched by their sincerity, shared his secret wish with them.
“I wished for all of us to remain the best of friends, always supporting and encouraging each other, no matter what challenges we may face.โ The Flea and the Grasshopper practically did a happy dance!
Dayan laughed โSo, there you have it! Who knew that a humble jumping contest could pack such a punch?โ
Maral humorously mused, โWinning isn’t just about topping the charts or hogging the limelight. Nope, it’s about cheering on your pals and keeping your eye on the true prize of doing your best. Yeah, Dayan greed, โItโs not about a trophy.โ

Here’s the lesson: don’t be a sore loser or a boastful winner. Instead, channel your inner Leap-frog and be the one who builds others up while having a grand old time. So, hop to it, and remember that life’s greatest triumphs are those shared with buddies who have your back, no matter how high or low you jump!
0 Comments