In this beloved andersen fairytale, a Flea, Grasshopper, and Leap-frog compete for a magical wish. The highest jumper wins—or does he? When precision matters more than height and friendship outweighs glory, the quietest competitor teaches everyone what victory really means.
Three unusual friends gathered in the garden at dawn: a Flea, a Grasshopper, and a Leap-frog. They were inseparable companions with a shared love for adventure, constantly challenging each other to contests. But today was different. The magical Fairy of the Woods had appeared, promising to grant a single wish to whoever could leap the highest.
Word spread quickly. Butterflies perched on flower petals, beetles gathered on leaves, and curious birds settled on nearby branches. Two children, Dayan and Maral, crept close behind a large stone to watch.
The Fairy of the Woods, glowing with gentle golden light, called the garden to attention. “Today these three friends will compete to see who can jump the highest. The champion will be granted one special wish!”
The Flea stepped forward first, his black coat shimmering in the sunlight. He bowed elegantly to the audience on all sides. “I was raised in the palace,” he announced. “I’ve learned the finest manners from humans themselves.” His wish, he’d told everyone, was for a magnificent palace of his own where he could host grand balls.
Next came the Grasshopper, larger than the Flea and dressed in vibrant green. “My family comes from ancient lineage,” he proclaimed with a slight bow. “I live in a three-story home made entirely of playing cards.” He dreamed of using his wish to travel the world beyond the garden’s borders.
The Leap-frog stepped forward last. Unlike his friends, he didn’t boast. He simply smiled and nodded respectfully. Though quiet, everyone knew him as a thoughtful soul who considered his actions carefully. He hadn’t shared his wish with anyone.
The Fairy raised her wand. “Let the competition begin!”
The Flea launched himself skyward with such force he vanished from sight. The crowd gasped, straining toward the blue sky. When he finally returned to earth, landing on a tall sunflower, the audience applauded. Yet without measuring his height, no one could say how impressive the feat truly was.
The Grasshopper took his position next. He stretched his long legs and launched himself with a mighty spring. His jump was graceful, but he reached only half the height he’d hoped for. Landing with a slight stumble, embarrassment colored his cheeks, but he recovered and bowed with dignity.
Now all eyes turned to the Leap-frog. He took his place and stood perfectly still. Seconds passed, then minutes. The audience whispered. Had he forgotten his turn?
Then, without warning—pop! One powerful jump. Not particularly high, but perfectly aimed. He landed gracefully on a lily pad directly in front of the Fairy’s golden stool.
A hush fell over the garden. The Fairy’s lips curved into a smile. “What an extraordinary leap! It requires not only physical ability but also intelligence and thoughtfulness to achieve such precision.”
She rose from her seat. “The time has come to grant the winner’s wish. Share your heart’s desire, and it shall be yours.”
The Leap-frog thought for a moment, then leaned in to whisper. With a gentle wave of her wand, soft golden light enveloped the three friends before fading away. The crowd erupted in cheers.
The Flea and the Grasshopper stood to the side, expressions downcast. All their dreams had vanished like morning dew.
They approached the Leap-frog slowly. “What did you wish for?” the Grasshopper asked.
The Leap-frog’s eyes twinkled. “I wished for all three of us to remain the best of friends forever, always supporting and encouraging each other through whatever challenges we may face.”
The Flea’s jaw dropped. “You could have wished for anything, and you chose… friendship?”
“What greater treasure could there be?”
The Flea and the Grasshopper felt their disappointment transform into something warmer. The Fairy had given all three friends something far more valuable than any palace or journey.
From behind the stone, Dayan whispered to Maral: “He wasn’t trying to jump higher than everyone else. He jumped to where he needed to be.”
As the sun began to set, the three friends hopped away together, already planning their next adventure. Behind them, two children slipped away quietly, carrying with them a lesson more valuable than any game: that life’s greatest victories are those shared with friends who have your back, no matter how high or low you jump.
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