The Girl and the Talking Hedge

Every morning, Mira walks down the garden path in her yellow rain boots and red overalls, passing buzzing bees and nodding flowers until she reaches the tall, mysterious green hedge at the end. Two knot-holes resemble gentle eyes, and a crease in the bark curves like a smile. One sunny day, Mira hears a tiny voice from inside the hedge and discovers that the hedge and the animals living in it can talk. She meets Pip, a small robin with a cowlick feather and a nest decorated with a blue flower, and Bramble, a plump brown rabbit with floppy ears and a leaf tucked behind one ear. The Old Hedge introduces itself as the one who looks after everyone there, and Mira promises to listen.

For many days, Mira visits the hedge, meeting beetles, bees, a sleepy mouse, and a chatty squirrel, and hearing their stories of acorns, rain, and first flights. The animals tell her she is a wonderful listener because she sits quietly and truly hears them. Then one morning, she arrives to find Pip and Bramble quarrelling over the same warm spot: Pip needs it high and safe for her eggs, while Bramble needs it low and snug for her winter burrow. Their voices grow louder, the other animals worry, and nobody is smiling anymore. This tale by Ebru Mina TOMURCUK can be read on Onlinemasal Com.Tr.