Kotyhoroshko - Ukrainian

In a sunny, happy village lived a special boy with a funny name. His name was Kotyhoroshko, which means 'Pea-Roller.' He was not born like other children; he popped right out of a magic pea his mother ate. One day, a big, grumpy dragon with a loud ROAR came to the village and took his sister to a gloomy castle. Kotyhoroshko knew he had to be brave and strong to bring her back. This is the story of Kotyhoroshko.

Kotyhoroshko grew up very fast and became very, very strong. He asked a blacksmith to make him a giant iron mace, which is like a big, heavy club. The mace was so heavy that only strong Kotyhoroshko could lift it. With his big mace on his shoulder, he said goodbye to his mommy and daddy. 'I will bring my sister home,' he promised. He walked through green forests and over tall hills, following the dragon’s big, giant footprints. Soon he found a dark cave. Was he scared? No, he was not. He held his mace tight and shouted, 'Dragon, let my sister go.' The dragon roared a big, loud ROAR. But Kotyhoroshko swung his mace around and around. WHOOSH. It sounded like thunder. The dragon saw how strong the boy was and got so scared that he flew far, far away and never came back.

Kotyhoroshko found his sister inside the cave, and they ran all the way home together, laughing and smiling. Their parents were so happy to see them and gave them the biggest hugs. The whole village celebrated because everyone was safe and sound. This story is told in a country called Ukraine to show children that even if you start small, like a little pea, you can grow up to be strong, brave, and kind. Helping the people you love is the most wonderful thing you can do, and that makes you a true hero.