Saci-Pererê - Brazilian

Whoosh. Did you feel that little wind? That was me. My name is Saci-Pererê. I hop, hop, hop through the big green forest on my one leg. I wear a magical red cap on my head. I love to play silly games and surprise my friends. This is the story people tell about me, the myth of Saci-Pererê.

I live in the big, warm forest in Brazil. I have only one leg, but I am very fast. Hop, hop, hop. I can hop faster than anyone can run. My bright red cap is magic. It helps me turn into a puff of wind. Whoosh. I love to play games with the farmers. Sometimes I play hide-and-seek with their tools. I hide a shovel and giggle behind a big, green leaf. They look and look. It is a fun game. Then, with a puff of dust, I make the shovel come back.

I am not being mean, I am just being playful. My real magic is in my little red cap. My bright, bright red cap. People know that if they can grab my cap, I will be so surprised. I will grant them one wish to get it back. But it is very hard to catch me. I am a tricky boy. I can spin and swirl and turn into a tiny tornado. Whoosh. I disappear. When a sock is missing, or a gate is open, the grown-ups smile. They say, 'Maybe Saci-Pererê was here playing a game.'

Today, I am a friend to the forest and a friend of fun. My story reminds everyone that the world is full of wonder and little surprises. When you see leaves swirl around in the wind, maybe that is me. Maybe I am hopping by to say hello. Remember to laugh and play and look for all the magic hidden in the world.