Once upon a time, in a small village in Latvia, there lived a white stork named Luna.

Luna lived in a large nest on a tall pole near green meadows and wetlands.

She had long red legs, a long red beak, and beautiful black-and-white wings.

Polina LV

Every spring, Luna returned to the same nest.

One autumn morning, the wind became cold.

"It is time to fly south," said Luna.

She opened her wings and began her journey.

Taisija LV

Uljana LV

Luna flew over fields, rivers, and forests.

She looked for frogs, insects, and little mice to eat.

White storks love open fields because they can find plenty of food there.

As Luna flew, she saw many other storks.

They were all travelling to warm Africa for the winter.

"The world is so big," Luna whispered.

After many days, Luna arrived in Hungary.

There she met a small bird called Max the Barn Swallow.

Max was quick and cheerful.

His long forked tail helped him fly very fast.

"Hello!" chirped Max.

"Where are you going?"

"I am flying south for the winter," said Luna.

"So am I!" said Max.

The two birds decided to travel together.

So they continued their journey together.

They formed an interesting, peculiar pair in the sky: the huge, majestically gliding stork and the swallow darting behind it, moving with rapid wingbeats.

Dávid and Ágota

The next day, dark clouds filled the sky.

A strong storm began.

Rain fell from the clouds, and the wind pushed the birds from side to side.

"We need shelter!" cried Luna.

Yunus Çakır / Şehit Erdal Eraslan Middle School / Zeynep

Max knew an old barn nearby.

The birds hid inside and waited for the storm to pass.

While they rested, Max told Luna stories about catching insects while flying.

Luna listened with wonder.

When the sun returned, the friends continued their journey.

Soon they reached Turkey.

Near a beautiful lake they met Zara the Common Crane.

Zara was tall and elegant, with long legs and a graceful neck.

"Welcome, travellers," she said kindly.

The crane lived near wetlands where many birds stopped to rest.

"Would you like to join me?" asked Zara.

"Yes!" said Luna and Max.

YAREN/AHMET SOYKAN PRİMARY SCHOOL

At last, the friends reached a peaceful lake.

The weather was warm and sunny.

There was plenty of food and fresh water.

The birds rested happily among the reeds.

Luna clattered her beak with joy.

Max sang a cheerful song.

Zara danced beside the water.

"We made it!" they said together.