WINTER

Primary school, Ivanec, Croatia

"The very sad snowman"

Text by Maciek D, class 6c,

POLAND, teacher: Jolanta Zamoyska

Illustration by pupils of Münevver Çakır Ertekin, Turkey

One upon a time in a small town lived a beautiful cat. He was named Carrot because he was orange. Carrot was smart and playful too. The cat's coat was gentle and fluffy.

One day he walked in the forest. Suddenly a large snowflake dropped on Carrot's nose. He thought it was a cloud that had fallen onto his nose. „The sky is falling!, the cat mewed. Carrot was very scared. He quickly ran to the house and hid under the bed.

Text by Kamile and Eva, Raseiniai Saltinis Progymnasium, Lithuania

Once upon a time, two children made a snowman. They named him Olaf. When they finished this snowman they thought: „It’s really beautiful snowman”. When they turned around and started to walk back home, the snowman moved. Children turned around again and saw the snowman who could move! The snowman said -"Hello, I am Olaf, who are you?” Children said - „Hello, we’re Adam and Marcus. Are you alive?

„Yes, I am. I'm a snowman with a heart but I can live only in winter.” „It’s so sad” said Marcus. „Yeah, my life is boring.”„So, do you need some fun?”„Yes, yes, yes! - shouted Olaf. „Marcus, let’s make a second snowman” – said Adam. Olaf was so happy and he was very thankful. Children ran home and told their mum what they saw but when mum left the house, she saw nothing. It was just children’s imagination.

Text by Maciek D, class 6c, POLAND, teacher: Jolanta Zamoyska

Once upon a time there was a king who lived in his castle. He had a son named Edward. The family was very rich, but Edward fell in love with a girl, Alice, who was extremely poor.

Edward's family did not want his son to marry Alice. The girl's father was a baker, but he didn't sell very much. The two boys used to meet in the bakery at night, while Alice was baking  bread. One evening, Edward had an idea: he added a little sugar and butter to the bread.

The next morning, the new bread was very successful. After a few days, Edward added to the bread some eggs and candied citron. This time there was a queue of people outside the store to buy that amazing bread. Alice's family became very rich and this allowed the two lovers to get married.  The Christmas sweet called panettone was born.

ICS COMO REBBIO, ITALY

Illustration by Bulgárföldi Általános Iskola, Hungary

The sun was going down when snow started to fall over the forest. "Well," said Old Man Crow to his wife in the aspen mountain, "I think we're going to eat mice stew from a well-set table tomorrow." Soon, snowflakes were dancing over the wheat fields. "Come on, come on," the fields lured them, "soft snow is great for sowing. It keeps the wheat grain warm so it doesn't freeze in the ground." The village had long been silent by the time the snow clouds arrived over it.  "Well, we're joshing this village," said the snowflakes. "It won't even recognize itself in the morning, we'll paint it white, even the rooftops."There were also curious snowflakes. Far below the sky there was a great light. There the city lights were lit. These snowflakes wanted to see the city.

"You'll see how we'll be honored there," they told their brothers in the village. "They'll even offer us seats, maybe put us in a carriage." With that, they flew over the city and fell on the rooftops, the streets, the squares. They couldn't wait for the morning to look around the city. But by the time the sun rose, the snowflakes were done for. The city's cleaning crew came and offered the snow some brooms and shovels. Then they put it in piles, carried it out of town. By noon, the city snow became slush while the forests and the fields will be sparkling white until spring.

"The Curious Snowflakes" originally written by Móra Ferenc

Rewrited by students of Bulgárföldi Általános Iskola, Hungary

Illustration by IC Como Rebbio, Italy

The Legend of the Snowman

  There once was a simple man which lived in the heart of the forest with his older brothers: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter with their father, God.

On the third of November, during the night, her father called all his sons at a meeting.

“Dear sons, Winter will start tomorrow! My oldest son will inherit the ice sieve that will help him sift the first layer of snow. He will climb the ice tower and he will proclaim the Winter.”

“Yes, sir! I won’t disappoint you, dad!”

The youngest brother, who didn’t come to the meeting and who was eavesdropping, thought: “If Winter didn't exist, my brother wouldn't be so important!” 

    Then, he had a great idea. He would steal the ice sieve from his dad, and when he will climb the tower and sift the first layer of snow, he will become the son who will proclaim the Winter.

    Early in the morning, he slowly entered his father's room, stole the ice sieve and he hid it in the forest

His brother, Summer, the one who had left to prepare the wood for the first day of Winter, saw him and he went to wake up his father.

    God caught him and gave the ice sieve to his son, Winter, and he saved the season.

    As punishment, God transformed his disobedient son into a snowman.

    So occasionally, you can see the snowman crying.

Story by Simina Blagoiu, Ana Maria Drug, Daria Neagu and Bianca Lepsa - ”George Calinescu” Secondary School, Onesti, Romania

Teacher Lacrimioara Sabareanu

Melek Serttaş, Aha Science Secondary School, Türkiye

Picture drawn by Damla Şen

7th primary school of Alimos

Greek legend-Τhe abduction of Persephone

Winter is one of the four seasons. In winter days are short and nights are long. During the winter leaves fall from the trees, flowers wither and it sometimes snows here in Greece.

A Greek myth explains the creation of the 4 seasons. According to this myth, Persephone was the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Dimitra, the Goddess of agriculture. One day, Hades the God of the underworld abducted Persephone and forced her to stay with him in the underworld.

Because of Dimitra's pain all plants soon began to wither and die. Everything was covered with snow and the earth was not fertile anymore.

Zeus in fear of losing everything on earth to Dimitra's pain, ordered Hades to return Persephone. Hades reluctantly agreed. When Zeus and Dimitra came to get the girl Hades announced that she couldn't go because she had eaten of the food of the dead. Not wanting to get worse Zeus made a compromise.

Persephone would stay 6 months with Hades in the underworld and 6 months with her mother on Earth and this explains how the seasons were created.

Fatma Kul 50.Yıl Secondary School-TURKEY

for

Joanna Vrentzou

7th Primary school of Alimos

Snowdrop story

In one bad winter, an even worse stepmother sent the girl Snowdrop to the mountains. "Go to the Golden Cave and tell the Good Fairy to fill your bag with gold coins. Without them, you wouldn't go home, ”said the stepmother. The little girl was walking through the thick snow. He traveled a long way and finally reached the forest. But where to look for the Good Fairy? She began to cry in fear.

Cvetanka Petrevska N.Macedonia

She walked and cried , and the tears of the cold immediately froze, and one by one, like white pearls, slipped into the snow. The good fairy pityed her and let the hot wind melt the snow. In the places where frozen pearls fell, children's tears blossomed into beautiful white flowers resembling dear bells. They have since been called Snowdrops by the name of the little girl.

Ilustration from Tülin AKTÜRK

A winter story by the students of Atatürk Secondary School

Eskişehir / TURKEY

BATIKŞAN

On a very cold winter day , Hola’s wife Avila heard a voice while she was walking in the forest. She saw someone walking fast among the trees. She was a short woman with long blonde hair. She was smiling at Avila without blinking her big eyes. Avila was so scared that she just ran away.

When she came to the tent , everyone was looking at her scared face. She told her grandmother what has happened in the forest. Grandma told her ‘‘Don’t be afraid, her name is Batıkşan’’ with a smile on her face.  She is the guardian soul of the forest. She protects us, the animals and all living creatures . You are so lucky. To date, very few people could see her" she said. Next day, all family members went to the forest to see Batıkşan but unfortunately no one could see her.

Başak BOSTANCI - Atatürk Secondary School / TURKEY

ILLUSTRATION BY ESCOLA LAVÍNIA, SPAIN

The winter tale

Written by the students of the 3rd class of a Primary school in Poggiomarino-ITALY-

together the teacher Giuseppina Teodosio

* * * * *

Illustration by students of class 4 SbS,

Petőfi Sándor Technological High School, ROMANIA teacher: Julianna Szabó

THE WINTER TALE.

Once upon a time there was a boy named Winter with magic powers,but he didn't know it.One day while he was playing in the park,he saw leaves falling down and the flying like colourful butterflies.Winter was sad because he wanted to put the leaves back on the trees.So he took and threw them into the air.

SURPRISE!!! But a strange and wonderful something happened.......

The leaves changed into soft snowflakes.Winter was happy now and he covered the houses'roofs with snow,the lakes were frozen and the meadows became white carpets.Children liked Winter because they could skate,make snowmen and throw snowballs.Now wind,snow,cold and rain were ready and the little boy was a cheerful boy.

Illustration by Petőfi Sándor Technological High School, Romania

The dissatisfied crow

Text by students of class 4 SbS,

Petőfi Sándor Technological High School, ROMANIA teacher: Julianna Szabó

* * *

Illustration by students of class 3,

Primary school in Poggiomarino, ITALY

teacher: Giuseppina Teodosio

The dissatisfied crow

A story based on the poem of Móra Ferenc

Once upon a time, a black crow wanted to dress in white. He got tired of going black forever in winter and in summer.

He was sitting on the branch and thinking a lot about what to do. The cunning and clever fox is going there. The crow asks him:

– What should he do to become a white dove?

Illustration by Primary school in Poggiomarino, Italy

– Bathe in the snow! You will be such a white dove that I do not recognize you too. - advises the fox.

The black crow believes in the fox and accepts his advice. Jumps joyfully off the branch into the big snow. The crow's beak is not visible in the snow either. The hungry fox was expecting exactly that. He quickly caught the crow and ate it for dinner.

Eventually, the fox tricked the dissatisfied crow, who wanted to be a white dove.

Class 4 SbS,

Petőfi Sándor Technological High School, Romania

In the dark forest, where was the deep ravine, two winds slept. The Gentle Wind was a guy with blue eyes. And the Cold Wind was an old man with a white beard.

Winter came. The sun couldn't rise high above the ground. White snow covered the field. The treetops were alarmingly noisy. The Cold Wind woke up in a deep ravine. He got up, left the forest. The blizzard moanеd.When the Cold Wind began to blow over the ground , rivers froze, a blizzard buzzed.

Sudenly the sun rose above the Earth! The Cold Wind felt pain in the back ! He went slowly back into the dark forest,and esсaped in a deep ravine.The Gentle Wind woke up, came out of the forest.

The sun laughed, streams began to run, flowers - to bloom, grasses wispered...

WINTER WINDS

STORY BY NATALIIA VYSOCHYNSKA TEAM (UKRAINE)

ILLUSTRATION BY

Emine KIRBULUT TEAM(TURKEY)

ILLUSTRATION BY EMINE KIRBULUT

BEFANA AND GASPARE

Once upon a time, there was an ugly girl with a terrible character.She wore old rags and ripped socks.Her name was Befana. The children from the village made fun of her and called her a witch because she flew on a broom stick at night.

So she always locked herself up at home.

One evening, when she became old and wicked, a boy called Gaspare knocked on her door with his parents. Befana opened the door and the boy gently said " Good evening,may we sleep over for the night? It is cold outside"

"NO !! Nobody sleeps here! I don't have friends!" yelled Befana and slammed the door.

Gaspare and his parents said "Thank you " and went away. Later Befana regretted what she did and was surprised by the boy's kindness.

Since then Befana flies on her broom stick every year on the night between the 5th and 6th of January carrying a big bag on her back filled with stockings. She brings sweets and candy for kind children and lumps of coal and garlic for unkind children. Every year she hopes to meet Gaspare.

DDS MONDRAGONE TERZO,Italy

Drawn by my student Duru -Kadriye Primary School-Antalya Primary School

BURAK'S SNOW EXCITEMENT

It was January. Burak was out of bed. He immediately went down and washed his face and looked out the window.And see what he sees. It was all white. The branches of the trees, the top of the streetlight, and even his father's car were white like cotton candy.Burak couldn't wait to go out and play snowballs and make snowmen. He immediately ran to his sister. His sister was warming up at the stove.When he saw your brother, he said let's go outside. They took permission from their mother and went out immediately.As the weather was cold, they could not play in the garden as before

It was a great pleasure for them to snow.They wore their scarves, gloves, hats and coats. They called his other friends. Together they started making snowmen.Burak immediately ran home and took carrots and olives. His friends brought hats, scarves and brooms. The snowman was no longer cold.Then they started to play on the snow. They found a ski toy. Together they started to slide down the slope.With the screams of joy they all began to slide. They wanted winter never to end.It was getting dark now. They returned home with their noses red and cold.

Their mother made them hot milk. They drank immediately so they wouldn't get sickHis father bought chestnuts on the way home. Burak and his sister cooked and ate chestnuts at the stove and told about their adventures that day. They had fun. Burak fell asleep at the top of the stove, and in his dream he felt the excitement still slipping.

Written by my student Rabia Y.

Rabia KILINÇ-Kadriye Primary School-Antalya-TURKEY

STORY BY Rabia KILINÇ TEAM (TURKEY)

ILLUSTRATION BY Rosa Di Resta& M.C Strozzi's students

In a snowy day, while Jonathan was leaving the school.Suddenly he heard a noise. There was a kitten. It was hungry and cold. He fed it and gave it the name "Snow". He kept the cat secret and after two days his mum saw the cat. First she got angry to him. However she felt heartbroken. Then she took Snow to the vet. Snow became a member of the family. TED Aliağa College-Pınar Çetiner

The three magic kings

Once upon a time the devil had a baby, so he started to demand gifts for the baby to all the people from the world, and if they didn’t give him anything he will make them die.

There were three magic kings, which travel on camels, and were on route to give the presents to the baby of the devil.

When they arrived to a village called Bethlem, they saw that all the people are poor and hungry because the devil wanted very expensive presents. Then the three kings realized that it was better to give the presents to these poor people even if the devil will kill them.

Then they saw a poor couple with a baby in a stable. When they gave them the presents the lady asked them:

-Why are you giving us all these presents?

-It’s because this day of the year we give presents to all the children of the world.- Lied the three kings.

Since that day the three kings give presents to all the children from the world and they never die because God protects them after doing a noble action.

Escola Lavínia (6th grade) Teacher: Noemi Dalmau

Illustration by the students of Atatürk Secondary School

Eskişehir / TURKEY

Winter Story

It is December 5th evening and in my house there is a big bump: everyone washes their boots, polishes them with wax and puts them near the door, lined up beautifully. Father Nicolas is coming! But only to the happy! We are all looking forward to him! Every year he brought us chocolate, candy and a toy!

I love winter hollydays!

Liceul Tehnologic Aiud, teacher Voicu Corina Valentina and Buta Ramona

Drawing made by Steffen Toppler*s classroom.

Once upon a time , there was my cat named Star. He saw snow for the first time. When he saw it , he thought it was cheese , so he started licking it ,but his tongue froze. He meowed at the door , but nobody heard him so he wondered around the house. Finally, I heard him and opened the door. He was the happiest cat! He sat on his favourite spot and listened to our discussion.

By Popa Romina-Bianca , Chisinau,Moldova,Heritage International School (Adriana Bujag)

Julia, Poland, Jolanta Zamoyska

                        Winter story

 Cornelia Alina Moț, Școala Gimnazială Nr. 2 Lugoj, România

  It was a cold December evening. All day, the gray sky had not left the sun to gaze at the earth.

         Under the street lantern, fluffy flakes, like a bunch of ice-tenderly fliers, they were slow, and the kids rushed to catch them on the fly. A white and thick duvet covered the streets, cars and trees. It was the night before Christmas, when Mosul Bland and bun run with his reindeer and sleigh, to bring the children with good gifts.

  In Our house everything was ready. My mother had finished baking cozonaks and my father and I adorned the tree. Suddenly, a crystal-clear sound of bells can be heard at the door. When I opened it up, an old man with a white beard, dressed in a red coat, a big sack in the back smiled at me and asked my name. I answered and asked him to come in and sit in the chair, near Brad. He knew that I had obtained very good qualifications and was happy.

         After singing and recited two poems, Santa kissed me on the cheek, emptied his bag and told me he was in a hurry to get to other kids. I drove him to the door and I promised him that the next year I'd get as good results.

          It was a lovely winter night!

Ilustration by Cosmina Alina Bogasieru, Școala Gimnazială Nr. 4 Lugoj, România

THE SNOWMAN

Once upon a time, there was a place called winter. The weather was very cold.A family made a snowman.They put a carrot as nose, a scarf and bottons as eyes.

C.P. José María de Huarte (Pamplona)

At night, when everyone is sleeping, the snowman walked around the neighbourhood. Every night, he made another snowman to play.

They had fund every day but the snowmen melted when the weather became hotter.

Once upon a time there was a rabbit . He was chased by a wolf in winter.On his run , he met Winter Fairy. She saw in what critical situation he was , so she made him white. He camouflaged with the snow and the wolf could not see him and left . This is how the rabbits change their fur colour in winter into white.

By Emi , Chisinau , Moldova , Heritage International School (Adriana Bujag)

Maya, Poland Jolanta Zamoyska

The Olchis are celebrating Christmas

 Olchi grandpa was just taking a nice mud-bath when the Olchi kids resolved to go sledding on their dragon Firechair who was in hibernation. Olchi mum and dad were decorating the Christmas tree. “Oh, how wonderful!“, exclaimed Olchi grandma. When the children were done sledding, they went to Olchi dad and asked him if he wanted to build a snowman with them. “Yes“, Olchi dad said. The children were very happy.

All through autumn, the children had looked forward to winter because they were longing to build a snowman, and now the time had finally come!

Now they built a wonderfully stinking snowman. They all liked him very much.

After some time, they got bored. That's why they rode on Firechair to the Christmas market. There they had much fun and sang loud and wild songs until they got arrested. In the police car they ate the handcuffs. The Olchi kids stank so much that the policemen threw them out. They went home where Santa was already awaiting them. (Freie Schule Kassel, Germany)

"Olchis" drawing by class 6, Czech Republic

‘The Snowstorm Disaster!’

In our story, the characters are – JJ Cool – the skier (JJC); Jeff – the snowboarder (J); Sasha – the husky rescue dog; Snowy – the snow bunny; The King of Ice – the snow dragon

JJC and J were snowboarding and skiing adventurously down the extreme side of Snow Mountain. It had been the scene of many accidents when the weather was dangerous. Sasha the husky had been part of the rescue team in the past.

On this particular day, JJC and J were travelling home to their freezing cold houses. At top speed, Sasha had caught up with them, but the blizzard and snowstorm were very heavy. This made them all blinded with snow on their goggles.

Snowy, the snow bunny, was famous on the mountain, as he had been part of many rescues during other snowstorms. But, this time, Sasha is not convinced or keen that a rescue could take place. All four of them, rapidly, reached the edge of the cliffs. Was there anyone to help?

Amazingly, the King of Ice appeared, shooting a blast of freezing snow in their direction. It stopped their fall, but created an avalanche. The King of Ice’s cold air caused an icy tornado which blew all the snow away.

JJ Cool, Jeff, Snowy and Sasha thought they were safe, but were they? The King of Ice had other plans !!!!

Written by Jake, James, Isabelle, Peyton and Daisy

from Snowy Owls’ Class at Rudham CE Primary Academy, England, UK

                                Winter

  Cosmina Alina Bogasieru, Școala Gimnazială Nr. 4 Lugoj, România

       It is a winter day, very beautiful. Large, beautiful leaves fall from the blue sky like tears. The rivers are covered with ice thin and clear as tears.

Younger children, go out with their parents and make snow people or bump into each other. Nature falls asleep under a thick snow coat and will resurrect again in the spring.

     I begin the preparations for the typical wonderful winter holidays that are Christmas and New Year that bring joy. People stay warm in the houses, where the aroma of cakes and cake is felt. The horses are dressed in lights that shine like a butterfly in many colors. New Year's Eve takes place at midnight, with different fireworks, which dress the city or village in lights.

       Winter is an absolutely wonderful season!

Ilustration by Cornelia Alina Moț , Școala Gimnazială Nr. 2 Lugoj, România

Christmas boats in Greece

During Christmas there are boats (karavakia) all around Greece decorated with lights. The karavaki shows Greece's connection to the sea and symbolizes the journey towards new life. Decorating a boat at Christmas also shows gratitude to the sailors who worked hard at sea.

In the past, children went from door to door to sing Christmas carols. They held wooden boats. Neighbours would drop candy or sweets inside each boat.

Today, many Greek squares are decorated with Christmas boats that light up at night. (5th Primary School of Chrysoupoli, Greece).

Illustration by Alina Labanauskaite (Lithuania)

(illustrated by Münevver Çakır Ertekin)

Lovely Birds

(Yasemin YARBAŞI-Turkey)

It was a cold winter day and snowing outside. Little Mary was sitting on the sofa wearing her thickest sweater and watching the snow falling outside. ‘It's raining so beautifully, she thought.While Little Mary was enjoying this beautiful view, she suddenly noticed two birds coming in front of the window. Birds were placed on the edge of the glass and began to look through the window.

Both birds were beautiful. One of them is white, just like the snow outside.The other is gray.While Mary was looking the birds from her seat, one of the birds started tapping the glass. Mary surprised at bird's clicking the window. The birds clicked again, as if to say something to Mary. She got up from the sofa and approached the edge of the window. Both birds were looking at Mary. Mary felt sorry for the birds and opened the window and let them in.Mary called her mother right away. She asked her mother to bring the birds something to eat.

Birds ate their food and started playing with Mary. The birds were singing the songs they knew to Zeynep, while Zeynep was teaching them new songs she learned at school.That night the birds slept in the Mary’s room. The next day the sun shined and the birds thanked to Mary and said goodbye to her and left happily.

Münevver Çakır Ertekin-Turkey

Tülin Aktürk- Halıcı Ahmet Urkay Anatolian High School

It was a cold winter evening. It was freezing outside, the wind was howling and the snow was falling. A young girl called Alara sat by the window in the orphanage. She looked outside sadly. It was nearly new year. She thought about how all the other children in Marmaris would be spending it with their families, getting presents and celebrating. She knew Mrs Gün who ran the orphanage could never afford any of this.

Alara watched the snowflakes fall slowly and decided to go for a walk.

She grabbed her coat, climbed out of the window and jumped on the pavement. Wrapping her coat tightly around her, she started walking down the street. When she arrived at a small park she sat on the bench and watched the children play happily with their families. Alara watched sadly as tears started rolling down her cheek. An old man sat down next to her. " Excuse me, what's wrong? " he asked kindly. Alara looked up. She explained that she loved new year and that all she and her friends at the orphanage had ever wanted was to celebrate it with presents, toys, decorations etc.

As the old man listened an idea popped into his head. They talked for a while and the sky had started to darken and the snow had begun to fall heavier. Alara stood up, wiping her tears away she turned to the man: " Good evening Mr Akın thank you for everything." she said. " You're very welcome dear. Oh and Have a happy new year." he replied smiling, with a twinkle in his eye. Alara smiled politely and started to walk back to the orphanage. As she walked, she began to regret not wearing a thicker coat.

When she arrived at the orphanage she got straight into bed as she was shivering. She fell asleep listening to the fire crackling.

The next morning was new years day. The children were woken up for breakfast later than usual. When they walked downstairs they were greeted with a surprise. In the corner of the room, was a large tree decorated with tinsel and lights. There was a pile of presents placed carefully on top of the table. The children ran excitedly towards them and started unwrapping.

(Written by Kayra from Halıcı Ahmet Urkay Anatolian High School, Marmaris )

They were extremely excited to see loads of toys, books, clothes and many other things. It was many of the childrens first time receiving presents. But none of the children were as excited as Alara who ran upto Mrs Gün and hugged her tightly. All the children sat by the fire sipping hot chocolate and playing with their new toys. Alara looked up and was surprised to see Mr Akın talking to Mrs Gün by the door. " Thank you so much for your donation." said Mrs Gün smiling.

Serife Bacı

Everyone knows Serife Baci. Let's listen to her story. Şerife Bacı had married at the age of 16, but her husband went to the military and never came back. She later remarried and had a daughter. She named his daughter Elif. Serife’s new husband had lost an arm and a leg in battle. One day an announcement was made in the village. "One person from each village in the village will carry bullets from the village to Kastamonu." Because Şerife Bacı's husband could not go all the way with one leg, Şerife Bacı aspired for this duty.

The weather was very cold. She made her daughter a place between the bullets so that the baby would not get cold and wrapped her in a blanket.

There were two oxen in a tumbrel. After a while, one of the oxen became ill and did not want to walk. Şerife Bacı was replaced by ox himself but the road was very long and the weather was very cold and snowy

At one point she looked at her daughter, she was sleeping soundly. Şerife Bacı was very tired and thought  she had lost the convoy in front of her. He no longer had the strength.

She looked at his daughter one last time and put himself on the side of the road in snowy weather and fell into a deep sleep. In the morning, the soldiers waiting for the bullets found a derelict carte and soon saw the frozen body of this card that came very close to the headquarters. The Şerife Bacı  was martyred. Her daughter Elif was hungry and crying to suck his mother. Hearing the baby's crying, the soldiers found the baby among the bullets under the blanket and handed it over to the villagers who lived in the same village with his mother.

Written by Zeynep

Ayşe GÜLTEKİN ÖZCAN Yunus Emre İlkokulu Manavgat/ Antalya

illustration by Zoe, Skiathos team- Vassiliki Liberiou

It is a story of sundrop fower. You can see sundrop flower at Uludag in Bursa / Turkey. Sundrop flower falls in love with sun. Actually it didn’t see the sun and it knows that when it see sun it will die.But this love grows in it and it cannot stand on it. It prays The God to see the sun for a while. One day it goes to the god and says : My God please let me to see the Sun. But The God says : You know that you are a weak flower and if you see the sun you will die.I give you two days to think about this. The Sundrop flower thinks about for two days but it cannot give up thinking about The Sun.At the end of the two days It goes to The God and says: I want to see The Sun I am ready. And it decides to remove its head on the snow.It sees The sun but it dies. 

Emine KIRBULUT Sahin Yılmaz Primary School Bursa /Turkey

STORY BY Emine KIRBULUT TEAM (TURKEY)

ILLUSTRATION BY

NATALIIA VYSOCHYNSKA TEAM(UKRAINE)

SUPERHEROES CHRISTMAS STORY

Days went by, Christmas was coming, every children were waiting for Father Christmas. Christmas Day arrived. Batwoman had an evil plan to ruin Christmas for children.

 She wanted to introduce a chip in the children´s presents to capture and interrogate them. Next day Father Christmas was coming at night and Batwoman started following the children.

 Batwoman made a chipibot to catch the children´s presents and put a chip inside.

Next morning children knew about the evil plan and they saw the chipibot. They told Catwoman the plan and they went to meet Batwoman and the chipibot.

  The chipibot was jumping from one present to another introducing chips in the presents. Chipibot dropped tinsel from the Christmas tree, it messed up and stopped working. And they were all happy and ate Antiu Xixona turrón. They opened their presents and for Batwoman there was only very, very black coal.

The end. Benito Pérez Galdós School. Spain

NATALIIA VYSOCHYNSKA TEAM(UKRAINE)

THE THREE DAYS OF THE BLACKBIRD

It's a freezing winter. All the birds are in their cosy nests, waiting for the end of January. Also the blackbirds, with their marvellous white feathers are waiting the warm sun. The 28th of January mother blackbird decides to come out the nest with her young blackbirds. She is happy because winter is finished and she starts to taunt Winter. He is angry and decides to become more and more freezing!

Mother blackbird wants to survive with her young birds, so she colours the feathers in black in order to capture the slightest ray of sunshine and stay alive!

This is why today the blackbirds have got black feathers and the last three days of January are called "The three days of the blackbird" and are so cold.

Story written by the students of ICS "Salvo D'Acquisto", Muggiò - ITALY. Teacher: Miriam Rosa Civati

The Three Days of the Black Bird - Illustration by Elif Nisa - Develi Salih Onaran İHO Kayseri/ TURKEY

NASREDDİN HODJA & SHAVED ICE

On a snowy day, some people asked a question to Hodja Nasreddin: "Hodja! As you are a wiseman, you may have many inventions. Tell us one of them please!" Hodja says:"Ofcourse!... I invent the shaved ice!" They asked again:"What kind of a thing that?" Hodja answers:"When it’s snowing, put some snow into your bowl and pour some molasses on it. Here you are the shaved ice!" They do the things the hodja said and prepared shaved ice but they don’t like the taste of it. And they knock Hodja’s door and say:"Hodja! We’ve tried it but we don’t like the taste of it." Hodja answers:"Yes you are right. I don’t like the taste of it, either."

DEVELİ SALİH ONARAN İMAM HATİP SECONDARY SCHOOL-ÜMREHAN TOPAL, KAYSERİ-TURKEY

Illustration by a student of the ICS "Salvo D'Acquisto", Muggiò - ITALY. Teacher Miriam Rosa Civati

Winter in Lithuania

The autumn has ended and the little scarecrow named Jonothan was left alone in the field. He was terrified! It didn't understand what was happening. By the way, it was his first winter outside. It began to snow and the scarecrow started crying. Later he decided to go and find a safe place because it was getting dark. It was pitch black and he couldn't see a thing, it almost lost hope... But then, he saw some kind of colourful lights and the smell of an apple pie. Jonothon followed the scent and ended up in front of a big house. The scarecrow knocked on the door and a little boy opened them. He saw that Jonothan was scared and asked what was wrong.

'I don't understand what's happening!'

'It's called - winter. Don't be afraid. Here in Lithuania the winters are not cold, but sometimes there is a lot of snow. For many Lithuanians the best holiday in winter is Christmas and the Christmas Eve because all family gets to be together. Come inside and warm up!'

Amira and Vakare (7a grade)

The illustration of IOANNA VOZIARI

Pepe was a panda bear who lived in China since he was born. When he was very young, his parents had to go to Madrid Zoo. From that moment, he only saw them on Skype.

His parents missed him so much and they were very sad. The zoo's keepers noticed it and asked to Chinese zoo if Pepe could travel to Madrid and spend Christmas with his parents.

It was advent and everyone was preparing for the birth of the baby Jesus, but at Madrid Zoo, the preparations were for something more important, Pepe’s arrival. That Christmas would be very special.

When he arrived in Madrid, Pepe was greeted by the mayor and there were many people who came to welcome him, all saying "Merry Christmas!" and offered him nougat, marzipans and other Christmas sweets.

Pepe didn't understand anything , in China they didn't celebrate Christmas the same way ...

Pepe and Christmas

He was a little nervous and tired, the trip had been very long and he didn’t know where they were taking him.

On the way to the zoo, the journalists took many photos of him with some figures exhibited there. He heard that it was a Bethlehem; there were the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and the baby Jesus. They put it to remember the birth of Jesus; it was a symbol of Peace and Love. There were also many lights in the streets and a huge Christmas tree decorated with bright balls, lights and garlands of colours.

When Pepe arrived at the zoo and saw his parents, he couldn't believe it. Her mother had tears in her eyes, many people had brought them gifts, but his parents kept saying that stay with Pepe was the best gift of Christmas. They were excited and super happy.

They had a great few days, enjoying being together, because they knew that when the holidays were over, Pepe should return to China.

Pepe was told to write a letter, to ask the Three Wise Men for a gift. It was a very old tradition and all the children asked for toys and sweets (if any child hadn’t behaved very well, they brought him sugar charcoal).

Pepe decided he'd ask for something different and wrote a lovely letter.

When the night of the Three Wise Men came, Pepe went to sleep very soon, wishing they would bring him that gift he had asked for.

In the morning, Pepe woke up and ran to see what the Three Wise Men had left him by the Christmas tree. There were a lot of toys, some candies and a letter on a white envelope.

Pepe was very nervous and called his parents to read the letter with them.

It said:

"Dear Pepe:

We have received your letter and believe that, as you have been very good, we will grant you what you have asked us. From now on, you and your family will be able to live together in a

new house, in a nature reserve. We hope you will be very happy there.

Signed: Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar."

Pepe and his family hugged. That Christmas were wonderful, but the most important thing wasn't the presents, the Christmas lights or the nougat. The most important thing was to be able to be the whole family together.

AWAKENING OF WINTER

Ece Özaydın

Yükseliş College

İzmir / TURKEY

Autumn returned home safely but he was exhausted.As soon as he went to bed he fell into a deep sleep. Now ıt was time for Winter to wake up. He started moving in his bed. He had difficulty in opening his eyes because he had been sleeping since last winter. He yawned, stretched his arms. As he was getting up a freezing air filled in the room. He walked towards the window. He looked through the window.

The first snow of the year was slowly covering the ground. He heard some noises. Some children came with some materials in their hands. They had carrots, some pieces of coal, a scarf, a hat and a broom. They were going to make a snowman. They gathered some snow together and made a big ball for its body. Then they made a smaller ball for its head. They put the hat on top of its head. They wanted to keep its head warm. They also put a scarf around its neck. They put some pieces of coal in the place of its eyes and some as buttons of its shirt.  Finally, they put the broom against its body.  The snowman was ready.

 Some snowflakes were hiding inside a cloud. They were ready to travel to earth. They let themselves gently fall towards the ground. They were as light as feathers. The sky was full of black clouds. More snow was being expected.A little girl caught some snowflakes gently in her hands. They had different shapes. They were beautiful. But the snowflakes didn’t like the heat of her palms and fingers. They melted quickly. The little girl gathered some more snowflakes and made them into a snowball. The flakes hugged eachother tightly. She threw the snowball to one of her friends. He caught the ball and threw it back to her. 

It was getting colder and colder everyday. Winter made himself felt more and more day by day. That went on for three months. Everything in nature acts in a balance. The earth has to sleep for a while to renew itself and to get ready for Spring and to become more generous and caring. After days of strong winds, freezing cold and storms, Winter was tired and he wanted to sleep immediately.  

Illustration by pupils of 2°CD"F GIAMPAGLIA"ERCOLANO-ITALY for the story of Izmir Yukselis Koleji from Turkey

Winter villa

In the winter, white kingdom,the beautiful fairy spread its wings,

She snowbound the hills with her magic wand,

With her breath, the creeks froze.

She touched the clouds gently, snowflakes glitter sent,

Her hair my village snowed.

With its beauty cheered the children up.

With her own eyes she looked everything, and casts a spell.

Primary school Ivanec, Croatia

Drawing for the story Winter villa by Gunda and Elena, Raseiniai Saltinis Progymnasium, Lithuania:)

WINTER FAIRYTAIL

STORY BY: Yağmur ÇAMA

TRANSLATED BY: Yağmur ÇAMA & Damla ŞEN

AHA Science Secondary School / Türkiye

TEACHER: Melek Serttaş

WINTER FAIRYTAIL

There was a family living in a city in the east of country.They loved winter the most.They had a babyboy and years passed,the babyboy grew up to twelve years old.She enjoyed his time playing outside,having fun and loved the nice days the most.He never liked winter.Days passed,autum finished,winter came.Everywhere is covered with a white sheet.He looked outside and shouted furiously’Why is it winter again,I don’t want you,why don’t you tell me before you come, go away!’

This made his family sad and his father tried to comfort him saying ‘My son,please be calm and try to enjoy winter.It is really nice to play with snow.’But it didn’t work.So they decided to use their right to call winter.Winter appeared near them with curious eyes,and mother told the situation.Winter said’My dear boy,I don’t use words to tell I am coming but the signs in nature.Please observe the nature carefully.’Then the boy seeing winter talking to him both surprised and happy accepted the case and no more complained about winter.

The messenger of winter through the eyes of Stefaniei Rusescu from George Calinescu Secondary School, Onesti, Romania, teacher Sabareanu Lacrimioara.

Story written by Yağmur ÇAMA from AHA Science Secondary School, Turkey, teacher Melek Serttaş.

The story of snow flake

One day the mother Cloud left and told to her sons not to leave the home and to be carefull.

but they forgot so easly and start playing until they slipped and fell down from the sky .Small drops along the way were frozen by the cold .They turned into snowflakes and fell down gently to the ground without being hurt.

When their mom turns home and saw that she had lost their sons ,she felt so worried .

at the other side the scared little snowflakes found out that felling down in the ground wasn't that bad

They were so happy to play in nature with children , to feel children hands and glad everyone who touched them .But after so many happy months ,on march they began to get so bored of their mother 's absence .

After the Sun heard their loud cries ,he promis to help them to get back to their mother .Not just that ,but he still promised to them if they would be good to turn them back in ground each winter .

The small snoflakes now were really happy and flew up to their mother in sky .

story created by 5-th class Oblike -Shkoder-Albania

The paint is made by Medrea Alexandra

Liceul Tecnologic Aiud ,Romania

Teacher Voicu Corina

The text is created by 5-th class Oblike ,Shkoder Albania

Teacher :Teuta Lagja

Winter: under the snow there is bread

Once upon a time there was a tree called Nerino that was very unhappy because when the cold started on its branches there were no leaves and fruits, and they bent under the weight of the snow. He felt bare and lonely, even the birds, who kept him company during the hot season ,had left. His moans could be heard throughout the valley. One day at his feet sat an old man with a long white beard, a gray hat, a dark blue cloak and a stick on which he rested when he walked slowly. Listening to the complaints of the tree, he told him that he should be happy about this  because only in this way, that is, after the long winter rest

After this Nerino stopped crying and asked the old man who was. He replied: "I am Winter and even though everyone does not like me because I bring so much cold and snow I am the one who prepares nature to awaken, flourish and bear fruit, in fact, under so much snow there is bread because the grains rot and then give an abundant harvest. From that day Nerino understood the importance of his changes and stopped complaining and crying during the winter season.

Story written by the 5^ class C/D pupils -2^Circolo didattico"Francesco Giampaglia"ERCOLANO(ITALY)

This page is for the drawing of the winter story written by the pupils of 2°Circolo Didattico"Francesco Giampaglia"ERCOLANO ITALY teacher Annamaria COZZOLINO

From the pupils form TURKEY

teacher Ece Ozaydin

 "The Christmas of the Lazy" by Alexandros Papadiamantis

The master , Paul Piskoletto,  takes shelter  in Patsopoulou 's tavern  persecuted by his wife, humiliated by his mother-in-law, beaten by his brother-in-law, spat upon by his landlady, Mrs Stratina , and insulted  by his little three-year-old son, whom his outspoken uncle taught how to swear, scream, blaspheme and bring down Crosses, Virgin Marys, candlesticks, incense and sticks, he set a monumental farce to  his family, desperate for their atonement

Skiathos team, Greece, 6th grade

Lazy, cunning, and (above all) a cure-maker, when he sees the kid in the market, carrying the basket with the turkey and all that is needed for the festive table, he searches for Thanassis Beliopoulos' home and presents it to his own home, that he bought them himself. As it was, the following night, the real owner arrives and makes a terrible fuss by threatening to bring in the police. The family give back the basket and lock themselves in the house in shame. The final answer will be given by his three-year-old son Paul - "To your health, mate - Palo, lazy, bad father, we have eaten the whole turkey! Yes, you, take five, and five more, equals ten. "

Vassiliki Liberiou, story translated in English by Zacharias K.

illustrated by Asya Ö. Ayşe GÜLTEKİN ÖZCAN 'S STUDENT

Niobe, the daughter of Tantalus who was a local ruler thought to be of Lydian descent because of the area he had reigned, marries Amphion, the King of Thebai. Amphion and Niobe had fourteen children, seven male and seven female. Always boasting of her children, Niobe makes the Goddess Leto, the consort of Zeus who is regarded as the strongest god according to Greek Pantheon, angry by noting that she has only two children. Leto asks her children Apollo and Artemis to slay all children of Niobe, and they get killed by the arrows of these two.

 Pitying Niobe crying for days next to the bodies of her children, Zeus turns her into a rock in Mount Spil (Sipylus) to soothe her pain.

(The rock located at Mount Spil and resembling the silhouette of a woman's head when looked at from a certain angle is interpreted to be Niobe, and waters pouring out of the grooves of the rock, which are likened to an eye pit, are thought of as Niobe's tears.)

FATMA KUL-50.Yıl Secondary School

( A great legend in my hometown,Manisa)

Joanna Vrentzou-7th Primary school of Alimos (Drawing)

A snowman for Christmas

One fine Winter morning, Santa Claus wandered through the forest to find out which animal would pull his sleigh.

A unicorn and a reindeer were there.

The old gentleman announced that the best of them at making a snowman would be the winner.

The unicorn, even with his magical powers, did not succeed in making such a beautiful snowman as the reindeer.

That’s why nowadays reindeers pull Santa’s sleigh.

Text by Léonore M, 5e8Valencay, Sainte-Croix Saint-Euverte school, Orléans FRANCE, Teacher: Sophie Andrzejewski

This page is for the drawing of the winter story written by the pupils of 5e8Valencay from Sainte Croix Saint Euverte school, Orléans FRANCE

Teacher Sophie Andrzejewski

By the pupils from TURKEY

teacher Filiz Ay

Modern fairy-tale about 12 months-men (by class 6 Nivnice, Cz. Rep.)

Winter started .In one cottage Maruska lived with her stepmother and her half sister Holena.

One night ,the stepmother banished Maruska for violets. Maruska rode a snowmobile in a big blizzard. She knew there would be no violets in winter. In distance, she saw a faint , mystrious light. When she got closer, there were 12 little men sitting by the fire.

She was cold, so she asked if she could sit down. “Yes“, said one of them. „What is such a beautiful girl doing in the middle of the night in the woods?." “My stepmother banished me for violets,I can’t go back without them.“

“Who are you?“ Maruska asked. „They call us Months and we can help you.“ December-man stood up and handed cosh to March-man. Suddenly the violets bloomed. At the same time MAruska got a text message from her stepmother to bring strawberries as well. Because there was no shopping mall anywhere along the way,the months felt sorry for Maruska. The March-man handed the cosh to June-man and strawberries grew as well. When Maruska arrived home,both stepmother and Holena were surprised what she had brought.  They decided to go for even better goods. On the way they ran out of petrol and because they treated badly, nobody arrived to help them and they froze there. Maruska lived happy till now.

This page is ready for your drawing. Thank you. :-)

BEAUTY İN WİNTER

Autumn was finished winter had arrived.It was snowing.It is as if white cotton is not falling from the air,rather than sno w,covering the soil like a covering.That's whent hose trees in their white wedding gown are asleep.Migratory birds have already flown south.All seasons are beautiful but I think the most beautiful winter.

I wake up in the morning and watch the snow fall through the window.I'm fascinated by watchin

Because I love winter.Playing snowballs,making snowmen,watchind the beauties falling from the

sky,walking on the snow is very beautiful.

It's the best seaso for me.

Winter has come...

Story by Filiz Ay

İbrahim Akoğlu Primary School

Keçiören Ankara

TURKEY

Illustrated by Sophie ANDRZEJEWSKI-DELAUNEY's class (5e LCE Valencay), Collège Sainte-Croix Saint Euverte, Orléans, FRANCE

Single Leaf

It was winter. There was not a single leaf on the branches of the trees in the forest. They couldn't bear the power of the wind. He fell to the ground.

There was only one leaf left. The branch at the far end. He was clinging with all his strength. But he couldn't bear it anymore. It was very cold and the wind was very strong. It was covered with white snow. Eventually he could not stand and left the branch of the tree he was holding. He said goodbye to see you in the spring, at the big tree. Bye.

Münevver Çakır Ertekin

Kutlukent 80. Yıl Primary school

Tekkeköy-Samsun / TURKEY

illustrated by Yasemin Yarbaşı

700.Yıl Osmangazi Ortaokulu,Turkey,Esma ÇOLAK

A SAD STORY

It was very hard winter.Everywhere was snow There was a poor sparrow over there.It didn't eat anything for one week.

Suddenly it saw a horse.And this horse did dung.In the dung there was yellow barleycorn.It ate them and opened its eyes.It was very happy.

Unfortunately a kid came to garden with a hunting rifle.He saw our sparrow.that it sang " chirp , chirp ".

He killed the sparrow.What a bad end.

Ilkadım Osmangazi İmam Hatip Ortaokulu

Sevinç Atalı

A Train in the snow

The main characters of this story are mainly forth grade students: Ljuban, a fair, brave and helpful, but very poor boy, often teased by others;

Pero, a spoiled, lazy, rich and selfish boy; Draga, a smart, friendly, sensitive and serious girl; A teacher and many other people from the village called Jabukovac ( Appleville) .

Ljuban, Draga and Pero lived in Jabukovac. Every day they walked together to school in nearby village. One day their teacher suggested to form a class council, where every student will have rights and responsibilities. Pero, a selfish rich boy did not like the result of the secret voting for the president of the council, because the students chose Ljuban. After that the teacher decided to take them to a trip to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. The pupils were shocked and excited because they traveled by train for the first time.

In Zagreb they visited many places, ate chocolate in chocolate factory, visited museums and spent time at a movie theater. It started snowing more and more. During the show, at the theater the teacher got very ill and had to stay in a hospital. The children had to go home alone and they got really scared, because they didn't know how to go back to their village. When they got back to train, Ljuban got the letter from the teacher saying that he, as a president of a class council is now in charge. Children listened to Ljuban, because he was always fair.

So, they were traveling by train. It was snowing and the train suddenly hit the big pile of snow and stopped. Ljuban, with the approval of other children decided to help the adult railroad workers dig the snow. Not all of the children were cooperative and they fought a lot, because they were scared and very cold, and some were really ill. So, the children split into two groups. One group was with Ljuban and they were hardworking, the other group did nothing to help, but as the time went on they all worked together again.

So, it was very cold. With the help of adults they managed to get the train out of the snow. They finally came home. There was Draga's father waiting for them and he took Pero, Draga and Ljuban to Jabukovac. For the first time the three children were driving in a sleigh together. Draga's father was so grateful to Ljuban, because Draga was really ill on the back home and thanks to Ljuban who convinced people to dig out the snow they were able to come home and save Draga.

Everybody heard how brave Ljuban was and how children had to act as adults, when they got in trouble.

"A train in the snow", originally " Vlak u snijegu" is a novel written by Croatian novelist Mato Lovrak, then a young schoolteacher inspired by actual events in 1931.

The story was translated by the 5th grade students of primary school "Vladimir Nazor, Đakovo"

Teacher: Željka Starčević

" A Train in the Snow" was

illustrated by our school partners from

18th Elementary school of Kalamata, Greece

Stribor's forest

One cold winter day a young man went into the wood to chop some logs for fire.A snake appeared.It was an evil woman transformed into a snake.The man liked it so it turned into a beautiful woman.They lived together with an old mother.It was a very difficult life for an old mother because the daughter-in- low was evil towards her. The old lady had to leave her home. She went into the wood.

She met a poor girl there who gave her some kindling for the fire.And out from the fire jumped the Brownies!!Small little creatures with little fur coats,red caps and shoes and grey beards.

They said they would help the old lady.

So they brought magpies' eggs.When the eggs hatched the daughter-in-low put her snake tongue out.And everybody saw that she was a snake.But the son was angry.

Stribor,the Lord of the forest said the old mother ''Save yourself!Clap your hands and you will be young again! '' But the old mother loved her son.''I do not wish to lose my son''she said.At that moment the magic dissapeared.The daughter -in-low turned to snake again. The son hugged his mother .Later,he married the poor girl with an honest heart and the three of them lived happily ever after.

the end

The story was translated by the 8th grade pupils,primary school ''Vladimir Nazor''Đakovo,Croatia

the original story was written by Ivana Brlić Mažuranić the 20th century Croatian writer

teacher:Ivana Hrastović Mandarić

and Lisa Stevenson,UK

Sevinç Atalı İlkadım Osmangazi İmam Hatip Ortaokulu

Keloğlan and Snowman

There was a little bald boy once. He lived in the village with his mother. King announces his daughter to marry a brave man one day. He said that the person who beat the bad Snowman can marry his daughter.Keloğlan met the Snowman . They fought a snowball fight and the Keloğlan won. Keloğlan put the Snowmans' carrot nose in his bag and take to the king. The king congratulated the Keloğlan.They did forty days and forty nights wedding...

700. Yıl Osmangazi Secondary School,Turkey

Esma ÇOLAK

A short winter story

Today is very cold. It is a calm afternoon. Everything is covered with snow.Is the school open? No, the school is not open. It is closed. There is snow. It is lots of snow. The houses and cars are covered with snow. There is lots of snow. Some people like snow, and some people do not like snow. Children slide in a big snow sled. They wear warm clothes: a coat, scarf, boots, and gloves and hats too. Children play in the snow. They build a snowman. The snowman has warm clothes too. He wears a hat and a scarf. Children like winter. They like snow.

The End

children 2E IC Manzoni Radice - Italy

Illustrated by students from Primary school Sesvetski Kraljevec, Croatia

Frosty

It was a a bitter cold winter and Frosty, the playful but icy northern wind loved it. He would start his day by watching people walk or drive in carriages in their thick woolen coats and gloves and scarfs and boots, but he knew that he could still frost them and make them freeze. So one day he saw a very rich man riding in a carriage pulled by two horses. The snow was falling and the day was grey but the man was covered with a warm fur blanket and he looked warm in his hat and scarf.

But Frosty knew that he soon wouldn't be. He blew down the man's neck and the man's hair raised with chill. Then Frosty bit through the man's gloves and coat and finally pinched him by his cheeks. The man was soon red and shivering almost freezing to death.

The next day Frosty saw another man in the forest chopping woods. The man was wearing only a shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He didn't even have gloves or a hat on. „This will be peace of cake“, thought Frosty and he started blowing around the man with his icy cold breath. He blew and blew and pinched the man's cheeks and nose but the man didn't feel cold. He bit his bare hands but the man didn't feel anything. He just kept swinging his axe and chopping woods. Frosty did everything but the man not only did not freeze, but he was so hot that poor old Frosty had to give up.

A traditional Croatian winter tale translated into English by students of Primary school Sesvetski Kraljevec, Croatia

illustrated by children 3^C class - IC Manzoni Radice - Lucera (FG)

Illustrated by children 3^ class - IC manzoni Radice - Lucera (Italy)

CHRISTMAS STORY

Days went by, Christmas was coming,every children were waiting for Father Christmas. Christmas Day arrived.

Batwoman had an evil plan to ruin Christmas for children. She wanted to introduce a chip in the children's presents to capture and interrogate them.

Next day Father Christmas was coming at night and Batwoman started following the children.

Batwoman made a chipibot to catch the children's presents and put a chip inside.Next morning children knew about the evil plan and they saw the chipibot. They told Catwoman the plan and they went to meet Batwoman and the chipibot. The chipibot was jumping from one present to another introducing chips in the presents. Chipibot dropped tinsel from the Christmas tree, it messed up and stopped working. And they were all

happy and ate Antiu Xixona turr6n. They opened their presents and for Batwoman there was only very, very black coal.

Silvia Valderrama, SPAIN

Illustration (By Peyton from UK)

student.Liceul cu Program Sportiv Botosani

Liceul cu Program Sportiv Botosani, Romania

THE MYTH OF THE HALCYON

by

the 18th Elementary school of Kalamata, Greece

In Greece, the Halcyon days are in mid January every year. They took their name from the Greek mythology. Halcyon was the daughter of Aeolus, the god of the wind. She was a beautiful girl, married to the mortal king Ceyx and they lived near the sea.They were so happy together that they thought they were not people but Olympian gods. They called each other Zeus (the father of the gods) and Hera (his wife). But when Zeus learnt about it he got revenge on them.

One day Ceyx went fishing in his boat. Halcyon had a bad feeling and begged him to stay home but he didn't listen. Zeus caused a huge storm and threw a lighting bolt at Ceyx' s boat. The young man dived into the sea and began to swim but failed to save himself from the raging waves. When Halcyon saw his boat floating in pieces, she began to mourn her beloved.

Zeus pitied them and decided to transform both of them into birds, King Ceyx into a seabird and Halcyon into a beautiful little bird with blue wings which has taken her name ever since. The halcyon has short, thin legs and it is 18cm long.

Halcyon continued living on the beach but she couldn't hatch her eggs because she laid them on the shore in the winter and the sea waves swept them away.

Zeus pitied her once again and decided to change the weather for her. He ordered that, during some days every winter, the temperature would rise, the winds and the rain would stop and she could lay and hatch her eggs. During those days, Halcyon' s father would keep the winds calm on the sea. The ancient Greeks called these sunny days "Halcyon days". Up to this day, the small bird spends its winters in Greece and lays and hatches its eggs only in winter, thanks to Zeus.

Our myth has been illustrated by our partners:

5th grade students of primary school "Vladimir Nazor, Đakovo" - Teacher: Željka Starčević

Leyla BELDAĞLI

Yavuz Selim Primary School

Written by Ezgi,Melis,Gülşen and Alperen

Snowman Looking For His Family

That day, it was the first snow of the year. The children of Selimpaşa immediately gathered and made a cute snowman with coal eyes and carrot nose. They've been playing on the snowball all day with joy. The snowman was very pleased. The way he ran around and played them suddenly seemed like the snowman. So much so that when the darkness repressed and the children retreated into their homes, he became verysad. He felt very lonely. He was so upset, so upset that he almost broke his heart from the ice, "Snap!" Then he thought, "Maybe I can see them again." Slowly he rose again and approached the window of the nearest house. Inside the crispy burning stove, thewindows were thoroughly steamed.

Nevertheless, it could be seen that the mother filled the steaming, warm soup into small earthenware stones. Dad, he was shoveling coal in the stove mouth. There was no joy inthe children. On the one hand, they steamed spoons into the steaming soup, while at the same time telling about what happened at school that day.

The snowman sighed sadly. He had no house, no family. How do you get it? He was living every day. And if it wasn't for these cute little kids, there would be nothing but a pinch of snow crushed under the feet. He knew that if the Sun showed his face a little, his life would end.

He suddenly made up his mind. Previously told by one of the snowflakes he would go to the place called MYSTERIOUS. So he could have a family he could spend years together.

The next morning when the kids went out on the street they were surprised thatthey don't ask. Every side was covered with snow. The snow hadn't melted at night because the weather got colder, but the snowman they took care of the day before suddenly disappeared? No one's mind has come to this.

As for the man from the snow... He went little... The stream went straight on the hill... He passed over yhe frozen land, through the crunchy ice.

He finally reached the Arctic. The icy wind greeted him first. Then the penguins in black suits surrounded by loving seals. The seals touched their small fins to the left and said they wanted to be friends with it. Some of the penguins clapped in joy and geeted this new friend. Some curiously carrot nose, shrub broom tugged. The playful wind snatchedthe hat on its head.

The snownan loved them, too. "No more melting in the mud, he murmured to himself." I can live here for years."

THE END

Winter Fairies

based on

'O Klaruni Koronczarce i zimowych wróżkach'

by Ewa Szelburg-Zarembina

Ewa Szelburg-Zarembina (10 April 1899 – 28 September 1986) was a Polish novelist, poet and screenplay writer. Best known as author of numerous works for children.

Once upon a time, in a peaceful mountain valley,

on one bank of the river there lived some talented lace-makers and on the other bank - a little girl, Klarunia together with her beloved granny. Klarunia had the only wish: she wanted to make the most beautiful lace in the whole world. 'If I could make lace, we wouldn't be so poor', Klarunia thought. She was a very helpful granddaughter - she collected dry cones in the forest for her granny to make a fire at home.

Meanwhile, there were great preparations in the palace of the King Charles, the Ruggish. The KIng's only daughter - the Princess was getting ready for her first ball. And the Princess needed a proper dress. 'A lace dress

would be the best', she believed. A competition for the most beautiful lace dress was announced. The winner would get a new cottage. When Klarunia heard about that, she hurried to her granny to tell her about it. The girl made a decision to leave her grandma and set out on a winter journey to look for some inspiration. She wanted to observe the nature and learn some new patterns for her lace. She was not afraid of the cold or blizzard.

While she was wandering in the snow, the Winter Lady appeared on the path. Her beauty amazed Klarunia greatly. And she was even more surprised to learn that the Winter Lady knew her name. Klarunia told the Lady about her wish to be able to make the most intricate lace in the

world. The Lady asked the girl to listen carefully and try to remember everything she would hear. Suddenly, three winter fairies appeared: the Fairy of Snow, the Fairy of Frost and the Fairy of Ice. They showed the most beautiful winter patterns to Klarunia. The girl was very attentive and she learnt a lot.

Klarunia came back home and made her dreamt lace for the King's competition. When the Princess saw the lace dress made by Klarunia, she was sure that the little girl was the winner and deserved the prize: a new cottage!

And they all lived happily ever after.

The fairy tale was written by the students from Szkoła Podstawowa nr 5 in Koło, Poland with the help of the teacher - Monika Łukanowska.

Drawing made by Jasmin Les Iles School, Agen, France

Drawing by Jasmin Les Iles School, Agen, France