The Dormouse's New Window

The Dormouse's New Window Çınar BİBER

Pip the dormouse lived in a cozy treehouse at the edge of a big meadow. Her home was small and snug, with a round door and a bumpy roof. She had a tiny bed, a tiny table, and a tiny stove for making acorn soup. But the treehouse had only one little window, and it looked out at the same old bushes. Pip often wished she could see something new. 1

One sunny morning, Pip stood on her tiptoes and peered out of her one little window. She saw the same leaves and the same branches. 'I want a new view,' she said to herself. 'A different window would be nice.' She fetched her small hammer and a box of nails. 'I can build a new window,' she decided. 'I just need a little help.' 2

Pip skipped down the treehouse ladder and hurried to Grandpa Oak's workshop. Grandpa Oak was an old field mouse with bushy white eyebrows and kind amber eyes. He wore a brown knitted vest and a tool belt full of tiny tools. 'Grandpa Oak,' said Pip, 'will you help me build a new window?' Grandpa Oak smiled. 'Of course, little Pip. A new window is a fine idea.' 3

Together, Pip and Grandpa Oak climbed back up to the treehouse. Grandpa Oak measured the wall with his tiny tape measure. Pip held the nails in her yellow pocket. 'We'll put the window right here,' said Grandpa Oak, tapping the wall. Pip nodded and held the wood steady. They worked together, hammering and sawing. The treehouse filled with the happy sound of building. 4

Pip's fluffy tail wiggled with excitement as Grandpa Oak screwed the last hinge into place. 'There,' he said, wiping his spectacles. 'One new window, just for you.' Pip clapped her tiny paws. The window was round and bright, with a wooden frame and a little latch. 'Thank you, Grandpa Oak!' she cheered. 'Now let's see what's outside!' 5

Pip unlatched the window and pushed it open. A soft breeze blew in, carrying the sweet smell of flowers. Pip gasped. Instead of the old bushes, she saw a secret garden full of colors! There were pink roses, yellow daisies, and bluebells nodding in the wind. 'Oh my,' whispered Pip. 'I never knew this was here!' 6

Grandpa Oak peered out too. 'Well, well,' he said. 'A secret garden, right next to your treehouse. It must have been hiding behind those thick bushes.' Pip's big black eyes sparkled. 'I have to go explore!' she said. 'But how do I get there?' Grandpa Oak pointed to a little path. 'Follow that path,' he said. 'And be curious!' 7

Pip hurried down the ladder and followed the winding path. Soon she stood in the middle of the secret garden. Flowers swayed all around her, and the air was full of buzzing and fluttering. 'Hello!' called a tiny voice. Pip looked down and saw a ladybug wearing a leaf hat. 'I'm Ladybug Lila,' she said. 'Welcome to our garden!' 8

Lila the ladybug flew up and landed on Pip's nose. 'You must be new here,' she said with a cheerful smile. 'I've lived next to your treehouse for years, but the bushes were too thick to see you.' Pip laughed. 'I just built a new window,' she said. 'And now I can see everything!' Lila clapped her tiny black hands. 'Come on, I'll show you around!' 9

Lila led Pip past a patch of sunflowers and a little pond. 'This is where the butterflies dance,' she said. Just then, a butterfly fluttered down. Her wings were orange and yellow with soft blue edges, and a tiny drop of dew sparkled on one wing. 'I'm Butterfly Bree,' she said. 'Would you like to see our garden?' Pip nodded happily. 10

Bree danced through the air, and Pip followed her. They went past rows of tulips and a bush covered in white blossoms. 'This is my favorite spot,' said Bree, landing on a daisy. 'The flowers here bloom all year.' Pip looked around in wonder. 'I can't believe I never saw this garden before,' she said. 'It was right outside my window!' 11

Lila showed Pip a family of friendly beetles rolling a tiny ball. Bree introduced her to a bumblebee who hummed a happy tune. 'Everyone is so kind,' said Pip. 'We're glad you found us,' said Lila. 'Your new window brought you to us.' Pip smiled. 'I'm glad too. This is the best surprise ever!' 12

As the sun began to set, Pip said goodbye to her new friends. 'Come back anytime,' said Bree, fluttering her wings. 'We'll be here.' Pip promised to visit every day. She skipped back up the path and climbed her ladder. When she reached her treehouse, she looked out of her new window and waved at the garden below. 13

Grandpa Oak was waiting for her. 'Did you have a good adventure?' he asked. Pip told him all about Lila and Bree and the secret garden. 'A small change brought a big surprise,' said Grandpa Oak wisely. 'Sometimes trying something new opens up a whole new world.' Pip nodded. 'I'm so glad I built that window,' she said. 14

From that day on, Pip's new window was her favorite spot. She watched the garden change with the seasons. In spring, the flowers bloomed. In summer, the butterflies danced. In autumn, the leaves turned gold. And every day, Pip visited her friends in the secret garden. The little window had brought her a whole new world to enjoy.