Read the entire Blue Arrow Journey online - Gianni Rodari - MyBook. Gianni Rodari

Rodari J., "The Journey of the Blue Arrow"

Genre: literary fairy tale

The main characters of the tale "The Journey of the Blue Arrow" and their characteristics

Fairy, important, stingy, kind, loves children.
Servant Teresa, obedient, trusting, discreet.
Francesco, a poor boy, hardworking, meek, very good and honest.
Button, Silver feather, General, Colonel, Puppets, Train chief, Stationmaster, Machinist, Yellow bear cub, Sitting pilot, Half-bearded captain, Chief Engineer, rose doll - toys
Monument. A true patriot of Italy.

The summary of the tale "The Journey of the Blue Arrow" for reader's diary in 6 sentences

The boy Francesco did not receive a gift for New Year because his parents didn't pay for the toys.
For a whole year, Francesco went to the Fairy's store and cried at the window and the toys decided to go to him themselves.
Everyone got into the Blue Arrow and drove through the city in search of the boy.
Gradually, the toys remained with the poor boys and girls, and the Blue Arrow remained with the son of the switchman.
Francesco saved Fairy's store from thieves and Fairy took him to work as a salesman.
Button finds Francesco and turns into a real, living dog.

The main idea of the tale "The Journey of the Blue Arrow"
Every child should be happy and should have a real friend.

What the Blue Arrow Journey Tale Teaches
This tale teaches you to believe in miracles, in the fact that they happen. Teaches friendship and loyalty. Teaches to fight against injustice, teaches to help and help each other out. Teaches compassion and responsiveness. Teaches kindness and love for one's neighbor.

Review of the fairy tale "The Journey of the Blue Arrow"
I really liked this tale in which there are so many adventures and unusual plot twists. I liked how the toys were looking for poor children, and gave them happiness and joy. I really liked that Button became a living puppy and that Francesco had a real loyal friend.

Proverbs to the fairy tale "The Journey of the Blue Arrow"
As you celebrate the New Year, you will spend it.
Friendship pays for friendship.
Money can't buy a friend.
Better a faithful friend than a precious stone.
Life is tight without a friend.

Read summary, short retelling tales "The Journey of the Blue Arrow" by chapters:
Chapter 1. Signora Five Minutes Baroness
The fairy was very important, almost a baroness. On the first morning of the year, she was very tired, because all night she flew with the maid and delivered gifts.
The fairy was pleased with her maid and even wanted to promise to increase her salary, but she was stingy. She began to balance and found that there were very few coins. But the store was empty and new toys had to be brought from the warehouse.
Fairy's shop was opened all year round so that children can choose a toy for themselves, and parents can have time to pay for it.
Chapter 2. The showcase fills up.
The warehouse was in the basement and the maid and Fairy went down and up twenty times to fill the store with new toys. The maid was very tired, but the Fairy was fresh and full of strength. She calculated how much income this or that toy would bring her.
She took out a wonderful electric train and the head of the train was glad that she could start on the road. But he was stopped by the station master.
Tin soldiers with a colonel, artillery with a general, Indians with a leader, the Silver Feather, appeared in the window. There was an airplane with a Sitting Pilot without legs, a Canary, a Yellow Bear, a theater with puppets, a Captain with a sailboat who had only half a beard, and a rag dog Button.
And so the Fairy lifted the curtains and sunlight poured into the store. The toys got scared at first, but quickly got used to it and began to accept sunbathing.
The Blue Arrow driver saw behind the glass a sad boy crying. The toys died down. And the boy turned the handle and entered the store.
Chapter 3. The half-bearded captain is agitated
The fairy went out to the boy and sternly asked what he wanted. The boy said that he wrote her a letter a month ago and his name is Francesco.
The fairy checked the papers and saw that the boy was asking for an electric train. She said that his mother came to her and she did not have the money to pay for the train. Therefore, Francesco will not receive the train, especially since he has not yet paid for the previous toys.
Francesco went out, and the Fairy ordered to draw the curtains until tomorrow. The boy was still standing in front of the window, sobbing when the curtains nearly hit him.
The toys were very excited and even the Half-Bearded Captain was crying secretly.
Chapter 4. The station manager does not know what to do
The next day Francesco came again, and then again and again. The stationmaster, trainmaster and driver were very proud of this. But all the other toys also fell in love with Francesco.
This went on for a whole year and the toys realized that the new year was approaching.
Every day Francesco's face became more and more sad and the toys were waiting for what the Stationmaster would suggest, but he was silent and did not know what to do.
Chapter 5. The idea of a button.
The idea was suggested by the dog Button, who was always silent. He said that he was sure that Francesco would not get the train, but he, Button, did not want to see another boy. Therefore, he invites the toys to go to Francesco, because they know his name and know where Francesco lives.
The general objected that it was a riot, but the Stationmaster said they knew the address but did not know the road. Then Button said that he would try to find the boy by smell, and the leader of the Silver Feather promised to search on the ground.
Finally, the General agreed to go. The hike was scheduled for the next night.
Chapter 6. The next evening
The toys did not know how to leave the store, but Button helped again. He said that in the basement he saw a hole in the wall, from where there is a staircase to the top. The general objected that the train would not go up the stairs, like his artillery. But Silver Feather said that the Pilot should transport everyone on the plane.
The toys went on a hike. The last to descend was the acrobatic motorcyclist, and when he was still halfway there came the cry of the maid. She called the Fairy, shouting about the thieves. Fairy came running and saw that the toys had disappeared. They entered the basement, but the toys had already crawled through the hole and the basement was empty. The fairy and the maid looked around in confusion.
Chapter 7. The yellow bear comes out at the first stop
As soon as the dolls were in the neighboring basement, the adventure began. The general sounded the alarm and ordered the cannons to be deployed. He saw the enemy. The seated pilot also confirmed that he saw the enemy. But Button shouted to everyone to stop, because it was just a sleeping child.
Button explained that they are not on the battlefield, but in the basement, and this basement is inhabited. Sleeps in it little boy... The furnishings in the basement were very shabby and the dolls surrounded the boy's bed. There was a letter on the nightstand and the General read it. It turns out that the boy Giampaolo asked the Fairy about some gift, because he was very good.
The toys conferred and began to choose a volunteer. It turned out to be the Yellow Bear, who said that he was already tired of traveling and wanted to stay with the boy.
The toys said goodbye to Teddy Bear and Blue Arrow drove out through the door.
And the Bear got himself started and began to dance. The boy woke up and laughed with joy.
Chapter 8. Chief Engineer Builds a Bridge
Blue Arrow rode up the hill and found himself opposite Fairy's store. Button said to turn right, he sensed the boy's trail. And the Blue Arrow drove into a puddle at full speed. The chief engineer said that they would have to build a bridge and with the help of the constructor's workers began to build the bridge.
But it began to snow and the water level began to rise. The General assigned all his soldiers to help the Engineer. Indians and cowboys were waiting on the other side. But now the bridge was ready and the crane placed the Blue Arrow on the bridge. And then the general noticed the Fairy, who, together with the servant, was flying on a broomstick. She collected the remaining toys and flew to distribute them. But then she saw the headlights of the Blue Arrow and swooped down.
The train managed to reach the shore and the bridge collapsed. It turned out that the General had mined him. The fairy was rapidly approaching and the Indians shouted for the Blue Arrow to turn to the left. The train obediently turned and entered a dark entrance.
The fairy did not notice the toys and flew on. He thought that maybe the toys have escaped from the thieves and are now trying to return.
Chapter 9. Goodbye, Rose doll!
The toys were in the entrance of a fruit shop. The dolls got off the train and made a noise. Suddenly Rose saw a little girl who was sleeping by the wall. She was completely frozen. The dolls tried to warm the girl, but they did not succeed. The shooter said she was a very poor girl who didn't even have a home. He said that he did not think that the girl would wake up, rather she would freeze.
The doll Rose was indignant and said that she would stay with the girl. The toys said goodbye to Rosa and the train set off. And the doll Rose clung to the girl and froze. So in the morning they were found by the gatekeeper, a dead frozen girl and a large doll. The captain of the Carabinieri took Rosa for his daughter, but Rosa kept thinking about the freezing girl and her heart was freezing.
Chapter 10. Heroic death of a general
Button looked for traces of Francesco, but they were very confusing and the train had to return and cross the street several times. Button imagined what a surprise it would be for the boy and suddenly lost track.
The toys became agitated. The pilot flew to reconnaissance, and the General began to gather soldiers and remove guns from the platform. But as soon as the guns were removed and put on the snow, they suddenly disappeared. The general could not understand what was happening. But it turned out that the guns were placed in a hole covered with snow and they fell down.
The general was in despair - he lost his guns. He knelt down and stood, turning into a snow statue. What doom!
At this time, the cat saw a canary in a cage and decided to feast on it. She broke the cage and tried to grab the canary. Something clinked and the escaping spring hit the cat's nose painfully. The cat ran away, and the disfigured canary was left lying in the snow.
The toys buried her and drove on. The train lost two passengers at once.
But the night watchman found the canary and easily adjusted the spring. He took the toy home to give to his son as a gift from the Fairy.
Chapter 11. Flight of the seated pilot
Meanwhile, the pilot was flying on his plane and saw almost nothing. Suddenly he heard someone telling him to land. The pilot pretended not to hear, but somehow copper hand grabbed him.
This is how the Pilot got acquainted with the monument. He sat on a horse, and once from this horse he called to fight for the freedom of the homeland.
The monument was bored and he wanted to talk to the Pilot. And the Pilot told the Monument about the journey of the Blue Arrow and about the search for the boy. The monument replied that the boys often come to him to play, but in recent times only one very sad boy walks. The pilot thought it might be Franchseco and decided that Button should sniff the Monument.
The pilot brought all the toys to the Monument and Button, sniffing the steps, said that it really was Francesco. Everyone was very happy and the riflemen began to play a gallant march.
The monument suddenly came to life and galloped across the square, so the familiar music - Garibaldi's march - cheered him up.

Chapter 12. Bronze monument
The captain was surprised and said that he had never seen the Monument gallop through the streets. And the Monument answered with satisfaction that sometimes he would not mind taking a walk. Monuments are playing important role in the city, but standing in one place can be very boring.
The monument told how he walked six months ago. Then a large crowd of people gathered in the square and everyone shouted "Foreigner, get out of Italy." The carabinieri arrived and one of the activists was imprisoned. Then the indignant Monument galloped through the streets to the prison and the patriot called out to him from behind the bars.
The monument offered to drive to the prison, because it was very close. The Blue Arrow drove to the prison and the Monument began to look through the windows. The pilot also flew and saw many people in the windows, but he did not know who to look for.
But then the Monument's horse whinnied and the man himself looked out the window. He greeted the Monument and said that he was still sitting. The thieves are quickly released, and the patriots are kept behind bars. The man complained that he could not even give his son a toy for the New Year. And the Pilot told him to look out the window. The man saw many toys and was saddened that his son was not here. But the Pilot said that if he gave him the address, he would fly to his son and become his gift.
The man, of course, said the address and the Pilot was about to fly away, but then the Nera doll, who really liked the Pilot, asked the man if he had a daughter. And the man said that she was still small. But Nera's doll embarrassed him, and Silver Feather laughed - Nera just wanted to fly with the Pilot. And the Pilot caught Nehru and they flew away.
Chapter 13. Feat of the Silver Feather
The fairy and the maid nevertheless noticed the headlights of the Blue Arrow through the snow and were now creeping up the trees closer to the toys. The Redskins heard them and raised the alarm. And when the maid could not hold on to the branch and fell into the snow, the Indians surrounded her and nailed her dress with tomahawks to the ground.
The fairy was afraid to get involved in the battle. She said that she would not pay the maid for just lying on the ground and flying away. And the maid gave the toys a list of all the children who did not receive gifts.
Blue Arrow drove on, and the maid wandered home, saying that the Fairy is not stingy at all, but she herself has to buy toys.
And Button found the right door... It was open ..
Chapter 14. Hearts of Three Puppets
The dolls realized that the apartment was empty, because in such a frost no one would keep the door open. They began to decide what to do next and Silver Feather took out a list in which there were many children.
The toys boarded the train again. It was so cold that even the puppets chattered their teeth. Although they were made of wood and papier-mâché and had no hearts. Then Pencil drew hearts for them and the Puppets began to warm up.
Blue Arrow drove on, but the faithful Button remained, saying that he would be looking for his Francesco.
Chapter 15. What happened to Francesco
A few days before the new year, Francesco's father died and the boy and mother were forced to move to more cheap apartment, on the outskirts of the city. But Button could not find traces of Francesco because he threw away his old shoes and put on his father's shoes.
That night Francesco was walking down the street and suddenly a hand grabbed him. The boy was caught by the bandits and wanted to force him to crawl through the shop window to open the door for them. The thieves pushed the boy through the window and he was in the store.
But Francesco did not open the door to the thieves, but began to knock and shout. Soon the police came running and found the boy in the store. It turned out Francesco got into the Fairy's toy store. The boy was taken to the police and accused of being a thief. Francesco sat in the precinct and cried.
Chapter 16. Motorcyclist shows the way
The new navigator of the Blue Arrow is a motorcyclist. He rode in front and stopped at the houses where the poor children lived. So the dolls got to Francesca Zeppoloni, and the puppets went to Paolo di Paolo.
Chapter 17. The half-bearded captain sets sail
The next house belonged to Marina Rossi and the Half-Bearded Captain decided that the name would suit him. After all, a boy with that name must like the sea.
The captain took off his ship, and the toys helped him drag the ship to the doorstep. The toys said goodbye to the Captain and everyone was excited.
And so the Captain dragged the sailboat into the house, saw a basin of water for washing, and decided that there would be the very place with the sailboat. He climbed into the basin and the sailboat swayed on the water.
Chapter 18. The Wonderful Adventures of a Box of Pencils
Gradually, the number of Blue Arrow passengers melted away. The motorcyclist got off, the parts of the designer got off, even the Indians and cowboys found a home to their liking, the windows of which were covered with scraps of newspapers with photographs of the Indians.
Only two addresses remained on the list, and the Pencils climbed through the keyhole into Franco's house. But the boy did not sleep and happily greeted the pencils. The pencils were restless and quarreled often. And Franco said that he just dreamed of becoming an artist.
And then the pencils decided to draw something for him. They drew a tree, a blue cow with blue milk, a little man made of pieces, and much more.
And then the Mouse appeared, who wanted to eat the pencils, because there was nothing else edible in the house. Then the pencils drew the cheese to the mouse and she immediately ate it and was still hungry. And then a red pencil drew a red cat and the mouse fled in fear.
The pencils helped Franco draw flags to decorate the room and the boy fell asleep with a box of pencils under his pillow.
Chapter 19. Booth # 27
Blue Arrow hurried to the last address to the boy Roberto. The path led the Blue Arrow out of town to the switchman's booth, and then the Engineer and the Chiefs saw how a real, huge train was passing. They were glad that they would live in the switchman's booth and constantly look at the trains.
But then a strange noise was heard. The switchman jumped out of the booth and called the boy. He said that apparently there was a landslide and they went to different sides checking paths. And Roberto did find the stones that rolled onto the tracks. The train was approaching and the boy frantically waved a red flag. And the train stopped.
Roberto fell, he was badly hurt and he was hastily carried into the house. Everyone praised the boy who saved so many lives.
But then the landslide was cleared and the train left. It was only then that Roberto and his father noticed that they were not alone in the booth. The booth contained the Blue Arrow electric train.
Chapter 20. Francesco Rides in a Carriage
The night watchman saw how the thieves were arrested and was surprised to see Francesco among them. The night watchman knew the boy well and did not believe that he could be a thief. He ran to the station, but he was kicked out.
Then the watchman returned to the store and turned to the Fairy, who had just returned with the maid. Fairy of course agreed to go with the watchman to the police, because she was still kind. She freed Francesclo, saying that he saved her shop.
The fairy brought Francesco to her home and treated him to cookies. Then she said that it was a pity that she had no toys left, she gave everything away. Even the Blue Arrow disappeared somewhere. But Francesco said that it doesn't matter, because he doesn't have time to play anyway. He has to work hard.
And then the Fairy offered him to work as a salesman in her store. Francesco of course agreed and Fairy called a carriage for him, because her employee was not supposed to walk.
The boy quickly fell asleep in the stroller.
Chapter 21. Button wants to die.
Button was completely frozen near the porch of an empty house and decided to stretch his legs. He ran through the streets, chased the clerk, but fell behind. I wanted to make friends with a cyclist, but he stuck a snowball in his eye. The button became completely sad and he decided to die. He lay down on the tram tracks and waited for the tram.
But the tram stopped a few steps away from him and the counselor began to call the puppy different names... The button ran away.
The second time he decided to throw himself under the carriage, but the horse drove around the puppy and Button latched onto the carriage from behind. Button decided to get into the stroller and climbed into it. There he stumbled over something solid and saw that a boy was sleeping in the carriage.
Chapter 22. Button learns to bark
Button recognized Francesco and licked his hand. The boy smiled in his sleep. Button looked down at his tail and thought it was not at all like the one in the store. He began to wake the boy. Francesco woke up and, seeing the Button, was very happy. He even thought at first that it was a gift from the Fairy, but the Fairy never gave real dogs. And Button became alive.
Francesco stroked Button, and he suddenly realized that he knew how to bark. Two boys played merrily with each other in a carriage.
Chapter 23. What is a friend.
The next day Francesco brought the Button with him to the store and the Fairy said that she had already seen him somewhere. Teresa, the maid, said he looked like a toy dog in the window.
Button began to help Francesco in the store, they began to play with new toys, but more with each other. After all, not a single toy in the world is worth a real living friend.

Drawings and illustrations for the tale "The Journey of the Blue Arrow"

Page 1 of 8

Chapter 1. Signora Five Minutes Baroness

The fairy was an old lady, very well-bred and noble, almost a baroness.

“They call me,” she sometimes muttered to herself, “just a Fairy, and I don’t protest: you need to have indulgence towards the ignorant. But I am almost a baroness; decent people know this.

“Yes, Signora Baroness,” the maid said.

“I’m not a 100% Baroness, but I don’t miss her so much. And the difference is almost imperceptible. Is not it?

“Invisible, Signora Baroness. And decent people do not notice her ...

It was just the first morning of the new year. All night long Fairy and her maid traveled across the rooftops, delivering gifts. Their dresses were covered with snow and icicles.

- Light the stove, - said the Fairy, - you need to dry your clothes. And put the broom in its place: now for a whole year you can not think about flying from roof to roof, and even with such a northerly wind.

The maid put the broom back in place, grumbling:

- A pretty little business - flying on a broom! This is in our time when airplanes were invented! I have already caught a cold because of this.

- Prepare me a glass of flower broth, - ordered the Fairy, putting on her glasses and sitting down in the old leather chair that stood in front of writing desk.

“Just a minute, Baroness,” said the maid.

The fairy looked at her approvingly.

“She's a little lazy,” thought Fairy, “but she knows the rules of good manners and knows how to behave with the lady of my circle. I will promise her to increase wages... In fact, of course, I will not increase it, and so there is not enough money. "

I must say that the Fairy, for all her nobility, was rather stingy. Twice a year she promised the old servant to increase her wages, but she confined herself to only promises. The servant had long been tired of hearing only words, she wanted to hear the jingle of coins. Once she even had the courage to tell the Baroness about it. But the Fairy was very indignant:

- Coins and coins! - she said, sighing, - Ignorant people only think about money. And how bad it is that you not only think, but also talk about it! Apparently teaching you good manners is like feeding a donkey with sugar.

The fairy sighed and buried herself in her books.

- So, let's sum up the balance. Business this year is unimportant, money is not enough. Still, everyone wants to get good gifts from the Fairy, and when it comes to paying for them, everyone starts bargaining. Everyone tries to borrow money, promising to pay later, as if the Fairy is some kind of sausage maker. However, there is nothing to complain about today: all the toys that were in the store have sold out, and now we will need to bring new ones from the warehouse.

She closed the book and began to print out the letters she found in her mailbox.

- I knew it! She said. “I run the risk of getting pneumonia by delivering my goods, and no thanks! This one didn't want a wooden saber - give him a pistol! Does he know that a pistol costs a thousand lire more? Another, imagine, wanted to get an airplane! His father is the doorman of the courier of the secretary of a lottery employee, and he had only three hundred lire to buy a present. What could I give him for such a pittance?

The fairy threw the letters back into the drawer, took off her glasses and called:

"Teresa, is the broth ready?"

- Ready, ready, Signora Baroness.

And the old maid handed the Baroness a steaming glass.

- Did you pour a drop of rum in here?

- Two whole spoons!

- I would have had enough and one ... Now I understand why the bottle is almost empty. Just think, we bought it just four years ago!

Sipping a boiling drink in small sips and managing not to burn yourself, as only old ladies can do.

The fairy wandered through her little kingdom, carefully checking every corner of the kitchen, shop and small wooden ladder that led to the second floor, where there was a bedroom.

How sad the store looked with drawn curtains, empty windows and cabinets piled high with boxes of no toys and heaps of brown paper!

- Prepare the keys to the warehouse and a candle, - said the fairy, - we need to bring new toys.

- But, Signora Baroness, do you want to work even today, on the day of your holiday? Do you really think someone is coming to shop today? After all, New Year's Eve, Fairy's Night, has already passed ...

- Yes, but until the next new year's eve there are only three hundred and sixty-five days left.

I must tell you that Fairy's store remained open throughout the year and its windows were always lit. Thus, the children had enough time to take a liking to this or that toy, and the parents had time to make their calculations in order to be able to order it.

And besides, there are also birthdays, and everyone knows that children find these days very suitable for receiving gifts.

Now do you understand what the Fairy does from January 1st until the next New Year? She sits behind a shop window and looks at passers-by. She looks especially closely at the faces of the children. She immediately understands whether they like it or not. new toy, and, if you don't like it, removes it from the window and replaces it with another.

Oh, signors, something has now attacked me with doubt! It was like that when I was still little. Who knows if the Fairy now has this shop with a display case lined with toy trains, dolls, rag dogs, guns, pistols, Indian and puppet figurines!

I remember him, this Fairy shop. How many hours did I spend in front of this window, counting the toys! It took a long time to count them, and I never had time to count to the end, because I had to take the purchased milk home.

Chapter II. SHOWCASE FILLS

The warehouse was in the basement, which was a car; once under the store. The fairy and her maid had to go down and up the stairs twenty times to fill the cabinets and display cases with new toys.

Already on the third voyage, Teresa was tired.

“Signora,” she said, stopping in the middle of the stairs with a large bundle of dolls in her hands, “Signora Baroness, my heart is beating.

- This is good, my dear, this is very good, - answered the Fairy, - it would be worse if it no longer beat.

“My legs hurt, Signora Baroness.

- Leave them in the kitchen, let them rest, especially since you can't wear anything with your feet.

- Signora Baroness, I do not have enough air ...

- I did not steal it from you, my dear, I have enough of mine.

Indeed, it seemed that the Fairy never gets tired. Despite her advanced age, she jumped up the steps, as if dancing, as if springs were hidden under her heels. At the same time, she continued to count.

- These Indians bring me an income of two hundred lire each, perhaps even three hundred lire. Now the Indians are very much in vogue. Don't you think this electric train is just a miracle ?! I will call it Blue Arrow and I swear I’ll give up the trade if from tomorrow hundreds of childish eyes will not devour it from morning to night.

Indeed, it was a wonderful train, with two barriers, with a train station and a Chief Station Master, with a Machinist, and a Train Chief wearing glasses. After spending so many months in the warehouse, the electric train was covered with dust, but the Fairy wiped it thoroughly with a rag, and the blue paint sparkled like the water of an alpine lake: the entire train, including the Station Master, the Train Master and the Engineer, was painted blue.

When the Fairy wiped the dust from the Machinist's eyes, he looked around and exclaimed:

- I can see at last! I have the impression that I was buried in a cave for several months. So when do we leave? I'm ready.

“Calm, calm,” interrupted the Train Master, wiping his glasses with a handkerchief. “The train won't move without my order.

“Count the stripes on your beret,” a third voice said, “and you will see who is in charge here.

The Train Chief counted his stripes. He had four. Then he counted the Station Master's stripes - five. The Train Master sighed, hid his glasses and became quiet. The Stationmaster paced up and down the display case, waving the wand that gave the departure signal. A regiment of tin riflemen with a brass band and the Colonel lined up in the square in front of the station. A whole artillery battery, led by the General, was located a little to the side.

Behind the station was a green plain and hills were scattered. On the plain around the chieftain, who was called the Silver Feather, the Indians camped. At the top of the mountain, the riding cowboys held their lasso ready.

Above the roof of the station, an airplane swayed suspended from the ceiling: The pilot leaned out of the cockpit and looked down. I must tell you that this Pilot was made in such a way that he could not get to his feet: he had no legs. It was the Sitting Pilot.

Next to the airplane was a red cage with a Canary named Yellow Canary. When the cage was slightly rocked, the Canary sang.

There were also dolls in the window, the Yellow Bear, a rag dog named Button, paints, the Constructor, a small theater with three Puppets, and a fast two-masted sailing ship. The Captain walked nervously on the captain's bridge of the sailing ship. Out of absent-mindedness, only half of his beard was glued to him, so he carefully hid the beardless half of his face so as not to look ugly.

The Stationmaster and the Half-Bearded Captain pretended not to notice each other, but perhaps one of them was already about to challenge the other to a duel in order to resolve the issue of supreme command in the window.

The dolls were divided into two groups: some sighed for the Station Master, others cast tender glances at the Half-Bearded Captain, and only one black doll with eyes whiter than milk looked only at the Sitting Pilot and at no one else.

As for the rag dog, he would gladly wag his tail and jump for joy. But he could not show these signs of attention to all three, and he did not want to choose one, so as not to offend the other two. Therefore, he sat quietly and motionless, and he looked a little silly. His name was written in red letters on the collar: "Button". Maybe they called it that because it was as small as a button.

But then an event occurred that immediately made me forget both jealousy and rivalry. Just at that moment, the Fairy lifted the curtain, and the sun rushed into the window in a golden cascade, causing everyone to fear terrible, because no one had seen him before.

- One hundred thousand deaf whales! Snapped the Half-Bearded Captain. - What's happened?

- For help! For help! - the dolls screeched, hiding behind each other.

The general ordered to immediately turn the cannons towards the enemy in order to be ready to repel any attack. Only the Silver Feather remained unperturbed. He took a long pipe from his mouth, which he did only in exceptional cases, and said:

- Do not be afraid toys. This is the Great Spirit - the Sun, everyone's friend. See how the whole square cheered up, rejoicing in his arrival.

They all looked at the display case. The square really sparkled under the rays of the sun. The jets of the fountains seemed fiery. A gentle warmth penetrated through the dusty glass into the Fairy's shop.

- Thousand drunken whales! The Captain muttered again. “I’m a sea wolf, not a sunny one!

The dolls, chatting happily, immediately began to sunbathe.

However, the sun's rays could not penetrate into one corner of the shop window. The shadow fell just on the Machinist, and he became very angry:

- It must have happened so that I was in the shadows!

He peered out the window, and his keen eyes, accustomed to staring at the rails for hours on long journeys, met a pair of huge, wide-open eyes of a child.

It was possible to look into these eyes, as one looks into a house when there are no curtains on the windows. And looking into them. The machinist saw a great unchildish sadness.

Strange, thought the Blue Arrow Driver. - I have always heard that children are cheerful people. All they know is that they laugh and play from morning to evening. And this one seems to me sad, like an old man. What happened to him?"

The sad boy stared at the window for a long time. His eyes filled with tears. From time to time, tears rolled down the cheek and disappeared on the lips. Everyone in the window held their breath: no one had yet seen the eyes from which water would flow, and this surprised everyone very much.

- A thousand lame whales! - exclaimed the Captain. - I will record this event in the logbook!

Finally the boy wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his jacket, went to the store door, grabbed the handle and pushed the door open.

A dull bell rang out, which seemed to be complaining, calling for help.

Chapter III. Half-bearded CAPTAIN EXCITED

“Signora Baroness, someone has entered the store,” the maid said.

The fairy, who was combing her hair in her room, quickly went down the stairs, holding hairpins in her mouth and pinning her hair on the way.

- Whoever it is, why doesn't he close the door? She muttered. - I did not hear the call, but immediately felt a draft.

For the sake of solidity, she put on her glasses and entered the shop with small slow steps, as a real signora should walk, especially if she is almost a baroness. But seeing in front of you poor dressed boy, who was crumpling his blue beret in his hands, she realized that the ceremony was unnecessary.

- Well? What's the matter? - With all her appearance, the Fairy would like to say: "Speak quickly, I have no time."

- I ... Signora ... - whispered the boy.

Everyone froze in the window, but nothing was heard.

- What did he say? - whispered the Chief of the Train.

- Shh! - ordered the Chief of the Station. - Do not make noise!

- My boy! - exclaimed the Fairy, who felt that she was beginning to lose patience, as whenever she had to talk to people who were unaware of her noble titles. - My dear boy, I have very little time. Hurry up or leave me alone, and best of all write me a good letter.

“But, signora, I have already written to you,” the boy whispered hastily, afraid of losing courage.

- Oh, that's how! When?

- About a month ago.

- Let's see. What is your name?

- Monty Francesco.

- Quardicciolo ...

- Um ... Monty, Monti ... Here, Francesco Monti. Indeed, twenty-three days ago you asked me for an electric train as a present. Why just a train? You could ask me for an airplane or an airship, or better yet, a whole air fleet!

“But I like the train, Signora Feya.

- Ah, my dear boy, do you like the train ?! Do you know that two days after your letter your mother came here ...

- Yes, I asked her to come. I asked her so: go to the Fairy, I have already written everything to her, and she is so kind that she will not refuse us.

- I'm not good or bad. I work, but I cannot work for free. Your mother didn't have the money to pay for the train. She wanted to leave me an old watch in exchange for the train. But I can't see them, this watch! Because they make time move faster. I also reminded her that she still has to pay me for the horse she took last year. And for the top, taken two years ago. Did you know about this?

No, the boy did not know that. Moms rarely share their troubles with their children.

“That's why you got nothing this year. Do you understand? Don't you think I'm right?

“Yes, signora, you're right,” Francesco muttered. “I just thought you forgot my address.

- No, on the contrary, I remember him very well. You see, I have it written down. And one of these days I will send my secretary to you to take money for last year's toys.

The old maid, who had listened to their conversation, upon hearing that they had named her secretary, nearly fainted and had to drink a glass of water to catch her breath.

- What an honor for me, Signora Baroness! She said to her mistress when the boy was gone.

- Well, I bury it! - Fairy muttered gruffly. - In the meantime, hang a sign on the door: "Closed until tomorrow," so that other annoying visitors do not come.

- Maybe lower the curtain?

- Yes, perhaps omit it. I see that there will be no good trade today.

The maid ran to obey orders. Francesco was still standing outside the store, his nose buried in the window, and he waited without knowing what. The curtain came down and almost hit him on the head. Francesco buried his nose in dusty curtain and sobbed.

In the shop window, these sobs had an extraordinary effect. One after another, the dolls also began to cry and cried so hard that the Captain could not stand it and swore:

- What monkeys! Have already learned to cry! - He spat on the deck and grinned: - A thousand slanting whales! Cry over the train! Yes, I would not trade my sailboat for all the trains of all railways the world.

Great Leader Silver Feather took the pipe out of his mouth, which he had to do every time he wanted to say something, and said:

- Captain Half-Beard does not tell the truth. He's got very excited about the poor white child.

- What am I? Explain to me, please, what does “excited” mean?

- This means that one side of the face is crying, and the other is ashamed of it.

The captain chose not to turn, as his beardless half of his face was in fact crying.

- Shut up, you old rooster! He shouted. “Otherwise I’ll go downstairs and nibble you like a Christmas turkey!

And for a long time he continued to spew out curses, so colorful that the General, deciding that the war was about to begin, ordered the cannons to be loaded. But Silver Feather took the receiver in his mouth and fell silent, and then even dozed off sweetly. By the way, he always slept with a pipe in his mouth.

Current page: 1 (total of the book has 7 pages) [available passage for reading: 2 pages]

Gianni Rodari.
Journey of the Blue Arrow

Chapter I. SIGNORA WITHOUT FIVE MINUTES OF BARONESS

The fairy was an old lady, very well-bred and noble, almost a baroness.

“They call me,” she sometimes muttered to herself, “just a Fairy, and I don’t protest: you need to have indulgence towards the ignorant. But I am almost a baroness; decent people know this.

“Yes, Signora Baroness,” the maid said.

“I’m not a 100% Baroness, but I don’t miss her so much. And the difference is almost imperceptible. Is not it?

“Invisible, Signora Baroness. And decent people do not notice her ...

It was just the first morning of the new year. All night long Fairy and her maid traveled across the rooftops, delivering gifts. Their dresses were covered with snow and icicles.

The maid put the broom back in place, grumbling:

- A pretty little business - flying on a broom! This is in our time when airplanes were invented! I have already caught a cold because of this.

“Prepare me a glass of flower broth,” the Fairy ordered, putting on her glasses and sitting down in an old leather chair in front of the writing table.

“Just a minute, Baroness,” said the maid.

The fairy looked at her approvingly.

“She's a little lazy,” thought Fairy, “but she knows the rules of good manners and knows how to behave with the lady of my circle. I will promise her to increase her salary. In fact, of course, I will not increase it, and so there is not enough money. "

The fairy sighed and buried herself in her books.

She closed the book and began to print out the letters she found in her mailbox.

The fairy threw the letters back into the drawer, took off her glasses and called:

"Teresa, is the broth ready?"

- Ready, ready, Signora Baroness.

And the old maid handed the Baroness a steaming glass.

- Did you pour a drop of rum in here?

- Two whole spoons!

- I would have had enough and one ... Now I understand why the bottle is almost empty. Just think, we bought it just four years ago!

Sipping a boiling drink in small sips and managing not to burn yourself, as only old ladies can do.

The fairy wandered through her little kingdom, carefully checking every corner of the kitchen, shop and small wooden ladder that led to the second floor, where there was a bedroom.

How sad the store looked with drawn curtains, empty windows and cabinets piled high with boxes of no toys and heaps of brown paper!

- Prepare the keys to the warehouse and a candle, - said the fairy, - we need to bring new toys.

- Yes, but there are only three hundred and sixty-five days left until the next New Year's Eve.

And besides, there are also birthdays, and everyone knows that children find these days very suitable for receiving gifts.

Now do you understand what the Fairy does from January 1st until the next New Year? She sits behind a shop window and looks at passers-by. She looks especially closely at the faces of the children. She immediately understands whether they like or dislike a new toy, and if she doesn’t like it, she takes it off the window and replaces it with another.

Chapter II. SHOWCASE FILLS

The warehouse was in the basement, which was a car; once under the store. The fairy and her maid had to go down and up the stairs twenty times to fill the cabinets and display cases with new toys.

Already on the third voyage, Teresa was tired.

“Signora,” she said, stopping in the middle of the stairs with a large bundle of dolls in her hands, “Signora Baroness, my heart is beating.

- This is good, my dear, this is very good, - answered the Fairy, - it would be worse if it no longer beat.

“My legs hurt, Signora Baroness.

- Leave them in the kitchen, let them rest, especially since you can't wear anything with your feet.

- Signora Baroness, I do not have enough air ...

- I did not steal it from you, my dear, I have enough of mine.

When the Fairy wiped the dust from the Machinist's eyes, he looked around and exclaimed:

- I can see at last! I have the impression that I was buried in a cave for several months. So when do we leave? I'm ready.

“Calm, calm,” interrupted the Train Master, wiping his glasses with a handkerchief. “The train won't move without my order.

“Count the stripes on your beret,” a third voice said, “and you will see who is in charge here.

Next to the airplane was a red cage with a Canary named Yellow Canary. When the cage was slightly rocked, the Canary sang.

There were also dolls in the window, a Yellow Bear, a rag dog named Button, paints, the Constructor, a small theater with three Puppets, and a fast two-masted sailing ship. The Captain walked nervously on the captain's bridge of the sailing ship. Out of absent-mindedness, only half of his beard was glued to him, so he carefully hid the beardless half of his face so as not to look ugly.

- One hundred thousand deaf whales! Snapped the Half-Bearded Captain. - What's happened?

- For help! For help! - the dolls screeched, hiding behind each other.

- Do not be afraid toys. This is the Great Spirit - the Sun, everyone's friend. See how the whole square cheered up, rejoicing in his arrival.

- Thousand drunken whales! The Captain muttered again. “I’m a sea wolf, not a sunny one!

The dolls, chatting happily, immediately began to sunbathe.

However, the sun's rays could not penetrate into one corner of the shop window. The shadow fell just on the Machinist, and he became very angry:

- It must have happened so that I was in the shadows!

He peered out the window, and his keen eyes, accustomed to staring at the rails for hours on long journeys, met a pair of huge, wide-open eyes of a child.

It was possible to look into these eyes, as one looks into a house when there are no curtains on the windows. And looking into them. The machinist saw a great unchildish sadness.

- A thousand lame whales! - exclaimed the Captain. - I will record this event in the logbook!

Finally the boy wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his jacket, went to the store door, grabbed the handle and pushed the door open.

A dull bell rang out, which seemed to be complaining, calling for help.

Chapter III. Half-bearded CAPTAIN EXCITED

“Signora Baroness, someone has entered the store,” the maid said.

The fairy, who was combing her hair in her room, quickly went down the stairs, holding hairpins in her mouth and pinning her hair on the way.

- Whoever it is, why doesn't he close the door? She muttered. - I did not hear the call, but immediately felt a draft.

For the sake of solidity, she put on her glasses and entered the shop with small, slow steps, as a real signora should walk, especially if she is almost a baroness. But when she saw in front of her a poorly dressed boy, who was crumpling his blue beret in his hands, she realized that the ceremony was unnecessary.

- Well? What's the matter? - With all her appearance, the Fairy would like to say: "Speak quickly, I have no time."

- I ... Signora ... - whispered the boy.

Everyone froze in the window, but nothing was heard.

- What did he say? - whispered the Chief of the Train.

- Shh! - ordered the Chief of the Station. - Do not make noise!