What’s the name given to the process of sleeping through the winter in the animal kingdom? Why do some animals do that? How do they manage to survive? Do they wake up to eat and drink?
Talk to others about this and look for the answers to these questions if necessary.
Do you think that humans and snakes hibernate?
“¡Cuidado con el niño!” es una adaptación de un cuento de la autora inglesa Edith Nesbit titulado “Being Wanted” de la colección de cuentos Five Children and It (Cinco niños y Esto) ilustrada por H. R. Millar y publicada en Londres en 1902. La editorial Calleja lo publicó en 1923 en la colección Plaga de dragones, que además de otros cuentos, contiene la adaptación de la colección completa de cuentos Five Children and It, con ilustraciones de Federico Ribas.
The English version of this book is a translation from Plaga de Dragones, a story collection which was published by Saturnino Calleja in 1923. This translation was undertaken collaboratively as part of a crowd translation project which took place at the Spanish distance learning university UNED in 2016, involving translation teachers and students. During the translation process, we tried to reach a balance between being faithful to the Spanish text and bringing it into the 21st century for the enjoyment and learning of modern readers. We feel that the stories are still relevant to you these days and trust that you will find the cultural contrast interesting.
The text has been enriched with a number of annotations including audio, term explanations, and various proposals for activities, which are mainly aimed at young non-native English speakers.
El genio de la arena o Enanerado aparece en otros cuentos de la colección Cinco chicos y esto. Es un genio que tiene un aspecto horrible y habita en las dunas de arena. Concede deseos a los niños de estos cuentos. ¿Conoces otros cuentos o historias en las que, entre los personajes, se encuentre un genio?
A contagious illness that causes red spots on the skin and high temperature. Children have it more frequently than adults unless they are vaccinated.
Example: Tommy didn’t go to school when he had measles.
The seed of certain plants which are eaten as a vegetable in stews, soups, salads, or as a side dish.
Example: The smell of the bean stew was delicious.
A person who provides care for somebody else’s children as a paid service.
Example: The nanny told the children a story at bedtime.
According to the Christian tradition, the Three Wise Men, Kings or Magi were distinguished foreigners who visited Jesus after his birth, guided by a star, bearing gifts. They are common figures in Christmas nativity sets, next to the Holy Family and the shepherds.
Example: The names of the Three Wise Men were Melchior, Gaspar and Balthassar.
A chest or piece of furniture for writing with drawers (boxes that slide in and out and are used to hold things). It can have a top that locks with a key and opens upwards.
Example: The old wooden bureau contained old secret documents.
A group of sheep, goats, or birds.
Example: Shepherds take care of their flock.
Why do you think that Rosie and Fabian’s mother doesn’t let them open the two drawers? Try and guess the reason!
We are sure that you know what a bureau is and what it is for. Can you name up to five things that you would typically find in the drawers of a bureau and five things that you would never ever find there?
The pound is the currency of the United Kingdom. Find out how many pence make a pound and calculate how many two pence coins they would get if they ask for fifty pounds.
We are sure that you know what a bureau is and what it is for. Can you name up to five things that you would typically find in the drawers of a bureau and five things that you would never ever find there?
We are sure that you know what a bureau is and what it is for. Can you name up to five things that you would typically find in the drawers of a bureau and five things that you would never ever find there?
The children of our story want to ask the Sandy for something really useful and decide to use their day's wish for asking for money.
Do you think money is something really useful? Would you have asked for something different? Make a list of three useful things you would wish from a genie.
Now, working in a group, share your wishes with your partners and decide between all of you which one is the most useful.
Shepherds use herding dogs to help them with their work. Dogs help shepherds to control the flock, find lost animals and keep predators away.
Do you know what dog breeds are commonly used for herding?
As you can read, the children of the story are not enthusiastic about the idea of taking care of their little brother.
Working in pairs, one of you will be keen on taking care of Lamb and the other will support his siblings' reluctance. Then, start a discussion with your partner and try to reach an agreement about which option is better. Before starting the discussion, think of three arguments to defend your position. Once the discussion is over, present the conclusion both of you reached together.
Why do the four siblings insist on making suggestions to the gypsy woman even after she had told them that she had raised ten children? Why do you think they are doing it?
After the spell is over, gypsies lose their obsessive interest in Lamb and behave very nicely towards Lamb and the older children. Now it is completely clear in the story that the only reason why the gypsies tried to steal the baby was because of the Sandy's spell.
What do you think the author of the tale is trying to communicate to us?
The gypsies seem to be in love with the baby, but suddenly they have decided that they don't wan't him anymore. What do you think is the reason for their apparent change of attitude?
The children of the story had a bottle of blackberry soda. Did you know soda was invented in the 18th century?
Carbonated water, also known as soda, was created in 1772 in England. After that, during the 19th century, different pharmacists developed some of the flavoured drinks that are so well known nowadays.
The main problem these inventors had was to develop a container able to keep the gas without spoiling the drink and making the bottle explode. Their problem was fixed in 1892 when the crown cork was invented.
What is the most common name for carbonated drinks? And the name for non-alcoholic drinks?
As you have just read, the Sandy cannot get wet. Do you know any other creature that should never get wet? I can give you a clue: they are small and furry!
En la época en la que tiene lugar el cuento, el ama de llaves era la persona que se ocupaba (como bien indica su nombre) de cuidar las llaves de las casas de personas de clase alta y con mucho dinero. Además, organizaba las tareas domésticas y anotaba datos importantes sobre la economía de la casa.
Ama de llaves. Autor: Zarza. Grabador: Ortega. En Los españoles pintados por sí mismos. Madrid. Ignacio Boix. 1843. 1a ed. Tomo I.
Es una bebida refrescante que se fabrica con extracto de la raíz de un arbusto llamado «zarzaparrilla», azúcar, miel y agua con gas. ¿Sabías que, en el siglo xx, este tipo de refrescos eran muy populares en España? Empresas como La Frigorífica S.A. se dedicaban a producir estas bebidas, aparte de los clásicos refrescos de naranja y de limón.
Es una palabra coloquial que se utiliza para referirse a una cosa molesta, que no aporta ningún provecho, pero sí muchos problemas y dificultades.
Es una forma coloquial para referirse a un gato. Otros ejemplos pueden ser «minino», «michi» o «Micifuz» (pronunciado, normalmente, como «misifú», y que se refiere a un personaje de La Gatomaquia, una obra de teatro de Lope de Vega, autor del siglo XVII, y que está protagonizada por gatos).
Coche de caballos de cuatro asientos, descapotable y con poca profundidad en el interior. En muchas partes, también es denominado «calesa».
Criados que se dedicaban a acompañar a sus amos en las carretelas y otros medios de transporte. Los lacayos, con impecables uniformes, eran un símbolo de riqueza. En el cuento de Cenicienta, por ejemplo, el encargado de abrir y cerrar las puertas de la carroza mágica es el lacayo.
En la foto, puedes ver que la reina Isabel II de Inglaterra es acompañada por cuatro lacayos.
La grafía «obscuridad» se utilizaba antiguamente para escribir «oscuridad». Otras palabras, como «substancia» se simplifican hoy día también, siendo más común verlo como «sustancia», ya que suele pronunciarse así.
Con esta palabra, la señora del cuento expresa su deseo de adoptar al más pequeño de los hermanos, como si fuera su propio hijo. Era una práctica relativamente común a principios del siglo XX, hasta que fue regulada por la Ley a lo largo de la primera mitad del siglo. Las familias adineradas no solo adoptaban niños huérfanos o abandonados, sino que, además, podían hacerse cargo de otros niños cuyas familias no pudieran mantenerlos.
El deseo involuntario de Roberto termina por cumplirse, y toda persona que ve al pequeño Cordero quiere llevárselo. La primera en caer presa del hechizo del genio es una dama adinerada que monta en carretela. Reflexiona sobre la actitud de la señora: ¿es buena o es mala? ¿Por qué? ¿Piensas que, al estar “hechizada”, podríamos perdonar que se llevara consigo, sin permiso, a Cordero?
Ilustración del cuento original por H.R. Millar.
Una alquería está formada por una finca o terreno destinado, sobre todo, a la agricultura y una casa habitada por labradores, que se conoce como «casa de labor» o «casa de labranza». En ella, además, podía encontrarse el ganado (ovejas, cabras, etc.) de los labradores y sus herramientas de trabajo. Son construcciones típicas de Valencia y de Granada.
Por efecto del encantamiento todos quieren lo mismo: al Cordero. ¿Qué ocurre cuando todos desean quedarse con lo mismo? ¿Podrían quererle sin intentar quedarse con él? ¿Qué cambiaría entonces?
¿Quiénes son los gitanos?
Son una comunidad, pueblo o etnia proveniente de la India, originariamente nómadas, y que comparten rasgos culturales propios. Hoy en día, las personas gitanas no son necesariamente nómadas, pero ¿conoces otros grupos de personas que sean nómadas o migren y cambien de región o país?
Ilustración de Inocencio Medina Vera, con título «Entre gitanos», en la revista ¡Alegría!, 22 de enero de 1908. Madrid. (Biblioteca Digital de Madrid)
En el cuento, el rostro de la gitana es descrito como «de caoba». Este adjetivo se refiere al color de su piel, al que se compara con el de la madera del árbol caoba, muy estimada y exótica, de color rojizo. El árbol procede de América.
Cuando se alude al color del rostro y del pelo de la gitana en la narración, se remarcan sus rasgos étnicos, que son diferentes a los de los demás personajes. ¿Por qué crees que el autor se centra en revelar esa información? ¿Es un detalle importante? ¿Qué opinas sobre ello?
Uso coloquial, y propio de la etnia gitana, para referirse a un niño.
¿Cirilo consigue engañar a los gitanos o quiere de verdad darles al Cordero? ¿Qué otra cosa podría haberles dicho? Inventa otro diálogo posible.
Es una forma de llamar a la comida, especialmente, a aquellos platos que se consideran manjares y se comen con pan, como los guisos o estofados.
En este punto de la historia, la idea con la que han conseguido que no les quiten al Cordero deja de servirles y, de nuevo, aparece el peligro de que se cumpla el deseo de Roberto. ¿Cómo harías tú para ganar tiempo antes de que se ponga el sol? Ayúdales y continúa la historia.
¿Cómo contrasta el deseo de la gitana vieja con el deseo de los niños al principio, sobre todo con el de Roberto? ¿En qué se diferencian los dos tipos de deseo?
Tal y como se explica aquí respecto de los gitanos, a veces las comunidades o grupos son juzgados negativamente e incluso se crean estereotipos y prejuicios sobre ellos, solo por el hecho de tener una forma de vida o apariencia diferente a las de otros grupos de personas. Colócate en el lugar de los gitanos a los que acusan de robar niños, aunque no sea cierto, e imagina cómo sería esta historia desde la perspectiva de los gitanos. ¿Qué pensarán ellos de estos niños?
Ilustración del original, por H. R. Millar, «The gipsy woman moved her fingers about on his forehead», en Being Wanted, Londres, 1902.
Ahora que has llegado al final, ¿cómo entiendes el título del cuento “¡Cuidado con el niño!”? ¿Por qué hay que tener cuidado con el niño? Si has leído atentamente el cuento, te habrás fijado en que, al final, el autor no explica cuál es la moraleja. Sin embargo, todo lo que ocurre en el cuento nos hace pensar que es peligroso desear las cosas a la ligera, sin pensar en las consecuencias. ¿Qué aprendemos del deseo de Roberto y de lo que sucede después de que se cumpla?
Los pueblos y ciudades no solo son gobernados por un alcalde o alcaldesa, sino que, en el Ayuntamiento, también trabajan otras personas, que son las que forman el Concejo. A estos empleados se les conoce como «concejales», y se especializan en diversas áreas de gobierno, por lo que existen concejales de cultura, de educación, de sanidad, de medio ambiente y muchos más.
¿Te parece justo para Eufemia y Enrique el final del cuento? Piensa sobre por qué los adultos no agradecen a los niños su hazaña e imagina un final diferente para el cuento. Puedes poner por escrito ese final aquí.
¿Cómo eran los juguetes de tus padres y abuelos? Pregúntales si tuvieron algunos de estos.
Something that is made, sent out, or published.
Example: The man sold all his old issues of comics from when he was a child.
The shadows are becoming long. Do you know why?
As you may know, the Earth's axis is slightly tilted. As it spins once a day, sun rays hit it with a different angle at each moment of the day.
Also, this inclination varies along the year because of the difference in the distance between the Earth and the Sun. This is precisely what creates the different seasons of the year!
Imagine you and your partners are members of the city Council during the plague of dragons in the story. Each one of you must choose a role from the following list and start a discussion:
Rosie and Fabian use a six-sided puzzle to make a castle. Each side contains a beautiful picture. Go to the webpage of a famous museum and select six paintings that you like, each one corresponding to the following famous painters:
A weapon that consists of a knife attached to the front end of a rifle.
Example: Bayonets were used in close fighting long ago.
A heavy sword with one sharp curved edge.
Example: My grandfather has a sabre on the wall from the Mexican war.
The gypsy woman has cast a spell on the baby. Do you think it will be as effective as the Sandy's? More? Less?
A pointed metal bar for stirring up a fire.
Example: Our father used the fire poker when the grill was about to extinguish.
A plank; a flat, cut piece of wood.
Example: The child fixed small wheels to the board and then jumped on it.
Alquicel: Es una palabra que viene del árabe y se refiere a un tipo de vestidura a modo de capa, que normalmente era blanca y de lana.
Si quieres conocer qué otras palabras son de origen árabe, utiliza el diccionario e investiga: ¿Son de origen árabe estas palabras: “alcohol”, “almohada”, “aleta”, “alcázar”, “alcaldía”, “alhelí” y “altura”?
A grey metal which is very heavy.
Example: That shield is made of lead to protect the doctor against radiation.
The gathering of ripe crops or plants grown on a farm.
Example: Summer is the time of year when the farmers harvest their wheat.
A story from the Bible which narrates how a woman called Rebecca was chosen to be Isaac’s wife by his father’s servant because she was by a particular well and said and did what he was expecting, which he interpreted to be a sign of God.
Two Spanish captains who raised against French Napoleonic occupation and rule, and fought in a famous and decisive battle which took place in Madrid on May 2nd 1808.
Using the memory.
Example: The child learnt the song by heart for the festival.
A famous Spanish legal dictionary written by lawyer Marcelo Martínez Alcubilla in the 19th century.
A long narrative poem by 14th century Italian author Dante Alighieri. It is considered to be one of the greatest works of world literature.
As you may know, it is important to use the right intonation when speaking because it adds meaning to your words: either it emphasizes them or it adds some semantic nuance. It is not convenient at all to speak English using Spanish intonation: your speech may sound dull or confusing and you may be misinterpreted.
Listen to this fragment from the story and repeat it out loud, trying to use the same intonation. To make it easier, pause after each sentence and repeat:
-"What a nuisance!"
-"Everybody says he is so cute but nobody wants him.
- I wish everybody who saw Lamb would want him and we could be rid of him!".
After practising for a while, join with a partner and try to say the same words with different intonations. Pretend to be sad, angry or happy. Do you think different intonations change the meaning of words a little or a lot?
The coachman and the footman start an argument and then a fight. Do you think they are behaving appropriately?
Imagine you were there before they started fighting. What would you have done in order to prevent the fight? Maybe you would tell them that it is a nonsense to fight, or perhaps you would ask them to think about the source of the argument?
Prepare a sound peacemaking speech. You may use quotes from famous peace leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Alternatively, you may include an anecdote or a fable so that they become conscious of what they are doing wrong.
Due to the genie's spell, everybody loves Lamb and they are even ready to abduct him.
Now, imagine you are shopping in a mall full of people and you are in charge of an animal (not a human!) cub. Then, somebody manages to take it away from you. What would you do?
Think about three possible plans to cope with the situation and share them with your group to see which one is considered to be most effective by the majority.
As you can see the text is playing with some stereotypes related to gypsies.
Watch the following scene from the movie Snatch where two men go to a gypsy camp and buy a caravan. Then, working as part of a group, think about the stereotype you think it reflects.
Remember that stereotypes offer an exaggerated or misleading point of view about a person or community. Keep reading to see how the author of our text deals with the stereotypes related to gypsies!
Los escritores utilizan muchos trucos para hacer sus historias interesantes. En este caso, la autora hace que los juguetes y los espacios de juego que construyen los niños cobren vida y se hagan reales dentro de la historia. ¿Conoces otros cuentos en los que ocurra hacen algo parecido?
Aquí tienes un ejemplo muy famoso:
To use up the entire amount of something.
Example: It was such a hot day that we ran out of drinks.
Manuel Rivadeneyra (1805-1872) fue un editor e impresor español que desde 1846 trató de reunir las obras clásicas de la literatura española en una colección que se llamó la Biblioteca de Autores Españoles.
Otro truco para hacer una buena historia es jugar con los narradores y el origen del cuento. Nuestro narrador ha escuchado la historia que acabamos de leer de uno de los personajes del cuento. ¿No es un poco raro? ¿Te fiarías tú de lo que cuente un ratón mecánico?
Inventa una historia con un narrador poco fiable ¡pero divertido!
Listen again to the expression: "What a cheek!" and the intonation used by the narrator.
Now, read the definition of this expression and try to use it in a different context with the same intonation. What happens if you substitute the word "cheek" by "beauty"? Does your intonation change?
Make a list of places related to the different types of weather mentioned in this paragraph. For example, you can relate Egypt with the sun and England with the rain. Think of other examples from other continents too.
Working in groups, observe the cook in the video below taking the first steps towards a stew. Check the different ingredients that he is using and make a list.
The group who guesses the highest number of correct ingredients wins!
What a messy situation! It looks like a bloody battle is about to start in the middle of Rosie and Fabian’s library! Luckily, the monkey and the mouse are sensible and have an idea to put a stop to all this nonsense.
How would the monkey or the mouse persuade them not to fight? Elaborate a small speech of reconciliation as one of them. First, write it down and then rehearse it orally.
All throughout this story there are two scenarios: a real one in Rosie and Fabian’s library and an imaginary one in a medieval city which is about to become a battlefield… which is inside the library! Where are the children right now: still in the battlefield or back in the library?
A long, loose, outer garment without sleeves that is used as a coat, to protect the wearer from the cold.
Example: The wizard had a purple cloak with stars on it.
North African Muslims.
Example: In the Middle Ages the Moors introduced many new scientific techniques to Spain and the rest of Europe.
A plank with wheels underneath. It can be a skateboard, which is a flat, short, narrow board that has four wheels on the bottom and is used for practising a sport.
Example: It is more fun to stand on your skateboard than to sit on it.
A famous Spanish editor who lived in the 19th century, who published many Spanish works and collections with high quality.
The old gypsy appears to be lying to take the baby. Do you agree? What makes you think that he is lying?
Anther told the gypsies the different ways they must take care of Lamb. Do you know the different cares you must have when being in charge of a baby?
Imagine you are going to be in charge of a baby for twenty four hours and think about the different tasks you should be prepared to do. Make list of them in temporal order.
Then, working in groups, share your thoughts with your partners and create a new list with all the pertinent tasks for taking care of a baby you and your group had listed.
The children in our story mark the place where the Sandy has disappeared. Do you know why they have done it?
This is the end of the story. Rosie and Fabian are sick in bed. In their feverish sleep, they have a nightmare about being judged in court for having been disobedient and reckless. Distribute the roles at court among the members of your group:
Try to follow the main norms in a real court situation (respect to the magistrates’ indications, turn taking, etc.) and come out with a sentence.
Don’t forget to finish the role play by waking Rosie and Fabian up at the end!
Brothers and/or sisters.
Example: We are a big family; I have five siblings: 2 brothers and 3 sisters.
A spirit with magical powers.
Example: When Aladdin rubbed the lamp, a genie appeared.
To continue to exist.
Example: Going on holiday is great, but it never lasts.
To think a lot and hard about something.
Example: The children gave great thought to where they wanted to go for the day.
The person who is hired to do the house chores (tasks).
Example: This morning we picked up all our toys and put them in the toy-box so the housekeeper could clean the floors.
To move or go somewhere.
Example: After dinner, my sister headed for bed.
Only a very short time before.
Example: I had hardly fallen asleep when my alarm clock went off.
To complain in an angry way.
Example: She always grumbles when she has to stand in a queue for too long.
To act quickly to help someone.
Example: The old man yelled for help and we rushed to his aid.
To apply pressure to the surface of something using a repeated back and forth motion.
Example: I noticed the baby was tired when it started to rub its eyes.
To make long, loud cries.
Example: Last night during the full moon there were wolves and dogs howling at the moon.
Something that is annoying or unpleasant.
Example: I've just made my new jacket dirty. What a nuisance!
To be free of something/someone that has been very annoying.
Example: I thought we could never be rid of the neighbours' barking dog.
Thinking that someone/something is someone/something else.
Example: I mistook a stranger on the train for my brother, but when I came closer I saw that it wasn't him.
To quickly move away from something that scares or hurts you.
Example: I flinched when the doctor stuck the needle in my arm.
To drop some liquid.
Example: During lunch I spilt water on the table by accident.
To not like something/someone.
Example: I cannot stand the smell of cigarettes; it makes me sick.
The feeling that there is no more hope.
Example: The football team that was losing the match kept looking at the clock in despair.
Before cars existed, people used carriages which were pulled by one or more horses.
Example: Cinderella went to the ball in a carriage.
The person who sits at the front of a carriage and drives it.
Example: "Take me to the ball", said Cinderella to the coachman.
The person who helps people get in and out of a carriage, and helps put their bags away. They usually ride at the back of the carriage.
Example: The footman helped Cinderella get out of the carriage when she arrived at the ball.
To leave.
Example: Our flight departs in half an hour.
To steal a person.
Example: The dragon abducted the princess from the castle.
The main house on a farm where the farmers and their family live.
Example: Traditional farmhouses are made with local building materials and have a fireplace for cooking and heating.
To undertake tasks such as going to the shops.
Example: On Saturday morning, I usually help my mom run errands for grandma.
To be very attracted by someone.
Example: The president's speech captivated the audience.
A person who cuts down trees for wood.
Example: The woodcutter rescued Little Red Riding Hood.
A number of things tied together.
Example: I bought a bundle of carrots.
Wood that has already been cut into pieces to put on the fire.
Example: My dad always keeps a pile of firewood in the garage during winter.
To happen; to occur.
Example: The concert will take place this summer in the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid.
A small brown thick spot on the skin.
Example: The young man was recognised because of the mole on his right cheek.
A feeling of fear.
Example: The knock on the door gave me quite a fright so I screamed loudly.
Words that have magical power.
Example: The wizard opened his book of spells.
An expression used to say that someone's behaviour or what they say is rude or disrespectful.
Example: When I asked the girl who had broken the vase, she pointed at her dolly. What a cheek!
An expression used when you have done something wrong and you avoid the consequences.
Example: She thought she could get away with cheating on the exam, but teachers found out about it.
To allow someone/something to escape; to release.
Example: The child cried quite a lot when he let the balloon go by accident; he could not get it back.
A try; an act of trying to do something difficult.
Example: The prisoners made an attempt to escape, but it didn't work.
To not succeed.
Example: I got my mark today and, unfortunately, I failed the test.
To be extremely hungry; to die from hunger.
Example: I haven't had anything to eat for the last 8 hours. I'm starving!
A dish prepared by cooking food very slowly in a pot.
Example: A popular Spanish dish is a stew called fabada. It is made with beans, spicy sausage and black pudding.
To have the courage to do something.
Example: Because I am a bit shy, I did not dare to ask the teacher my question in class; so I waited until the other students had left.
To caress; to touch softly.
Example: Cats and dogs love to be stroked.
To obtain extra time by a delay.
Example: I gained time by taking a back street and I didn't miss the bus.
To take somebody to their bed to rest or sleep.
Example: My father always puts us to bed with a story and a kiss.
To have/take a bath; to wash by immersion in water.
Example: Everyday before dinner they bathe the baby in warm water.
The evening; the moment of the day when it gets dark.
Example: We are allowed to play in the wood but we need to get home at nightfall.
To clean; to rub with one's hand or a cloth.
Example: He wiped all the water he had spilled with a dry cloth.
To work very hard.
Example: The farmers have been toiling in the field all day and so in the evening they were ready to rest.
To touch softly, especially in a way that shows affection.
Example: The mother caressed her child's head before he jumped on the bus.
A round opening, an empty space.
Example: There's a hole in my pocket, and all my money fell out.
A place (in the ground or in a church) where people are buried when they are dead.
An expression, not to interfere in someone else's matters.
Not to get involved in something that is not yours; to tell someone to respect our privacy.
Example: Keep your nose out of my diary! It's private.
To involve, to have to do with something or someone.
Example: What I write in my diary does not concern you!
Happy, content.
Example: He was pleased with his grades this term.
Now that you have read the whole story, try to organize the following in the appropriate order:
