Page 1: The Quiet Meadow

Tom loved to wander in the green meadow behind his house. The tall grass swayed like waves in a calm sea. He would chase butterflies, and his laughter filled the air. But when the wind grew windier, the meadow seemed to whisper warnings. Tom felt a small, nervous shiver in his chest.

Page 2: The Mysterious Hollow

Hidden behind a cluster of willow trees was a dark hollow. Tom heard the wind sigh through the branches. He pressed his hand against a stone wall, feeling the cool dampness. The hollow looked like a tiny cave, and the shadows danced. That night, Tom stared at the dark spot and wondered what secrets it held.

Page 3: The Flickering Campfire

One evening, Tom's grandpa lit a small campfire. The flames crackled and threw bright yellow sparks into the starry sky. Grandpa told stories of brave explorers and brave hearts. Tom listened, feeling both brave and brave? He wondered if he could be as courageous as the stories described.

Page 4: The First Step

The next morning, Tom drew a line on his palm with a colored pencil. The line would represent his promise to be brave. He walked slowly toward the hollow, heart beating loudly. When his left foot stepped onto the damp path, his breath caught as if a giant were watching.

Page 5: The Whispering Wind

Inside the hollow, the wind was louder. It made the trees hum and the grass tremble. Tom's eyes widened. He heard a soft rustle that felt like someone saying, “Hello.” He closed his eyes and breathed in the cool air. With each breath he felt less afraid.

Page 6: The Bravery Inside

Tom stood, face forward, and turned his hands to shield his heart. He said out loud, “I am brave.” The wind responded like applause. He realized that the only thing that could scare him was his own doubt. The boy smiled, feeling proud of his tiny victory.

A Boy Who Faces His First Fear (Chinese)

A gentle tale about courage, curiosity, and the first time a young boy learns to face his fears.

3-5

Page 1: The Quiet Meadow

汤姆喜欢在自家后院的绿草坪上散步。高高的草像平静海面上的波浪一样摇曳。 他会追逐蝴蝶，笑声回荡在空气中。 但当风变得更大时，草地仿佛在低声警告他。汤姆的小胸口微微发抖。

Page 2: The Mysterious Hollow

一簇柳树后面躲着一个黑暗的空洞。汤姆听到风在树枝间嘶嘶作响。 把手按在石墙上，他感到凉爽的湿度。这个空洞像一个小洞穴，影子在跳舞。 那晚，汤姆望着黑暗，想知道里面藏着什么秘密。

Page 3: The Flickering Campfire

下个晚上，汤姆的爷爷点起了小篝火。火焰噼啪作响，向星空抛洒黄色火星。爷爷讲述了勇敢探险者的故事。汤姆一边听，一边感到既勇敢又胆怯。他想知道自己能否和故事里的人一样英勇。

Page 4: The First Step

翌日清晨，汤姆用彩笔在手掌上画了一条线。那条线代表他勇敢的承诺。他慢慢走向空洞，心脏怦怦直跳。左脚踏上潮湿的小路时，他的呼吸像有大人注视般停顿。

Page 5: The Whispering Wind

在空洞内，风更大声。它让树木哼唱，草地颤抖。汤姆的双眼睁大。 他听见轻轻的沙沙声，好像有人在说：“你好。” 他闭上眼睛，吸入凉爽的空气。一次次呼吸让他不再害怕。

Page 6: The Bravery Inside

汤姆站起，面向前方，双手护住心脏。他大声说：“我很勇敢。” 风像掌声一样回应。 他意识到，唯一能吓到他的是自己的疑虑。 孩子微笑，感到为自己的小小胜利感到自豪。