My favourite tale:

The Secret Heart of the Tree (An adapted version of an African folk tale) 

            It was a scorching hot day in the African bush. Rabbit had gone looking for food, but within a short time, she had but one thing on her mind; shade. In the distance she saw a large old mango tree, with its crown of leaves making a nice pool of shade around its base. Rabbit hopped to the edge of the mango tree, and being polite, she asked the tree's permission to enjoy its' shade. The tree spoke, “Of course, my friend.”

Rabbit plopped herself down in the shade and said, “Oh grandfather tree, thank you so much. Your shade is just what I needed.” This time the leaves of the great mango tree shivered as if with delight, and down from its branches dropped a huge, ripe mango. The rabbit thanked the tree profusely. Sometime later rabbit felt an itch in her back, right in that place that is so hard to reach. “Dear grandfather tree,” she asked, “Would you mind if I used your bark to scratch my back? I have a most terrible itch.” Again the leaves of the seemed to smile as it answered, “Of course, dear one.” Again Rabbit thanked the tree.

The tree was still for some time, and then it spoke. “Rabbit you are the first creature to show me such respect and appreciation. I would like to show you something in return. I will show you my secret heart if you wish. I only ask that you not touch or take anything.” “Why of course, thank you,” answered rabbit, her tail quivering with anticipation.

            Suddenly a crack appeared in the trunk of the tree. It grew and grew into two doors, which opened to rabbit. She stepped inside. Immediately she was standing in the most beautiful garden she had ever seen. It was filled with a radiant soft light. A stream ran through it, and its bed glittered with gold and silver gems and rings. On the trees grew magnificent fruits, and from the bushes jewels of every color sparkled. Rabbit wanted so much to touch the gems, and to eat the fruit, but she did not. Instead she sat down in the grass and drank in the beauty of the secret heart of the tree.  All was peaceful.

Finally the tree, spoke. “Friend, you have shown me that you can keep your word. Therefore I would like to give you a gift. Take any small gem you see.” Rabbit hopped about until she decided on a simple gold ring to wear on her tail. She thanked the tree and left, promising not to tell anyone what she had seen.

On her way home rabbit was ambushed by Hyena. Hyena saw the ring on Rabbit's tail, and threatened to kill rabbit if she did not tell him where it had come from. Rabbit afraid for her life, told Hyena how she had obtained the ring. The next day Hyena went to the tree and in his most polite manner, (which isn't very) asked to sit, ate the fruit, scratched, and was admitted to see the heart, provided he didn't touch anything. Hyena immediately set about eating the fruit and stuffing the gems into sacks that he had brought. The light began to fade inside the tree, and the doors began to close. Hyena unable to run with his heavy load, dropped everything and ran towards the doors.

 What do you think what happened then? (You can send your tought to my e-mail address.)

 Source: Boldizsár Ildikó