NCERT Book Class 5 EVS Chapter 15 Blow Hot, Blow Cold

15. Blow Hot, Blow Cold

There was a woodcutter. Everyday in the morning he used to go
to the forest to cut wood. In the evening he would sell the wood
in the city. One day he went deep into the forest. It was a very
cold winter. His fingers were becoming numb. Every now and
then, the woodcutter would put down his axe and bring his
hands close to his mouth. Then he would blow hard on them to
warm them.
While he was cutting wood Mian
Balishtiye was watching him from a corner.
Mian Balishtiye saw that the woodcutter
kept blowing on his hands. He began to
wonder what all that was about! But he
could not understand it. He got up
thinking that he would go and ask the
woodcutter. After walking a little, he came
back thinking that the woodcutter may
not like being asked. Finally, Mian
Balishtiye could not help himself. He went
hopping to the woodcutter and said, “Hello
brother, if you don’t mind can I ask you
something?”
Seeing this tiny person the woodcutter
was amazed and amused. But, he hid his smile and said, “Of course,
of course, ask what you want to.” “All I want to ask is why do you
blow from your mouth on to your hands?” said Mian Balishtiye.

Teacher’s Note : It would be good for the children to know that this story has
been written by Dr. Zakir Hussain, former President of India. He has written many
stories for children. It could be discussed why an imaginary character like Mian
Balishtiye could have been used.

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