Once there was an old woman who lived alone. She had chairs, a table, and on a shelf, a small pot. A wise old man heard her saying, "This house of mine is very small. Oh, wise old man, please help me – my house is smaller than a box!" "Bring the chicken inside the house," advised the wise man. "The chicken inside the house? What a bold idea!" complained the old woman. "What will I do? Oh, where can I go! Where there are things crowded for one, it is even harder for two. I have no space to sneeze when the urge strikes me, my house is smaller than a box! Oh, wise old man, please help me, my house is smaller than a box!" "Now bring the goat inside the house," advised the wise man. "Bring the goat inside the house? What a bold idea! The goat steps on the eggs, puts its nose on the curtains, and stands on the legs of the table, munching them."

• Author: Julia Donaldson
• Translator: Florin Bican