Hello and welcome. This time, Explora Natura brings you a story to read with the little ones at home. Enjoy this family reading and stay home!.
Felipito, the rabbit who smelled like vanilla ice cream
The day before, the rain had fallen heavily across the fields of La Tosquilla. Little by little, small streams had formed, flooding everything. Mama Rabbit hurried to try and save all her little ones, but when she still had one left to collect, the smallest of them all, her littlest one, the water prevented her from reaching the burrow, and very sadly, she had to leave.
That little rabbit, the smallest of all, was brave and daring, and without stopping swimming and swimming, he reached where the water had lost force and managed to get to safety.
Just a few days old, he was alone and wet. He felt so tired that he ended up falling asleep inside an old glove he found lying around. Although he missed his mother and his siblings, that soft woolen nest comforted him and kept him warm, and little by little, he drifted off to sleep.
Sometimes, when children and animals are kind-hearted, fairies take a liking to them. They help and accompany them throughout their lives. And on that occasion, the kindest of all the fairies took pity on the little one, nestled in the old glove, and held him in her gentle hands.
The next morning, frightened and ravenously hungry, our brave little bunny woke up. Seeing him peeking his nose out from the sleeve of the glove, the fairy approached.
"Don't worry, little one, I'm right here with you. First of all, we need to find you a name"—and tickling him between his big ears, she said—"you'll be called Felipito."
And he, wiggling his little nose, as only rabbits know how to do, smiled at her.
"Are you hungry?" the fairy asked him, and he stretched out his big ears and stood on his hind legs. "I see you are," the magical lady said, smiling. "I'll give you something you'll surely like. A little milk, with egg yolk and a touch of vanilla.".
Felipito started eating and eating, he liked it so much!
And little by little, that scent of vanilla ice cream permeated the fur of his tiny body. Every day, after his delicious meal, he went out into the garden and lost himself among the flowers. He especially loved strolling among a large bouquet of yellow daisies, because, due to his height, they tickled his big ears. He played with them, nibbled on them, and when he felt tired, he would pluck one with his tiny white teeth and, holding it in his mouth, hop it along to his beloved fairy.
Her eyes would light up when she saw him appear; it was so funny to see him jumping around with the little flower in his mouth!
After dinner, he would approach the good fairy, sit beside her, and clean his paws and face until he was ready to go to sleep.
He had soft gray fur, looked like a feather, with black eyes like bright coffee beans and long ears that he perked up when he was happy. As time went on, Felipito grew and became very handsome, always accompanied by that characteristic vanilla ice cream scent.
One day, he approached the fairy, his beloved good fairy, and told her that it was time for him to leave. He had a mission to tell all the children and bunnies that fairies exist and are always there when needed. The fairy was sad to see him go, but also happy because she knew that Felipito had a big heart and was born to help others. Then, blowing him a kiss, she said goodbye.
-Goodbye Felipito, the rabbit who played with the daisies and smells like vanilla ice cream -He, sitting on his hind legs, made a face while turning his head, moved his lip, as only rabbits know how to do, winked one of his black eyes and, hopping, left among the yellow daisies in the garden.
If you liked it, remember that Explora Natura has more stories dedicated to the little ones at home.
Antonio Pestana
Antonio Jesús Pestana Salido (Cabra, Córdoba, 1970) is an Andalusian ornithologist and nature photographer, specializing in birds and the interpretation of the Mediterranean landscape. From childhood, he has been involved in the study and observation of wildlife, and has spent decades exploring the natural areas of Andalusia, especially the Subbética region of Córdoba.
He is a nationally awarded nature photographer, winner of the first prize in the Carl Zeiss nature photography competition (4th edition) with a digiscoping image of a common crossbill, in addition to other recognitions in specialized bird photography competitions.
As a field ornithologist, he has participated in bird monitoring and conservation projects, especially for birds of prey and steppe birds, and has served as provincial coordinator in Córdoba for the Montagu's and hen harrier censuses. He is also president of the Abanto naturalist association, dedicated to the dissemination and conservation of natural heritage.
He is the author of several books on Iberian fauna and popular culture published by specialized publishers, including "Iberian birds in popular culture" and "Iberian diurnal birds of prey in popular culture," works that compile proverbs, beliefs and traditions related to birds in popular culture.
In addition to his work as an author and photographer, he develops outreach and environmental education activities, leading nature outings, giving bird photography workshops and collaborating with educational centers, associations and nature tourism projects.
She regularly works with schools, designing wildlife observation activities adapted for primary and secondary school students. She also collaborates with companies and associations on birdwatching tours, teaches nature photography courses, and participates in the design of natural areas.
