Dramatic Reader for Lower Grades.

by Florence Holbrook.

TO THE CHILDREN

These little plays--well-known stories done into dialogue--were written for children who like to imagine themselves living with their favorite characters in forest, in palace, or in fairyland.

It is hoped that you will enjoy these old friends in their new dress almost as well as you loved them in the old. When you read the words of bird or tree or prince or child, try to speak with the voice and manner which you think that character would use. Thus you will make the reading a joy to yourselves and a great satisfaction to your hearers.

To try to put oneself in the place of another is very good training for the imagination. It also teaches us to be more kind to others and to all living creatures. We learn that most persons are striving to do better and to be better, and we grow in understanding and sympathy.

May these little plays help you to the enjoyment of the great dramas which you will read when you are older.

FLORENCE HOLBROOK

A DRAMATIC READER

LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD

PERSONS IN THE PLAY--LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD, MOTHER, BIRD, WOLF, MILLER, GRANDMOTHER

SCENE I.--_At Red Riding-Hood's Home_

_Mother._ Would you like to go to grandmother's to-day, my child? The sun is bright and the air is warm and pleasant.

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Yes, mother, you know I always like to visit dear grandmamma.

_Mother._ Then you may go. You may carry your little basket, and I'll put some honey and a jar of b.u.t.ter in it for grandma.

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Oh, that will be a nice present for her! And may I take her some flowers?

_Mother._ Yes, dear child. Gather some of those you like best.

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Here they are, mother--roses and pansies!

Aren't they pretty?

_Mother._ Very pretty and sweet. Now put on your little red cloak and take the basket. Be very careful as you pa.s.s through the wood, and go directly to grandma's house.

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Yes, dear mother. Nothing will harm me. All the birds and animals love me and I love them.

_Mother._ Good-by, little daughter. Give me a kiss and take my love to dear grandmother.

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Good-by, mamma: good-by!

SCENE II.--_In the Wood_

_Little Red Riding-Hood (singing)._

Good morning, merry sunshine, How did you come so soon?

You chase the little stars away And shine away the moon.

I saw you go to sleep last night Before I ceased my playing.

How did you get 'way over there, And where have you been staying?

How pretty it is here in the wood! Oh, what a lovely bed of moss! You must come with me, pretty green moss, to grandma's house. Good morning, pretty bird: will you sing to me this morning?

_Bird._ Yes, little Red Riding-Hood. I will sing to you because you love all the birds and can understand my song. Soon I'll show you my little birds who are just big enough to fly.

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Thank you, dear bird, I shall be glad to see the cunning little things. But now I must hurry to grandmother's with the b.u.t.ter and the honey. Good-by!

_Bird._ Good-by, little friend! Chirp, chirp; chirp, chirp!

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Now the little bird has flown away. I must put this moss in my basket and then hurry along--

_Wolf._ Ugh, ugh!

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Oh! how you frightened me, Mister Wolf! Where did you come from?

_Wolf._ From my pretty cave, far, far in the dark wood, little girl.

What is your name?

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Why, don't you know me? I'm little Red Riding-Hood.

_Wolf._ I'm a stranger in this place, little girl; but I shall know you the next time I see you--ugh, ugh! What have you in your pretty basket, little Red Riding-Hood? It smells like honey.

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ It _is_ honey, Mr. Wolf. I am taking it to my dear grandmother.

_Wolf._ Are you all alone in the wood, my child? Isn't your mother with you? Aren't you afraid?

[Ill.u.s.tration]

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Afraid? no, indeed! Why should I be afraid?

All the animals are my friends.

_Wolf._ Oh, yes, of course they are all your friends! But is it far to your grandmother's house?

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ No, Mr. Wolf, only about half a mile. You go down this path to the mill and then turn to the right, and the first house you come to is my grandmother's. It's a little red house.

_Wolf._ Oh, that is very easy to find! But I know a shorter way through the wood. Let us run a race and see who will get there first.

_Little Red Riding-Hood._ All right, Mr. Wolf. Good-by!