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Little Brother, Little Sister

A Thanksgiving Tale

An original story crafted by the early childhood teachers of the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School.

Light candle, Flute and Singing, uncover stage

Once upon a time… when was it? When was it not? In this land long ago there lived, as there now lives, the First Nation people who are native to this land. They understand the language of the plants and animals, and take care of Mother Earth. Their wisdom is wide, and they live close to the Great Spirit. Among the people are the ________ this is a tale about the giving of Thanks.

Little Brother and little Sister lived with their family by a river in a rich valley. All summer long they helped their people to hunt, harvest wild berries, roots, and honey, and grow a garden where the three sisters - corn, beans, and squash were planted. When harvest time came they had a rich storehouse of food for the winter. Little brother and little sister were excited when the Beaver moon rose in the sky, for soon friends and family would come together for a great feast to thank Mother Earth for all of her many gifts. 

One frosty morning, when they saw smoke rising from Grandmother’s lodge in the Green Mountains, Mother said to the children, ”Grandmother has returned from her travels… the time has come for you to bring her some of our harvest so she can begin to prepare for the great feast. We will join you at her lodge in a few days. Follow the path well my children, and listen to the land and our animal friends - then you will find your way safely.” The children wore bark baskets that had been filled with corn, beans, and squash, and set out on their way singing as they went.

Singing

They entered the forest where the pine trees gave shelter. Many colorful leaves and nuts were on the ground and the children needed to walk carefully to see the path. As they rounded a bend, they heard the soft cries of an animal. Searching carefully, they saw a baby squirrel hiding by a tree, looking very sad. The children slowly approached and Sister said, “What troubles you little one?” The baby squirrel saw that the children were friends and let them come close. “I was looking for nuts but now am lost and I so not know where to find my Mother.” “Come with us, we will help you”, said Little Sister, who bent down and let the baby climb into her hand. They did not go far before they heard the loud chittering of a worried Mama Squirrel. She was frantically looking for the baby. “Here is your little one!” Said Sister as she let the baby down near the worried Mother. “Thank you dear children”, said the Mama as led her child to their home.

Singing 

After a time, the children came to a river. Usually the season was so dry they could cross the stones of the bed easily. The rains had come early and now it was full of water. “Do we need to turn back?”, asked Little Brother. “No,” said Sister - we will seek the best place along the bank to make a bridge. The children found a place where the river narrowed and was shallow. Working together, they brought many large stones and placed them in the water to make a bridge. “Thank you for your help little Brother,” said Sister as they crossed safely to the other side.

Singing

The path then grew steeper. Along the path many red berries grew. A low growling was coming from the bushes. By this, they knew to go slowly, quietly, and carefully. They saw a brown bear who had been eating berries when a tree had fallen on him. He was hurt and caught under the heavy log. The children knew that the bear was hurt and scared and could be dangerous. They kept their distance but called, “ We will help you!” They looked for a long strong stick which they wedged under the log. By working together they were able to roll the log off of the bear. Brother bear slowly came to stand. “Thank you”, it seemed to say before it lumbered away.

Singing

The children then had to climb rocks to make their way to the top of the mountain. It was growing dark and very difficult because their packs were so full; they were growing tired. “ I cannot go any farther”, said little brother. I must rest here for the night. “Oh no - that will not be safe…. It is just a little longer to get to grandmother’s lodge… I will carry you,” said Sister. Then, even though she was tired, and brother and his pack were so very heavy, sister lifted the upon her back. She was very strong and called for the power of Great Spirit to help her. It was as if invisible arms were there to make the load lighter. Finally they came to level ground. “Thank you dear sister” whispered her tired brother.  

The children could see grandmothers lodge in the clearing. She was beside the fire. When she saw the children she opened her arms and called welcome to them. How gladly they greeted her! After they were given food and drink and had rested by the fire, Little Brother and Little Sister told grandmother about their journey’s adventures. She smiled as she heard of the help they gave to the friends of the forest and to each other. “Thank you my grandchildren… I am grateful for the ways you are so brave and kind.”

Singing , Cover stage, snuff candle