Summary of Thumbelina

Introduction

• A woman was sad because she had no children.
• A neighbor gave her a magical seed to plant.

Thumbelina's Birth

• The woman planted the seed and a plant with a tulip-like flower grew.
• A tiny girl, no bigger than a thumb, emerged from the flower.
• The woman named her Thumbelina.

Life with the Woman

• Thumbelina lived happily with the woman.
• Slept in a walnut shell and sailed on a saucer of water.

The Toad's Abduction

• One night, a mother toad entered the house and kidnapped Thumbelina to marry her son.
• Thumbelina cried, but her cries went unheard.

Escape on the River

• Little fish helped Thumbelina escape by breaking the lily pad stem.
• She floated down the river, enjoying summer berries, birds, and butterflies.

Winter and the Field Mouse

• As summer ended, Thumbelina sought shelter from the cold.
• A field mouse offered her a home for the winter.
• Thumbelina helped the field mouse with housework and they became friends.

Mr. Mole's Proposal

• Field mouse's wealthy neighbor, Mr. Mole, visited often, wanting to marry Thumbelina.
• Thumbelina did not like Mr. Mole but felt pressured by the field mouse's support for the marriage.

Helping the Swallow

• Thumbelina found an injured swallow in the mole's passageway and promised to help him.
• She brought food to the swallow all winter.

Spring and Decision

• The swallow offered Thumbelina a chance to escape, but she initially refused because of her loyalty to the field mouse.
• As spring progressed, Thumbelina felt trapped by Mr. Mole's intentions.

New Adventure

• The swallow returned, urging Thumbelina to join him south.
• She agreed and they flew to a beautiful place filled with flowers.

Thumbelina's New Home

• In the new land, she met a tiny king with a golden crown.
• All flowers had tiny people inside.
• The king welcomed her, crowned her, and made her his queen.

Conclusion

• Thumbelina and the king lived happily ever after in the land of flowers and fairies.