
Rollo, a bright five‑year‑old, spends his days in the family garden, planting beans and watching the tiny corn sprouts push up through the soil. When a sudden rustle reveals a mysterious horse head peering over the garden wall, his imagination flutters between fear and fascination. Guided by his friend Jonas, he discovers that the strange sight is a young colt named Elky, just learning its place in the world.
Rollo’s father soon appears, leading the colt and a sturdy horse back from the field, showing the boy how patience and gentle care turn curiosity into understanding. As his father offers Rollo a chance to ride, the child asks why the colt cannot yet pull a wagon, prompting a simple lesson about learning and responsibility. Through these tender moments, the story gently encourages young listeners to think, observe, and appreciate the quiet virtues of hard work and kindness.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (163K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1803–1879
A 19th-century American writer and educator, he became famous for lively, morally grounded books written especially for young readers. His stories and histories helped shape early children's literature in the United States.
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