Little Chuhi Zuhi is upset that mice from her family steal food from other’s houses, much against her brother, Chuha Zuha’s wishes that she should act like a normal mouse. Read this heart-warming, lyrical story about a mouse who dares to be different, stands by her principles and beliefs, and shows that it’s ok to defy conventions and change for the better.

Little Chuhi Zuhi
Little Chuhi Zuhi was a small mouse who lived with her family in someone else’s house.
She had tiny ears and looked pretty in a frock; she loved music and to every song she danced and rocked.

Her brother Chuha Zuha was big and grey, with curled whiskers and a long tail.
Every night, Chuha Zuha sneaked from their mouse house into the kitchen. He sniffed what’s cooking and got it home for everyone.

He would tiptoe into flour jars and slip into bread boxes. His favourite foods are cheese, milk, and yummy tomato sauces.

But Little Chuhi Zuhi was different than other mice.
She thought stealing other’s food was just not nice!

“Why don’t we buy our food from the market?” Little Chuhi Zuhi once asked her Dad.
“Mice don’t buy food. It’s against all rules,” replied Papa Mouse, as he looked a little mad.

But Little Chuhi Zuhi was different than other mice.
She looked for food in litter bins even though it had no spice!

Said Chuha Zuha, “Hey Little Chuhi Zuhi, it is Mama’s birthday tomorrow. I will need your help to sneak more food tonight.”
Replied Little Chuhi Zuhi, “I’m sorry, Chuha Zuha, I cannot help you, for I don’t think stealing is right!”

“Oh, Little Chuhi Zuhi! What good are you if you can’t be a normal mouse!” shouted an angry Chuha Zuha,
“Learn a lesson or two and then come back to our house.”

But Little Chuhi Zuhi was different than other mice.
She thought of a plan to give her Mama a surprise!

That night, when everyone was asleep, Little Chuhi Zuhi stepped into the kitchen and entered the bin.
She found leftover vegetables and rice. Carrots, cauliflower, and a full pizza slice!

Little Chuhi Zuhi put all the leftovers on a paper plate.
Then she arranged all the food on the slice, just like a cake!

Next morning Little Chuhi Zuhi went home and placed the surprise for her Mama by the door.
As Mama Mouse left the house for work, she found the lovely pizza with a handwritten note.

“Happy Birthday Mama, I hope you like my simple gift. For the love that you give me, nothing seems fit!”
Mama Mouse looked for Little Chuhi Zuhi as she cried. But Little Chuhi Zuhi was walking away in pride!

Mama Mouse shouted, “Oh! Little Chuhi Zuhi, your gift is sweeter than a birthday cake!
Come back honey, what a lovely mouse you make!

Little Chuhi Zuhi ran to her Mama and kissed her on her cheeks.
She did a little jig and jumped up high with the breeze.

Said Mama Mouse, “My Little Chuhi Zuhi, you are the best of all the mice.
You have indeed taught us how to be different, yet nice!”

Illustration: Kruti Kothari