Snow, Cotton, and Marshmallows

In the sprouting spring, the sweltering summer, and the golden days of autumn, Mrs. Cotton grew fuller, her belly swelling again. Her children, little white dumplings, crowded into her embrace, chattering away day after day. It was so hot she wanted to pull open her coat and toss those rowdy white dumplings outside. When she couldn't stand the heat any longer, their owners finally took the children away to do their work. Would they become quilts or pillows? Mrs. Cotton wondered, then couldn't help reminding them, "Be sure to keep others warm." "We will, Mama," the little white dumplings chorused. As she watched her children leave, everything around Mrs. Cotton finally fell quiet. She swayed her branches, missing the cold, gentle snowflakes. What was she to do? That child would cry again this year. Mrs. Cotton worried. Theme: A heartwarming and joyful fairy tale