Thumbelina (Pollicina)

Mother: Now, here is the story of the noble dog, who saved the king from the wicked wizard. Once upon a time...

Thumbelina: Oh, mother, please. Are there any stories about... about little people?

Mother: Well, as a matter of fact, there are, Thumbelina. Look.

[lifts her on to the book, which is opened to a picture of fairies]

Thumbelina: Why, they are little! Just like me!

[points to wings]

Thumbelina: But... but what are those?

Mother: Those are wings, Thumbelina. These are fairies and fairies have wings so they can fly.

Thumbelina: Mother, have you ever seen a fairy?

Mother: Well, I thought I did once.

Thumbelina: Really?

Mother: [laughs] Yes.

[puts reading glass on to picture to magnify the image]

Mother: And here, the fairy prince and princess are having a wedding.

Thumbelina: And they live... happily ever after!

Mother: [smiles] Usually, my dear.

Thumbelina: [crawls under glasses so she is by the picture of the prince] I... suppose it works best if two people are about... the same size.

Mother: [unsure] Yes, of course.

Thumbelina: [crawls out from underneath the glasses] Well... well, that's not fair. I... I must be the only little person in the world. I wish I were big.

Mother: Oh, no, Thumbelina. No. Don't ever wish to be anything but what you are.