A long time ago in Russia there was a lady called Baboushka who lived in a little house deep in a forest. Even though she lived alone she spent all of her time sewing, cleaning and cooking, she was never lonely, but never saw many visitors.
She was amazed in the middle of one cold winter when the sky was full of snow to hear voices approaching through the forest. The voices came from three lost, hungry travellers who needed food and shelter. Baboushka invited them in, made them comfortable, built up a big fire to keep them warm and made them a lovely meal. The three men told her that they were searching for a baby prince but the star that was leading them was hidden by the snow storm. Baboushka told them that as soon as they had eaten and rested she would show them the way to the road.
The travellers told her that the road was no use, the star had to lead them. Baboushka was surprised, she asked what it all meant. The travellers told her that the star was a sign of a holy child's birth. They were going to see him and they had wonderful gifts for him. Baboushka was excited and said that she would like to see him. The travellers invited her to go along with them and help them. Baboushka said that she was too old to travel so when the men were ready and the sky had cleared they set off.
Suddenly Baboushka felt very lost and lonely. She decided that she would go and rushed around packing a bundle of clothes and some toys for the baby.
The next morning she set off. She asked after the travellers but never caught up with them. She asked after the baby prince, but never found him...and to this day she travels, still looking for the baby, and giving all the babies that she meets a little gift on her way.
