“The Cobbler’s Song”

A Fable by Jean de La Fontaine

cobbler noun page 48a person who makes or repairs shoes

Once upon a time, a poor cobbler lived in the basement of a large house in Paris.

We dropped off Dad’s old boots so the cobbler could put new soles on them.

mended noun page 48repaired

But he was happy in his dark little rooms, and he sang all day as he mended old shoes.

Dad mended the hole in our tent because we didn’t want to get wet if it rained.

recognizing page 49identifying people we know or previously saw

“What can I do for you?” asked the cobbler, recognizing his neighbor but wondering why so fine a man should enter his little shop.

Recognizing that the lady stepping off the bus was our neighbor, we stopped to walk home with her.

safekeeping page 51so as to be protected or safe

“Where should I hide it for safekeeping?”

Mom put the glass ornament in a box filled with tissue for safekeeping.

workbench page 51a strong table used for working

First he hid the coins under the covers at the foot of the bed, which he could see from his workbench.

When we stepped into the store, the jeweler said hello to us from his workbench.

treasure noun page 52items of great value

Dinner came, but he could not eat a mouthful because he was afraid someone would steal his treasure while he was at the table!

If I found buried treasure, I’d buy a new house.