English / A2
The Walrus and the Carpenter
The sun is shining over the sea. This is strange: it is the middle of the night! The moon is angry. She thinks the sun should not be there.
A walrus, a large sea animal, is walking along the beach with a carpenter, a man who works with wood. They cry because there is so much sand. They talk about cleaning it all away, but the carpenter does not think this is possible.
Then the walrus speaks to some oysters, small sea animals that live inside shells. “Come for a walk with us! Only four can come. Then we can hold everyone's hands.”
The oldest oyster shakes his head and stays where he is. But four young oysters come. Then four more come, and then more and more.
The walrus and the carpenter walk for about a mile. Then they sit on a rock. The oysters stand in a line.
“Now we can talk,” says the walrus.
“Please wait,” say the oysters. “Some of us are tired.”
“There is no hurry,” says the carpenter. The oysters thank him.
“We need some bread. Then we can eat,” says the walrus.
“But don't eat us!” cry the oysters. “You were so kind to us!”
“What a lovely night! Do you like the view?” asks the walrus. The carpenter just asks for more bread.
“I feel so sorry for you,” says the walrus. He cries as he chooses the biggest oysters. The carpenter thinks there is too much butter on the bread.
“Are you ready to go home?” the carpenter asks the oysters.
Nobody answers. The walrus and the carpenter have eaten them all.
English summary · includes the ending
In a strange world where the sun shines at midnight, a walrus and a carpenter walk along a beach. They cry because there is so much sand and discuss whether anyone could clear it away.
The walrus invites some oysters to join them for a walk and conversation. The oldest oyster stays behind, but many young oysters follow. After walking about a mile, the two companions sit on a rock. The tired oysters ask for a rest before they talk.
The walrus then suggests bread and other things for a meal. The oysters protest that he must not eat them after being so kind. He changes the subject, while the carpenter asks for more bread.
The walrus expresses sorrow for the oysters while choosing the largest ones. The carpenter only complains about the butter. Finally, he asks whether the oysters want to go home. None can answer: the two have eaten them all.
Adapted for Lejrbål from the credited source.
Read the source