A young boy named Budulinek lives with his Granny in a cottage near a forest. Each day, Granny instructs him not to open the door for anyone while she is away. Despite her warnings, Budulinek is tempted by Lishka, a cunning fox, who repeatedly knocks and promises fun if he lets her in. Each time he opens the door, Lishka devours his meals, leaving him hungry and regretful. After several encounters, Budulinek finally opens the door again, and Lishka tricks him into riding on her tail. Instead of a fun ride, she captures him and takes him to her den, where he is tormented by her three young foxes. Meanwhile, Granny searches for Budulinek, heartbroken over his disappearance. An organ-grinder, moved by Granny's sorrow, promises to help find Budulinek. While playing his music in the forest, he discovers Budulinek trapped in Lishka's den. Using his cleverness, he captures Lishka and her children one by one, freeing Budulinek in the process. After punishing the foxes for their misdeeds, he returns Budulinek to Granny, who is overjoyed to have him back. From that day on, Budulinek never opens the door again, having learned the importance of listening to his Granny's advice.
By Parker Fillmore · First published 1939 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fable, Fantasy