Little kitten Mur-chyk has soft grey fur with white patches and a tiny pink nose. One morning, he saw a butterfly fluttering by. Off he ran—skip, hop, through the tall grass!
The butterfly flew into the woods. Mur-chyk ran after it—skip, hop, faster and faster. But then the butterfly disappeared.
Mur-chyk looked around. Tall trees everywhere. The sun hid behind the clouds.
"Mew, mew!" called Mur-chyk.
No one answered.
He sat under an oak tree. He felt very sad.
Evening came. From behind a bush, a little hedgehog peeked out. His name was Koluchko.
"Why are you crying?" asked the hedgehog.
"I'm lost," said Mur-chyk. "I don't know where my home is."
"Don't be scared," said Koluchko. "Let's go to the wise owl!"
They walked down a path. It was getting dark. Mur-chyk stayed close to Koluchko.
On a high branch sat Sofia the owl. She had big round eyes.
"Please help us," said Koluchko. "Mur-chyk can't find his way home."
Sofia looked up at the sky. "Do you see that bright star?" she pointed. "It shines over the village. Follow it."
"But I'm afraid of the dark," whispered Mur-chyk.
"I'll go with you!" said Koluchko.
"And I'll fly ahead," said Sofia. "I'll show you the way."
They set off. Sofia flew above them. Koluchko walked beside Mur-chyk. The kitten wasn't scared anymore.
They walked and walked. Mur-chyk kept his eyes on the star. It shone brighter and brighter.
Then, through the trees, lights appeared. It was the village!
"I know this street!" said Mur-chyk happily. "There's my house!"
At the gate stood his owner. She had been looking for him.
"Mur-chyk!" she called. "Where have you been?"
Mur-chyk hugged Koluchko and thanked Sofia. Then he ran to his owner.
At home, a warm blanket and soft pillow waited. His owner poured warm milk into his bowl.
Mur-chyk drank the milk, curled up in a little ball, and closed his eyes. Outside the window, his star shone bright. And somewhere in the forest, his friends slept—Koluchko under the leaves and Sofia on her branch.
The kitten purred softly and smiled in his sleep.