Happy Readers: The Witch with Large Ears 小兵快樂讀本: 招風耳巫婆

The witch with big ears always attracts strong winds wherever she goes, making it impossible for her to balance on her broomstick. She often ends up falling and getting bruised. One day, she came across a stone tablet surrounded by calm air. Amazed, she discovered it was a "Tiger Stone," known for taming fierce winds. The witch thought, "If I tie the Tiger Stone to my broomstick, I’ll never have to fear strong winds again!" But the stone was too heavy for her to lift. What could she do? Suddenly, the Tiger Stone spoke and suggested she participate in the traditional "Qiāng Gū" (Pole-Climbing) event in Yilan to win a magical "Wind-Calming Flag." What is "Qiāng Gū"? What powers does the Wind-Calming Flag hold? This story not only introduces children to the folklore of the Tiger Stone and the cultural traditions of Qiāng Gū but also conveys a meaningful lesson. In the end, after much effort, the witch wins the flag but selflessly gives it to a pair of siblings, teaching young readers the values of compassion and putting others first.

招風耳巫婆有一對大大的招風耳，走到哪兒都招來狂風，讓她連掃把都騎不穩，經常摔得鼻青臉腫。偶然間，她經過一座石碑，石碑附近居然一點風也沒有，她訝異極了！原來，那是一座專門制服狂風的「虎字碑」啊！巫婆心想：要是我把虎字碑綁在掃把上，以後是不是就不怕大風了？可是，虎字碑很重，巫婆搬不動啊！這下子該怎麼辦才好？忽然，虎字碑說話了，他建議巫婆去參加宜蘭的搶孤活動，去搶一個叫「順風旗」的東西……

什麼是「搶孤」？搶到了「順風旗」，又能有什麼功用呢？看這個故事，能讓孩子對「虎字碑」的由來、「搶孤」的民俗文化都有更多了解。而在故事的最後，招風耳巫婆好不容易搶到順風旗，卻將它轉手送給一對小兄妹的情節，更讓小朋友體會悲天憫人，為他人著想的善良美德。