At Margarete Steiff GmbH

“What are you doing up so early?” the beautiful butterfly asked the badger. “It’s much too early for anyone but insects.”
“For your information,” the badger answered quite proudly, “I am going to the village to receive a medal.”
“A medal? For what?” the butterfly wondered incredulously.
“Well, in fact, quite a few of my ancestors are famous,” said the badger. “The mayor is honouring my family. We’ve been
stars of books and films, and now we’re being represented by a Steiff animal!”
The butterfly couldn’t help but be a little impressed, though he dared not show it. “Famous? Really?” he said.
“Yes, indeed, replied the badger. Beatrix Potter featured a badger in The Tale of Mr. Tod. There’s also a well-known badger
in the famous Rupert comic series. And don’t forget the badgers in Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis, Fantastic Mr. Fox
by Roald Dahl, and The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. Plus, J.K. Rowling made the badger the official mascot
of the Hogwarts house of Hufflepuff in the Harry Potter series, even featuring our likeness on the house’s coat of
arms. And now we’re being honoured by Steiff!”
“My, my, and I thought my wings were something to be proud of,” said the butterfly, somewhat sheepishly.
“Well, we all have something to be proud of,” said the badger confidently. “Your wings are quite lovely. I’d be proud of
them, too.”
“Why, thank you,” said the butterfly, beaming.
FAVOURITE
AN HONOUR
FOR THE
BADGER
— Eavesdropping on an early morning conversation
“I have an idea,” said the badger. “Why don’t you come to the village with me to receive my medal. It’s always more fun
when a friend comes along.”
“Oh, could I?” wondered the butterfly. “Would you mind terribly much? I don’t get into the village that often and it does
sound like a very important occasion. I would be honoured to be your guest.”
“Then it’s settled,” said the beaver. “It’s off to the village we go. Now, let’s have a lovely day, shall we?”
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