The story begins with an old couple living a peaceful life in a small hut next to a forest. They deeply regret not having a child of their own. One day, the old woman bakes a gingerbread man. After decorating it, the gingerbread man suddenly comes to life and starts running, leading the old woman and various animals on a chase. The animals include a cow, a pig, a chicken, and a dog. The gingerbread man outruns them all and even escapes a flying fox.
One day, the animals on a farm run out of food. The little red hen decides to find something to eat. She finds grains of wheat and returns to the farm to plant them. However, none of the animals help her. They all have excuses, from being too hot to being unable to move. The hen plants the wheat herself and waits for it to grow. After the wheat is harvested, the hen grinds it into flour and bakes bread. She offers the bread to her friends, who initially refuse to help her. They are ashamed when they see the incredible bread and learn their lesson. From then on, they promise to help each other.
1. The story begins with an old couple living in a small hut next to a forest, leading a happy and peaceful life.
2. Their only regret is not having a child of their own.
3. The old woman bakes a gingerbread man in the kitchen while her husband asks what she is cooking.
4. After baking, the gingerbread man is decorated with raisins for eyes, candies for a nose, cream for hair and clothes, and cherries for buttons.
5. The gingerbread man is then baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with the smell of cookies.
6. The gingerbread man suddenly comes to life and starts running, causing the old woman to chase after him.
7. The old woman's pursuit is joined by various animals, including a cow, a pig, and a chicken, who all try and fail to catch the gingerbread man.
8. The gingerbread man eventually reaches a river and hides on a fox's back to cross, escaping the animals.
9. The gingerbread man continues running, with various animals trying to catch him but failing.
10. The story then shifts to the little red hen who finds grains of wheat and decides to plant them herself.
11. The hen struggles to find help from various farm animals, who all decline her request.
12. The hen eventually plants the wheat and harvests it herself, turning it into flour and baking bread.
13. The hen shares her bread with the animals, teaching them a valuable lesson about teamwork and sharing.