Maria the corncob: Bedtime story for children

Once upon a time, our friend Maria, the Ukrainian painter, was fast asleep. She had had a long day, painting wonderful paintings full of bright, happy colours and fanciful shapes. When the time finally came for her to fall asleep, she laid her head on her soft, welcoming pillow, and fell straight asleep. As soon as her eyes shut and her breathing slowed to a gentle, rhythmic pace, Maria began to dream.
In her dream, there was a corncob horse. You may not know what a corncob horse is, but if ...