NCERT Class 5 English Marigold: Chapter 10 — Malu Bhalu
This chapter, 'Malu Bhalu,' from the NCERT Class 5 English Marigold textbook, tells the story of a young polar bear named Malu Bhalu. Living in an icy lair, Malu is a clever cub who learns essential skills from her parents, like catching fish. One day, Malu expresses a desire to explore beyond her known world. Her mother advises patience until summer, but Malu is restless. To help her overcome her fear and learn a vital skill, her mother encourages her to swim. Initially hesitant, Malu eventually swims bravely, discovering her natural ability and fearlessness. The chapter highlights themes of courage, learning new skills, and parental guidance in a child's development, crucial for CBSE students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Marigold |
| Chapter | Chapter 10 — Malu Bhalu |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 112 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the story of Malu Bhalu, a young polar bear.
- Identify themes of courage, learning, and exploration.
- Recognize the importance of parental guidance.
- Develop comprehension skills through reading the narrative.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| lair | a wild animal's resting place |
| mane | a growth of long hair on the neck of a horse or lion |
| clever | quick at learning and understanding things |
| patience | the ability to wait without getting angry or upset |
| restless | unable to rest or relax |
| firm | strong and steady |
| advised | suggested or recommended a course of action |
| naturally | by natural instinct or tendency; spontaneously |
| fearless | without fear; brave |
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Practice questions
- Who was Malu Bhalu? Answer: Malu Bhalu was a little polar bear.
- What did Malu Bhalu learn from her parents? Answer: Malu Bhalu learned to catch fish.
- Why did Malu Bhalu want to go out to play? Answer: She wanted to see the things that lay beyond the big blue sky.
- What did Malu's mother ask her to do to learn swimming? Answer: Her mother advised her to do as she did.
- How did Malu feel when she started swimming? Answer: Malu felt fearless and brave.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'Malu Bhalu'?
The main themes are courage, learning new skills, and overcoming fear, with a focus on parental guidance.
Who is Malu Bhalu?
Malu Bhalu is the protagonist of the chapter, a young, clever polar bear cub.
What challenge did Malu Bhalu face?
Malu Bhalu faced the challenge of learning to swim and overcoming her initial fear.
How did Malu's mother help her?
Malu's mother encouraged her to swim by demonstrating and assuring her, helping her discover her natural ability.
What does the chapter teach about exploration?
The chapter suggests that exploration and learning new things are important, but should be approached with guidance and courage.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 English — Marigold — Chapter 10 — Malu Bhalu. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.