Tales From The Woodlands Vol: 1: Tales From The Woodlands, #1

By Robin Wickens

Step into the enchanting world of the woodlands where magic and mystery intertwine in "Tales From The Woodlands." This collection of stories takes you on a journey through ancient forests, where mythical creatures roam and ancient spirits whisper secrets. Meet brave adventurers, cunning tricksters, and wise forest dwellers as they navigate through the whimsical and fantastical landscapes of the woodlands. Each tale is woven with rich imagery and captivating storytelling that will transport you to a realm where nature reigns supreme and wonders never cease. "Tales From The Woodlands" is a delightful blend of folklore, adventure, and imagination that will appeal to readers of all ages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rob's Books
• Release date: Mar 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224188482

Robin Wickens

Here at Rob's Books, we are committed to spreading the joy of story, colouring and puzzling books, making it an enjoyable and accessible activity for all. We envision a world where creativity is a celebrated and integral part of everyday life.

Book preview

Introduction

Beneath the canopy of a vast and ancient woodland, where sunlight filters through leaves to dance on the forest floor, the stage is set for a tale of wonder and wisdom. This forest, a realm untouched by time, is home to a myriad of creatures, each with their own story, dreams, and challenges. The air is alive with the whispers of the trees, the songs of birds, and the scurrying of countless feet over the leaf-littered ground.

In a cozy burrow under the roots of a towering oak, a family of badgers prepares for the night. High above, within the sturdy branches of an old yew tree, an owl surveys the twilight, ready to share the wisdom of the ages with those who seek it. Meanwhile, a young fox, vibrant and curious, stands at the edge of a clearing, gazing up at the stars that pierce the navy-blue sky, wondering what adventures the night will bring.

As the seasons cycle from the fresh bloom of spring to the deep chill of winter, the woodland and its inhabitants face joy and adversity, growth and decay, in a never-ending dance of life. Challenges arise in the form of natural elements and the encroachment of the human world, testing the resilience and adaptability of our woodland friends. Through it all, they learn the value of friendship, the strength found in community, and the wisdom that comes with being a part of something greater than oneself.

Join us on a journey into the heart of the British woodlands, where every leaf, stone, and creature has a story to tell. A tale of enchantment, of struggle and triumph, of the ancient magic that dwells in the wild places of the world. Here, in the dappled shadows of the forest, adventure awaits.

1: The Secret Council of Owls

In the heart of an ancient oak forest, where the trees stretch their gnarled branches toward the sky as if in silent prayer, there exists a secret known only to the night. Under the cloak of darkness, when the world of men is lost in slumber, the wise owls of the forest convene in a hidden glade, illuminated only by the ethereal glow of moonlight filtering through the dense canopy above. This is the Secret Council of Owls, guardians of the woodland and keepers of ancient knowledge.

For generations, the council has watched over the forest, a silent protectorate against threats both seen and unseen. Yet, recent nights had brought with them a whisper of unease, a shadow that lurked at the edges of their domain, elusive and foreboding. It was on a night painted with the silver strokes of a full moon that the council gathered, an assembly of wisdom and power perched upon the ancient stones that formed the sacred circle of their meeting place.

Eldwin, the eldest and most revered among them, called the council to order with a solemn hoot. His feathers, silvered with age, seemed almost to blend with the bark of the ancient oaks that surrounded them. Brethren, he began, his voice echoing softly through the glade, a shadow grows amongst us, threatening the peace of our woodland. It is unlike any foe we have faced, elusive, shifting, and unknown. We must act, for the safety of all who call these woods home.

A murmur of agreement rose from the gathered owls, their amber eyes reflecting the moon's glow with a fierce light. We must choose a scout, Eldwin continued, one among us brave enough to face the unknown, to uncover the source of this shadow and find a way to protect our home.

The council fell into a thoughtful silence, each member considering the weight of the task at hand. It was then that a young owl, Lyra, stepped forward. Her feathers were the deep brown of the forest floor, and her eyes shone with a determination that belied her youth. I will go, she said, her voice clear and steady. I will find the source of the shadow and bring back the knowledge we need to protect the forest.

Eldwin regarded her for a long moment, seeing in her the fire of a young heart and the courage of the truest guardian. So be it, he declared. Lyra will be our scout. May the wisdom of the forest guide you, and the moon light your path.

With the council's blessing, Lyra took flight, her wings silent as the night itself. She traveled deep into the forest, further than she had ever dared to venture. The shadow was an ever-present whisper at the edge of her senses, drawing her onward through the twisting underbrush and shadowed groves.

Finally, in the darkest heart of the forest, Lyra discovered the source of the shadow. A breach had formed, a tear in the very fabric of the forest's magic, caused by the careless actions of men. Through this tear, the shadow seeped into their world, a dark energy that threatened to consume the life of the woodland.

Lyra returned to the council with her findings, her heart heavy with the knowledge of the task that lay before them. Together, they devised a plan to mend the breach, to weave together the torn fabric of magic that protected their home. It would require the combined strength of every member of the council, a binding of their power that had not been attempted since the days of old.

On the night of the new moon, when the sky was a tapestry of stars unmarred by light, the council gathered once more. With Lyra at their center, they chanted the ancient words of binding, their voices rising in a harmonious crescendo that filled the forest with power. Slowly, the breach began to mend, the shadow receding as the magic of the forest knit itself back together.

As dawn broke, casting the first light of day upon the glade, the council knew that their home was safe once more. The shadow had been vanquished, not by strength of talon or fierceness of beak, but by courage, wisdom, and the unity of their kind.

Lyra, the brave scout who had faced the unknown, was honored by the council and by all the creatures of the woodland. And though peace had been restored, the Secret Council of Owls remained ever vigilant, a silent guardian in the night, ready to protect their home from any threat that might arise.

For in the heart of the ancient oak forest, where magic dwells and wisdom reigns, there exists a truth known to all who live within its embrace: that the greatest strength lies in the courage to face the darkness, and in the light that comes from standing together.

2: The Hedgehog's Birthday

In the heart of the British woodland, where the leaves whisper ancient secrets and the morning dew sparkles like diamonds under the first light of dawn, lived Hazel the Hedgehog. Hazel was no ordinary hedgehog; her spirit was as vibrant as the wildflowers that carpeted the forest floor, and her heart, as warm as the summer sun that filtered through the canopy above.

As the first rays of dawn crept into her cozy burrow on a particularly jubilant morning, Hazel awoke with a start. Today was no ordinary day; it was her birthday, and not just any birthday—this year, Hazel had decided to throw the biggest birthday party the woodland had ever seen.

Filled with excitement, Hazel set out to plan her celebration. She imagined a party filled with laughter, dancing, and joy, a gathering that would bring together the diverse creatures of the forest in a grand spectacle of unity and festivity. However, as she began to organize the event, Hazel quickly realized the enormity of the task at hand. Each of her friends had their unique needs and preferences, and accommodating them all would be a monumental challenge.

First, there was Oliver the Owl, who preferred the quiet solitude of the night. Then, there was Bella the Bunny, who loved to hop around in broad daylight. The Squirrel family relished acorn treats, while Freddie the Fox had a penchant for sweet berries. Not to mention, the idea of dancing delighted the Deer family but terrified Timmy the Turtle, who much preferred a slow, peaceful gathering.

Undeterred, Hazel approached each of her friends, inviting them to her party and inquiring about their preferences. With each conversation, the list of requirements grew, and so did Hazel's apprehension. How could she possibly create a party that catered to everyone's needs?

Feeling overwhelmed, Hazel sought the advice of Eldwin, the wise old oak tree that had stood as a silent guardian of the woodland for centuries. Eldwin listened patiently to Hazel's dilemma before offering his sage advice: Hazel, the beauty of the forest lies in its diversity. Each creature, with its unique quirks and preferences, contributes to the harmony of our woodland. Rather than trying to meet every individual need, why not find a way to celebrate your differences together?

Inspired by Eldwin's words, Hazel had an epiphany. She decided to organize the party around the theme of Unity in Diversity, a celebration that would not only honor her birthday but also the wonderful mosaic of woodland life.

Hazel worked tirelessly, enlisting the help of her friends to prepare for the big day. Oliver the Owl designed beautiful, glow-in-the-dark invitations for those who thrived in the night. Bella the Bunny helped set up a hopping course that doubled as a dance floor. The Squirrel family gathered acorns, while Freddie the Fox prepared a berry buffet. Even Timmy the Turtle found his place, leading a storytelling circle that captivated the young and old alike.

When the day of the party arrived, the woodland glade was transformed into a vibrant festival of lights, colors, and sounds. Creatures from all corners of the forest gathered, marveling at the spectacle before them. The party began at dusk, allowing both the day-dwellers and the night-loving animals to partake in the festivities. As the moon rose high in the sky, the woodland was alive with the joyous sounds of celebration.

Dancing under the stars, sharing stories by the glow of fireflies, and feasting on the bounty of the forest, the creatures of the woodland experienced a sense of unity and camaraderie like never before. Hazel watched in wonder as her friends, so different in their ways, came together in a beautiful harmony that echoed the spirit of the forest itself.

As the party came to a close, Hazel realized that the greatest gift she had received for her birthday was not the grand celebration but the lesson in cooperation and friendship. By working together, embracing their differences, and celebrating their diversity, they had created a moment of pure magic in the heart of the woodland.

From that day forward, Hazel's birthday party became an annual tradition, a testament to the power of unity in diversity and a celebration of the enduring bonds of friendship that tied the woodland community together. And in the heart of the British woodland, beneath the watchful gaze of Eldwin, the forest thrived, a place where every creature, big and small, knew they had a part to play in the grand tapestry of life.

3: The Lost Badger Prince

In a corner of the British woodland, cloaked in the emerald embrace of ancient trees and veiled in the morning mist, there lay a kingdom seldom seen by human eyes. This was the realm of the badgers, where the roots of the forest ran deep and the bonds of family and loyalty were even deeper. At the heart of this kingdom was a mystery that had thrown the woodland into a state of anxious disarray: the young badger prince, Bramble, had vanished without a trace.

Whispers on the wind spoke of a daring deed, implicating the foxes in a bold kidnapping, a tale that stoked the fires of old animosities and threatened the peace of the forest. But amid the turmoil, there emerged a glimmer of hope, an unlikely fellowship bound by courage and the unspoken promise of adventure.

Sylvie the Squirrel, known for her boundless energy and sharp wit; Oliver the Rabbit, whose speed was only matched by his kind heart; and Marvin the Mole, a scholar of the under-earth, whose wisdom was as profound as the tunnels he called home. United by a shared resolve, they embarked on a mission to find the lost prince and restore harmony to the woodland.

Their journey began at the edge of dawn, as the forest awoke to the symphony of life that heralded a new day. Guided by whispers of the wind and the tales of the trees, the trio ventured beyond the familiar, into the shadowy realms that bordered the foxes’ territory.

As they delved deeper into the unknown, Sylvie’s agility, Oliver’s speed, and Marvin’s knowledge proved invaluable. They navigated through tangled underbrush, crossed swift streams, and maneuvered through the dense fabric of the forest with a single purpose lighting their way.

But the woodland was full of surprises, and not all were friendly. A close encounter with a cantankerous old owl taught them the value of diplomacy; a maze of brambles revealed the importance of persistence; and a night spent under the stars, wrapped in the cold embrace of the wild, reminded them of the strength found in togetherness.

At last, they reached the heart of the foxes’ domain, a place where the trees whispered secrets more cautiously, and the air thrummed with an unspoken tension. It was here, in a clearing bathed in the silver light of the moon, that they found Bramble.

The young prince was not a captive, as the tales had told, but a guest among the foxes, learning the ways of a kingdom so like his own and yet so different. Bramble had ventured into the foxes' territory driven by a desire to bridge the gap between their realms, to sow seeds of understanding and friendship where mistrust had long taken root.

The revelation was a balm to the fears and prejudices that had clouded the hearts of many. With Bramble at their side, Sylvie, Oliver, and Marvin retraced their steps, carrying with them a new tale, one of unity and the discovery of unexpected friendships.

Their return was met with jubilation, as creatures great and small gathered to welcome back their wayward prince and the intrepid heroes who had sought him out. Bramble spoke of his journey, of the lessons learned and the friendships forged, inspiring a new vision for the future of the woodland.

In the days that followed, the forest thrived as never before. The badgers and the foxes, once divided by old grievances, now met in the spirit of cooperation, and the woodland echoed with the sounds of unity.

Sylvie, Oliver, and Marvin, once just names among many, were hailed as heroes, not for feats of strength or daring, but for their role in weaving a tapestry of peace that enveloped the forest. They had ventured into the unknown, driven by hope and guided by the heart, and in doing so, had reminded all the woodland’s inhabitants of the power of understanding and the strength found in diversity.

4: The Robin's Winter Challenge

In the heart of a bustling woodland, as the golden hues of autumn began to surrender to the crisp embrace of winter, Robbie the Robin watched over his realm with growing concern. The air had started to bite with a cold that crept into the bones of the forest's inhabitants, whispering warnings of the harsh months to come. Robbie, with his red breast aglow against the snow's encroachment, made a vow to himself. He would not let this winter claim the comfort and safety of his woodland family.

Rumors had long fluttered on the edges of conversations, tales of a mystical Winter Blossom, a flower imbued with the warmth of a hundred suns, said to shelter those who found it from the harshest of colds. It was this legend that Robbie decided to pursue, a beacon of hope in the growing darkness.

With the first frost painting delicate patterns on the woodland canvas, Robbie set out on his quest. His journey would take him beyond the familiar trails and groves, into the unknown. The woodland creatures, from the tiniest mouse to the most solemn deer, watched as Robbie prepared to embark, their hearts filled with hope and their spirits lifted by his bravery.

The first challenge Robbie faced was the Mountain of Whispers, a place where the winds spoke in riddles, and the paths changed with their mood. Here, Robbie met Gale, a wolf with a coat as white as the snow that blanketed the ground. Gale, seeing the determination in Robbie's eyes, offered his wisdom to solve the riddles of the wind, guiding Robbie through the mountain pass.

Together, they ventured into the Vale of Frost, a valley where the cold was so intense it could freeze time itself. It was here, amidst the frozen beauty, that Robbie's resolve was tested. The Winter Blossom was rumored to bloom in the heart of the vale, guarded by the chill that claimed all warmth. But Robbie was not alone. Alongside Gale, a band of new allies had joined his quest, drawn by his courage and kindness. There was Luna, a hare with fur as silver as the moonlight, and Birch, an old owl whose wisdom was as deep as the forest.

The challenges they faced were many. Icy rivers that threatened to sweep them away, snowdrifts that hid treacherous paths, and the ever-present cold that sought to seep into their very souls. But for every trial, there was laughter, for every setback, a story, and for every moment of despair, a paw or claw extended in support.

At last, they reached the heart of the Vale of Frost, where the Winter Blossom was said to bloom. What they found was a flower, its petals as clear as ice, glowing with a gentle light that warmed the air around it. The warmth it offered was not of fire, but of hope, a promise that even in the deepest cold, the warmth of friendship could prevail.

Robbie and his companions gathered around the Winter Blossom, basking in its glow. They realized then that the flower alone was not the source of warmth. It was their journey, the bonds they had formed, and the challenges they had overcome together that kindled the true warmth within their hearts.

With the Winter Blossom carefully nestled among them, Robbie and his friends returned to the woodland. The tale of their journey spread like the first rays of dawn, bringing hope and light back to the forest. Together, they found ways to share the warmth of the Winter Blossom with all the woodland creatures, ensuring that no one would be left to face the cold alone.

As the winter deepened and the snow lay thick upon the ground, the warmth of the Winter Blossom and the spirit of unity it had kindled kept the heart of the woodland alight. Robbie the Robin, with his red breast shining bright against the white landscape, had shown that even the coldest winter could be faced with warmth when hearts are united in purpose and friendship.

5: The Great Oak Tree Festival

In the heart of an ancient woodland, where the trees stand tall and proud, their leaves whispering secrets of old, there grew the Great Oak. Majestic and wise, the Great Oak had stood as the guardian of the forest for millennia, its roots intertwined with the very essence