The Shy Little Deer
The Shy Little Deer — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
"Look!" Pip shrieked, pointing a twiggy finger. Below, houses nestled in folds of grey skin, smoke curling from chimneys that dotted the landscape. Anya, perched precariously on a giant eyelash, gasped. "I told you this village was built on a sleeping giant, Pip. Didn't believe me, did you?"
Page 2
"Be careful, Anya!" Pip cried, tugging at her tunic. "What if he wakes up?" Anya giggled, hopping down onto the giant's mossy cheek. "He won't. Besides, look what I found!" She held up a tiny, intricately carved wooden flute, no bigger than her thumb.
Page 3
"So, you're saying this teeny flute controls...GULP... the GIANT?" Pip stammered, eyes wide. Anya nodded, tucking the flute into her pocket. "Let's go find the shy deer, Pip, Old Man Fitzwilliam says the deer only comes out at night. We need to get to the Whispering Woods before dusk." Pip gulped again, before remembering something important.
Page 4
The Whispering Woods lived up to its name. Every leaf rustled with secrets, every branch creaked with stories. "Did you hear that?" Anya whispered, grabbing Pip's arm. "It sounded like... sobbing." Old Man Fitzwilliam's voice boomed from behind them. "Looking for the shy deer, are we?" he asked with a warm smile.
Page 5
"Yes, sir!" Anya replied. "We heard it's the most beautiful creature, but so shy it hides from everyone." Old Man Fitzwilliam stroked his beard. "Indeed. But did you know that deer antlers aren't bone? They're actually made of cartilage, just like your nose!" He pointed to a set of deer tracks on the soft earth. "Follow these. But be warned, the path ahead is tricky."
Page 6
The path led them to a dark ravine. A rickety rope bridge swayed precariously across the chasm. "We have to cross THAT?" Pip squeaked, pointing. But as they approached, the bridge began to collapse! "Quick, Anya!" Pip yelled as a section of rope snapped, sending wooden planks tumbling into the abyss.
Page 7
Anya grabbed Pip's hand, her eyes darting around frantically. "Think, Pip, think! We need something to secure the bridge," she exclaimed. Suddenly, Pip remembered the vines. "I saw some strong vines back a bit. If we can use those, we can fix it!" Pip suggested, and Anya nodded in agreement.
Page 8
They worked together, weaving the thick vines into a makeshift support for the crumbling bridge. Finally, it was sturdy enough to cross. As they reached the other side, they saw the shy deer. It was trapped in a thicket of thorns, its leg bleeding. "Remember the flute, Anya!" Pip cried. Anya pulled it out and began to play a soft, melodic tune. It worked like a charm. The thorns receded and the deer limped free. "Kindness is its own reward," Anya whispered.
Page 9
The deer nuzzled Anya's hand, then bounded away into the forest. "It's safe now," Anya sighed, smiling at Pip. "We did it!" Pip exclaimed. "And we used that charm flute!" As they started back towards the village, Old Man Fitzwilliam was there waiting for them. "Well done, my brave children. You have shown great kindness and courage."
Page 10
Back on the sleeping giant, with the village lights twinkling below, Anya smiled. "I was so scared of the ravine," she admitted, leaning against Pip. "But we did it together." Pip beamed. "And now, you're not as shy as that deer, are you? You were so brave and spoke to the deer and it listened!" Anya laughed. "Adventures are better with friends. I guess it's true what my mother always said. That you're never alone when you have friends and you have kindness, and that alone makes you rich."
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)