The Hedgehog's Wonderful Journey

The Hedgehog's Wonderful Journey - Author : Ebru Mina TOMURCUK

Hazel the hedgehog lived at the edge of a big, whispering forest. She had soft brown fur, a cream face, and a back covered in golden-brown spines. Every day she wondered what lay beyond the tall trees. Her little heart beat fast with curiosity and a tiny bit of fear. Today, she decided, was the day to find out. 1

Hazel packed her leaf-green satchel with a twig clasp. She put in a berry for a snack and a smooth pebble for luck. Then she took a deep breath and stepped into the enchanted forest. The trees were so tall they seemed to touch the sky. Strange and wonderful sounds filled the air. 'I can do this,' she whispered. 2

The path soon disappeared under twisty roots as thick as snakes. Hazel tried to climb over them, but her short legs slipped. 'Oh dear,' she said. Just then, a cheerful voice called out. 'Need a hand?' It was a little grey mouse with big pink ears and a red neckerchief. 'I'm Pip!' he said. 'I know these roots well.' 3

Pip the mouse wore a tiny acorn-cap hat. He showed Hazel how to hop from root to root. 'Watch your step here,' he said, 'and hold my tail if you like.' Hazel grabbed his thin tail, and they scrambled up and over the twisty roots together. At the top, Hazel looked back and smiled. 'That was fun!' she said. 'Thank you, Pip.' 4

On the other side, the trees opened up to a sparkling stream. The water danced and glittered in the sunlight. Hazel had never crossed a stream before. 'It looks deep,' she said, her amber eyes wide. Pip scratched his ear. 'We need someone tall,' he said. Just then, a gentle deer stepped out from the ferns. 'Hello,' said the deer. 'I'm Bramble.' 5

Bramble had a warm russet-brown coat with cream spots, and a collar of braided grass with tiny blue flowers. 'I can carry you across,' she said softly. Hazel climbed onto Bramble's back and held on tight. Pip rode on Bramble's antlers. The deer stepped carefully through the sparkling water. On the other side, Hazel felt proud and happy. 'Thank you, Bramble!' she said. 6

The three friends walked on until they came to a clearing full of tall, mossy stones. They looked like sleeping giants. Hazel didn't know which way to go. 'The path is hidden,' she said. 'How will we find the meadow now?' Pip looked around. Bramble sniffed the air. Then a soft voice hooted from above. 'Whoo needs help?' 7

An owl glided down and landed on a stone. She had soft brown and cream feathers and large golden eyes. Round spectacles sat on her beak, and a moss-green shawl was wrapped around her shoulders. 'I'm Olive,' she said. 'I can see far from the sky. I spotted a path of yellow flowers that leads to a hidden meadow.' 8

Olive flew up and called down directions. 'Follow the yellow flowers!' she hooted. The friends looked and saw a line of tiny yellow blossoms winding between the stones. 'We have to climb over these big rocks,' said Pip. 'I can help,' said Bramble. She lowered her head, and Hazel and Pip climbed onto her back. Bramble leaped lightly from stone to stone. 9

At the top of the stones, they found a maze of twisty roots again. But this time, Hazel knew what to do. 'Hop from root to root!' she said. Pip led the way, and Hazel followed. Bramble stepped carefully behind. Olive flew above, keeping watch. They worked together, and soon they were through the maze. 'We make a good team,' said Hazel, smiling. 10

Then they heard a tiny cry. 'Help! I'm stuck!' It was a little rabbit caught in a tangle of vines. 'Don't worry,' said Hazel. 'We'll help you.' Pip nibbled the vines with his sharp teeth. Bramble pushed the branches aside with her nose. Olive kept the rabbit calm. Soon the rabbit was free. 'Thank you!' it said, and hopped away happily. 11

Olive hooted from above. 'The yellow flowers lead to the meadow!' The friends followed the trail of blossoms. They climbed over one last root and squeezed through a gap in the hedge. And there it was: a hidden meadow full of flowers in every color. The sun shone warm, and butterflies danced in the air. 'We found it!' cheered Hazel. 12

The meadow was more beautiful than Hazel had imagined. Flowers nodded in the breeze, and a little pond sparkled in the middle. 'This is our secret place,' said Pip. 'And now it's yours, too,' said Bramble. Olive nodded wisely. 'Friendship makes even the most unfamiliar places feel warm and welcoming,' she said. Hazel looked at her new friends and felt very lucky. 13

They played in the meadow until the sun began to set. They made flower crowns and told stories. Hazel shared her berry, and Pip shared some seeds. Bramble found sweet clover, and Olive told a funny tale. Laughter echoed through the enchanted forest. Hazel realized she wasn't scared anymore. With friends beside her, the forest felt like home. 14

When it was time to go, the friends walked Hazel back to the edge of the forest. 'Will you come back?' asked Pip. 'Of course!' said Hazel. 'And you can visit me, too.' They promised to meet again soon. Hazel hugged each friend good-bye. 'Thank you for showing me that the forest is wonderful,' she said. 'And so are you,' said Bramble.