The underestimate woods Story for kids

 In the heart of the underestimated woods, where shadows stretched long and adventure brooded, lived a squirrel named Squirrel, quite unique, with a mind that raced fast and words that would leak.

His energy boundless, a whirl of delight, though thoughts often scattered, beyond his own sight. The other squirrels chattered, “Oh, what a mess! Too small and too scattered, we’re not impressed.”

Yet there in the thicket, undeniably near, was Godfather the bear, his heart strong and dear. A bear not so typical, this one had wheels, crafted with love, a wheelchair that heals.

A log had brought chaos, a cruel twist of fate, yet Godfather found strength in what others called eight. The bears would all sneer, “You’re a bear in disgrace!” But he felt their rejection, yet still claimed his space.

Between these two misfits—a bond that would bloom, in the shadowed, green depths where fresh adventure loomed. Godfather, so gruff with a heart of warm gold, saw the beauty in Squirrel and the stories untold.

One day, dear Squirrel, full of jitter and fright, darted to Godfather, eyes wide with insight. “The forest is ailing! It’s sick, can’t you see? The leaves are a-fading, it’s more than just me!”

Godfather listened, his brow furrowed deep, as Squirrel rambled on, far too wired for sleep. “Slow down there, Squirrel, gather your thoughts, Show me what’s real; we’ll tackle this plot.”

With deep breaths, Squirrel recounted it clear, his vivid descriptions turned worry to cheer. “A disease called The Great Rot creeps silently near, We must seek a solution, we cannot show fear!”

Thus began their quest—an unusual pair—the bear on his wheels and the squirrel with flair. Squirrel would scout high, finding trees in despair, While Godfather, grounded, lent wisdom and care.

They reinforced oaks with braces made true, using vines and some sap—oh, they knew what to do! Yet laughter rang loud, from the squirrels overhead, “Look at them working, they’re foolish instead!”

Undeterred and unbroken, they carried along, creating a chorus—a confident song. But one fateful day, as disaster took wing, Squirrel climbed a frail branch, the weakness a sting.

With a crack and a snap, Squirrel began to fall, yet Godfather leaped, sturdy and strong, standing tall. He caught Squirrel deftly in a well-built embrace, though his platform was damaged, he wore it with grace.

“Woe is us now!” cried the squirrel, losing hope, “What can we do when we feel like we cope?” Godfather just chuckled, “Improvise, my friend! Adapt to the moment; our journey’s not end!”

With careful precision, they crafted anew, from reeds in the marsh, they built something true. Squirrel gathered sap from the willow so high, fused it with clay, a brilliant new tie!

Onward they worked, past laughter and sneers, building up forests, overcoming fears. Soon whispers spread wide, through branches and leaves, of how this strange duo dared not to grieve.

Then one dimly lit day, a storm stormed the skies, while the forest stood tall, Squirrel and Godfather’s ties Grew stronger, unyielding; despite laugh and the mock, together they held firm, like great oaks on rock.

When the tempest subsided, the woods stood quite proud, and the other squirrels murmured, “Let’s gather around. They saved us, they proved, in their own special way, that the smallest among us might lead us to stay.”

So Godfather found purpose, in strength shared with heart, and Squirrel learned focus, from each wild start. Underestimated woods, now alive with delight, knew unity’s power, and how to ignite.

And thus was the tale of the bear and the squirrel, an adventure of chaos, amidst leafy whirl. For in every small heart beats a ripe, hopeful dream, that through friendship and courage, all whispers may gleam.

The woods were green, the life was slow, A bear in wheels, that's all I know. Squirrel so fast, a furry blur, Adventure called, a rising stir. "Detroit," he cried, "a brand new stage! Escape the pines, a turning page.

I, Godfather the bear, had heard whispers of the city. Detroit. A place of loud music, fast cars, and even faster dreams. Squirrel, bless his cotton tail, had caught the city fever something fierce.

"Godfather! Godfather! Imagine the nuts we could find in Detroit! Shiny nuts, chrome nuts, nuts you've never even dreamed of!" he'd squeak, practically vibrating with excitement.

I wasn't so sure. The woods were safe, predictable. Detroit sounded… dangerous. But Squirrel’s enthusiasm was infectious. And, truth be told, a part of me, a very small, rusty part, yearned for something more than the same old trees.

Then Gotti came, an eagle bold, A city whisper, stories told. "You're woods legends," Gotti sneered, "But Motor City's something feared." Squirrel, excited, chirped with glee, "A bodyguard, that's good for we!"

Gotti, a young eagle with a serious swagger, had somehow heard about our little escapades in the woods. He was a city bird, alright, all sharp eyes and cynical remarks.

"Detroit's a crazy dream," he squawked, But in his eyes, a game un-talked. I puffed my smoke, considered well, A partner's help, could break the spell. "Welcome aboard," I rumbled low, "To chase the music, watch us grow."

And that was that. The Movement was forming. A bear in a wheelchair, a hyperactive squirrel, and a street-smart eagle. We were an unlikely crew, to be sure, but something about it felt right.

So off we went, a motley crew, Through highways long, beneath the blue. Squirrel on trucks, a tiny fright, Gotti above, a watchful flight. Each mile we gained, a hopeful stride, Leaving the woods, the past, behind. The city rose, a concrete maze, A thousand horns in a hazy daze. Skyscrapers tall, a metal gleam, A different world, a vibrant dream. Squirrel was buzzing, eyes so wide, Ready to run, no place to hide.

The journey was… interesting. Squirrel hitched rides on passing trucks, his tiny paws clinging for dear life. Gotti soared above, scouting the road ahead and occasionally dive-bombing squirrels who got too close to Squirrel. I navigated as best I could, sticking to the shoulder and hoping my wheels didn't give out.

The city was overwhelming. So much noise, so much light, so many people. Squirrel, despite his initial excitement, was starting to look a little overwhelmed.

"Stick close," I warned, "this ain't the creek, Where safety hides, and dangers sleep." But in my soul, a fire burned, For city sounds, lessons learned. This grit, this grind, this urban beat, Da Movement came, to claim the street.

Our arrival in Detroit was less of a grand entrance and more of a slow, sputtering crawl. My wheels were protesting, Squirrel was clinging to my fur, and Gotti was circling overhead, looking decidedly unimpressed.

But there was something in the air, a vibrant energy that thrummed through the concrete. Music spilled from open doorways, the smell of grilling food hung heavy in the air, and the people… the people were alive, their faces telling stories as rich and complex as the city itself.

We found ourselves in a little park, a tiny oasis of green amidst the gray. I parked myself under a shady tree, and Squirrel finally detached himself from my fur, shaking his head to clear the city dust.

"Wow," he said, breathlessly. "That was… a lot."

"It is," I agreed, puffing on my pipe. "But it's also… something else."

Just then, a figure approached us. It was a crow, a skinny crow with a mischievous glint in his eye and a skateboard tucked under his wing.

“Scooter," he said, introducing himself. " Word on the street is you woods folk are trying to make it big in the city, is that right?"

Before I could answer, Squirrel burst out, "We're Da Movement! We're here to bring the woods to the city! We're going to be famous!"

Scooter chuckled. "Famous, huh? This city eats up dreamers like you for breakfast. But… I like your style. Tell me, what's Da Movement all about?"

I decided to take over. "We call ourselves da movement," I said, "We are here to take the world, With our talent and our show. We are here to move the world, We move with our sound, We make sure we entertain."

Scooter listened intently, nodding his head. "Alright," he said when I finished. "I'm in. I know this city like the back of my wing. I can show you the ropes, introduce you to the right people. But you gotta promise me one thing."

"What's that?" Squirrel asked.

"You gotta stay true to yourselves," Scooter said. "This city will try to change you, to mold you into something you're not. Don't let it. Be Da Movement, be yourselves, and you might just have a chance."

And that, my friends, is how Da Movement started its journey in Detroit. A bear in a wheelchair, a hyperactive squirrel, a street-smart eagle, and a skateboarding crow. We were a long way from the underestimated woods, but we were ready to make some noise. Detroit, here we come!

Okay, here's the story:

The rumble of the old pickup truck vibrated through my paws. "Are we there yet, Godfather?" I whined, kicking up a little dust on the floorboard.

Godfather, a bear with a perpetually grumpy face and a surprisingly soft heart, grunted. " Ohio first. Then the big D."

Beside me, Squirrel, a jittery ball of fluff with an unnerving ability to find the best nuts, twitched his nose. "Ohio," he squeaked. "Ugh. Buckeye land."

Our journey to Detroit was Godfather's grand idea. He called it "Da Movement," a ragtag group of misfits heading to the city to, and I quote, "unleash our big D energy and make a difference." I still wasn't entirely sure what that meant, but the promise of adventure, and the chance to escape the boredom of our sleepy forest, was enough to get me on board.

Scooter, the crow, perched on the dashboard, polishing his beak with a wing. "Ohio. Not my favourite stop," he cawed. "Too many scarecrows. Gives a bird the jitters."

Even Young Gotti, the eagle Godfather had rescued from a storm when he was just a chick, seemed restless. He shifted his weight in the back, his sharp eyes scanning the passing landscape.

Ohio wasn’t exactly a planned stop, more of a forced one. Godfather insisted we needed rest, but he hated Ohio with a passion I couldn't quite understand. "Damn Buckeyes!" he'd roared earlier, when we crossed the state line. "Why couldn't we rest in Chicago?"

We pulled off the highway and settled for a dusty clearing near a scraggly patch of woods. As Godfather started a fire, Squirrel, true to form, went scouting for snacks.

"Guys! Guys! Come here!" he shrieked, his voice laced with panic.

We rushed over to find Squirrel staring, wide-eyed, at a gnarled oak tree. Stuck halfway in a hole in the trunk was a lizard. A very green, very stuck lizard.

"How did you get in there?" I asked, tilting my head.

The lizard wriggled, his scales gleaming in the fading sunlight. "S-scooter!" he squeaked, his voice trembling. "S-scared me! Th-that's how!"

Scooter, landed on a branch above us, squawked indignantly. "Hey! I didn't do anything! Just a friendly hello!"

"Oh, don't worry," I reassured the lizard. "He's a nice crow. He won't eat you." I knew Scooter. He was more interested in shiny things than scaly things.

Godfather lumbered closer, his brow furrowed. As usual, he was already planning. He circled the tree, sniffing the air. "Oil," he muttered. "Car oil. Perfect."

He ambled back to the truck and returned with a rag soaked in oil. Carefully, he began to apply it to the lizard's tail. "Hold still, little fella," he said in a surprisingly gentle voice. "This might sting a bit."

With a final tug, the lizard popped free, tumbling onto the grass. He scrambled back to his feet, looking around nervously.

"I…I think I lost a scale," he stammered.

"What's your name, son?" Godfather asked, his gruffness softening.

"P-Paul," the lizard squeaked. "My name is Paul, and I'm just an unwanted lizard with a little bit of a hum."

Godfather chuckled. "A hum, huh? Well, Paul, unwanted or not, you're welcome to join us. You can be part of our group. We're the misfits. We call ourselves Da Movement. We're on our way to the big city. Where big D energy comes alive to make a difference."

Paul blinked, looking from Godfather to Squirrel, Scooter, Young Gotti, and me. "D-Detroit?" he whispered. "But…but I'm just a lizard."

"Everyone's something," I said, nudging him gently with my paw. "Squirrel's a nutcase, Scooter's a kleptomaniac, Young Gotti thinks he's royalty, and Godfather... well, he’s Godfather. We all have our quirks. But that's what makes us Da Movement."

Squirrel, who had been suspiciously quiet, suddenly piped up. "Hey, I'm not a nutcase!"

"Yeah, you are," Scooter and I said in unison.

Paul hesitated for a moment, then a tiny smile crept across his face. "So…so you think a little lizard like me could make a difference in Detroit?"

Godfather clapped him on the back, nearly sending him sprawling again. "Detroit needs all the help it can get, Paul. And we need all the help we can get. Now, let's get some rest. Tomorrow, we unleash Da Movement!"

As the fire crackled and the stars twinkled above us, I looked at our little group. A grumpy bear, a jittery squirrel, a kleptomaniac crow, a wannabe-royal eagle, a little bear and now, a nervous lizard. We were a mismatched bunch, that’s for sure. But as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Maybe, just maybe, we really could make a difference in the big city. Detroit, here comes Da Movement!

The Movement and the Magic Horn

(A Poem from Squirrel's Perspective)

The moon hung fat, a cheesy grin, I clung to oak, worries within. Sunflower sighed, down on the ground, A saddest unicorn I'd found.

"Detroit," she breathed, a whispered plea, "Magic waits there, just for me!" Detroit! My ears perked, oh so bright, "The Movement goes! With all our might!"

"The Movement?" Sunflower, eyes so blue, "That's me, Godfather, Scooter, too! And Gotti bold, with eagle's grace, With Cool Lizard Paul playing guitar in pace!"

She couldn't fly, this unicorn fair, A missing wing, a heavy care. I zipped up oak, a frantic call, "Godfather, come! She needs us all!"

Inside the tree, a cozy den, Godfather rolled, "A unicorn again?" Scooter tweaked wires, Gotti hopped near, Paul strummed a chord, dispelling fear.

"She's real!" I cried, "But wings she lacks! We help the different, watch their backs!" Godfather smiled, a knowing gleam, "Alright, young Squirrel, let's live the dream!"

We tumbled out, a motley crew, Godfather first, wheelchair true. "Welcome, Sunflower," his voice so deep, "Detroit's the place our promises to keep."

Scooter navigated, map in hand, Gotti scouted, across the land. Paul played his tunes, a happy sound, While I bounced 'long, on hallowed ground.

"Detroit, oh why? What magic's call?" "A place to belong, to stand up tall! No longer different, no longer lost, Whatever the price, whatever the cost."

We passed a farm, a barking hound, Gotti swooped down, with mighty bound. "Easy, Gotti," Godfather's command, "We're a team, together we stand!"

The sun beat down, Sunflower sighed, "The road is long, and really quite wide!" Scooter then, with heart so grand, "Hop on my back, to the promised land!"

She climbed aboard, with thankful grace, A smile bloomed on Sunflower's face. Paul's music soared, a joyful flight, Beneath the stars, shining bright

Detroit, it calls, a mystic gleam, On a road from a distant dream. "Together!" Sunflower cried, a joyful scream.

At the city's edge, a sign displayed its name, Gotti gasped, we all just felt the same. "Detroit!" Where dreams take flight, And magic fills the day and night.

A Detroit street, a city of fun, Godfather smiled, The journey has begun. "Nearby," Sunflower said in a tone of glee, "It is place where dreams can be free!"

So we moved on, a sight to behold, A unicorn, bear, crow, squirrel, eagle, Paul is bold. We are the Movement, hearts so true, And we found our magic, me and you.

To be continued

!

Detroit Bound: The Ballad of Henry the Small

(Narrated by Squirrel)

We were packed, we were ready, Detroit in our sights, Big D energy buzzing, prepared for new fights! Godfather, the bear, in his chair, gave a nod, Scooter, the crow, checked the map, blessed by God.

Young Gotti, the eagle, with wisdom so deep, Sunflower, the unicorn, secrets to keep. Paul the Lizard, strumming a joyful tune, Ready to change the world, beneath the Detroit moon!

Then whizz! I zipped, a flash of brown fur, My ADHD brain, in a constant blur. But under the wheel, something tiny and small, A creature was trapped, about to have a fall!

"Hello, little chipmunk!" my words tumbled out, "What's your name, friend? What's this all about?" He squeaked, "I'm not a chipmunk, you silly old thing! I'm Henry the Squirrel, though small as a spring!"

"I was born this way, destined to stay, A miniature squirrel, come what may!" "Godfather! Godfather!" I yelled with a bound, "We've got a small problem, right here on the ground!"

The crew gathered 'round, with curious eyes, Godfather grumbled, with skeptical sighs. Scooter, the crow, with a twinkle so bright, Said, "Why not just roll it? I'll rewire it right!"

Young Gotti, he cautioned, "Hold on just a beat! We don't want to wreck the car, make the plan complete!" But Godfather boomed, "We improvise, see? Adapt, overcome! That's the motto for we!"

"Grab that plank of wood! Over there, by the tree! We'll lever this tire, for Henry to flee!" We pushed and we strained, with united might, The wood groaned and creaked, into the pale moonlight.

Henry squeezed free, blinking in the sun, Our rescue complete, a new victory won! "Little Henry," I asked, "Would you care to come along? To Detroit we're headed, where we all belong!"

"We're a band of heroes, underestimated and true, Changing the world, there's so much we can do!" Henry's small eyes, they sparkled with glee, "Oh, yes!" he exclaimed, "I'll come with you, you see!"

Godfather then scoffed, " "Henry" is a bore! And you're not a Squirrel, that's certainly for sure!" Scooter the Crow, "Godfather, be nice!" Sunflower the Unicorn, "Think with your heart, not your vice!"

"Come on, little Henry," the Unicorn did say, "Hop on my back, we'll be off on our way!"

So we're headed to Detroit, a team strange and bold, A bear, a squirrel, a crow, a story untold! With Gotti the eagle, and Sunflower so bright, And Paul with his music, filling our flight!

And Henry the small, though a name Godfather loathed, Was now one of our crew, a new path we both showed! Big D, get ready, for we're on our way, To make a new difference, and brighten your day!

Detroit According to Squirre (and a Little Help From My Friends)

(Narrative Perspective: First Person – Squirre, the Squirrel)

The bus, a metal beast, it wheezed and it sighed, Then spat us all out, with Detroit open wide! My tail did a twitch, my nose gave a sniff, So many new smells! A squirrel's gotta live!

Godfather, our bear, CP's a pain you see, His chair hummed and whirred, slow as can be. But Detroit was calling! A symphony grand, Of car horns and pigeons, a wondrous new land!

Scooter! My best crow pal, with tools in his pouch, He zoomed 'round my head, like a playful old grouch. "Buildings! So shiny! Wires! So high!" My brain buzzed like bees, beneath the blue sky.

Gotti, the eagle, soared circles above, A wise, feathered friend, full of patience and love. Sunflower, so gentle, her horn like a pearl, She shivered a bit, this was a big new world, especially without Earl!.

Paul, our dancing lizard, he popped from my pack, "Disco! Detroit! This place has the knack!" He wiggled his hips, to some rhythm unseen, Paul’s always got music, a hyperactive scene.

Then wham! Like a nut falling straight from the tree, Scooter shrieked loud, "A wolverine! Oh, dear me!" A trap, it was rusty, a terrible sight, A Wolverine snarled, trapped in the dim light.

"Help!" I yelled loud, then zipped like a flash, ADHD power! I'm quick in a dash! Sunflower squeezed tight, onto my furry back, "We gotta help her! Get her off that track!"

(She's light as a feather, that unicorn friend, Though sometimes I wonder where her adventures end...)

Godfather rolled up, his chair all aglow, Scooter pulled wrenches, putting on a show. Gotti, so focused, with eyes sharp and keen, Sunflower's horn glimmered, a magical sheen.

Click! Went the trap, with a groan and a creak, The Wolverine stumbled, all wobbly and weak. She shook her fur out, gave a furious glare, "What do you want?" She growled, "Just leave me right here!"

Rude! Seriously rude! After all that we did?! Sometimes niceness feels like a closed, locked lid. "We saved you!" I chirped, "From that nasty old snare!" "We're 'Da Movement!' With kindness to share!"

(Except sometimes I bite, when I'm feeling too stressed, Or steal shiny buttons, to build my own nest...)

"Sybil," she muttered, her voice rough and low, "Now just scram, squirrels! Where do you think you go?" "Join us!" I squeaked, bouncing high on my toes, "Adventure! Excitement! Wherever it goes!"

"There's dancing and sunshine, and maybe some fights, And Gotti can teach you to soar to great heights!" I wriggled my nose, "Plus, I know all the best trees, With the tastiest acorns, and the juiciest peas!"

Sybil she looked, with a skeptical stare, At Godfather's wheels, and Sunflower's soft hair. At Scooter's tools, and Gotti’s sharp gaze, At Paul wiggling, lost in his dancin' craze.

She sighed, a long sigh, from her toes to her head, "Fine," she grumbled low, "I’m out of here instead." "Detroit’s just beginning, and already its blah, Alright, I guess, Da Movement, whatever that blah is.”

We found a big oak, with branches so wide, Perfect for napping, with friends by your side. Paul started to groove, to a beat in his head, Gotti found a high perch, and got ready for bed.

"We'll sleep for a bit," Godfather said with a smile, "And see what Detroit has for us, in a little while." Sybil curled up, with a huff and a groan, Probably dreaming of Wolverine stuff - unknown!

My brain still was buzzing, with plans in my head, Of climbing skyscrapers, and nuts I could spread! Detroit! Oh, Detroit! So much to explore! With Da Movement beside me, what could we ask for?

So sleep we all did, 'neath the city's bright gleam, Da Movement in Detroit, a wild, wonderful dream! And me? Squirre? I’ll keep my eyes open, you see, Just in case there’s trouble, or something 

for me!

Detroit finally

We bounced and jiggled, a motley crew, In a beat-up buggy, painted bright blue! Detroit ahead, a concrete maze, After escaping the Underestimated Woods, we were in a gaze.

I, Squirrel, zoomed, my tail a-twitch, "The Lions!" I squeaked, "I want to see which Player scores best, makes the biggest roar!" Godfather sighed, "Go Bears! That's all, and no more!"

Godfather, poor bear, with a bum siping on his wheelchair Said, "Wherever, as long as there's shrimp!" Young Gotti, the eagle, with a glint in his eye, Soared overhead, checking the skyline high.

Scooter the crow, with goggles askew, Tinkered with gadgets, inventions brand new. Sunflower, our unicorn, horn sparkling bright, Wished she could fly, but took it in stride with all her might.

Microscope the lion, with a studious air, Analyzed the city, with a thoughtful stare. Paul, the lizard, strummed a funky guitar, His music infectious, near and far.

And Sybil, our wolverine, always looked grim, But deep down, we knew, there was kindness within.

So there we were, curbside, confused but excited, The possibilities Detroit, endlessly invited A map unfurled, what would we do There was so much to do, we didn’t have a true clue.

I darted ahead, 'cause that's what I do, When suddenly a turtle, upside down was in view! Stuck in the sun, just roasting away, Help, the little turtle was heard to say

A rock was the culprit, that much was clear, Trapped the poor creature, filled him with fear. "Help!" She , "I'm stuck, can't you see!" I screeched for the others, "Come help him with me!"

They gathered around, a curious bunch, Godfather grumbled, "Another darn lunch... Just kidding!" he chuckled, a twinkle in his eye, "Let's get this rock off, before the turtle cries!"

We pushed and we heaved, with a mighty strain, Sunflower's horn, gave the best push again. The rock tumbled off, with a satisfying THUMP! The turtle flipped over, with a grateful jump.

"Thank you!" he gasped, "You saved my poor shell! I thought I was doomed, trapped in this hell!" I tilted my head, "What's your name, little friend?" "Pineapple," she sighed, "My woes have no end."

"I have a bad foot," Pineapple said with a sigh, "It makes me walk crooked, I can't even lie. My balance is off, I stumble and sway, That's how that big rock, ruined my day."

"Where's your family?" asked Young Gotti, so wise, "Why didn't they help you, before sunset skies?" Pineapple hung his head, his spirits sunk low, "They laugh at my foot, they tell me to go.

They say I'm a misfit, a clumsy disgrace, They don't want me around, they leave me no space." Godfather grumbled, "Sounds like a bunch of jerks, Just ignore them, and don't let it affect all your perks."

I bounced with excitement, "We're misfits too! From the Underestimated Woods, that's honest and true. We've come to this city, to make our own way, To show the whole world, that misfits can play!"

"We're here to prove, being different is grand, That underestimated heroes, can take a stand!" Godfather agreed, "He's right, that's our quest, To show the world, we're truly the best!"

"Why don't you join us?" I chirped with glee, "Be part of our family, wild and free!" Pineapple's eyes widened, "You… You mean it?" he asked, "A family? A place where I won't be unmasked?"

Sunflower nuzzled him gently, "Of course, dear! We would all want a friend Blood makes you related, but loyalty will never end Welcome to the crew, we're all a little strange But together we will continue to get out of our range!"

Pineapple beamed, "I've never had a family before!" We all cheered and clapped, down to the core. Young Gotti circled, with a joyful cry, "Another misfit! Soaring to the sky!"

Paul strummed a chord, a happy, bright tune, Scooter tinkered, beneath the Detroit moon. Microscope nodded, with a thoughtful smile, Sybil even cracked a grin, just for a little while.

So there we stood, on that Detroit street, A squirrel, a bear, and a turtle so neat. An eagle, a crow, a dazzling unicorn, A lion, a lizard, and a wolverine newly born

Into this family, strange and so true, Now with Pineapple too, we needed something new. Detroit trembled, for here we would stay, The Underestimated Woods, where it was time to finally play