Latest Release

Echoes from the Forests

Step into leafy worlds where towering trees whisper secrets and quiet paths lead to unexpected wonders in Echoes from the Forests. Across fifteen captivating short stories, children journey from the rainforests of Chile and Sri Lanka to the cedar groves of Lebanon and the snowy pine woods of Norway, encountering moments of challenge, connection, and gentle discovery.

Each story is paired with thought-provoking reflection questions, creative “Try This” activities that spark curiosity, and glossaries that reveal new words and cultural insights.

More than just a collection of tales, Echoes from the Forests invites young readers to listen deeply, find wonder in hidden places, and grow emotional wisdom one story at a time.

Published in 2025

Enjoy Free Stories with Exercises to Begin Your Journey

The Lizard Belongs Here

Yakushima Island, Japan
Courage, Responsibility, Respect for Nature

Rain drummed hard on Yakushima’s cedar leaves. Kiyomi and her friend Yuto were hiking with Yuto’s older brother, a nature guide.

Suddenly, Yuto stopped. Hidden beneath a mossy log, he pulled out a tiny wooden box. Inside it was a brilliant green lizard with jewel-like scales.

“Look!” Yuto whispered. “I’m going to keep him. He’s rare. No one will know.”

Kiyomi’s heart pounded. She’d seen signs everywhere: Don’t take animals from the forest.

“But he belongs here,” she said. “What if he gets sick? Or dies?”

Yuto frowned. “I’ll keep him safe.”

Rain fell harder, drenching their hair. Kiyomi looked around at the towering yakusugi trees. She thought of how old they were, how they’d seen everything.

Then she turned to Yuto.

“If you love the forest, you have to protect it. Even the small things.”

Slowly, Yuto set the lizard back under the log. They watched it scurry away.

When they returned, Yuto’s brother said, “Sometimes protecting nature means leaving it untouched.”

Yuto nodded. “Even if it’s hard.”

And Kiyomi felt proud—not just because they’d saved the lizard, but because the forest felt bigger than secrets.

About Yakushima Island

Yakushima is a small island in southern Japan known for its rainy weather and ancient forests. People say it rains so much there are “35 days of rain every month!”

The island is covered with huge yakusugi cedar trees, some over 1,000 years old. The forests are green and misty, full of moss, waterfalls, and unusual animals like Yakushima monkeys and deer.

Many people visit to hike, see giant trees, and learn about how to protect this special place.

The people of Yakushima care deeply for nature. They believe that protecting even the smallest animals and plants keeps the island healthy for everyone.

Lets Reflect

1. Why did Kiyomi want Yuto to let the lizard go?

2. How can even small animals be important to nature?

3. Have you ever had to make a choice to protect something—even if it was hard?

Try This

Draw a small animal that might live in a rainforest like Yakushima—such as a lizard, frog, or bird.

Write one sentence about why it’s important for that animal to stay in its natural home.

Glossary

Cedar – A tall evergreen tree with fragrant wood, often used for building and found in forests like Yakushima

Moss – Soft, green plants that grow in damp, shady places

Yakusugi – Ancient cedar trees on Yakushima Island, some over 1,000 years old

The Night Crossing

Nordic Boreal Forest, Norway
Courage, Grief, Letting Go

Mira couldn’t sleep.

She crept out onto the cabin porch, careful not to wake her grandfather. Their cabin sat right beside the river, so close she could hear the gentle splash of water from the doorway. The forest outside was silver with moonlight.

Mira didn’t know why she stepped outside. Only that her chest still hurt — like the goodbye hadn’t finished.

Mama had passed away in spring. Mira hadn’t cried at the funeral. Not really. She didn’t like crying when people were watching.

She sat on a flat rock by the river, within sight of the cabin lights. The river moved slow and dark beside her. Then the forest quieted. Even the wind stopped.

And something stepped out of the trees.

It was a reindeer — but not like the ones she had seen. This one glowed pale white, as if made of light and breath. Its antlers shimmered like frost on glass.

Mira held still.

The reindeer didn’t speak. It didn’t need to.

It looked at her — not like a person, but like it understood her whole sadness. Not just the crying part. The stuck part, the part that felt trapped inside her, where sadness had nowhere to go.

The reindeer stepped into the shallow part of the river, right across from the cabin. Water rippled around its legs, catching the moonlight like silver threads. Then it turned back to her, its eyes soft and calm.

Mira stood. Her legs shook, but she followed, stepping carefully from stone to stone. The river was cold, curling around her ankles, but not deep. Each step felt like letting go of something heavy she’d been carrying for too long.

When she reached the other side, she paused. She could still see the cabin lights glowing softly through the trees, warm and safe. The night air smelled of pine and cold water.

She felt like something in her chest loosened — like the tight knot inside her was finally unwinding. It wasn’t that her sadness was gone. But now it felt lighter, like there was room for breath.

The reindeer blinked slowly, as if saying goodbye, then faded — like mist rising off the river.

Mira stood there a moment longer, listening to the water whisper over the stones. Then she turned and made her way back across the river, feeling braver than she had in a long time.

About the Nordic Boreal Forests

The boreal forest, also called the taiga, stretches across northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. It’s one of the largest forests in the world, filled with towering pine, spruce, and birch trees. In winter, snow covers the branches like white lace, and the forest glows under the northern lights.

Many animals live here, including lynx, moose, reindeer, wolves, and owls. The trees are spaced out enough that moonlight often shines through, making the forest feel quiet and magical at night.

For the Sámi people, who have lived in these northern lands for thousands of years, reindeer are an important part of life. They provide food, clothing, and transportation. In some Sámi stories, reindeer appear as gentle spirit guides who help people travel safely or remember those they have loved.

Walking in the boreal forest feels like stepping into a place where nature and stories live side by side.

Lets Reflect

1. Why do you think the reindeer didn’t speak?

2. What helped Mira feel a little more ready to rest?

3. Can quiet things — like water, light, or a memory — help you feel calm or brave?

Try This

With the help of an adult, think of someone you miss, or something you’ve had to say goodbye to. Draw a glowing animal that might help you cross from sadness to calm — like Mira’s reindeer.

If you don’t want to draw a memory about someone you miss, you could draw a glowing animal that helps you feel strong and brave in any situation.

Glossary

Cabin – A small wooden house, often found in forest or mountain areas

Boreal Forest / Taiga – A large forest found in northern regions with cold winters and evergreen trees like pine and spruce

Spirit animal – A figure in many cultures that represents a guide, protector, or memory, and sometimes appears in dreams or special moments to help people feel strong or comforted.

Shimmer – A soft, glowing light that seems to move or flicker gently