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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Kids
- Theme: Inspirational
- Subject: Community / Home
- Published: 02/14/2017
It was a clear and sunny day.Many animals of the forest gathered around for an important announcement at the pond.
A big,slimy green frog hopped onto a large stone and called for everyone's attention.
He cleared his throat as all eyes and furry ears turned to him.
Harold's red fox ears perked up at the old frog's call and he looked down from the tree he was sleeping in.
"Everybody,in a few days there will be a magnificent race around this very pond!"
As soon as the old frog said so,many excited whispers came from the animals.
A white bunny jumped up and down,his tiny paw in the air.
"Yes,Miles,What is it you want to say?"
The frog asked.
Miles began talking very fast,his pink bunny nose twitching.
"Do we need a race car,sir?My dad has a car,but I can't drive.If I did ,I would be so fast,nobody would even see me!That's how fast I'll go!"
The other animals giggled a bit.
"No,only a pair of running shoes will do."
Poor Harold's heart sank at that.Running shoes?He looked at his bare feet.He doesn't even have normal shoes!
The other animals kept on talking about the race,but Harold jumped down from the tree and made his way home.
However,before he even saw the strawberry farm he lived on,two big beavers jumped in front of him.It was Charlie and Martin.
They crossed their arms and wouldn't let him pass.
"Well,well.Isnt it Harold the thief.What did you steal today,Sneaky Fox."Charlie said.
"Yes,what did you steal,Fox?"Martin sneered at Harold.
Harold only sighed and looked passed them,his home was so close.
If only Charlie and Martin wouldn't do this everyday.They don't like foxes very much.
The truth is,nobody likes foxes much.
Apparently all foxes steal,but Harold never took anything that didn't belong to him.His mom and dad told him stealing isn't good.
"It makes others sad and makes you feel bad."
His dad used to say.
Harold suddenly gets pushed down by Charlie.
"Didn't you hear me?We all know foxes are thieves.So what did you steal?"he repeated,standing over Harold.
"Hey,what are you kids doing over there?"
Harold's dad trotted over,making Charlie and Martin retreat back into the forest.
Harold felt relieved as his dad helped him up.
"Thanks dad,but we where just playing around,really."
They walked to the farm together.
"Those beaver boys are always looking for trouble.Anyways,Miss Bear,our neighbour,asked if you could babysit her cub today.She's going into town.She'll even pay you,what about that?"
Harold remembered Miss Bear.
His dad always sold a lot of strawberries to her.She's nice to foxes.
He suddenly got an idea!
If Harold babysat every day until the race,maybe he'll have enough money for shoes!
Harold imagined himself in his very own running shoes.
What if he actually wins the race?
It would be his best day ever.His parents would be so proud.
That's it,he will try and win the race!
Two days later and Harold was waiting for the day to end.He only needed a little more money for his dad,he will bring him some shoes from town.It will probably be old,second hand shoes,but he didn't care.
He had made a deal with Miss Bear.
He would watch over her cub while she could visit town everyday.
He was gratefull for the money he recieved for it.
He had just fed the cub and had picked the heavy,furry bear baby up by placing him on his shoulders.
The cub enjoyed being so high up and giggled while swiping his small claws at the roof.
At first it was difficult lifting the large cub,but Harold's back and shoulders had gotten stronger.Soon,he was running all over the place with the cub,laughing along.
Finally Miss bear had gotten home,paid and thanked Harold.
He instantly ran home,gave the money to his dad and waited excitedly for his shoes.
An hour later and dad was pulling into the garage.
Harold ran to his dad and hugged him tightly when he saw a pair of old,white running shoes behind him.
He spend the whole afternoon racing in between the strawberries,practicing for tomorrow.
Harold was surprisingly fast,but will it be enough to pass Charlie tomorrow?
Charlie was known as one of the fastest animals in the forest,even faster than any rabbit.
Harold could only hope.
That night,he dreamed of how the animals would cheer as he won.
The next morning,he was on his way to the starting line at the pond.
The animals where all buzzing with excitement..
The race will start soon and Harold was ready to begin,his running shoes tightly laced.
"Looks like the thieving fox showed up."
Charlie said next to him,stretching his short,beaver legs.
Harold just ignored him and Martin,who was cheering Charlie on from the crowd.
Harold tried strething his legs too,but just settled for checking if his shoe laces are tied properly.
The same slimy,green frog hopped up the same stone as a few days ago.
He cleared his throat and everybody turned to him to start off the race.
"Welcome,everyone.Thank you all for joining us for the race.At the end,the trophy will be rewarded to the fastest of you.Goodluck."
He croaked and everybody clapped.
Harold's mom and dad started cheering him on as all the parents did the same.
The racers aproached the starting line and Harold's heart was already racing.
He smiled and waved at his parents before the frog said,"Get on your marks,get set,"
Harold's mind was now on the lap he needed to make all around the pond.
Time seemed to slow down.
"Go!"
His legs started moving him forward and soon he was speeding,his red fur blowing in the wind.
He felt free,even as the others passed him by.
Charlie was far ahead,but Harold was determined to catch up.
He first passed a mouse,then a bunny and then a deer.All of which where shocked,foxes are fast!
Harold was out of breath by the time he was right behind Charlie,but he kept on going.
Just a little further...yes!His legs were burning but he made it next to Charlie.
And best of all,he could see the finish line!
Harold couldn't believe it!
"Silly fox,nobody beats me.Havent you heard?
I'm the fastest!"Charlie yelled,running past Harold,but he too,seemed out of breath.
Suddenly Charlie screamed as he tumbled to the ground.He tripped!
His fancy,expensive red running shoes went flying through the air and landed with two plops into the pond!
Harold slowed down and looked at poor Charlie who was now crying like a baby and holding his knee.
Many racers ran past both of them,but Harold didn't care.He ran straight to the pond and dived in head first!
He swam down and his paws finally found Charlie's shoes,which had sunk to the bottom.
When he reached the surface,he took a big gulp of fresh air and swam back to the track.
Charlie was still crying when Harold trotted over while pouring out all the water from the shoes.
"It's okay,Charlie.I got your shoes back for you,see?"he said and put the soggy shoes back onto Charlie's feet.
Harold smiled,seeing as the beaver stopped crying,only rubbing his knee.
Oh no,Charlie won't be able to run with pain like that.
Harold thought for a moment,watching as the other racers came ever closer to the finish line.He had to come up with a plan.He can't just leave Charlie here.
"You never leave someone behind,Harold.No matter what."His mother once said after he had forgotten one of his toys in the rain one day.He remembers going back to fetch the toy,even though it wasn't his favorite.
"It's okay,fox.You can go.You were really fast,so it's okay."Charlie sniffed.
But an idea had struck Harold and he knew what to do.
"Charlie,climb onto my shoulders,we're winning this race!"
After the two struggled,Charlie was finally on top of Harold's shoulders and boy,was he one heavy beaver.
Charlie must have been twice the size of Miss Bear's cub,but they couldn't give up now!
Harold pushed forward,focused on the finish line and ran.He ran like he never ran before,remembering his training in the strawberry fields,making his legs go faster.
He remembered carrying the cub while babysitting,making his shoulders feel even stronger.
They soon passed a racer,then another and another!
That's it,they are in front!
Harold's legs were hurting with every step and he just couldn't catch his breath,but then he smiled and sped up as he heard it.
"Go Harold,go!Go Harold,go!"
It was Charlie who was cheering!
And just like that,they both crossed the finish line.
Harold fell down on the grass nearby with Charlie and they both starting laughing as the moms and dads of the racers came over.
They both got congratulated and plenty of hugs from their parents.
Even Martin came and gave Harold a pat on the back,thanking him for helping Charlie.
Charlie struggled up from the grass and helped Harold up.
"That was quite a race,wasn't it,Fox-I mean Harold?"Thank you for helping me,but why?Why didn't you just go and win the race?I've been awful to you,so why help me?"
The beaver asked,very confused.
"It was just the right thing to do,Charlie.It might not always be the fun thing or the easy thing to do,but it was the right thing.And that is a good enough reason for me to help you."
Suddenly the frog called for everyone's attention and Harold's parents as well as Charlie's were hugging the boys tightly.
"Today's race was interesting,very interesting.And I'm proud to say that this trophy will now be broken in half."
"WHAT!?"
All the other racers yelled,not believing wgat the frog was saying.Why would he allow that?
The trophy was the reason for the race in the first place!
" Now,calm down.We had a tie-two winners.So the trophy will be shared."he said and hopped off his stone,bringing the trophy to Miss Bear,who was also watching the race.
"If you would,please Miss Bear."The frog croaked and she took the trophy and snapped it in half with her strong claws.
Both Harold and Charlie each got half of the golden trophy.
Charlie giggled and pretended his upper half was a cup,which to drink from.
"Cheers Harold" he said and lifted his cup,laughing.Harold laughed too,lifting his piece with the handles on.
The parents all laughed,but Harold felt bad,because none of the other racers had gotten anything.
He looked down at his half of the trophy in his paws and got another idea.
"Miss Bear,can I ask you a favour?"
Harold came up to her and handed her his piece.
"Please break it some more."
Soon,Harold was handing out his part of the trophy to every other animal there.All of them were shocked,but very grateful.
They ran to their parents,showing that they also now have a trophy.
Charlie saw how happy everyone was,and Martin helped him walk to Miss Bear.
"Mine too,please."
Charlie asked and also started handing out his piece.
Even Miss Bear's cub got one,which made him giggle and shake it like a rattle.
Both Charlie and Harold's parents had teary eyes.They were so happy and proud of their children.
The next day,Harold,Charlie and Martin were playing together on the strawberry farm.They raced each other around the fields,carefully trying not to step on any of the strawberries.
Next year's race will be around the lake.
"Are you sure this is how you practiced?"asked Martin,who's feet were all pink.
"This is awfully difficult."moaned Charlie,his feet also covered in strawberries.
"Yes,"said Harold,who had not stepped on a single one while running.
"And next we're going to babysit Miss Bear's cub."he said,smiling.
Both beavers looked at each other nervously and gulped.
The End.
Harold's Race(Nadine Lombaard)
It was a clear and sunny day.Many animals of the forest gathered around for an important announcement at the pond.
A big,slimy green frog hopped onto a large stone and called for everyone's attention.
He cleared his throat as all eyes and furry ears turned to him.
Harold's red fox ears perked up at the old frog's call and he looked down from the tree he was sleeping in.
"Everybody,in a few days there will be a magnificent race around this very pond!"
As soon as the old frog said so,many excited whispers came from the animals.
A white bunny jumped up and down,his tiny paw in the air.
"Yes,Miles,What is it you want to say?"
The frog asked.
Miles began talking very fast,his pink bunny nose twitching.
"Do we need a race car,sir?My dad has a car,but I can't drive.If I did ,I would be so fast,nobody would even see me!That's how fast I'll go!"
The other animals giggled a bit.
"No,only a pair of running shoes will do."
Poor Harold's heart sank at that.Running shoes?He looked at his bare feet.He doesn't even have normal shoes!
The other animals kept on talking about the race,but Harold jumped down from the tree and made his way home.
However,before he even saw the strawberry farm he lived on,two big beavers jumped in front of him.It was Charlie and Martin.
They crossed their arms and wouldn't let him pass.
"Well,well.Isnt it Harold the thief.What did you steal today,Sneaky Fox."Charlie said.
"Yes,what did you steal,Fox?"Martin sneered at Harold.
Harold only sighed and looked passed them,his home was so close.
If only Charlie and Martin wouldn't do this everyday.They don't like foxes very much.
The truth is,nobody likes foxes much.
Apparently all foxes steal,but Harold never took anything that didn't belong to him.His mom and dad told him stealing isn't good.
"It makes others sad and makes you feel bad."
His dad used to say.
Harold suddenly gets pushed down by Charlie.
"Didn't you hear me?We all know foxes are thieves.So what did you steal?"he repeated,standing over Harold.
"Hey,what are you kids doing over there?"
Harold's dad trotted over,making Charlie and Martin retreat back into the forest.
Harold felt relieved as his dad helped him up.
"Thanks dad,but we where just playing around,really."
They walked to the farm together.
"Those beaver boys are always looking for trouble.Anyways,Miss Bear,our neighbour,asked if you could babysit her cub today.She's going into town.She'll even pay you,what about that?"
Harold remembered Miss Bear.
His dad always sold a lot of strawberries to her.She's nice to foxes.
He suddenly got an idea!
If Harold babysat every day until the race,maybe he'll have enough money for shoes!
Harold imagined himself in his very own running shoes.
What if he actually wins the race?
It would be his best day ever.His parents would be so proud.
That's it,he will try and win the race!
Two days later and Harold was waiting for the day to end.He only needed a little more money for his dad,he will bring him some shoes from town.It will probably be old,second hand shoes,but he didn't care.
He had made a deal with Miss Bear.
He would watch over her cub while she could visit town everyday.
He was gratefull for the money he recieved for it.
He had just fed the cub and had picked the heavy,furry bear baby up by placing him on his shoulders.
The cub enjoyed being so high up and giggled while swiping his small claws at the roof.
At first it was difficult lifting the large cub,but Harold's back and shoulders had gotten stronger.Soon,he was running all over the place with the cub,laughing along.
Finally Miss bear had gotten home,paid and thanked Harold.
He instantly ran home,gave the money to his dad and waited excitedly for his shoes.
An hour later and dad was pulling into the garage.
Harold ran to his dad and hugged him tightly when he saw a pair of old,white running shoes behind him.
He spend the whole afternoon racing in between the strawberries,practicing for tomorrow.
Harold was surprisingly fast,but will it be enough to pass Charlie tomorrow?
Charlie was known as one of the fastest animals in the forest,even faster than any rabbit.
Harold could only hope.
That night,he dreamed of how the animals would cheer as he won.
The next morning,he was on his way to the starting line at the pond.
The animals where all buzzing with excitement..
The race will start soon and Harold was ready to begin,his running shoes tightly laced.
"Looks like the thieving fox showed up."
Charlie said next to him,stretching his short,beaver legs.
Harold just ignored him and Martin,who was cheering Charlie on from the crowd.
Harold tried strething his legs too,but just settled for checking if his shoe laces are tied properly.
The same slimy,green frog hopped up the same stone as a few days ago.
He cleared his throat and everybody turned to him to start off the race.
"Welcome,everyone.Thank you all for joining us for the race.At the end,the trophy will be rewarded to the fastest of you.Goodluck."
He croaked and everybody clapped.
Harold's mom and dad started cheering him on as all the parents did the same.
The racers aproached the starting line and Harold's heart was already racing.
He smiled and waved at his parents before the frog said,"Get on your marks,get set,"
Harold's mind was now on the lap he needed to make all around the pond.
Time seemed to slow down.
"Go!"
His legs started moving him forward and soon he was speeding,his red fur blowing in the wind.
He felt free,even as the others passed him by.
Charlie was far ahead,but Harold was determined to catch up.
He first passed a mouse,then a bunny and then a deer.All of which where shocked,foxes are fast!
Harold was out of breath by the time he was right behind Charlie,but he kept on going.
Just a little further...yes!His legs were burning but he made it next to Charlie.
And best of all,he could see the finish line!
Harold couldn't believe it!
"Silly fox,nobody beats me.Havent you heard?
I'm the fastest!"Charlie yelled,running past Harold,but he too,seemed out of breath.
Suddenly Charlie screamed as he tumbled to the ground.He tripped!
His fancy,expensive red running shoes went flying through the air and landed with two plops into the pond!
Harold slowed down and looked at poor Charlie who was now crying like a baby and holding his knee.
Many racers ran past both of them,but Harold didn't care.He ran straight to the pond and dived in head first!
He swam down and his paws finally found Charlie's shoes,which had sunk to the bottom.
When he reached the surface,he took a big gulp of fresh air and swam back to the track.
Charlie was still crying when Harold trotted over while pouring out all the water from the shoes.
"It's okay,Charlie.I got your shoes back for you,see?"he said and put the soggy shoes back onto Charlie's feet.
Harold smiled,seeing as the beaver stopped crying,only rubbing his knee.
Oh no,Charlie won't be able to run with pain like that.
Harold thought for a moment,watching as the other racers came ever closer to the finish line.He had to come up with a plan.He can't just leave Charlie here.
"You never leave someone behind,Harold.No matter what."His mother once said after he had forgotten one of his toys in the rain one day.He remembers going back to fetch the toy,even though it wasn't his favorite.
"It's okay,fox.You can go.You were really fast,so it's okay."Charlie sniffed.
But an idea had struck Harold and he knew what to do.
"Charlie,climb onto my shoulders,we're winning this race!"
After the two struggled,Charlie was finally on top of Harold's shoulders and boy,was he one heavy beaver.
Charlie must have been twice the size of Miss Bear's cub,but they couldn't give up now!
Harold pushed forward,focused on the finish line and ran.He ran like he never ran before,remembering his training in the strawberry fields,making his legs go faster.
He remembered carrying the cub while babysitting,making his shoulders feel even stronger.
They soon passed a racer,then another and another!
That's it,they are in front!
Harold's legs were hurting with every step and he just couldn't catch his breath,but then he smiled and sped up as he heard it.
"Go Harold,go!Go Harold,go!"
It was Charlie who was cheering!
And just like that,they both crossed the finish line.
Harold fell down on the grass nearby with Charlie and they both starting laughing as the moms and dads of the racers came over.
They both got congratulated and plenty of hugs from their parents.
Even Martin came and gave Harold a pat on the back,thanking him for helping Charlie.
Charlie struggled up from the grass and helped Harold up.
"That was quite a race,wasn't it,Fox-I mean Harold?"Thank you for helping me,but why?Why didn't you just go and win the race?I've been awful to you,so why help me?"
The beaver asked,very confused.
"It was just the right thing to do,Charlie.It might not always be the fun thing or the easy thing to do,but it was the right thing.And that is a good enough reason for me to help you."
Suddenly the frog called for everyone's attention and Harold's parents as well as Charlie's were hugging the boys tightly.
"Today's race was interesting,very interesting.And I'm proud to say that this trophy will now be broken in half."
"WHAT!?"
All the other racers yelled,not believing wgat the frog was saying.Why would he allow that?
The trophy was the reason for the race in the first place!
" Now,calm down.We had a tie-two winners.So the trophy will be shared."he said and hopped off his stone,bringing the trophy to Miss Bear,who was also watching the race.
"If you would,please Miss Bear."The frog croaked and she took the trophy and snapped it in half with her strong claws.
Both Harold and Charlie each got half of the golden trophy.
Charlie giggled and pretended his upper half was a cup,which to drink from.
"Cheers Harold" he said and lifted his cup,laughing.Harold laughed too,lifting his piece with the handles on.
The parents all laughed,but Harold felt bad,because none of the other racers had gotten anything.
He looked down at his half of the trophy in his paws and got another idea.
"Miss Bear,can I ask you a favour?"
Harold came up to her and handed her his piece.
"Please break it some more."
Soon,Harold was handing out his part of the trophy to every other animal there.All of them were shocked,but very grateful.
They ran to their parents,showing that they also now have a trophy.
Charlie saw how happy everyone was,and Martin helped him walk to Miss Bear.
"Mine too,please."
Charlie asked and also started handing out his piece.
Even Miss Bear's cub got one,which made him giggle and shake it like a rattle.
Both Charlie and Harold's parents had teary eyes.They were so happy and proud of their children.
The next day,Harold,Charlie and Martin were playing together on the strawberry farm.They raced each other around the fields,carefully trying not to step on any of the strawberries.
Next year's race will be around the lake.
"Are you sure this is how you practiced?"asked Martin,who's feet were all pink.
"This is awfully difficult."moaned Charlie,his feet also covered in strawberries.
"Yes,"said Harold,who had not stepped on a single one while running.
"And next we're going to babysit Miss Bear's cub."he said,smiling.
Both beavers looked at each other nervously and gulped.
The End.
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