The owl and the hedgehog - Fable for 5 to 7 year olds.

The woods are darkening, the moon is appearing through the branches;
leaves are falling gently and a little hedgehog is humming to himself:

“I am not frightened.
I am scared of no-one.

My lunch box is full and I’ve got a plan:
I can sleep and dine , I’ve even packed a flan
But Home to tea I shall not be coming

Mum said : Don’t be a fool and I don’t know how…
Well it’s all her own fault now
And I am not EVER returning!

I am not frightened.
I am scared of no-one.”

“Hello, baby, where are you going?
Asked a large owl posted on a tree stump.
Can we help? Are you lost?”

“I am not frightened.
I am scared of nothing.
Please leave me alone, Owl:
Mum and I have had a row
And I am not ever returning.”

“Won’t your parents worry?
I may be an old fastidious bird but…
What will you do if you’re hungry?
The woods are full of danger, you know?”

“I am not frightened.
I am scared of no-one.
No-one will tell me what to do!
I want to do just what I do!”

“And what do you do? Asked the owl.”

“I run, I’m gone, I’m up for an adventure!
What do you do you, old vulture?

“I fly, I dive, I am having a bowl
of hedgehog soup right now !”
Whistled the owl and as she said:
She took off in her silent flight and
Wings spread, claws at the ready,
She scooped and gobbled up the baby.

Why should you set about exploring the wide wild world before you can look after yourself? Take time to grow and know your limits before you push those boundaries.