A children’s story written by Lazarus Carpenter and Illustrated by Gill Brooks
Once upon a time, in a lush green forest nestled by a sparkling blue lake, lived a graceful heron named Lank. Lank had long, slender legs and a slender beak, which made him the most elegant bird in the woods. His feathers were white and grey like freshly fallen snow on a wintry day, and when he spread his wings, he looked like a majestic angel gliding through the sky. Lank was known far and wide for his impeccable fishing skills. Every day, he would stand by the lake, patiently waiting for his prey to swim by. With lightning-fast reflexes, he would dart his beak into the water, catching fish after fish. The other animals in the forest admired Lank’s fishing prowess and often sought his advice. One sunny morning, as Lank stood by the lake, a tiny squirrel named Nutmeg approached him with a worried expression.
Nutmeg had lost his way and couldn’t find his family. Tears welled up in his little eyes as he explained his predicament to Lank. Lank, being a kind-hearted bird, immediately offered his help. He gently picked up Nutmeg with his long beak and carried him high above the trees. From up there, they could see the entire forest. Lank glided effortlessly, scanning the area for any signs of Nutmeg’s family.
After some time, Lank spotted a group of squirrels near a tall oak tree. He carefully descended and gently placed Nutmeg on a branch. Nutmeg’s family squealed with joy when they saw him, and Nutmeg hugged Lank with gratitude. The heron’s heart swelled with happiness, knowing he had reunited a family. Word of Lank’s kindness spread throughout the forest, and animals from all walks of life sought his assistance. He helped lost rabbits find their burrows, guided lost birds back to their nests, and even rescued a baby deer trapped in a thorny bush.
As Lank continued to help others, he realized that his true purpose lay beyond catching fish. He had a gift for compassion and a unique ability to bring joy to those in need. Lank decided to dedicate his life to helping others, becoming the forest’s very own guardian angel. Years passed, and the forest flourished under Lank’s compassionate care. Animals of all species lived in harmony, knowing they could always rely on their dear friend, Lank the Heron. The once-lost creatures he had helped grew up to be wise and kind, paying it forward by lending a helping hand to those in need.
And so, the legend of Lank the Heron spread far and wide, becoming a bedtime story told to children for generations to come. It taught them the importance of kindness, compassion, and the remarkable impact even the smallest acts of help can have on others. And as the sun set over the tranquil lake, Lank stood tall and proud, knowing that he had found his true calling and had made the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
Swift Arrow Books Llyfrau Saeth Gyflym – swiftarrowbooksltd.co.uk
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 