Tag Archives: short story for kids

The Legend of the Rainbow Tree: Tales from Mother Chouette

“Wow, look at that!” Hibbou exclaimed as she pointed to a nearby tree.

“Oh yes, that’s the Rainbow Eucalyptus tree, my dear,” Mother Chouette said as she followed Hibbou’s gaze.  “I have a story of where that tree came from. Do you want hear it?”

Hibbou hooted in delight.

The Legend of the Rainbow Tree

There was once a rainbow named Spec who was best friends with Yuki, a eucalyptus tree. Every time it rained, Spec made sure that he visited Yuki.

Like all rainbows, Spec was tasked with guarding a leprechaun’s pot of gold. But Spec did not like the leprechaun that was assigned to him. Mr. Moneytights was mean and often screamed at Spec to shine his colorful light on the leprechaun’s pot of gold.

One day, Mr. Moneytights was particularly nasty. He frightened Spec so much that the rainbow decided it was best to run away. But where could a bright and colorful arc in the sky go? Spec tried hiding under a rock, but his light shined through. He tried gathering clouds to cover himself, but every time the wind blew, he would get exposed. Yuki, seeing how anxious Spec was becoming, suggested that Spec hide in her bark. As the intense light passed through the tree’s trunk, Yuki’s bark cracked and flaked, but she bore her pain in silence.

The tree’s brown bark muted the bright colors of the rainbow. Thus, when the leprechaun went to his usual spot, he searched high and low, but he never guessed Spec to be hiding inside the humble tree. A tree nymph saw Yuki’s sacrifice, and she blessed the union of the tree and her rainbow best friend, resulting in the most beautiful and colorful bark in the world.

The end.

Hibbou wiped a tear in her eye. “Thanks for the beautiful story, mom. Your stories are wonderful.”

 Mother Chouette wrapped her feathery wings on Hibbou and gave her a tight hug.       

*Note:  I googled actual photos of the Rainbow Eucalyptus tree so that you could share it with your kids.

Bagras_Mindanao gum tree

Mr. Monkey and the Tree Turtle: Tales from Mother Chouette

Hibbou, the owlet, was playing with her sticks when her cousin Hoot hopped beside her and started pecking on her shoulders.

“What are you doing? Can I help?”Hoot asked repeatedly.

“I don’t need your help!” Hibbou said as she flapped her tiny wings to shoo Hoot away.

Mother Chouette clicked her beak and shook her head. “Hibbou, Hoot, have you ever heard of the story of Mr. Monkey and Tilly, the Tree Turtle?  Come here beside me and listen.”  Hibbou and Hoot plopped beside the mother owl.

Mr. Monkey and the Tree Turtle

Once upon a time, there was a monkey who got separated from its tribe and accidentally stumbled upon an island full of banana trees. The monkey’s eyes became as huge as ostrich eggs as it jumped from one tree to another and discovered that each tree was bursting with fruit. Finally, it brought down the fattest bunch it could get and started popping banana after banana.

While stuffing its face, it noticed a small turtle approaching it.

“Hi Mr. Monkey, those bananas look great.  Would you mind giving me one? I am so hungry,” the turtle smacked its lips.

The monkey laughed at the turtle.  “How strange you look, with leaves sprouting from your shell.  Who are you?”

“I’m Tilly, and I’m a tree turtle. I can help give you food, if you help me pick them from the trees.”

“Who says I need help? You’re too short anyway,” The monkey mocked the turtle. “All I need is to swing along these trees to feed myself.”

“Everybody needs help sometimes,” Tilly the turtle said,” even someone like you.”

“Like I said little guy, scram!” the monkey turned its back on the turtle.

“Well, if your sure…” the tree turtle whistled. “Let’s go guys!  Mr. Monkey doesn’t need us.  Maybe we’ll find someone else willing to help!”

And the ground shook as hundreds of tree turtles stood up, each one carrying a banana plant on its back. They swam to the nearby shore, leaving the island bare.

Mr. Monkey’s jaw dropped to the ground as it realized what it had lost.

The End.

Hibbou turned to Hoot and grabbed his wings. “C’mon Hoot, let’s build my stick tower together!”