Robin The Raccoon’s Birthday Adventure!

Robin, the raccoon woke up bright and early. It was his birthday after all!

To celebrate Robin turning 3 years old, his mom and dad had put together a special day for him. But it was a surprise for Robin! They also wanted to take this opportunity to help Robin learn how to live in the forest and take care of himself. After all, raccoons do need to learn how to survive on their own in the wild.

“Robin, we have a special task for you today. We know it’s your birthday but you are also becoming a big raccoon now. We are running low on our stock of food and we need your help.” said his dad.

Robin thought, “my mom and dad think I am responsible and trust me to get the food! I shall do my best!”

He said, “sure dad! Tell me where it is and I will carry it home.”

His dad smiled and said, “if it were only that simple, Robin. You will need to go across the forest and find the food yourself. It is going to be a tough task. But you can take the help of all your animal friends along the way.”

His mom said, “remember to be careful and don’t talk to any strangers.”

With this sage advice, mixed with some nervous excitement, Robin set out to accomplish his task.

As he moved through the forest, he spotted Iggy the Iguana at a distance.

"Hey Iggy! It's my birthday today!" Iggy was an old chap. Birthday's did not excite him that much nowadays. Still, to match the young raccoons excitement, Iggy said, "Happy birthday, Robin! Where are you off to?"

"I am off to gather some food for my family. I am a big raccoon now, you see. Would you happen to know which way I should go to find some food for us? It's my first time out across these lands by myself", said Robin.

Iggy replied,

“Through the forest, by the river,

Over the grassy knoll, past the beaver,

Around the rock you’ll find what you look for,

You may not eat it, but you’ll feel full for sure!." Robin was grateful, "Thanks Iggy! Bye!"

As Robin reached the river and looked around, he could not see any food. But he did see something rising out of the water, slowly, getting bigger and bigger......

It was Harriet the Hippopotamus! She was always nice to him. He asked, "Hi Harriet! It's my birthday today! Can you please help point me towards the spot where I can find some food for my family?"

Harriet replied, "Happy birthday little fellow!

Through the forest, by the river,

Over the grassy knoll, past the beaver,

Around the rock you’ll find what you look for,

You may not eat it, but you’ll feel full for sure!."

Robin was surprised. How did Harriet repeat the same advice as Iggy?

"Thanks Harriet!", said Robin, and walked along following the river.

Just as he was passing a bush, he spotted Joey the Jaguar, his buddy! "Joey! you almost scared me! Why are you hiding behind the bushes?" Joey said, "I am practicing my hunting skills, Robin!"

Robin said, "I am also 3 years old now. We do need to learn a few things. I am off to find food for my family. Bye!"

Joey waved and said, “Bye Robin. Remember…

Through the forest, by the river,

Over the grassy knoll, past the beaver,

Around the rock you’ll find what you look for,

You may not eat it, but you’ll feel full for sure!”

Again the same message! A curious Robin continued along the river, wondering when he might come across some food.

He soon saw Lilly the Llama, munching on some grass on a grassy knoll. "Hi Lilly!"

Lilly looked up lazily and saw Robin. “Hey Robin. Come join in. This grass is amazing!”

“I don’t want to eat grass, but I am looking for some food for my family. Can you please guide me?”, pleaded Robin, feeling dejected and a bit tired now.

Lilly looked over her shoulder and said, “Through the forest, by the river,

Over the grassy knoll, past the beaver,

Around the rock you’ll find what you look for,

You may not eat it, but you’ll feel full for sure!”

Robin smiled. Finally! He had made it over the grassy knoll and could see the rock!

He thanked Lilly and scampered over to the hill. And just like everyone said… he did see the beaver as he went past the beaver’s dam! He must be on track!

And as soon as he went around the hill….., he was overwhelmed with a huge roaring chorus …. “Happy Birthday Robin!!”

Robin rubbed his eyes. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing! His mom, dad, all his friends were there! It was a surprise birthday celebration!

Everyone celebrated Robin’s 3rd birthday together with lots of laughter and happy memories…

So he ultimately did find the food. But he also found all those that he loved more than anything in the whole wide world! And yes, he couldn’t eat all that love, but he did feel full for sure!

The End.

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Written & Visualised by Sujata Ayer

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