SOS: Seekers of Spirit – 5 - 8 years old
For beginning and intermediate young reader, these stories are a little longer and are filled with fun characters and situations that help teach empowering decision-making skills. Parents and kids read these stories together and use the questions at the end to start a conversation!

New Friends

Kiera walked to Frog Pond with her friend Cheeky the Squirrel, who scurried along next to her. The rays of the sun filtered through the leaves on the trees, creating a patchwork of light. It was another beautiful day in Wee Wisdom Village. Kiera was glad to see that Cheeky was enjoying the hike without stopping to look for a nut! As they approached the pond they saw a lone loon floating on the lake. It was a beautiful sight. The water was calm and the lily pads were in full bloom. They walked right up to the water’s edge and sat on a log. Kiera dipped her feet in the water, while Cheeky stretched out in the sun and relaxed.

Suddenly there was a big splash, sending a spray of water over Kiera, who actually thought it felt rather refreshing. But Cheeky let out a screech and high-tailed it off the log and back to the grass, shaking off as he ran and saying, “Oh, I am not fond of this pond, when it gets me so wet!”

“Cheeky, you’ll dry off in a minute. What was it? Did you see anything? “ “Kiera, I only saw the biggest wave ever! I think it was a tidal wave! We’re lucky to still be alive. I am enjoying every moment…now that I’m not getting drenched!”

“Calm down, Cheeky. We are just wet. Willow! Are you here?” Kiera yelled. “We need your help.” But there was no answer. Then something rubbed against Kiera’s leg and scared her. “Yikes!”

“It’s just me, your favorite cat,” said Allie as she started purring. “What happened to you, Cheeky? You look like something the cat dragged in!”

Kiera said, “We were laying here with our eyes closed and something big splashed right near us.”

“It was much bigger than a splash, it was practically a tidal wave!” corrected Cheeky. “I am sure that if you just remain calm, the reason and answer will come. Just stretch out in the sun,” Allie said as she walked to the edge of the pond. “Being the curious cat that I am, I happened to take the long way here. And, I think we have a new visitor in Wee Wisdom Village. Take a look across the pond. That might be the source of the big splash.”

They looked across the pond and saw a boy standing at the water’s edge. He picked up a big rock and threw it as far as he could. His dog remained at his side. Kiera waved but he didn’t wave back. “He doesn’t seem very friendly, does he?” Then Kiera yelled, “Hello. My name’s Kiera.”

The boy looked in her direction, waved back and said, “Hi. I hope I didn’t bother you!”

Allie looked at Kiera and said, “Kiera, you don’t even know who that is. You aren’t supposed to talk to strangers.”

“Allie, he’s at Wee Wisdom Village and all alone. Let’s all take a moment and connect with all the truth and love in the world. Does anyone feel uncomfortable meeting him?”

They all took a deep breath and felt the energy and truth that was all around them. “It feels like the right thing to do,” said Allie. “I can’t believe I’m saying that! A strange dog, too!”

Together they walked down the path to the other side of the pond, and as they got near they waved, once again. But the boy didn’t respond and instead said, “Hi. I think I hear you. Are you there? My name is Kai and this is my Leader Dog, Trusty. I named him Trusty because I have to trust his eyes to work for me.”

Allie, Kiera and Cheeky all stopped in their tracks and just looked at each other. Then Allie said, “Is your dog cat-friendly? My name’s Allie the Cat.”

“Oh, he loves cats and he never chases them. I am so glad you came over. Trusty brought me down here. I’m staying in the Cozy Cottage for the summer and am so glad I met some new friends.”

Kiera went up to him and said, “Hi. I’m Kiera. Nice to meet you. This is my friend Cheeky the Squirrel.”

Cheeky spoke up and said, “Nice to meet you. You created quite a splash with us already,” as he remembered how upset he had been before they knew that Kai was blind. They all had a good laugh and it was the start of a wonderful, new friendship.

Question for Kids: Did you ever meet someone new who, you first judged then discovered that you really liked? Why do you think we judge people? Have you ever felt judged by someone? What could we do instead of judging them?

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