Luca Learns to Read the Woods
Luca goes for a walk with Grandpa and learns to see what the forest is saying.
On Saturday morning, Luca went walking in the woods with Toby the pony. ‘Today,’ said Toby, ‘we’re going to listen with our eyes.’ Luca wasn’t sure what that meant.
They stepped quietly along the trail. Toby stopped and pointed at the mud. ‘Look.’ Luca crouched down and saw a path of tiny footprints in the mud. ‘A hedgehog passed by here this morning,’ whispered Toby.
Further on, they saw a feather, a nibbled acorn and a spider web covered in dew. Each one told a little story. Luca began to notice more and more: bark scratched by a squirrel, a nest high in a tree.
They sat by a stream and ate sandwiches. A woodpecker tapped in the distance. A dragonfly hummed past. Luca realised the forest was full of life, once you slowed down enough to see it.
On the way home, Luca said, ‘Thanks, Toby. I never knew woods could talk.’ Toby smiled. ‘They always do. You just have to listen.’ And Luca kept looking all the way home.
The little lesson
If you slow down and look, nature tells you wonderful stories.
Let’s talk about it
- What tracks have you seen?
- What did Grandpa show Luca?
Finish stories to collect Luca as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
More Outdoors stories
A Night Under the Stars with Caleb
Caleb sleeps in a tent for the first time and hears all the night sounds of the woods.
Tracks in the Mud: Bella’s Walk
Bella goes for a walk with Grandpa and learns to see what the forest is saying.
The Forest Trail with Rocco
Rocco goes for a walk with Grandpa and learns to see what the forest is saying.
You might also like
Coach Enzo’s Secret Boots
In the attic, Dylan finds a pair of dusty old boots with a name inside.
Sia Against the Giants
A tiny village team faces a mighty club in the cup. Can heart beat height?
Market Day with Ravi
Ravi gets lost in a busy market, but kind strangers help him find the way.