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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Kids
- Theme: Action & Adventure
- Subject: Pets / Animal Friends
- Published: 06/25/2022
Nibblemore
Born 1957, F, from Mesick Michigan, United StatesThe sweet smell of a warm berry pie filled a den on the edge of the forest. The aroma blew through the tunnels drifting into a nearby meadow where a family of seven busy bunnies' slumber in the late spring morning sun. When suddenly a bunny named Nibblemore screams as he thumps through the family's burrow. “What's that smell? What's that smell? Did you make a pie? MOM! MOM? Where are you? Hopping into his parents' bedroom he sees that they are still asleep. His brothers and sister are sleeping too.
Nibblemore sets out on an adventure to find where the succulent smell is coming from. Running through the meadow, nearing the edge of the forest, stopping to nibble on just about anything he comes across including dandelion greens, wildflowers, clover, grasses and weeds, hence his name Nibblemore, he stops and looks at the immense forest lying just ahead. Being the youngest of five bunnies, he has never ventured out beyond the meadow's edge. Nibblemore is not only the youngest but also very tiny for his age. His older siblings have scampered through the forest many times in search of nuts, wild strawberries, wild blueberries and tasty tree bark and twigs.
But this early morning as the sun is just rising above the horizon the scent is more than he can bear. So, he takes his first hops into the unknown vast forest. The whiskers on his little nose twitch as he sniffs the air. His little legs eagerly lead him in the direction of the smell. After a few hops he stops. He no longer can see the safety of the meadow. Nibblemore looks all around, it's dark and cold, not bright and open and sunny like the meadow. “Mommmy!” he softly whimpers. He hops to and fro and in circles through the forest in hopes of coming to the meadow, but the meadow never appears.
Back at the burro, his family is awakening. “Whiskers! Scatter! Daisy! Nibblemore! Peanut! it's time to get up. Mama has breakfast ready, so wash your whiskers and shine those incisors and molars.” Dad honks from down a narrow tunnel.
“OK dad,” Whisker yells from a couple tunnels away. A few minutes later the siblings come scampering through the burrow. They all hop over to where their mom has a nice mound of goldenrod, buttercup, smartweed, clover, dandelion and grasses. Within seconds the bunnies dig in.
“Hey, there's enough for everyone.” Mom announces. “Slow down, your eating like Nibblemore.” Nibblemore, where is he anyway? Still cleaning up?”
“No, mom. He wasn't with us.” said Daisy.
“I haven't seen him since we went to bed last night.” Peanut said.
“Scatter, did you see Nibblemore this morning when you woke up?”
“No, mom.”
“OK, everyone, don't worry. Eat up, we'll go looking for him after breakfast. You know Nibblemore, he's probably already in the meadow eating everything in sight.” Dad said.
The family quickly eats a few bites and then plans out their search for Nibblemore.
“Now we'll begin looking for Nibble (his nickname given to him when he was born because he constantly nibbled on his mommy's feet, ears, nose and everything around him). Your mother and I will divide you up, that way we will be sure to cover all of the meadow and forest if need be. You all know this meadow very well. Daisy head east towards the rising sun. Your eyes adjust very well to the bright sunshine.”
“OK daddy. I'll find him!”
“Scatter, I want you to head west towards the little creek. You are the best at scampering around, under and through the challenges of the meadow as it thickens with plants on the west side. Remember many of the animals that are of danger to us visit that creek for drinks of fresh water, so be on the look out. Stay out of sight. They can smell you. Be smart Scatter.”
“No problem dad. I'll be all right.”
“I hope so son. Just be safe.”
“Whiskers and Peanut, you two are the oldest so I want you bucks to head into the forest. You have been out there many times and I trust that you can take care of yourselves and be careful. I know you both are very familiar with the Sly family and you know their mysterious ways, but still be on the alert.”
“Oh we will dad. I'll take care of that Ralph Sly if he comes anywhere near us.” Said Whiskers. He is not nice at all.”
“Now, now you are just out there to look for your brother. Stay away from the Slys.”
“Yes Dad.”
“Your mother and I will hop towards the south field where there are many of the foods Nibble likes to eat. We're hoping he is out there. If we don't find him there we will join you in the forest."
“OK my sweet cuddly bunnies let's go find your little brother.” Mama said in a tiny squeaky voice.
“Mama we'll find him. Don't worry.” Little Daisy said.
Meanwhile back in the deep dark forest Nibblemore continues his search to find the source of the sweet aroma that still drifts in the air. It's a difficult journey. He encounters many obstacles on his quest like grown thicket with pointy thorns that poke his skin and hurt. “What's that?” He whispers to himself as he hears wind blowing and branches creaking and leaves rustling. With his body trembling and his heart pumping and stomach growling little Nibblemore scampers as fast as his legs will carry him through the forest towards the yummy smell. All of a sudden he stops. Right in front of his eyes on an old stump of a tree lies what he has been searching for, a scrumptious berry pie. Nibblemore ever so slowly eases toward the pie when out of a burro appears a fox. She examines the pie.
“No honey. It's still too hot to eat. We'll let it cool for a little while.” She calls back to her family in the den.
“OK mommy.”
She sniffs the air in Nibblemore's direction. He quickly ducks under a tiny bush. She shakes her head and crawls back in to her den.
Nibblemore thinks, this is my chance. I've got to get that pie. He hops over to the stump but realizes he is too short to reach it. But he is determined not to give up. Looking around he sees a thick twig close to the stump. If he can only get it to the stump he can hop up on it and grab the pie. So with all the strength he can muster he hops at the twig pushing it with his body and his nose over and over. Finally the twig is where he needs it to be. He hops up to the pie sticks his nose in it and takes a big bite and yells. “Ouuu!"
Out of the burro come a family of foxes (the Sly family). Nibblemore hops from the twig, thumps his hind legs and scatters away as quickly as he can like his life was dependent on it, which it was. Foxes love to eat rabbits. His family warned him about foxes particularly the Sly family. Now he wished he'd never left the safety of his burro in the meadow. He wanted his mommy and daddy and siblings. Would he ever see them again.
The family of foxes were right on his tail.
“You must be Nibblemore? I've heard about you. You're one of those rabbits that live in the meadow.” I love to eat little bunnies. One bite and they're gone!” Hollered Ralph.
“Noooooo!” cried Nibblemore. “Leave me alone. Get away from me.”
“Getting tired, aren't you Bushy? I can run faster than you.”
Ralph was so close that Nibblemore could feel him brushing against his tail. He willed his legs to run faster but they couldn't. Just then......
“Nibblemore, there you are!”
He heard familiar voices but he also heard unfamiliar voices too.
“Ralph, stop! right this instant!"
“But dad.....”
“No but dad.....”
“Ralph, you have been told to never bother those rabbits. You disobeyed a direct order. You will know your punishment later. Now you will apologize to Nibblemore? Is it?”
“Nibblemore, yes sir. Sir, it's my fault. I tried to steal the pie.”
“Oh, Nibblemore.” Said Mrs. Fox.
“Nibble, you are in so much trouble. Dad is so mad at you. And mom is really worried.” His siblings rambled on. “Dad has everyone out looking for you. Boy are you going to get it.”
“Get what?” asked Nibblemore.
“Sometimes you are so dense.” His brother Peanut commented.
“Nibblemore! Nibblemore! I smell you. Where are you honey?”
“Right here mommy!
They each hop through the forest running to each other. Noses nuzzling together. Whiskers tickling, noses twitching.
“Oh Nibblemore what were you thinking? We love you so much little one. You had us all so scared. Why did you venture to the forest? Haven't we talked to you about the dangers of the woods?”
“Yes, mommy you have. I'm sorry. When I woke up, I smelled berry pie. I thought you made one. But when I didn't see any I followed the smell. It lead me to the forest. I didn't want to go into the woods but I wanted pie.”
By now all the animals were standing around Nibblemore and his mommy.
“I understand honey. But that was wrong. Did you tell Mrs. Fox you're sorry?”
“I'm sorry Mrs. Fox.”
“I accept your apology Nibblemore. You and your family are welcomed to our burro anytime. I hope you know that. In fact, Nibblemore, if you still want that slice of pie follow Ralph to the tunnel over there.”
“Um, no thanks that's OK.”
“No need to be afraid of us son. We don't eat rabbit.” Chuckles Mr. Fox.
“Mom, dad?”
“It's OK dear.” His mommy said. “Let's all go have some of Mrs. Fox's mouthwatering berry pie.”
Just then Daisy and Scatter came wildly hopping through the forest.
“Nibblemore! your OK!" his sister Daisy cried, as she ran to her brother. Hopping straight into one another. The two youngest siblings continue to hop in circles, jump in the air, nudge and nibble at each other in a sign of pure sibling love.
“Let's celebrate this joyous occasion by having that pie.” Mrs. Fox commanded.
The Fox and Rabbit family made their way through the tunnels to where the scent of fresh berry pie awaited them all. “See Nibblemore, I always make more than one pie!” Nibblemore hopped in circles and laughed so hard his tummy hurt. As they munched on the pie they shared family stories.
As years passed the young foxes and bunnies became best of friends. The Foxes learned about life in the meadow and the Rabbit family learned about life in the forest. Each keeping the others safe from harm. Ralph became Nibblemore's protector hardly letting him out of his sight. The mom's continued to make the best pies ever sharing generational recipes. And what about the dad's, well they were busy hunting. They each shared their tricks for catching prey and finding the tastiest greens and sweetest flowers and plants. And the children, they played from dawn until dusk.
Throughout the forest and the meadow tales were told to all the little animals about a Fox and Rabbit family that became inseparable.
Nibblemore(Shelly Garrod)
The sweet smell of a warm berry pie filled a den on the edge of the forest. The aroma blew through the tunnels drifting into a nearby meadow where a family of seven busy bunnies' slumber in the late spring morning sun. When suddenly a bunny named Nibblemore screams as he thumps through the family's burrow. “What's that smell? What's that smell? Did you make a pie? MOM! MOM? Where are you? Hopping into his parents' bedroom he sees that they are still asleep. His brothers and sister are sleeping too.
Nibblemore sets out on an adventure to find where the succulent smell is coming from. Running through the meadow, nearing the edge of the forest, stopping to nibble on just about anything he comes across including dandelion greens, wildflowers, clover, grasses and weeds, hence his name Nibblemore, he stops and looks at the immense forest lying just ahead. Being the youngest of five bunnies, he has never ventured out beyond the meadow's edge. Nibblemore is not only the youngest but also very tiny for his age. His older siblings have scampered through the forest many times in search of nuts, wild strawberries, wild blueberries and tasty tree bark and twigs.
But this early morning as the sun is just rising above the horizon the scent is more than he can bear. So, he takes his first hops into the unknown vast forest. The whiskers on his little nose twitch as he sniffs the air. His little legs eagerly lead him in the direction of the smell. After a few hops he stops. He no longer can see the safety of the meadow. Nibblemore looks all around, it's dark and cold, not bright and open and sunny like the meadow. “Mommmy!” he softly whimpers. He hops to and fro and in circles through the forest in hopes of coming to the meadow, but the meadow never appears.
Back at the burro, his family is awakening. “Whiskers! Scatter! Daisy! Nibblemore! Peanut! it's time to get up. Mama has breakfast ready, so wash your whiskers and shine those incisors and molars.” Dad honks from down a narrow tunnel.
“OK dad,” Whisker yells from a couple tunnels away. A few minutes later the siblings come scampering through the burrow. They all hop over to where their mom has a nice mound of goldenrod, buttercup, smartweed, clover, dandelion and grasses. Within seconds the bunnies dig in.
“Hey, there's enough for everyone.” Mom announces. “Slow down, your eating like Nibblemore.” Nibblemore, where is he anyway? Still cleaning up?”
“No, mom. He wasn't with us.” said Daisy.
“I haven't seen him since we went to bed last night.” Peanut said.
“Scatter, did you see Nibblemore this morning when you woke up?”
“No, mom.”
“OK, everyone, don't worry. Eat up, we'll go looking for him after breakfast. You know Nibblemore, he's probably already in the meadow eating everything in sight.” Dad said.
The family quickly eats a few bites and then plans out their search for Nibblemore.
“Now we'll begin looking for Nibble (his nickname given to him when he was born because he constantly nibbled on his mommy's feet, ears, nose and everything around him). Your mother and I will divide you up, that way we will be sure to cover all of the meadow and forest if need be. You all know this meadow very well. Daisy head east towards the rising sun. Your eyes adjust very well to the bright sunshine.”
“OK daddy. I'll find him!”
“Scatter, I want you to head west towards the little creek. You are the best at scampering around, under and through the challenges of the meadow as it thickens with plants on the west side. Remember many of the animals that are of danger to us visit that creek for drinks of fresh water, so be on the look out. Stay out of sight. They can smell you. Be smart Scatter.”
“No problem dad. I'll be all right.”
“I hope so son. Just be safe.”
“Whiskers and Peanut, you two are the oldest so I want you bucks to head into the forest. You have been out there many times and I trust that you can take care of yourselves and be careful. I know you both are very familiar with the Sly family and you know their mysterious ways, but still be on the alert.”
“Oh we will dad. I'll take care of that Ralph Sly if he comes anywhere near us.” Said Whiskers. He is not nice at all.”
“Now, now you are just out there to look for your brother. Stay away from the Slys.”
“Yes Dad.”
“Your mother and I will hop towards the south field where there are many of the foods Nibble likes to eat. We're hoping he is out there. If we don't find him there we will join you in the forest."
“OK my sweet cuddly bunnies let's go find your little brother.” Mama said in a tiny squeaky voice.
“Mama we'll find him. Don't worry.” Little Daisy said.
Meanwhile back in the deep dark forest Nibblemore continues his search to find the source of the sweet aroma that still drifts in the air. It's a difficult journey. He encounters many obstacles on his quest like grown thicket with pointy thorns that poke his skin and hurt. “What's that?” He whispers to himself as he hears wind blowing and branches creaking and leaves rustling. With his body trembling and his heart pumping and stomach growling little Nibblemore scampers as fast as his legs will carry him through the forest towards the yummy smell. All of a sudden he stops. Right in front of his eyes on an old stump of a tree lies what he has been searching for, a scrumptious berry pie. Nibblemore ever so slowly eases toward the pie when out of a burro appears a fox. She examines the pie.
“No honey. It's still too hot to eat. We'll let it cool for a little while.” She calls back to her family in the den.
“OK mommy.”
She sniffs the air in Nibblemore's direction. He quickly ducks under a tiny bush. She shakes her head and crawls back in to her den.
Nibblemore thinks, this is my chance. I've got to get that pie. He hops over to the stump but realizes he is too short to reach it. But he is determined not to give up. Looking around he sees a thick twig close to the stump. If he can only get it to the stump he can hop up on it and grab the pie. So with all the strength he can muster he hops at the twig pushing it with his body and his nose over and over. Finally the twig is where he needs it to be. He hops up to the pie sticks his nose in it and takes a big bite and yells. “Ouuu!"
Out of the burro come a family of foxes (the Sly family). Nibblemore hops from the twig, thumps his hind legs and scatters away as quickly as he can like his life was dependent on it, which it was. Foxes love to eat rabbits. His family warned him about foxes particularly the Sly family. Now he wished he'd never left the safety of his burro in the meadow. He wanted his mommy and daddy and siblings. Would he ever see them again.
The family of foxes were right on his tail.
“You must be Nibblemore? I've heard about you. You're one of those rabbits that live in the meadow.” I love to eat little bunnies. One bite and they're gone!” Hollered Ralph.
“Noooooo!” cried Nibblemore. “Leave me alone. Get away from me.”
“Getting tired, aren't you Bushy? I can run faster than you.”
Ralph was so close that Nibblemore could feel him brushing against his tail. He willed his legs to run faster but they couldn't. Just then......
“Nibblemore, there you are!”
He heard familiar voices but he also heard unfamiliar voices too.
“Ralph, stop! right this instant!"
“But dad.....”
“No but dad.....”
“Ralph, you have been told to never bother those rabbits. You disobeyed a direct order. You will know your punishment later. Now you will apologize to Nibblemore? Is it?”
“Nibblemore, yes sir. Sir, it's my fault. I tried to steal the pie.”
“Oh, Nibblemore.” Said Mrs. Fox.
“Nibble, you are in so much trouble. Dad is so mad at you. And mom is really worried.” His siblings rambled on. “Dad has everyone out looking for you. Boy are you going to get it.”
“Get what?” asked Nibblemore.
“Sometimes you are so dense.” His brother Peanut commented.
“Nibblemore! Nibblemore! I smell you. Where are you honey?”
“Right here mommy!
They each hop through the forest running to each other. Noses nuzzling together. Whiskers tickling, noses twitching.
“Oh Nibblemore what were you thinking? We love you so much little one. You had us all so scared. Why did you venture to the forest? Haven't we talked to you about the dangers of the woods?”
“Yes, mommy you have. I'm sorry. When I woke up, I smelled berry pie. I thought you made one. But when I didn't see any I followed the smell. It lead me to the forest. I didn't want to go into the woods but I wanted pie.”
By now all the animals were standing around Nibblemore and his mommy.
“I understand honey. But that was wrong. Did you tell Mrs. Fox you're sorry?”
“I'm sorry Mrs. Fox.”
“I accept your apology Nibblemore. You and your family are welcomed to our burro anytime. I hope you know that. In fact, Nibblemore, if you still want that slice of pie follow Ralph to the tunnel over there.”
“Um, no thanks that's OK.”
“No need to be afraid of us son. We don't eat rabbit.” Chuckles Mr. Fox.
“Mom, dad?”
“It's OK dear.” His mommy said. “Let's all go have some of Mrs. Fox's mouthwatering berry pie.”
Just then Daisy and Scatter came wildly hopping through the forest.
“Nibblemore! your OK!" his sister Daisy cried, as she ran to her brother. Hopping straight into one another. The two youngest siblings continue to hop in circles, jump in the air, nudge and nibble at each other in a sign of pure sibling love.
“Let's celebrate this joyous occasion by having that pie.” Mrs. Fox commanded.
The Fox and Rabbit family made their way through the tunnels to where the scent of fresh berry pie awaited them all. “See Nibblemore, I always make more than one pie!” Nibblemore hopped in circles and laughed so hard his tummy hurt. As they munched on the pie they shared family stories.
As years passed the young foxes and bunnies became best of friends. The Foxes learned about life in the meadow and the Rabbit family learned about life in the forest. Each keeping the others safe from harm. Ralph became Nibblemore's protector hardly letting him out of his sight. The mom's continued to make the best pies ever sharing generational recipes. And what about the dad's, well they were busy hunting. They each shared their tricks for catching prey and finding the tastiest greens and sweetest flowers and plants. And the children, they played from dawn until dusk.
Throughout the forest and the meadow tales were told to all the little animals about a Fox and Rabbit family that became inseparable.
- Share this story on
- 7
Shirley Smothers
08/07/2022What a cute story. You should try to get this professionly published. Sweet story.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
08/07/2022Oh thank you so much Shirley. Your kind comments mean so much. I'm not sure this story is good enough for that. I'm so happy you enjoyed the story.
Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Gerald R Gioglio
08/07/2022Very cute, Shelly. I'll have to read this to my grand daughter. Thanks, Jerry
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
08/07/2022Thank you so much Jerry. I sure hope your granddaughter enjoys the story. If you can, let me know what she thinks. I would love to hear her opinion.
Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Kevin Hughes
08/07/2022Good Job Shelly!
Like JD...I kidna questioned "foxes don't eat rabbits"...but like Chris's comment, I hope all animals (including us) learn to get along. Congrats!
Smiles, Kevin
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
08/07/2022It's a children's story, I didn't want the bunnies to get eaten by foxes. lol. And I wanted lessons to be learned. I hope I accomplished that.
Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Christopher Long
08/07/2022such a wonderful story, the sentiment remind me of brian jacques Redwall books the theme of living in harmony with each other and sharing
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
08/07/2022Thank you Christopher for your kind comments. Yes, if bunnies and foxes can get along and share why can't we? Glad you enjoyed the story.
Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
JD
08/06/2022Cute story for kids. Definitely a 'fairy tale' when the foxes do not eat the bunnies, but a nice idea for sure. Happy short story STAR of the day, Shelly! :-)
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
08/07/2022Thank you so much JD for your kind comments and choosing my story for Story Star of the day. Glad you enjoyed the story.
Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Lillian Kazmierczak
08/07/2022This was a nice story Shelly! Congratulations on short story star of the day!
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
06/28/2022Thanks again Lillian for your kind comments. Glad you enjoyed the children's story.
Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Kimberly Barnhart
06/25/2022I loved the ending to this story! Great story of friendship! Perfect to read to your kids or grandkids!
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
06/28/2022Thanks for reading and commenting. I hope kids and grandkids will enjoy the story.
Shelly
COMMENTS (9)