Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

Short Stories for Kids

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The Squirrel’s Big Adventure

Sammy the squirrel embarks on a thrilling scavenger hunt, discovering that the true treasure is friendship.

Try this story at a different level?

 

Once upon a time, in a lush green forest, there lived a mischievous and curious squirrel named Sammy. Sammy was known for his playful and adventurous nature. One sunny morning, while hopping from tree to tree, he noticed a group of animals gathering near a tall oak tree. Curiosity piqued, Sammy joined the crowd, only to discover that the animals were signing up for a daring race to find the hidden treasure buried deep within the forest.

With twinkling eyes and an ambitious spirit, Sammy decided to participate. The race would be no ordinary race; it was a scavenger hunt filled with challenges and puzzles that would test the animals’ wit and agility. As the race began, Sammy darted off, nimble as ever, racing against squirrels, rabbits, and even a clever fox.

As Sammy journeyed deeper into the forest, he came across various obstacles. He had to cross a river by gripping onto wobbly branches; he had to jump over a slippery log, and he even had to crawl under a bush filled with thorns. Despite all the challenges along the way, Sammy never lost his determined spirit and cheeky grin.

Finally, after hours of navigating through the forest, Sammy reached the final clue. The treasure was hidden inside a hollow tree, but the tree was guarded by a wise and kind owl named Oliver. Sammy approached Oliver, pleading for a chance to prove himself. Oliver, intrigued by Sammy’s persistence, decided to give him a chance.

Sammy put his mind to work and solved the final puzzle. To his surprise, the treasure was not gold or jewels but a collection of acorns—a squirrel’s most precious possession. Sammy’s heart filled with joy, as he realized that the true treasure was friendship and the bonds formed during the adventure.

As Sammy celebrated his victory with Oliver and fellow race participants, he learned that the journey was more important than the destination. He discovered the joy of pushing his limits, overcoming obstacles, and making friends along the way. From that day forward, Sammy embraced every adventure with enthusiasm and an open heart, knowing that the greatest treasures were the memories and lessons gained in pursuit of the unknown.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1mischievousPlayfully naughty or troublesome
2piquedStimulated interest or curiosity
3ambitiousHaving a strong desire for success or achievement
4scavengerA person or animal that searches for and collects discarded items
5nimbleQuick and light in movement or action
6dartedMoved suddenly and quickly
7wobblyUnsteady or shaky
8slipperyTending to cause slipping or sliding
9crawlMove on hands and knees or by dragging the body close to the ground
10thornsSharp, pointed spines found on some plants
11determinedHaving a firm resolution or unwavering purpose
12navigatingThe process of planning and directing the course of a journey
13hollowEmpty or unfilled space within a solid object
14persistenceThe quality of being tenacious, or continuing to exist
15bondsConnections or relationships among people based on shared experiences or mutual support

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What kind of animal is Sammy?
2. Where did Sammy notice the group of animals gathering?
3. What kind of race did Sammy decide to participate in?
4. What obstacles did Sammy encounter along the way?
5. Who guarded the hollow tree where the treasure was hidden?
6. What was the treasure that Sammy found?
7. What did Sammy learn during his adventure?
8. How did Sammy feel after finding the treasure?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time, in a lush green forest, there (1)______ a mischievous and curious squirrel named Sammy. Sammy was known for his playful and adventurous nature. One sunny morning, while (2)______ from tree to tree, he noticed a group of animals gathering near a tall oak tree. Curiosity piqued, Sammy joined the crowd, only to discover that the animals were signing up for a daring race to find the hidden (3)______ buried deep within the forest.

With twinkling eyes and an ambitious (4)______, Sammy decided to participate. The race would be no ordinary race; it was a (5)______ hunt filled with challenges and puzzles that would test the animals’ wit and agility. As the race began, Sammy darted off, nimble as ever, (6)______ against squirrels, rabbits, and even a clever fox.

As Sammy journeyed deeper into the forest, he came a(7)______ various obstacles. He had to cross a (8)______ by gripping onto wobbly branches; he had to jump over a slippery log, and he even had to crawl under a bush filled with thorns. Despite all the challenges along the way, Sammy never lost his determined spirit and cheeky grin.

Finally, after hours of navigating through the forest, Sammy reached the final clue. The treasure was hidden inside a hollow tree, but the tree was (9)______ by a wise and kind owl named Oliver. Sammy approached Oliver, pleading for a chance to prove himself. Oliver, intrigued by Sammy’s (10)______, decided to give him a chance.

Sammy put his mind to work and solved the final puzzle. To his surprise, the treasure was not gold or jewels but a collection of acorns—a squirrel’s most precious (11)______. Sammy’s (12)______ filled with joy, as he (13)______ that the true treasure was friendship and the bonds formed during the adventure.

As Sammy celebrated his victory with Oliver and (14)______ race participants, he learned that the journey was more important than the (15)______. He discovered the joy of pushing his limits, overcoming (16)______, and making friends along the way. From that day forward, Sammy embraced every adventure with enthusiasm and an open heart, knowing that the greatest treasures were the memories and lessons gained in pursuit of the unknown.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is the significance of Sammy’s playful and adventurous nature in the story?
2. How would you feel if you were in Sammy’s shoes and discovered a hidden treasure?
3. Do you like participating in races or scavenger hunts? Why or why not?
4. Do you think it’s important to have a determined spirit and positive attitude when facing challenges? Why or why not?
5. What is a precious possession to you? Why is it valuable?
6. How would you feel if you were faced with obstacles like Sammy did in the story? Why?
7. Do you think friendship is more valuable than material possessions? Why or why not?
8. How do you think the bonds formed during Sammy’s adventure impacted his life?
9. What is the significance of the phrase “the journey is more important than the destination” in the story?
10. Have you ever pushed your limits or overcome obstacles in pursuit of something? How did it make you feel?
11. Do you think it’s important to embrace new adventures with enthusiasm and an open heart? Why or why not?
12. What lessons do you think Sammy learned from his adventure? How can you apply those lessons to your own life?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. mischievous
2. piqued
3. ambitious
4. scavenger
5. nimble
6. darted
7. wobbly
8. slippery
9. crawl
10. thorns
11. determined
12. navigating
13. hollow
14. persistence
15. bonds

Meanings:
(A) Unsteady or shaky
(B) Sharp, pointed spines found on some plants
(C) A person or animal that searches for and collects discarded items
(D) Having a firm resolution or unwavering purpose
(E) Playfully naughty or troublesome
(F) Having a strong desire for success or achievement
(G) The process of planning and directing the course of a journey
(H) Quick and light in movement or action
(I) Tending to cause slipping or sliding
(J) Empty or unfilled space within a solid object
(K) The quality of being tenacious, or continuing to exist
(L) Move on hands and knees or by dragging the body close to the ground
(M) Moved suddenly and quickly
(N) Stimulated interest or curiosity
(O) Connections or relationships among people based on shared experiences or mutual support
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What was the name of the mischievous squirrel in the story?
(a) Oliver
(b) Sammy
(c) Watson
(d) Robert

2. What type of race did the animals participate in?
(a) Marathon
(b) Swimming race
(c) Chess tournament
(d) Scavenger hunt

3. What was the final clue leading to the treasure hidden inside?
(a) A river
(b) A mountain peak
(c) A hollow tree
(d) A cave

4. Who guarded the hollow tree where the treasure was hidden?
(a) Oliver the owl
(b) Sammy’s best friend
(c) A mischievous fox
(d) A wise rabbit

5. What did Sammy find inside the hollow tree?
(a) Gold and jewels
(b) A collection of acorns
(c) A magical wand
(d) A map to another treasure

6. What did Sammy learn was the true treasure?
(a) Gold and jewels
(b) Winning the race
(c) Friendship and bonds formed during the adventure
(d) Overcoming obstacles

7. What was the name of the wise owl who guarded the hollow tree?
(a) Sammy
(b) Watson
(c) Robert
(d) Oliver

8. What did Sammy embrace after his adventure?
(a) Every adventure with enthusiasm and an open heart
(b) Staying at home and never leaving the forest
(c) Avoiding challenges and obstacles
(d) Giving up on making friends

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The race is a scavenger hunt with challenges and puzzles to test the animals’ wit and agility.
2. The true treasure Sammy learns is friendship and the bonds formed during the adventure.
3. Despite the challenges, Sammy maintains his determined spirit and cheeky grin.
4. Sammy is a mischievous and curious squirrel who lives in a lush green forest.
5. Sammy approaches every adventure with apathy and a closed heart, disregarding the memories and lessons gained.
6. Sammy reaches the final clue and discovers that the treasure is a pile of trash.
7. Sammy encounters no obstacles during the race, including crossing a river and crawling under a thorny bush.
8. Sammy avoids a group of animals signing up for a race to find hidden treasure in the forest.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this story in two sentences. Here are some hints:
Who are the main characters?
What happens in the story?

Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What kind of animal is Sammy?
Sammy is a squirrel.

2. Where did Sammy notice the group of animals gathering?
Sammy noticed the group of animals gathering near a tall oak tree in the lush green forest.

3. What kind of race did Sammy decide to participate in?
Sammy decided to participate in a scavenger hunt race to find the hidden treasure.

4. What obstacles did Sammy encounter along the way?
Sammy encountered obstacles such as crossing a river on wobbly branches, jumping over a slippery log, and crawling under a thorny bush.

5. Who guarded the hollow tree where the treasure was hidden?
The hollow tree where the treasure was hidden was guarded by a wise and kind owl named Oliver.

6. What was the treasure that Sammy found?
The treasure that Sammy found was a collection of acorns.

7. What did Sammy learn during his adventure?
During his adventure, Sammy learned that the journey was more important than the destination and that the true treasure was friendship and the bonds formed along the way.

8. How did Sammy feel after finding the treasure?
Sammy felt joyful and realized that the greatest treasures were the memories and lessons gained in pursuit of the unknown.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) lived
(2) hopping
(3) treasure
(4) spirit
(5) scavenger
(6) racing
(7) cross
(8) river
(9) guarded
(10) persistence
(11) possession
(12) heart
(13) realized
(14) fellow
(15) destination
(16) obstacles
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. mischievous
Answer: (E) Playfully naughty or troublesome

2. piqued
Answer: (N) Stimulated interest or curiosity

3. ambitious
Answer: (F) Having a strong desire for success or achievement

4. scavenger
Answer: (C) A person or animal that searches for and collects discarded items

5. nimble
Answer: (H) Quick and light in movement or action

6. darted
Answer: (M) Moved suddenly and quickly

7. wobbly
Answer: (A) Unsteady or shaky

8. slippery
Answer: (I) Tending to cause slipping or sliding

9. crawl
Answer: (L) Move on hands and knees or by dragging the body close to the ground

10. thorns
Answer: (B) Sharp, pointed spines found on some plants

11. determined
Answer: (D) Having a firm resolution or unwavering purpose

12. navigating
Answer: (G) The process of planning and directing the course of a journey

13. hollow
Answer: (J) Empty or unfilled space within a solid object

14. persistence
Answer: (K) The quality of being tenacious, or continuing to exist

15. bonds
Answer: (O) Connections or relationships among people based on shared experiences or mutual support
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What was the name of the mischievous squirrel in the story?
Answer: (b) Sammy

2. What type of race did the animals participate in?
Answer: (d) Scavenger hunt

3. What was the final clue leading to the treasure hidden inside?
Answer: (c) A hollow tree

4. Who guarded the hollow tree where the treasure was hidden?
Answer: (a) Oliver the owl

5. What did Sammy find inside the hollow tree?
Answer: (b) A collection of acorns

6. What did Sammy learn was the true treasure?
Answer: (c) Friendship and bonds formed during the adventure

7. What was the name of the wise owl who guarded the hollow tree?
Answer: (d) Oliver

8. What did Sammy embrace after his adventure?
Answer: (a) Every adventure with enthusiasm and an open heart
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The race is a scavenger hunt with challenges and puzzles to test the animals’ wit and agility. (Answer: True)
2. The true treasure Sammy learns is friendship and the bonds formed during the adventure. (Answer: True)
3. Despite the challenges, Sammy maintains his determined spirit and cheeky grin. (Answer: True)
4. Sammy is a mischievous and curious squirrel who lives in a lush green forest. (Answer: True)
5. Sammy approaches every adventure with apathy and a closed heart, disregarding the memories and lessons gained. (Answer: False)
6. Sammy reaches the final clue and discovers that the treasure is a pile of trash. (Answer: False)
7. Sammy encounters no obstacles during the race, including crossing a river and crawling under a thorny bush. (Answer: False)
8. Sammy avoids a group of animals signing up for a race to find hidden treasure in the forest. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

Penelope, the brave pirate princess, embarks on daring adventures, outsmarting sea monsters, cunning pirates, and even making a wish with a magical Golden Mermaid.

The Pirate Princess

Penelope, the brave pirate princess, embarks on daring adventures, outsmarting sea monsters, cunning pirates, and even making a wish with a magical Golden Mermaid.

A dragon and a squirrel team up to find an enchanted treasure, but the squirrel has a secret plan.

The Dragon’s Dream

A dragon and a squirrel team up to find an enchanted treasure, but the squirrel has a secret plan.

Bobo the mischievous monkey and Toots the colorful toucan befriend a group of squirrels and discover a magical singing waterfall in the Jade Jungle, ultimately learning the power of friendship and laughter.

The Journey to the Jade Jungle

Bobo the mischievous monkey and Toots the colorful toucan befriend a group of squirrels and discover a magical singing waterfall in the Jade Jungle, ultimately learning the power of friendship and laughter.

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