Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

Short Stories for Kids

Complete lesson plans, including stories, listening, classroom activities, quiz questions and more!

The Superhero Squirrel

A mischievous squirrel with the power to fly becomes the forest's superhero and saves the day.

Try this story at a different level?

 

Once upon a time, in a bustling forest filled with tall trees and chirping birds, there lived a mischievous little squirrel named Sammy. Sammy was no ordinary squirrel. He had a secret power that made him a superhero – the ability to fly! Whenever trouble struck in the forest, Sammy would put on his superhero cape made of leaves and acorns and fly to the rescue.

One sunny day, as Sammy was soaring through the sky, he noticed a commotion down below. Spotting his furry friend, Billy the bunny, stuck in a tall tree, he quickly swooped down to help. Using his sharp claws, Sammy climbed up the tree and rescued Billy, who was ever so grateful. Together, they went on many daring adventures, helping their friends in need, from rescuing the birds’ nests from naughty squirrels to finding the lost treasure hidden deep in the forest.

One day, a devious fox named Felix hatched a plan to steal all the acorns in the forest. He would sell them to buy himself a fancy new den in the city. Knowing that Sammy was the only one who could stop him, Felix tricked him into believing that all the acorns had mysteriously vanished. But Sammy, being the smart squirrel that he was, saw through the fox’s lies and hatched a plan of his own.

Sammy’s plan involved gathering all his forest friends and devising a clever acorn trap. As night fell, they set up a large net carefully camouflaged with shiny leaves and nuts. Soon enough, Felix came sneaking by, his eyes gleaming with mischief. But as soon as he reached for the acorns, the net sprung and caught him. Sammy’s friends cheered as Felix struggled to break free.

Realizing the importance of teamwork, Felix confessed his plan and apologized for causing trouble. From that day forward, the forest animals united to protect their beloved home and bestowed upon Sammy the title of the Forest Guardian. Sammy became a symbol of bravery and friendship, showing every creature that solidarity was the key to overcoming challenges.

And so, Sammy continued his adventures as the superhero squirrel, keeping the forest safe and sound. Along the way, he learned that true strength lies not only in one’s abilities but also in the friendships that are formed. The forest flourished, and Sammy’s legend grew, reminding everyone to never underestimate the power of a determined squirrel and the bonds they create.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1mischievousBehaving in a way that is intended to be playful but can also be annoying or slightly harmful
2commotionA state of noisy confusion or disorder
3swoopedMoved rapidly downward through the air
4gratefulFeeling or showing an appreciation for something done or received
5daringBold or adventurous in a way that is risky or reckless
6deviousSneaky and dishonest, often in a clever way
7hatchedConceived of and developed a plan or idea
8vanishedDisappeared suddenly and completely
9camouflagedDisguised by blending in with the surrounding environment
10gleamingShining brightly with reflected light
11struggledMade forceful efforts to get free of restraint or constriction
12solidarityUnity or agreement of feeling or action among a group of people
13confessedAdmitted to doing something wrong or illegal
14bestowedGiven or granted something as an honor or right
15flourishedGrew or developed successfully

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What was Sammy’s secret power that made him a superhero?
2. Who did Sammy rescue from the tall tree?
3. What were some of the daring adventures that Sammy and Billy went on together?
4. Why did Felix want to steal all the acorns in the forest?
5. How did Sammy see through Felix’s lies?
6. What was Sammy’s plan to catch Felix?
7. What happened to Felix when he reached for the acorns?
8. What lesson did Sammy learn along his adventures as a superhero squirrel?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time, in a bustling forest filled with tall trees and chirping birds, there lived a (1)______ little squirrel named Sammy. Sammy was no ordinary squirrel. He had a secret power that made him a (2)______ – the ability to fly! Whenever trouble struck in the forest, Sammy would put on his superhero cape made of leaves and (3)______ and fly to the rescue.

One sunny day, as Sammy was soaring through the sky, he noticed a commotion down below. Spotting his furry friend, Billy the (4)______, stuck in a tall tree, he quickly swooped down to help. Using his sharp claws, Sammy climbed up the tree and rescued (5)______, who was ever so grateful. Together, they went on many daring adventures, helping their friends in need, from rescuing the birds’ (6)______ from naughty squirrels to finding the lost treasure hidden deep in the (7)______.

One day, a devious fox named Felix hatched a plan to steal all the acorns in the forest. He would sell them to buy himself a (8)______ new den in the city. Knowing that Sammy was the only one who could stop him, Felix tricked him into believing that all the acorns had mysteriously vanished. But Sammy, being the smart squirrel that he was, saw through the fox’s lies and hatched a plan of his own.

Sammy’s plan involved gathering all his forest (9)______ and devising a clever acorn trap. As night fell, they set up a large net carefully (10)______ with (11)______ leaves and nuts. Soon enough, Felix came sneaking by, his eyes gleaming with mischief. But as soon as he reached for the acorns, the net sprung and caught him. Sammy’s friends cheered as Felix struggled to break free.

(12)______ the importance of teamwork, Felix confessed his plan and apologized for causing trouble. From that day forward, the forest animals united to protect their beloved home and (13)______ upon Sammy the (14)______ of the Forest (15)______. Sammy became a symbol of bravery and friendship, showing every creature that solidarity was the key to overcoming challenges.

And so, Sammy continued his adventures as the superhero squirrel, keeping the forest safe and sound. Along the way, he learned that true strength lies not only in one’s abilities but also in the friendships that are formed. The forest (16)______, and Sammy’s legend grew, reminding everyone to never underestimate the power of a determined squirrel and the bonds they create.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What qualities do you think make a good superhero?
2. How would you feel if you had the power to fly like Sammy? Why or why not?
3. Do you think teamwork is important in overcoming challenges? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever had a friend who helped you in a time of need? Can you tell us about it?
5. What do you think is the message or lesson of this story? Why?
6. Do you believe that true strength lies in one’s abilities or in the relationships they build? Why or why not?
7. Have you ever had to come up with a clever plan to solve a problem? Can you tell us about it?
8. What do you think the forest animals learned from Sammy’s adventures? Why?
9. Do you think it’s important to protect and care for our environment? Why or why not?
10. How do you think the forest animals felt when they united to protect their home? Why?
11. Have you ever been in a situation where someone tried to trick you? How did you handle it?
12. Do you think it’s important to have a symbol of bravery and friendship in a community? Why or why not?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. mischievous
2. commotion
3. swooped
4. grateful
5. daring
6. devious
7. hatched
8. vanished
9. camouflaged
10. gleaming
11. struggled
12. solidarity
13. confessed
14. bestowed
15. flourished

Meanings:
(A) Unity or agreement of feeling or action among a group of people
(B) Sneaky and dishonest, often in a clever way
(C) Disguised by blending in with the surrounding environment
(D) Given or granted something as an honor or right
(E) Behaving in a way that is intended to be playful but can also be annoying or slightly harmful
(F) Conceived of and developed a plan or idea
(G) Moved rapidly downward through the air
(H) Feeling or showing an appreciation for something done or received
(I) Disappeared suddenly and completely
(J) Grew or developed successfully
(K) Admitted to doing something wrong or illegal
(L) Shining brightly with reflected light
(M) A state of noisy confusion or disorder
(N) Made forceful efforts to get free of restraint or constriction
(O) Bold or adventurous in a way that is risky or reckless
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What was Sammy’s secret power?
(a) Super strength
(b) Invisibility
(c) The ability to fly
(d) Telepathy

2. Who did Sammy rescue from a tall tree?
(a) Tommy the turtle
(b) Billy the bunny
(c) Sally the squirrel
(d) Freddy the fox

3. What did Felix the fox plan to do with the stolen acorns?
(a) Plant them in his garden
(b) Sell them to buy a new den
(c) Give them to the birds
(d) Hide them in a secret cave

4. How did Sammy and his friends catch Felix?
(a) They set up a net disguised as acorns
(b) They lured him into a trap with a trail of nuts
(c) They used their telepathic powers to immobilize him
(d) They called the police to arrest him

5. What title did the forest animals bestow upon Sammy?
(a) Acorn King
(b) Super Squirrel
(c) Forest Guardian
(d) Tree Climber Extraordinaire

6. What did Sammy learn about true strength?
(a) It lies in friendships and unity
(b) It comes from physical abilities alone
(c) It can be achieved through meditation
(d) It is inherited from one’s parents

7. What did Sammy’s superhero cape consist of?
(a) Feathers and twigs
(b) Moss and berries
(c) Bark and pinecones
(d) Leaves and acorns

8. What did Sammy’s adventures teach the forest creatures?
(a) It’s better to rely on oneself than on others
(b) Bravery is only for superheroes, not regular animals
(c) The forest is a dangerous place and should be avoided
(d) Solidarity is the key to overcoming challenges

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. A devious fox named Felix hatched a plan to steal all the acorns in the forest.
2. Sammy, the mischievous squirrel, had the ability to fly, making him a superhero in the forest.
3. Felix confessed his plan and apologized for causing trouble, realizing the importance of teamwork.
4. Sammy saved his friend Billy the bunny from a short tree using his dull claws.
5. Felix convinced Sammy that all the acorns had mysteriously appeared.
6. Sammy and Billy avoided many daring adventures together, neglecting their forest friends in need.
7. Sammy became unrecognized as the Forest Guardian, symbolizing fear and animosity in the forest.
8. Sammy saw through Felix’s lies and devised a plan to catch him in a clever acorn trap.
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 was Sammy’s secret power that made him a superhero?
– Sammy’s secret power was the ability to fly.

2. Who did Sammy rescue from the tall tree?
– Sammy rescued his furry friend, Billy the bunny, from the tall tree.

3. What were some of the daring adventures that Sammy and Billy went on together?
– Some of the daring adventures that Sammy and Billy went on together included rescuing birds’ nests from naughty squirrels and finding the lost treasure hidden deep in the forest.

4. Why did Felix want to steal all the acorns in the forest?
– Felix wanted to steal all the acorns in the forest so he could sell them and buy himself a fancy new den in the city.

5. How did Sammy see through Felix’s lies?
– Sammy, being a smart squirrel, saw through Felix’s lies and realized that the acorns hadn’t mysteriously vanished. He used his intelligence and observation skills to figure out the truth.

6. What was Sammy’s plan to catch Felix?
– Sammy’s plan involved gathering all his forest friends and setting up a large net carefully camouflaged with shiny leaves and nuts. They planned to catch Felix when he came to steal the acorns.

7. What happened to Felix when he reached for the acorns?
– When Felix reached for the acorns, the net that Sammy and his friends had set up sprung and caught him. He was trapped in the net.

8. What lesson did Sammy learn along his adventures as a superhero squirrel?
– Sammy learned that true strength lies not only in one’s abilities but also in the friendships that are formed. He realized the importance of teamwork and solidarity in overcoming challenges.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) mischievous
(2) superhero
(3) acorns
(4) bunny
(5) Billy
(6) nests
(7) forest
(8) fancy
(9) friends
(10) camouflaged
(11) shiny
(12) Realizing
(13) bestowed
(14) title
(15) Guardian
(16) flourished
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. mischievous
Answer: (E) Behaving in a way that is intended to be playful but can also be annoying or slightly harmful

2. commotion
Answer: (M) A state of noisy confusion or disorder

3. swooped
Answer: (G) Moved rapidly downward through the air

4. grateful
Answer: (H) Feeling or showing an appreciation for something done or received

5. daring
Answer: (O) Bold or adventurous in a way that is risky or reckless

6. devious
Answer: (B) Sneaky and dishonest, often in a clever way

7. hatched
Answer: (F) Conceived of and developed a plan or idea

8. vanished
Answer: (I) Disappeared suddenly and completely

9. camouflaged
Answer: (C) Disguised by blending in with the surrounding environment

10. gleaming
Answer: (L) Shining brightly with reflected light

11. struggled
Answer: (N) Made forceful efforts to get free of restraint or constriction

12. solidarity
Answer: (A) Unity or agreement of feeling or action among a group of people

13. confessed
Answer: (K) Admitted to doing something wrong or illegal

14. bestowed
Answer: (D) Given or granted something as an honor or right

15. flourished
Answer: (J) Grew or developed successfully
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What was Sammy’s secret power?
Answer: (c) The ability to fly

2. Who did Sammy rescue from a tall tree?
Answer: (b) Billy the bunny

3. What did Felix the fox plan to do with the stolen acorns?
Answer: (b) Sell them to buy a new den

4. How did Sammy and his friends catch Felix?
Answer: (a) They set up a net disguised as acorns

5. What title did the forest animals bestow upon Sammy?
Answer: (c) Forest Guardian

6. What did Sammy learn about true strength?
Answer: (a) It lies in friendships and unity

7. What did Sammy’s superhero cape consist of?
Answer: (d) Leaves and acorns

8. What did Sammy’s adventures teach the forest creatures?
Answer: (d) Solidarity is the key to overcoming challenges
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. A devious fox named Felix hatched a plan to steal all the acorns in the forest. (Answer: True)
2. Sammy, the mischievous squirrel, had the ability to fly, making him a superhero in the forest. (Answer: True)
3. Felix confessed his plan and apologized for causing trouble, realizing the importance of teamwork. (Answer: True)
4. Sammy saved his friend Billy the bunny from a short tree using his dull claws. (Answer: False)
5. Felix convinced Sammy that all the acorns had mysteriously appeared. (Answer: False)
6. Sammy and Billy avoided many daring adventures together, neglecting their forest friends in need. (Answer: False)
7. Sammy became unrecognized as the Forest Guardian, symbolizing fear and animosity in the forest. (Answer: False)
8. Sammy saw through Felix’s lies and devised a plan to catch him in a clever acorn trap. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

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The Daring Dragonfly

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Maya's wish for endless laughter brings joy and unity to her village, making her the laughter ambassador.

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Bella’s Balloon Ride

Bella’s backyard adventure takes an unexpected twist when mischievous animals join her hot air balloon ride.

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