Peewee the Brave Kiwi

    By Margaret Hasler

    Peewee the Brave Kiwi cover image

    02 May, 2024

    a bird standing in the middle of a forest filled with birds and trees, with a path leading to it, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, birds

    Peewee was the smallest kiwi in his flock. Despite his size, he was always eager to explore and have fun. Yet, the bigger kiwis often made fun of him, diminishing his spirits.

    a couple of owls standing on a dirt road in a forest with trees and plants around them, with a forest background, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    The bigger kiwis would shove Peewee, mock his size, and exclude him from their games. Peewee's heart would ache, but he was too small to challenge them.

    a bird sitting on top of a tree branch under a full moon filled sky with stars and leaves on it, space art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    One night, as the kiwis were sleeping, Peewee heard a rustling noise. His small heart pounded, but he decided to investigate.

    a fox and her cubs in the woods at night with the moon in the sky above them and stars in the sky, space art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, storybook illustration

    Peewee discovered a pack of foxes approaching their clearing. He knew he had to warn his flock. Despite his fear, he ran back, his little heart thumping wildly.

    a group of birds sitting on a log in a forest with bats flying overhead and a sun shining through the trees, fantasy art, an illustration of, Chris LaBrooy, birds

    Peewee woke up the flock, warning them about the approaching foxes. The bigger kiwis, despite their bullying, took Peewee's warning seriously and prepared to confront the foxes.

    a bird standing on a dirt path in a forest with other birds in the background and a sunbeam, sots art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, storybook illustration

    Peewee had a plan. He knew the forest better than anyone. He led the kiwis to a hidden tunnel, a safe escape route from the clearing.

    a group of birds standing in a tunnel with leaves around them and a bird with a beak on its head, underground comix, a storybook illustration, Colin Middleton, birds

    The tunnel was small and dark, but Peewee guided his flock with confidence. His small size became an advantage as he navigated the tight corners.

    a fox is walking through a forest with many other animals in it's path, and a light shining through the trees, furry art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, furaffinity

    Finally, they emerged on the other side of the forest, safe from the foxes. Peewee's quick thinking had saved his flock.

    a group of birds standing in a forest with a baby bird in the foreground and a larger bird in the background, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, birds

    The bigger kiwis, who once bullied Peewee, were now looking at him with respect. They thanked him for his bravery and quick thinking.

    a bird standing in the grass near some trees and birds flying around it in the background is a forest, context art, a character portrait, Chris LaBrooy, book cover

    Peewee felt a warm glow in his heart. He realized that size didn't matter, and what truly counted was bravery and intelligence.

    a group of birds sitting on a log in the forest with leaves around them and a sun shining in the background, altermodern, a detailed painting, Chris LaBrooy, birds

    The kiwis, including the bullies, started treating Peewee with kindness and respect. His bravery had earned him a place of honor in the flock.

    a bird with a group of birds in the background of a forest with trees and ferns, and a sun shining in the distance, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, birds

    From that day forward, Peewee was no longer just the smallest kiwi in the flock. He was Peewee, the brave and intelligent kiwi who saved his flock.