The Brave Little Turtle

    By Abdul Gaffar

    The Brave Little Turtle cover image

    22 Jul, 2024

    a turtle is sitting on a rock in the middle of a forest with a stream running through it and trees and rocks, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, golden ratio illustration

    In the heart of the vibrant forest lived Tommy, the tiny turtle. Known for his timid nature, Tommy spent most of his time alone, tucked in his shell, safely observing the world around him.

    a squirrel eating a leaf in a forest with a stream running through it and butterflies flying around it,, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    His only companions were Remy, the red squirrel, and Bella, the blue bird. Despite their contrasting personalities, they shared a bond of deep friendship and often spent time together.

    a couple of animals that are in the woods together on a path in the woods with leaves and rocks, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, game art

    One scorching summer afternoon, while the trio were playing by the stream, they noticed a faint smell of smoke. A sense of dread washed over them as they realized that their peaceful home was in danger.

    a green turtle is walking through a forest with a puddle of water in the foreground and a forest with tall trees in the background, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, storybook illustration

    Tommy, usually timid, felt a surge of courage. He knew he had to do something. He remembered a safe pond deep in the forest, a place that could shelter them from the fire.

    a group of cartoon animals in the woods with fire coming from their backs and a squirrel running away from them, sots art, concept art, Dan Mumford, splash art

    Despite the looming danger, Tommy gathered his friends. With determination in his eyes, he led the way, navigating through the dense smoke and fiery chaos.

    a cartoon of a turtle sitting on a fire in the woods with a forest fire in the background and a forest fire in the background, environmental art, an illustration of, Dan Mumford, josan gonzales and dan mumford

    His small stature became his advantage, allowing him to move through the underbrush, away from the raging fire. Each moment was a test of his bravery, but he continued, fueled by the need to protect his friends.

    a couple of animals that are standing in the dirt near a river and trees with leaves on it and a pond, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, game art

    Finally, they reached the hidden pond, safe from the fire. Remy and Bella, exhausted but safe, thanked Tommy for his bravery and leadership.

    a turtle is sitting on a rock in a pond of water and a fire is burning in the background, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, storybook illustration

    Tommy, having faced his fears, felt a sense of pride. He realized that bravery was not about being fearless, but about taking action despite the fear.

    a squirrel with a backpack is standing in the woods with other birds and flowers around him and a bird is sitting on the ground, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Once the fire had passed, the trio emerged from their safe haven. The forest was changed, but life was already returning. New shoots were sprouting, and animals were reappearing.

    a cartoon turtle is standing in the middle of a forest with trees and rocks on the ground and a forest floor, sots art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, josan gonzales and dan mumford

    Tommy felt a change in himself too. He was no longer the timid turtle hiding in his shell. He had discovered his bravery and the strength of his spirit.

    a squirrel sitting in the middle of a forest with a turtle nearby on a dirt ground with leaves and rocks, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    Remy and Bella looked at their friend with newfound respect. They realized that bravery comes in different forms, and sometimes, it's the smallest among us who exhibit the greatest courage.

    a cartoon turtle is walking through a forest with trees and rocks on the ground and a forest floor with trees and rocks on the ground, sots art, a character portrait, Dan Mumford, josan gonzales and dan mumford

    From that day forward, Tommy was no longer known as the timid turtle of the forest. He was Tommy, the brave little turtle, a true hero and a symbol of courage for all.