The Great Rush of Woodland Hill

NOTE TO PARENTS,

Before sharing "The Great Rush of Woodland Hill" with your little ones, we would like to take a moment to explain the story's purpose. 

In our digital age, where children are spending increasingly more hours on social media and the internet, this story offers a gentle reminder of the world that exists beyond screens and the busyness of daily life.

Through Rusty the fox's journey, children will learn the value of being aware of their surroundings, practicing mindfulness, and being truly present in each moment. The tale encourages youngsters to look up from devices and notice the wonders that exist in the natural world around them—the changing seasons, the beauty of nature, and the joy of undistracted time with friends and family.

This story serves as a conversation starter about balance—acknowledging that while technology has its place, there's irreplaceable magic in fully experiencing life with all our senses. 

As you read together, you might use it as an opportunity to discuss how your family can create more screen-free moments of discovery and appreciation.

Our hope is that this story will inspire children to disconnect occasionally from the virtual world so they can connect more deeply with the real one—appreciating simple joys and finding wonder in everyday experiences.

Happy reading!

In the heart of Whispering Woods, nestled between ancient oaks and babbling brooks, lay Woodland Hill—home to a community of woodland creatures including Rusty the red fox, Snowy the white fox, Harry the hedgehog, and Olly the wise old owl.

One bright spring morning, Rusty dashed through the forest, his checklist clutched tightly in his paw.

“Reply to all pine-mail messages—check! Organize acorn collection by size—check! Polish every pebble in my collection—still to do!” Rusty muttered, barely noticing the wildflowers that had bloomed overnight.

As he raced past Harry’s home, the little hedgehog called out, “Rusty! Look at these beautiful mushrooms I found!”

“Sorry, Harry! No time! I have fourteen more tasks to complete before sunset!” Rusty shouted without slowing down.

Later that day, Snowy spotted Rusty frantically arranging pinecones in perfectly straight rows.

“Rusty, the fireflies are putting on their first light show of the season tonight. Would you like to watch with me?” she asked hopefully.

“Maybe next time,” Rusty said, checking his list again. “I need to finish organizing these pinecones, then count the acorns in my pantry, and then—”

“But are all these tasks truly important?” Snowy asked gently.

Rusty paused for a moment, then shook his head. “They’re on my list, so they must be important!” And he went back to his organizing.

That evening, Rusty collapsed exhausted by the river. His checklist was almost complete, yet he felt strangely empty. He’d spent hours arranging pinecones, but hadn’t visited his mother who wasn’t feeling well. He’d counted and recounted his acorns, but had missed helping the beaver family repair their dam after the spring floods.

“Something troubling you, young fox?” came a wise voice from above.

Rusty looked up to see Silver, the old wise fox, sitting on a nearby rock.

“I’ve been busy all day, Silver,” sighed Rusty. “I’ve done so many tasks, but somehow I feel like I’ve missed something important.”

Silver nodded wisely. “Perhaps you’ve been busy with the wrong things. Not all tasks are created equal, Rusty.

Some matter greatly, while others… well, will anyone remember in a moon’s time whether your pinecones were in straight rows?”

Rusty thought for a moment. “I suppose not.”

“The secret,” continued Silver, “is to focus on what truly matters—helping others, spending time with loved ones, and yes, taking moments to simply be and appreciate this wonderful world.“

Rusty looked at the sky and noticed for the first time that day how the setting sun painted the clouds in spectacular shades of pink and gold.

“Tomorrow,” suggested Silver, “look at your list differently. Ask yourself: What truly matters? What will you remember when you’re as old as I am? What will make a difference to others?“

The next morning, Rusty reviewed his checklist with new eyes. He crossed off “Count how many spots are on each mushroom” and wrote instead “Visit Mother and bring her fresh berries.” He erased “Rearrange shell collection by color” and added “Help the beaver family with their dam.”

As Rusty set out for the day, he felt lighter. He still had tasks to complete, but they were meaningful ones. And between each important task, he allowed himself moments to simply be—to feel the sun warming his fur, to savor the sweet taste of berries, to laugh with friends.

He found Harry examining a line of ants carrying tiny leaves.

“They’re working together to store food for winter,” Harry explained. “Every ant knows exactly what’s truly important for their community.”

Rusty nodded, understanding now in a way he hadn’t before.

That afternoon, after helping the beaver family and visiting his mother (who was delighted by both the berries and his company), Rusty joined Snowy to watch the sunset.

“You seem different today,” Snowy observed.

“I am,” Rusty replied. “I’m still getting things done, but only the things that matter. And I’m making sure to enjoy each moment along the way.”

As twilight approached, Olly joined them on the hilltop.

“Silver told me about your conversation,” Olly said. “How do you feel now?”

“Fulfilled,” Rusty replied. “I accomplished less today if you count tasks, but so much more if you count what truly matters.”

“That’s the wisdom many search their whole lives to find,” said Olly. “Life isn’t measured in completed tasks but in moments that matter—both doing what’s important and being present for the journey.“

From that day on, Rusty still kept his checklist, but it looked very different. Each morning, he would ask himself: “What truly matters today?” Sometimes that meant helping neighbors, sometimes teaching younger animals important skills, and sometimes simply sitting with friends or family, fully present and appreciative of their company.

And whenever he saw another woodland creature rushing about with a long list of unimportant tasks, Rusty would smile and share what he had learned—that a life well-lived isn’t filled with busyness, but with purpose, presence, and appreciation for what truly matters.