Little Red Riding Hood and the Whispering Woods

Little Red Riding Hood lived in a snug little cottage, right at the edge of a whispering, wonderful forest. Every morning, she'd wave to the bouncy kangaroos and chat with the kookaburras who laughed in the gum trees. Little Red Riding Hood was always brave and kind, ready for any adventure!

The enchanted forest was her favourite place. The path wiggled like a giggle, giant mushrooms bounced when she touched them, and the air smelled like cinnamon-spiced mud pies. She knew every sparkling stream and every singing bush.

One sunny morning, Mum called out, "Little Red Riding Hood, Grandma isn't feeling quite herself. Could you take her this basket of yummy ginger snaps and warm tea? Remember, darling, stay on the path, all the way to her house, and don't talk to strangers!"

Little Red Riding Hood hugged Mum tightly, promising to be careful. With her bright red cloak swishing and the basket swinging, she stepped onto the familiar forest path. "Stay on the path," she hummed to herself, "stay on the path."

Deep in the woods, she heard a sly voice. "G'day, Little Red Riding Hood! Why rush? Look at these shiny berries just off the path! They glow like little gems!" It was a tricky wolf, with a grin as wide as a boomerang.

Little Red Riding Hood paused, her eyes wide. The berries did look pretty, sparkling red and purple in the dappled sunlight, just a few steps away from the clear, winding path. For a moment, she was tempted. Just a little peek, maybe?

But then, she remembered Mum's kind, firm voice: "Stay on the path." She shook her head. "No, thank you, Mr. Wolf," she said, her voice small but brave. "I must stay on the path and take these treats to my Grandma."

The tricky wolf didn't give up. "Oh, but there's a shortcut this way!" he insisted, pointing to a dark, narrow track hidden behind a big old wattle tree. "It's much faster, and full of rare, chirping bluebirds!"

Little Red Riding Hood felt a shiver. She remembered Mum’s words about not talking to strangers and trusting her instincts. This path felt wrong, and the bluebirds sounded too good to be true. Taking a deep breath, she looked the wolf right in his shifty eyes. "No, Mr. Wolf! My Mum said to stay on THIS path, and that's what a brave girl does!" she declared, pointing firmly to the safe, familiar way.

The wolf, surprised by her courage, let out a huff and slunk away into the shadows. Little Red Riding Hood hurried along the right path, her heart beating a happy rhythm. Soon, she saw Grandma's cozy cottage, smoke curling from the chimney.

Grandma was so pleased to see her! She gave Little Red Riding Hood a big hug and thanked her for the yummy treats. Little Red Riding Hood told Grandma all about the tricky wolf and how she remembered to be brave and stay on the path. "You're such a clever girl," Grandma smiled. "Always listen carefully and trust your brave heart!"