Story: Koa And The Snow Sculptures

“Mia!” Pip, the deer mouse, calls up the cypress tree from her hollow within its trunk. “Wake up! We have to get to the meadow and see everyone’s creations.”

Mia, the blue jay, fluffs her feathers, “Do we need to go now? It’s freezing! Look at the icicles hanging from the branches.

Pip grins, “We should see the decorations before they melt.”

Mia sighs, her breath creating cloud-like puffs from the cold air, “I’m coming.”

As they approach the meadow, Mia gasps, “Pip, look!”

“What is it, Mia?” Pip asks.

“Paw prints in the snow, and they are enormous!” Mia answers.

Pip stops in her tracks, “Those are the biggest tracks I have ever seen! Who do you think made them?”

Mia tilts her head, examining the prints, “I don’t know, but let’s find out.”

Mia flies low above Pip as they follow the prints, “The tracks lead to the hill ahead and that clearing in the trees.”

“Look! A black bear making a snow sculpture!” Pip whispers. “He doesn’t see us. He’s focused on his work.”

Mia glances at Pip, “What should we do?”

“Uh-um,” Pip clears her throat loudly. “Hello there!”

The bear turns to face them, holding a clump of snow in his paws, “Oh! Hello. I didn’t hear you coming.”

“I’m Pip, and this is Mia.” Pip steps forward, “Are you visiting the Watercolor Woods?”

Setting down the clump of snow, he answers, “No. I just moved here. It’s nice to meet you. My name is Koa.”

Mia hops closer, “Is that an owl sculpted in snow? It’s beautiful!”

“Thank you! I love creating snow sculptures,” Koa blushes.

“You are a snow artist! Can you come with us? We are going to the snow festival to see all the decorations,” Pip invites.

“I don’t know,” Koa hesitates, his paws fidgeting in the snow.

Pip says firmly, “Come on. Roasted chestnuts are waiting for us!”

Koa’s eyes sparkle as the trio reaches the meadow, “Look! There are lanterns made of acorns, ribbons made of dried berries, and pinecones strung into garlands.”

“Everyone,” Pip announces, “this is Koa! He is new to the Watercolor Woods and creates incredible snow sculptures.”

Juniper excitedly bounces up to Koa, “Snow sculptures? Can we see?”

Koa blushes again, “If you want.”

He kneels in the snow, “Is here okay?”

“Absolutely,” Mia answers.

His paws move with surprising precision, “Here is a rabbit.”

Rosemary, the rabbit, hops forward and exclaims, “It looks just like me!”

The meadow erupts in murmurs of admiration as Koa continues to sculpt.

“Look!” Pip calls to Mia. “The clearing fills with scattered snowy creations. There is a blue jay for Mia, a bullfrog for Oliver, and even a tiny mouse for me.”

“This is amazing, Koa,” Moonbeam, the skunk, admires a sculpture resembling herself. “You should make one as the festival centerpiece!”

Koa looks over to Moonbeam, “You think so? I’d love to make one!”

As the sun sets, the meadow glows in the light of a crackling fire. The Watercolor Woods Community gathers around its warmth.

Koa shares stories from his adventures, and the community welcomes them with warmth and laughter.

Pip whispers, “I think you’re going like it here, Koa.”

Koa smiles, “I already do. Thank you for making me feel at home here.”