The Brave Friends in Blackberry Wood
A Decodable Fairy Tale About Friendship
Target Skills: Common consonant blends (bl, br, cr, dr, fl, fr, gl, gr, pl, pr, sc, sk, sl, sm, sn, sp, st, sw, tr, tw)
Story Format Guide
- Child Text: Simple decodable sentences for beginning readers
- Parent Extension: Additional narrative in italics for reading aloud
- Total Pages: 16 illustrated pages
Page 1
CHILD READS: Bram the brown rabbit and Fern the green frog are best friends.
PARENT READS: In the heart of Blackberry Wood, where twisted oak trees grew thick and morning mist swirled through the ferns, lived two very best friends. Bram was a clever brown rabbit with soft fur and bright eyes, and Fern was a cheerful green frog who loved to splash and sing.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Forest opening with dappled sunlight
- Bram: Small brown rabbit, wearing a simple blue vest, standing upright, friendly expression, large expressive eyes, soft rounded features
- Fern: Bright green tree frog, wearing a small red scarf, sitting on a toadstool, wide smile, large friendly eyes
- Style: Combine Wind in the Willows whimsy with Beatrix Potter's detailed natural realism
- Details: Blackberry brambles in background, oak trees, soft pencil-sketch quality, delicate line work
- Mood: Warm, inviting, peaceful morning
Page 2
CHILD READS: They slip and slide on the slick path. Splash! Fern trips on a tree stump.
PARENT READS: One misty morning, Bram and Fern were skipping down the winding forest path when they noticed something strange. The usually dry trail had become terribly slippery and wet! Fern wasn't watching carefully and—splash!—she tumbled right over a hidden tree stump.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Muddy forest path, morning mist visible
- Bram: Reaching out to help, concerned expression, one paw extended
- Fern: Mid-tumble near stump, surprised expression, scarf flying
- Details: Wet leaves, puddles reflecting light, gnarled tree stump, scattered pebbles
- Action: Dynamic movement showing the slip
- Background: Misty trees, ferns bending in breeze
Page 3
CHILD READS: "The stream is blocked!" cries Fern. "The cress and plums will stop growing!"
PARENT READS: Bram helped Fern up, and together they followed the trail of water to discover something terrible. The little stream that watered all their favorite plants—the watercress that Bram loved to nibble and the wild plum trees that gave Fern shade—had been completely blocked by fallen branches and brambles!
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Stream blocked by tangled branches and debris
- Both characters: Standing at stream's edge, looking worried
- Bram: Paw on chin, thinking pose
- Fern: Pointing at the blockage
- Details: Blocked stream with water pooling, drooping watercress plants, plum tree in background, scattered branches and brambles
- Mood: Problem discovered, concern but determination
Page 4
CHILD READS: Bram and Fern must fix the stream! They will craft a plan and work as a team.
PARENT READS: The two friends sat down on a smooth stone to think. "We must work together," said Bram wisely. "You're strong at swimming and I'm good at grabbing things. If we make a clever plan, I'm sure we can clear the stream before sunset."
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Friends sitting on large smooth stone beside blocked stream
- Bram: Gesturing with paws, animated, planning expression
- Fern: Nodding enthusiastically, both hands clasped
- Details: Stream visible in background, sunlight filtering through trees, small birds watching from branches
- Mood: Teamwork beginning, hope and determination
- Props: Small stick drawing plan in dirt
Page 5
CHILD READS: First, Bram grabs the small sticks and twigs. He stacks them by the grand old tree.
PARENT READS: Bram began to work at once. With his nimble paws, he carefully grabbed all the small sticks and twigs from the blockage, one by one. He made a neat stack beside the grandest oak tree in the forest, being careful not to let any roll back into the water.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Bram working at the blockage
- Bram: Holding bundle of sticks, focused expression, vest slightly muddy
- Details: Neat stack of sticks forming beside grand oak, few twigs in paws, stream still blocked with larger branches
- Background: Massive oak tree trunk with detailed bark, roots visible
- Mood: Hard work beginning, focused effort
Page 6
CHILD READS: Fern dives and swims. She brings stones from the creek bed to help.
PARENT READS: Meanwhile, Fern dove into the clear water with a graceful splash. She swam down to the creek bed and used her strong frog legs to push smooth stones up to the surface, where they could use them to prop up the heavy branches and move them safely.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Split view showing above and below water
- Fern: Swimming underwater (shown through clear water), carrying a stone, bubbles around her, powerful leg strokes
- Bram: Watching from bank above, ready to catch stones
- Details: Underwater plants, small fish watching, pebbles on creek bed, water ripples at surface
- Style: Delicate cross-hatching for water texture
- Mood: Teamwork in action, graceful movement
Page 7
CHILD READS: "This branch is stuck in the black mud," grunts Bram. "I will tug and pull!"
PARENT READS: The biggest branch of all was wedged deep in the thick black mud at the bottom of the stream. Bram wrapped his strong paws around it and pulled with all his might. His vest became splattered with mud, but he didn't stop trying.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Close-up of Bram pulling large branch
- Bram: Straining with effort, feet planted, pulling hard, mud splashes on vest, determined grimace
- Details: Thick black mud, branch stuck deep, water splashing, muscle tension visible
- Background: Fern in water helping push from other side
- Mood: Great effort, persistence, challenge
Page 8
CHILD READS: Fern swims close. "I will push from this side!" The friends grin and tug.
PARENT READS: "Wait!" called Fern as she swam over. "We're stronger together! I'll push from this side while you pull from yours." The two friends looked at each other and grinned. On the count of three, they would give it their greatest effort together.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Both friends working on branch from opposite sides
- Bram: Pulling from bank side, gritting teeth with effort
- Fern: Pushing from water side, strong back legs extended
- Both: Eye contact, teamwork evident, encouraging expressions
- Details: Branch beginning to budge, mud loosening, water swirling
- Action lines: Showing movement and effort
- Mood: Peak teamwork moment, determination
Page 9
CHILD READS: Crack! Snap! The big branch breaks free at last! The friends clap and cheer!
PARENT READS: One... two... THREE! Together they pushed and pulled with all their strength. Suddenly—CRACK! SNAP!—the enormous branch broke free from the mud! It floated to the surface, and the friends cheered with joy, splashing and clapping their muddy paws together in celebration.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Branch breaking free, dynamic action moment
- Bram: Falling backward slightly from released tension, triumphant expression, paws in air
- Fern: Jumping from water with joy, water droplets flying
- Details: Branch floating, mud cloud in water, splash effects, oak leaves falling
- Background: Forest creatures (squirrels, birds) watching and celebrating too
- Mood: Victory! Joy! Success!
- Action: Very dynamic with movement lines
Page 10
CHILD READS: The clean stream starts to flow. Fresh water swirls past the plants and trees.
PARENT READS: With the big branch removed, the crystal-clear stream began to flow freely once more. Fresh, sparkling water swirled and rushed past the thirsty plants. The watercress stood up straighter, and the roots of the plum trees drank deeply. Everything in Blackberry Wood seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Stream flowing freely again, wide view
- Both friends: Sitting together on bank, watching contentedly, slightly tired but happy
- Details: Water flowing smoothly, watercress perking up, plum tree blossoms visible, butterflies appearing, dragonflies near water
- Background: Sun breaking fully through clouds, beautiful dappled light
- Mood: Peaceful restoration, satisfaction, nature healing
Page 11
CHILD READS: "We did it as a team!" smiles Bram. "We are strong friends," grins Fern.
PARENT READS: The two muddy, tired, but very happy friends sat together on their favorite smooth stone. "We couldn't have done it alone," said Bram, putting his paw on Fern's shoulder. "That's what makes us such strong friends," agreed Fern warmly. "Together, we can solve any problem!"
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Close-up of friends on smooth stone, intimate friendly moment
- Bram: Paw on Fern's shoulder, warm smile, muddy but happy
- Fern: Leaning into friendship, genuine smile, also muddy
- Both: Clear connection, friendship radiating from image
- Details: Both slightly disheveled from work, sharing a quiet moment
- Background: Softly focused stream flowing behind them
- Mood: Warm friendship, mutual respect, contentment
Page 12
CHILD READS: The frog and rabbit rest by the fresh, clean stream. The birds sing sweet songs.
PARENT READS: As the afternoon sun warmed Blackberry Wood, Bram and Fern rested peacefully beside the bubbling stream. Grateful birds sang sweet songs from the branches above, thanking them for saving the forest's water. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and all felt right in their woodland home.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Peaceful resting scene, late afternoon light
- Bram: Lying on soft grass, relaxed, eyes half-closed
- Fern: Sitting contentedly, feet in water
- Details: Multiple songbirds in tree above (robins, sparrows), musical notes suggested, flowers blooming, grass soft and detailed
- Background: Beautiful filtered sunlight, stream sparkles, peaceful forest scene
- Mood: Restful, grateful, harmonious with nature
Page 13
CHILD READS: The next day, Bram brings fresh cress. Fern brings three plump plums to share.
PARENT READS: The very next morning, after a good night's sleep, Bram arrived at their meeting stone with a basket of fresh watercress. "Look how green and crisp it is!" he exclaimed. Fern hopped up with three perfectly ripe plums. "The tree is so grateful, it gave us the plumpest, sweetest plums," she said proudly.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Morning meeting at their special stone
- Bram: Carrying small woven basket with watercress, proud expression
- Fern: Holding three purple plums, offering to share
- Both: Fresh and clean, excited to share their harvest
- Details: Beautiful watercress in basket, plump plums, morning dewdrops, renewed forest looking lush
- Background: Stream flowing beautifully, healthy plants everywhere
- Mood: Harvest, sharing, rewards of their work
Page 14
CHILD READS: They split the snacks and munch by the stream. "This is the best!" they both grin.
PARENT READS: The two friends divided their treats fairly—watercress for Bram and plums for Fern—and sat together enjoying their well-earned breakfast. The morning sun was bright, the stream sang its bubbling song, and they agreed this was absolutely the best snack they'd ever shared, made all the sweeter by their friendship and hard work.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Cozy breakfast scene by stream
- Bram: Munching watercress happily, content expression
- Fern: Eating plum, juice on her face, delighted smile
- Both: Sitting close together, comfortable and happy
- Details: Half-eaten food, crumbs, plum pit, satisfied expressions, sun-dappled setting
- Background: Beautiful morning light, stream, butterflies
- Mood: Contentment, friendship, simple joys
Page 15
CHILD READS: All the small creatures come to thank the brave friends for their grand work.
PARENT READS: As word spread through Blackberry Wood about what Bram and Fern had done, creatures from all over the forest came to thank them. Squirrels, mice, beetles, and birds all gathered around, grateful that the stream was flowing again and their home was saved by two brave, clever friends who worked together.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Gathering of various forest creatures
- Bram and Fern: Center of scene, slightly embarrassed but pleased, accepting thanks
- Other creatures: Squirrels, field mice, beetles, various birds, rabbit families, hedgehog
- All creatures: Expressing gratitude, some bringing tiny gifts (acorns, flowers, seeds)
- Details: Small community celebration, festive feeling, everyone happy
- Background: The restored stream and forest, everything thriving
- Mood: Community, gratitude, heroism appreciated
Page 16
CHILD READS: "Friends help friends," says Fern. "That is what makes us strong!" smiles Bram. The End.
PARENT READS: Bram and Fern looked at each other with understanding smiles. "Friends help friends," said Fern simply. "And together," added Bram, "we're stronger than anything in the world." And so the two friends continued to live happily in Blackberry Wood, always ready to help each other and their neighbors, proving that true friendship and teamwork can overcome any problem, no matter how big.
ILLUSTRATION GUIDE:
- Scene: Final celebration image, sun setting beautifully
- Bram and Fern: Standing together, perhaps paws/hands clasped, looking at sunset, silhouetted slightly
- Both: Confident, happy, friendship clear
- Details: Beautiful sunset through trees, stream flowing peacefully, all forest creatures visible in background celebrating, flowers blooming everywhere
- Background: Golden hour lighting, magical forest scene, everything in harmony
- Mood: Perfect ending, warmth, hope, enduring friendship, "happily ever after" feeling
- Special: Can add decorative border with small forest motifs for final page
Consonant Blends Featured in This Story
Initial Blends Used:
- bl: black, blocked, Blackberry
- br: brown, Bram, brave, branch, breaks, breakfast, bright
- cr: cries, cress, creek, creatures, crisp, crumbs
- dr: dives, drinks
- fl: flow, floating, fresh
- fr: frog, friends, free, from, Fern
- gl: grand, grateful, grin
- gr: green, grabs, growing, greatest, grass
- pl: plums, plants, plan, plump, pull
- pr: problem, prop, proudly
- sc: scarce (in context)
- sk: skip, stack
- sl: slip, slide, slick, sleep
- sm: small, smooth, smiles
- sn: snap, snacks
- sp: splash, splattered, spread
- st: stump, stuck, sticks, stream, starts, stone, strong, straighter
- sw: swims, swirls, sweet, swept
- tr: trips, tree, tug, trying, treats, thank, three
- tw: twigs, two
Total unique blends featured: 20 of the most common English consonant blends
Educational Notes for Parents/Teachers
Reading Level: Early Grade 1 / Decodable Stage Skills Practiced:
- Consonant blends recognition
- Short and long vowel patterns
- High-frequency sight words integrated naturally
- Comprehension through story structure
- Character empathy and problem-solving
Discussion Questions:
- How did Bram and Fern work together?
- What problem did they solve?
- Why is it good to have friends who help you?
- What would you do if you found a blocked stream?
Extension Activities:
- Color all 16 illustrations
- Find and circle all the blend words
- Write about a time you helped a friend
- Draw your own forest adventure
Printing Recommendations
- Print on 8.5" x 11" or A4 paper
- Use cardstock for durability
- Bind with staples, rings, or ribbon
- Leave wide margins for coloring
- Consider laminating cover pages
This decodable reader combines systematic phonics instruction with engaging storytelling, beautiful illustrations, and themes of friendship, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
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