Reggie Hunts for Berries - PDF Free Download

Reggie Hunts for Berries By Audrey Carangelo Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber

Chapter One Veggie Wolf My name is Reggie Wolf, and I m the youngest of five brother-wolves. In the past, whenever Alpha Wolf, the leader of the pack, brought in fresh meat, my older siblings would jump right in, while I just pretended to nibble on it. You see, I ve never really liked the taste of the meat, but greens and fruits always got my mouth watering. That s when I realized I was a vegetarian. At first, my brothers jokingly called me Veggie Wolf, but with time, they came to realize it meant more meat for them. So, now, while they enjoy their meal, I happily savor a delicious mixed green salad with berries on top. I just love the taste of berries! In fact, one of my favorite pastimes is picking juicy red berries. Title: Reggie Hunts for Berries Page: 1

Chapter Two Blueberry Stains Recently, while berry picking, I realized I had consumed all the berries in our territory and then I began to panic. I couldn t imagine having salad without a berry topping. Just then, I saw a rabbit hopping by, and realized that his tightly fitting vest and shiny fur coat were strong indications that he had access to loads of berry patches. I tried to follow the rabbit so I could befriend him, but that didn t go over very well. He took off like lightning! All I saw was the white puff of his tail, and he was gone! I could pick up his scent and follow him, but I realized that the rabbit considered me a predator and would probably try his best to hide from me! How could I convince this rabbit that I only wanted to be friends? Plus, he would make the perfect guide on my woods-wide search for tasty berries. Then, the idea of the century hit me! Maybe the way to lure him was through delicious berries! Though red berries are my favorite, I remembered the rabbit s front paws had blueberry stains on them, so I decided to travel to the other end of our territory, where I knew the best blueberry bushes grew in abundance. I picked the plumpest, bluest, juiciest berries on the bush. I did not eat a one. I didn t even have a taste! I saved them all. Title: Reggie Hunts for Berries Page: 2

Chapter Three Berry Good Friends I followed the rabbit s scent to a secluded spot, the place where the forest transitions into an open meadow. I put the pile of succulent blueberries at the edge of the woods, and I went to the other side of the clearing. That way, I could see the rabbit and he could see me, but he could safely retreat into the woods if he felt scared. The luscious aroma of the blueberries was more than the rabbit could resist. First, I saw his little twitching nose, followed by a quick hop, and then he was stuffing his face with berries. Hello, Rabbit! I called, sounding as friendly as I could. I mean you no harm. Rabbit froze stiff, not a twitch, not a chew. He went completely still, waiting to see what I would do. Rabbit, I m glad you enjoy the berries, I said. I brought them for you. My name is Reggie. I really like berries, just like you. My name is Hidalgo, answered the rabbit. While I am grateful for the berries, I am also suspicious. How can I trust that you don t want to eat me along with the berries? Title: Reggie Hunts for Berries Page: 3

I don t blame you for feeling fearful, Hidalgo, I replied. However, be assured that I will not eat you, as I am a vegetarian. I wanted to extend a paw of friendship, and a request for your help. I need to find more red berries, since I have finished the ones in my area. If you help me, I will consider you a friend, and make sure my brothers treat you the same. That seems like it might work, said Hidalgo tentatively. I not only know where red berries grow, I can also lead you to wild asparagus. A vegetarian s delight, from what I have heard. That sounds delectable! I exclaimed. Lead the way. Thereafter, Hidalgo and I enjoyed many fine meals together. Title: Reggie Hunts for Berries Page: 4