In the quiet of the forest glade,
A predator prowls, in search of prey.
With ears alert to every sound,
It stalks its victim on the ground.

But prey must also learn to thrive,
To burrow deep and stay alive.
For food is scarce in winter's grasp,
And survival is a daunting task.

Some creatures migrate to warmer climes,
To escape the cold and harsh confines.
While others enter a torpor deep,
A state of sleep to help them keep.

And when the sun begins to rise,
The forest comes alive with cries.
For creatures great and creatures small,
All must heed the predator's call.

So children, listen and take heed,
For in the forest, there's a need.
To learn to survive and to adapt,
To stay alive and avoid mishap.

Reflections

Here are some questions to ask kids to think about "The Survival of the Forest":

1. What are some of the challenges that forest creatures face in the story?
2. How do different animals adapt to the challenges of survival in the forest?
3. Why do some animals migrate, while others go into torpor or hibernate?
4. What are some things that humans can do to help protect and preserve the habitats of forest creatures?
5. What can we learn from the way that animals in the story face challenges and work together to survive?