The Adventures of Wadoo the Kangaroo: Finding Courage and Confidence

DJ was nervous about starting his new school the next day. While rummaging through his closet to find his favorite hoodie, he found an old blue-stuffed kangaroo named Wadoo that he used to play with as a child. That night, he hugged Wadoo tightly to take his mind off being anxious about his first day and then drifted off to sleep. In his dreams, Wadoo came to life, big and blue, and ready to take DJ on the adventure of his life because Wadoo loves adventures.

DJ and Wadoo found themselves in a magical forest. DJ looked at Wadoo and noticed he looked a little different from the Wadoo he was used to, but it did not alarm or scare him. He realized they were in his dreams and that's where anything could happen. DJ felt safe to tell Wadoo about his worries about school the next day, and Wadoo nodded understandingly. "You know what? Let's go on an adventure to find your courage," Wadoo said. Looking around the forest, DJ took a deep breath and exhaled saying, "Okay". He was starting to feel a little braver already.

As they walked deeper into the forest, they encountered a thick, giant spider web blocking their path. DJ hesitated because he didn't know how big a spider had to be to make a web that big. Surely it was a spider big enough to eat kids like him. Plus, it looked like there was a lot of movement and a big, shadowy figure on the other side of the web. "I don't think I can do this," he said. "You can, DJ. We need to find a way around it," Wadoo encouraged. Taking a deep breath, DJ exhaled and said, "Okay" before stepping around the giant spider web.

They ventured around the web to a river with no bridge, and DJ felt his confidence waiver. He looked at Wadoo who looked more like a turtle than a rabbit, but he knew it was Wadoo because of the ears. "Well, that's a cool look", DJ said with a chuckle, which helped his confidence and dissolved his fear. "How do we get across?" he asked. Putting his fingers to his turtle lips, Wadoo whistled and the biggest, nicest turtle sauntered up before saying, "Howdy! Turtle Taxi at your service!" "How much for a ride?" DJ asked. Turtle Taxi waived for DJ to hop on his shell before saying, "Always free of charge for the brave ones, and you are quite brave if I do say so myself" Taking a deep breath, DJ exhaled and said, "Okay" before stepping on Turtle Taxi's back and heading across the river.

On the back of Turtle Taxi, DJ noticed the current was strong and Turtle Taxi must have turned on his turbo jets because Wadoo was too far behind. DJ was nervous about being too far from Wadoo while riding on the strong current. "I'm getting nervous! It's hard to hang on, Wadoo!!" DJ yelled over the loud swooshing sounds of the river. "I can't make it, Wadoo!" DJ cried. "You can! Just hold tightly to his shell!" Wadoo urged. DJ put a hand on both sides of Turtle Taxi's shell and gripped it tightly before exhaling, "Okay", and they made their way to the other side.

After crossing the river, they climbed a steep hill, passing many friendly and furry animals. However, the climb was exhausting, and DJ felt like giving up. "Gosh, I'm too tired, Wadoo", DJ said. "Just a few more miles to go, DJ. You can do it!" DJ took a deep breath, exhaled, and stopped abruptly saying, "Oh..." DJ quickly went from tired to curious and said, "Okay, what are you this time?" Wadoo looked himself over, and said "What? You've never seen a kangaroo-mouse-bear before?" They both started laughing, and DJ forgot he was tired as they finished the last mile up the rocky hill.

At the top of the hill, they found a cave. Inside, it was dark and eerie. DJ was scared. ' - I don't want to go in there,' DJ whispered. ' - Sometimes, the bravest thing is to face our fears,' Wadoo said. DJ took a deep breath and stepped inside.

In the cave, they found glowing crystals. The light made DJ feel safe. ' - Look, Wadoo! It's beautiful,' DJ exclaimed. ' - See, DJ? Courage leads to wonderful discoveries,' Wadoo said. They continued deeper into the cave.

Deeper in the cave, they found a giant stone door with a riddle. DJ read the riddle out loud. ' - Only the brave can enter,' it said. DJ felt unsure. ' - What if I can't solve it?' DJ asked. ' - Believe in yourself, DJ,' Wadoo said.

DJ thought hard and solved the riddle. The stone door creaked open. ' - You did it, DJ!' Wadoo cheered. DJ smiled. ' - I guess I am braver than I thought,' he said. They stepped through the door.

Beyond the door was a beautiful garden. ' - We did it, Wadoo! We found the treasure,' DJ said. ' - The real treasure is your courage, DJ,' Wadoo replied. DJ felt proud and happy.

DJ and Wadoo sat by the fountain. ' - Thank you, Wadoo. I feel ready for school now,' DJ said. ' - You always had the courage inside you,' Wadoo said. DJ hugged Wadoo tightly.

DJ started to feel sleepy. ' - It's time to wake up, DJ,' Wadoo said. ' - I'll never forget this adventure,' DJ replied. Wadoo smiled. ' - Remember, I'm always with you,' Wadoo said as DJ began to wake up.

DJ woke up in his bed, hugging his blue-stuffed kangaroo. He felt ready to face the new day. ' - I can do this,' DJ said to himself. He got dressed and put on his blue glasses. Today was going to be great.

At school, DJ felt a bit nervous but remembered Wadoo's words. He took a deep breath and walked in. ' - Hi, I'm DJ,' he introduced himself to a group of kids. They smiled and welcomed him. DJ felt his courage grow.

By the end of the day, DJ had made new friends. He felt proud and happy. ' - Thank you, Wadoo,' DJ whispered to his kangaroo that night. ' - You helped me find my courage,' he said. DJ fell asleep, feeling confident and brave.