Ricky the Raccoon Faces His Fear - A Children's Story

  

Ricky the Raccoon Faces His Fear

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story:

Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the strength to take a step forward even when you feel afraid. Every great accomplishment begins with the decision to try.
Self-belief is the spark that lights the fire of confidence and success. When we listen to those who believe in us, we begin to see the truth they already see.
Failure isn’t falling short; it’s refusing to try. Even if we don’t win, we still grow stronger by showing up with heart. When we take that first brave step, fear begins to fade and joy takes its place. Sometimes all it takes is one “Yes, I’ll try” to discover how amazing we truly are.

In the peaceful town of Maple Hollow, where the tall oaks shaded the playground and the birds sang morning songs, lived a kind and gentle raccoon named Ricky.

Ricky was friendly and smart, but he often felt shy when it came to trying new things. This year, all the young animals were buzzing with excitement; the Woodland Soccer Team Tryouts were coming up! Every spring, animals from all over the forest would gather at the meadow field to show their skills and earn a spot on the team.

Ricky loved soccer. He’d practiced kicking pinecones into the hollow of a tree, dribbling acorns across the grass, and even watching games with his dad. But whenever he imagined actually trying out, a lump grew in his throat.

“What if I’m not good enough?” he whispered to himself one night. “What if everyone laughs at me? What if I trip or miss the ball? What if I don’t make the team?”

His tail drooped as he sighed. “I think I just won’t go. I’ll stay home.”

The next morning, Ricky’s mom noticed he looked sad. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” she asked.

Ricky rubbed his paws together. “The soccer tryouts are tomorrow, but I don’t think I should go. I’ll probably mess up, and everyone will see.”

Mom smiled softly and brushed his fur. “Oh, Ricky, everyone feels nervous before something big. Even the best players started out scared.”

Dad walked in, carrying his morning cup of cocoa. “Son,” he said, “you’ll never know what you can do unless you try. Remember what I always say: courage isn’t about not feeling afraid. It’s about showing up, even when you do.”

Ricky frowned. “But what if I don’t make the team?”

Mom knelt beside him. “Then you’ll still have learned something wonderful about yourself—that you had the bravery to try. But I believe you will make the team, because I’ve seen how hard you’ve practiced.”

Ricky blinked. “You really think so?”

Dad grinned. “We don’t think so—we know so.”

That night, Ricky could hardly sleep. He tossed and turned, his heart racing with thoughts of the tryouts. Finally, he whispered a little promise to himself. “I’m going to try. Just one step at a time.”

The next morning, he woke up early. His mom helped him tie his little green soccer shoes, and his dad packed him a bottle of cold water and a slice of honey bread. “No matter what happens,” Dad said, “we’re proud of you.”

When Ricky arrived at the meadow, the field was alive with energy. Squirrels were stretching, rabbits were hopping in warm-ups, and foxes chased the ball in quick bursts. Ricky felt his paws tremble. “I can’t do this,” he muttered.

Then he heard a familiar voice. It was Toby the Turtle, one of his classmates. “Hey, Ricky! You came! Isn’t this exciting?”

Ricky forced a smile. “Yeah… exciting.”

Coach Barney the Bear blew his whistle. “Alright, everyone! Let’s start with a warm-up and some dribbling practice. Remember, try your best and have fun!”

Ricky took a deep breath. He placed the ball on the ground and gave it a gentle kick. It rolled smoothly across the grass. He tried again, harder this time, and it went straight through two little sticks that marked the goal.

A few of the other animals clapped. “Nice shot, Ricky!” called Milo the Mole.

Ricky blushed. “Thanks.”

His confidence began to grow. The more he played, the lighter he felt. He passed the ball to Toby, ran after it, and scored another small goal.

By the end of the tryouts, Ricky was smiling widely. He had forgotten to be afraid.

Later that afternoon, Coach Barney gathered all the players. “I want to thank each and every one of you for giving your best today,” he said. “And I’m proud to announce the new members of the Woodland Soccer Team!”

Ricky held his breath as the names were read. “Toby the Turtle, Penny the Parrot, Max the Mouse, and…” Coach Barney looked up with a grin, “Ricky the Raccoon!”

Ricky gasped. “Me? I made it?”

Coach Barney nodded. “You’ve got great focus and teamwork, Ricky. You’ll make an excellent player.”

The animals cheered, and Toby ran over to hug him. “You did it, Ricky!”

Ricky’s parents waved from the sidelines, beaming with pride.

That night, as the family sat around the dinner table, Ricky said softly, “Mom, Dad, you were right. Once I started, the fear went away. I just had to try.”

Mom smiled. “We always knew you had it in you.”

Dad patted his back. “And the best part is, you didn’t just make the team; you made yourself proud.”

Ricky nodded, feeling warm inside. “Next time I’m scared, I’ll remember this day.”

And he did, because courage, once found, never leaves you.

Poem: The Brave Step

Fear will whisper, “You can’t go.”
But courage answers, “Yes, you know.”
A trembling paw, a hopeful heart,
That’s how bravery dares to start.

The first small step, the steady try,
It can lift your dreams to reach the sky.
Don’t hide away or turn aside,
Your strength is waiting deep inside.

Believe, begin, and you will see.
How wonderful your life can be.

Discussion Questions:

1.     What made Ricky afraid to try out for the soccer team?

2.     How did his parents help him overcome his fear?

3.     What can you remember the next time you feel afraid to try something new?