One spring morning, Mert Rabbit hurriedly jumped through the bushes saying to himself "I really have to find Wise Turtle because something has happened to the Heart Tree, the leaves don't light the same anymore!".

Marilena Mic/ AVRAM IANCU SCHOOL/ Romania

A cold wind was blowing, the birds that always sang nearby suddenly fell silent, the flowers that grew near the trunk were dry and even the squirrel ran quietly- something had changed in the forest and it had lost its magic.

Olha Plieshkova/Olena Pchilka Lyceum of Kovel in Volyn region / Ukraine

At that moment, the anxiety that appeared in Mert Rabbit's heart and the fear in the eyes of the Sharming Squirrel combined, the two together passed through the shadow of the pale leaves of the Heart Tree to find the Wise Turtle, a light of hope leaked through the gray clouds covering the sky.

Özlem Kayalı / YENİŞEHİR ORTAOKULU/Türkiye

The Wise Turtle greeted them with a peaceful smile. 

“The courage in your heart can light up even the deepest darkness,” he said slowly.

Nurdan Büşra Başar/FEVZİ ÇAKMAK ORTAOKULU/Türkiye

Mert Rabbit and the Charming Squirrel set off with hope, guided by the ancient map they had been given. Along the way, the wind whispered through the leaves, as if guiding them. With every step, their fear was replaced by determination and friendship.

While they walked deeper into the forest, the pale symbols on the ancient map began to come to life, and the lines led them to a secret path. The path led to the once-existing Valley of Thoughts, which had been forgotten over time.

Nihal Burçin Bircan Çubuk/ YENİŞEHİR ORTAOKULU/Türkiye

As Mert Rabbit and the Charming Squirrel stepped into the Valley of Thoughts, a soft glow emerged from the ground beneath them, pulsing in rhythm with their footsteps. The valley, once silent, began to hum with memories—echoes of ancient laughter, wisdom, and dreams long asleep.

İrem Nur Karabulut/ AYDOĞDU İMAM HATİP ORTAOKULU/Türkiye

In the center stood a forgotten fountain, its waters swirling with colors and reflections of their own thoughts and fears. When Mert Rabbit dipped his paw into the water, a vision appeared: the Heart Tree bathed in golden light, restored by the unity of brave hearts.

When the squirrel reached for the sparkling water of the fountain, Mert stopped him with a sudden instinct: 

"Don't forget the Wise Turtle! This water alone cannot heal the Heart Tree... Four values are needed: courage, honesty, patience and..." 

Ramazan Canbolat/ GÜÇLÜ ORTAOKULU/Türkiye

Before he could finish his words, they heard a growl echoing from the valley walls. The dark silhouette of the Shadow Fox appeared on the rocks. Mert's ears perked up: 

"Cooperation... Not without it!"

The Shadow Fox seemed to be waiting for them at the entrance of a misty cave. Its eyes were glowing a poisonous green, its claws were clawing the ground. Mert spoke with a trembling but determined voice: "I understand you. Loneliness hurts… But together we are stronger!" 

Hacer Çakmak/GÜÇLÜ ORTAOKULU/TÜRKİYE

The fur on the Fox's back fell, the anger in his gaze melted. Suddenly, the voice of the Wise Turtle filled the valley:

"Patience, young friends… Listen to your heart!"

"If you want to be honest… This is yours."

 The Fox took a hesitant step. The squirrel held out the shiny acorn he had taken from his pocket: 

Husna Akgün/ URFA IMAM HATIP ORTAOKULU/TÜRKİYE