Short Stories: Adventures with Harry the Crow and Ffion
Welcome to a place where imagination meets the raw threads of life. Here, I share stories that take you into a world born from love, understanding, and the need for connection. These tales began with my daughter, Ffion, who’s on the Autism spectrum, and who, like many of us, experiences the world in her own vibrant way.
When Ffion was young, meltdowns were part of our days, moments when words couldn’t bridge the gap between us. And so, Harry the Crow came to life—just my hand shaped like a bird, a simple companion in the quiet. But for Ffion, Harry became a friend, an ally, and the spark for countless adventures. Together, they explored, imagined, and connected in ways that went beyond words. Harry gave her a way to express the unspoken, a place of safety and wonder.
These stories capture those journeys with Ffion and Harry, and the many characters they met along the way. They’re woven from real moments, whimsical imaginings, and a deep respect for the world as Ffion sees it. Some of these tales have taken flight beyond these pages, published and shared with the world—a tribute to the power of storytelling and the bonds it can create.
So come along—dive into these stories, let them take you somewhere unexpected, and perhaps find a bit of yourself along the way.
Ffion and Harry the Crow
A wonderful adventure in the snow
Who are Ffion and Harry you may wonder, Ffion is a little girl of 10 she hasn’t always been ten just that she’s ten now, big blue eyes and flowing blonde hair, cheeky and funny, she is a very bright young girl and has Asperger’s a form of autism, ever since she was very young she has had the most enquiring mind and loves to learn new things. Playing her games, reading her books now and then she likes to cook, walking in the country and splashing in the sea are a few of her favourite things. Now Harry, well where do we start? Harry is a scruffy old black as black can be a crow, he has been part of Ffion’s life for as long as we know. He is there when times get a bit hard when there are no words for Mum and Dad, he sits on her shoulder and pecks at her ear, he listens and talks when Ffion cannot talk to others. Nobody knows where he comes from or where he goes, that is except Ffion. She tells of his adventures and his other friends who sometimes visit. Sid the snail who comes from France lives in the garden with his vegetable patch, there’s Sluggety the slug whom Sid does not like he tries to steal the veg at night. These are just a few of his friends who during our stories you will get to know, adventures and escapades to many a place.
This particular story is of Ffion, Frank and Harry the Crow. An adventure in the snow.
Ffion woke it was just getting light, something was not right because there lead next to her bed was Frank. Frank is Ffion’s dog a basset hound with big floppy ears, he was only ever allowed upstairs when it was time for a bath. Hmm though Ffion why is Frank in my room fast asleep next to my bed, Dad must have left the stair gate open and Frank had sneaked upstairs in the night. As Ffion looked closer snuggled under one of Franks’s big soft floppy ears sound asleep and snoring was Harry the crow, now Harry was no ordinary crow and he had been Ffion’s friend ever since she could remember, he was always there when she needed to talk when things got a bit bleurgh and she could not talk to mum or dad, he was a great listener and would make her laugh with his crawling around and pecking her ear, he squawked and laughed and carried away her fears and worries, taking them off on his wings to float away.
Frank, Harry what are you doing here, I hope mum and dad don’t catch you in my room or I will be in trouble laughed Ffion. We are here to take you on an adventure said Harry, looking out the window he squawked. Shhh said Frank you will wake the big humans, squawk quieter you silly old crow let’s get ready so we can go.
Go where asked Ffion, what do you mean? Looking out the window the world was all white a dusting of snow had fallen that night, jumping and giggling dressing so quick an adventure in the snow with Frank and Harry the crow. As every child knows there is nothing your pets can not do, they talk and laugh and listen to you, they can do whatever your imagination can think of.
With ears, so big and floppy just like Dumbo Frank could fly, he and Harry soared off taking Ffion into the sky, they flew along the canal flying towards the mountains, Ffion shrieked with laughter and excitement she knew where they were going. Through little villages and over farmland, sheep and cows eat the hay that the farmer had taken out to them.
Children played in the fields below as the three friends glided onwards to their destination. The hills were full of all different sledges, from homemade and trays to fancy shop bought, some children were simply sliding down the hills on their bottoms. Harry pointed and squawked in Ffion’s ear a slope on the mountain all empty and clean, freshly fallen snow no footsteps to spoil. Frank and Harry flew down and landed. As soon as they had Ffion was laughing and making snowballs and throwing them at her trusted friends. You may think that it this not fair a dog and a crow have no hands to throw, but these are special and no ordinary friends and both know just how to throw. The laughter and squawking and Franks’s deep loud bark as the three played and rolled around in the snow.
Let’s build an Igloo our little den, a place to escape from the snow. Frank started digging with his big basset paws, making the blocks to build their snow home. Harry the crow flapped his black wings the snow and the ice packed firm on the den. The three friends crawled inside warm and cosy away from the wind outside. I brought no lunch said Ffion, do not worry said Frank I packed your favourite thing, hooray shouted Ffion she knew what it was Dad leek and potato soup to warm her insides, thick crusty bread that Harry shared and a bone full of marrow for Frank to chew on.
Frank asked Ffion do you know what would be a really fun, long twisty fast toboggan run. You wait here warmly wrapped in your blanket and eating your soup, I’ll go and make us a sledge ride loop, not quite a toboggan but just as much fun an afternoon in the snow and sun. Harry the crow offered his help but Frank told him that his help normally led to a mess being made. A short time later through the igloo door poked Franks’s big wet nose, if you never knew better you may have mistaken it for a bear, big and black and covered in snow. Come on you pair, come and see what I’ve made. As soon as they came out of the den Ffion’s eyes almost popped out, there in the snow was the most amazing sledge ride cut into the snow on the side of the mountain with twists and tunnels and a loop the loop, Harry wondered if Ffion would hold down her soup as she twisted and turned on the track in the snow.
The three raced to the top and jumped on a sledge, whooping and hollering as they took the bends, faster and faster shouted Ffion, screaming with joy as they whizzed along, Harry the crow squawking a song. Frank the basset his big floppy ears flapping about. They approached the part with the loop the loop would Ffion’s belly-hold the soup. Around and around the friends went on the sledge ride made by a dog who was Ffion’s best friend.
Frank as often the case was the sensible one, I think it’s time we started to go we have had a lot of fun playing in the snow. As Ffion packed up her stuff from inside the igloo that they had built she said to Frank let’s leave the sledge I am sure other children of all ages would love to play here.
They began the journey back home sweeping low across the hills, cows and sheep all eating the hay fresh brought by the farmer earlier that day. Children were playing all around the happiness and joy carried along on the winds sound. Along the canal, all frozen and glistening in the sun two little ducks Harry could see slipping and sliding across the ice, let’s go and join them I want a go squawked Harry the big black crow, you can join and play a while but it’s not safe for Ffion and I said Frank, the ice to thin for us to play. Along the towpath they swooped down to land, Harry squawked out to the duck can I join you and learn how you skate, of course, you can quack the duck, it’s hard to start with I wish you luck. Ffion and Frank sat down on one of the many benches that are along the canal, they laughed and giggled at the silly old crow as he slid and slipped, fell and squawked of the fun he was having skating across the ice on his feathery bum. I should go he squawked to the duck thank you for the time and wishing me luck, have a nice day Mr Duck.
They were soon back home in the warmth of Ffion’s room, she knew that soon Dad would come in wondering what she was up to as it had been very quiet, Frank had gone back downstairs so that nobody would know he had been sleeping beside Ffion’s bed using her bean bag as his bed. Ffion led in her bed cuddly toys all around her head, she picked up one of her many books, a horrible history or Mr Stink, dad came in and shook his head what are you still doing tucked your bed, you lazy monkey it’s time to get up no laying bed all day, we are going out to play I want to run in the snow jump on a sledge and win our race, he bent forward and kissed her face, little did he know that Ffion, Frank and Harry the crow had already been on an adventure in the snow.
Harry and the Wise Old Tree: A Lesson in Letting Go
So, there was Harry, the Crow, perched up on his favourite old oak tree. This tree had been there for him year after year—a sturdy, familiar place where he could rest. But today, there was something different. The green leaves that had once shaded him through summer were turning to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. The whole thing was mesmerizing like the tree was dressing up at its finest to say goodbye to summer.
Curious, Harry leaned in and asked, “Why the change, old friend?”
The tree rustled gently, almost as if it was taking a deep breath. “It’s that time of year, Harry,” it whispered. “I have to let my leaves go. They’ve done their job, and now it’s time to let them go.”
Harry wasn’t quite sure about this. “But why let go? Aren’t they a part of you?”
The tree chuckled, its branches swaying softly. “You see, Harry, I hold on to them through the sunny days. They give me strength when I need it. But now, the days are shorter and colder. Holding on would only tire me out. Letting them go makes room for the new growth in spring.”
Harry let that sink in. “So letting go makes you stronger?” he asked, genuinely curious.
“Yes, indeed,” said the tree. “By letting go, I make space to rest, to prepare for what’s next. When spring comes, I’ll be ready to grow again. And each time I let go, I’m stronger than before.”
A few golden leaves drifted down, settling quietly around Harry. Watching them fall, he felt a calmness that was hard to explain. Letting go didn’t seem scary anymore; it seemed… natural.
“Does it hurt?” Harry asked, almost in a whisper.
“Sometimes,” the tree replied, its tone gentle. “But it also feels right. I’ve shared a journey with these leaves. But holding on to them would only hold me back. Letting go is my way of making space for new things to come.”
Harry thought of his own life. He liked to collect things—feathers, stones, bits and bobs he thought he needed. But sometimes they got too heavy to carry, and he’d have to leave some behind. Maybe, just maybe, letting go was a kindness, not a loss. He thought of the times he’d released something he’d cherished, how it hurt at first, but then made him feel lighter, somehow. And, without fail, he always found something new later that brought him joy.
“Thank you, old friend,” Harry said, feeling grateful for the tree’s wisdom.
The tree sighed softly like it was smiling. “Each season, Harry, I let go, and each season, I welcome something new. It’s part of the journey. Change may feel uncomfortable, but it’s how we grow.”
The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the forest. Harry tucked his wings around himself, reflecting on his burdens, the things he held onto that perhaps weighed him down. Maybe it was time to let go, to make room for the new, to welcome something brighter.
He knew now that he was part of a much bigger cycle, just like his old friend. The whole forest, from the tallest tree to the smallest leaf, was part of this rhythm. It was comforting, knowing he wasn’t alone in it all.
Sharing the Lesson with Young Ones
As the story wrapped up, Harry noticed a group of young crows below, their curious eyes watching intently.
“Remember,” he said, his voice warm, “letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It just means making space for what’s next. Sometimes, to grow, you have to let go of what’s holding you back. It might feel tough, but it’ll make you stronger.”
One young crow piped up, “But what if I don’t want to let go? What if I like what I have?”
Harry nodded with a knowing smile. “I get that,” he said gently. “But think of it this way: letting go doesn’t mean losing. It’s about giving yourself room for something even better. And the memories? They’ll always stay with you.”
And with that, Harry shook out his feathers, ready to face the new season with open wings and a hopeful heart. He looked up at the sky, where the clouds drifted, and felt a deep sense of peace. The tree’s lesson wasn’t just about leaves; it was about life, about letting go to make space for what’s yet to come. And Harry knew he’d carry this wisdom with him as he continued to grow and explore.
Ffion and Harry The Crow
Once upon a time, there was a crow named Harry. He lived in a big tree in a park. Every day, Harry would fly around the park, looking for shiny objects to collect. He had a big collection of shiny objects in his nest.
One day, while flying around the park, Harry noticed a girl sitting on a bench by herself. She had her head down and was drawing in a notebook. Harry was curious and flew down to investigate.
The girl looked up and saw Harry. She smiled and said hello. Harry was surprised that the girl wasn’t scared of him like most humans were. He flew over to her and she offered him some breadcrumbs. Harry was delighted and ate the breadcrumbs from her hand.
The girl’s name was Ffion, and she had Asperger’s syndrome. She found it hard to make friends and socialise with others. But Harry was different. He didn’t judge her and didn’t care that she was different. He just liked spending time with her.
Every day, Ffion would come to the park and sit on the bench with her notebook. Harry would fly down and keep her company. They would share snacks, and Ffion would show Harry her drawings.
One day, Ffion had a big smile on her face. She had drawn a picture of Harry with all his shiny objects. Harry was amazed and felt so proud of his collection. Ffion had captured his essence perfectly.
From that day on, Harry and Ffion became the best of friends. Harry would fly Ffion to different parts of the park, and Ffion would show Harry her latest drawings. They were always together, and Ffion was never alone again.
And so, Harry and Ffion’s friendship continued to grow. They were an unlikely pair, but they had found each other and were the best of friends.
Ffion and Harry the Crow
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in a lush green valley, there lived a girl named Ffion. Ffion was a special girl, for she had a condition called Aspergers. This meant that she saw the world in a different way than most people. She found it hard to make friends and often felt lonely.
One day, as Ffion was walking in the woods, she came across a crow perched on a tree branch. The crow looked at Ffion and cawed loudly. Ffion was surprised to hear the crow speak. “Hello there,” said the crow. “What brings you to my woods?”
Ffion was amazed to hear the crow talk, but she was also a little scared. “I’m just exploring,” she said. “I like to come here and be alone.”
The crow nodded. “I understand,” he said. “I, too, enjoy being alone sometimes. But it’s also nice to have a friend to talk to.” “I’m Harry he said Harry the Crow
Ffion wasn’t sure what to say. She had never had a friend before, let alone a friend who was a crow. But there was something about the crow’s gentle voice that made her feel at ease.
They started talking, and soon Ffion found that she could tell the crow anything. She told him about her struggles with Aspergers, and how she often felt like she didn’t fit in. Harry, listened patiently and offered words of encouragement.
As the days went by, Ffion and Harry became the best of friends. They would meet in the woods every day, and Harry would tell Ffion stories about his adventures. Ffion would share her thoughts and feelings, and the crow would always listen.
One day, Ffion’s parents noticed that their daughter seemed happier than usual. They asked her what had changed, and Ffion told them about her friend, Harry the crow.
At first, her parents were a little hesitant. They had never heard of a girl having a crow as a friend before. But when they saw how happy Ffion was, they knew that Harry the crow was special.
From that day on, Ffion’s parents would take her to the woods to visit Harry the crow. They would all sit together and listen to the crow’s stories.
Ffion never felt alone again, for she had a friend who understood her. And Harry the crow never felt lonely, for he had found a friend who accepted him just the way he was.
And so, Ffion and Harry the Crow continued to be the best of friends, sharing their thoughts, feelings, and stories for many years to come.
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Ffion, Charlie and Harry the Crow
Ffion was a quiet girl, who preferred spending time alone. She had Aspergers, which made it difficult for her to connect with other people. But there were two special creatures who she loved spending time with – a crow named Harry, and a dog named Charlie.
Harry had a bright, inquisitive mind and loved to explore the world around him. He often visited Ffion’s garden, pecking at the ground for worms and insects. Ffion would sit quietly nearby, watching Harry with fascination. She admired his intelligence and independence, and they soon became good friends.
Charlie was a gentle, loyal dog, who loved nothing more than cuddles and belly rubs. He would often follow Ffion around the garden, wagging his tail in excitement. Ffion loved Charlie’s company, as he was always there to comfort her when she was feeling down.
One day, Ffion decided to take Harry and Charlie on an adventure. They set off into the nearby woods, with Ffion leading the way. Harry flew overhead, while Charlie trotted happily at her heels.
As they walked, Ffion pointed out the different plants and animals they saw. She told them the names of the trees and birds, and they listened intently.
Suddenly, they came across a babbling brook. Ffion sat down on the bank and dipped her feet in the cool water. Charlie lay down beside her, and Harry perched on a nearby branch.
For a while, they sat in peaceful silence, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the woods. Then, Ffion started to talk. She told them about her worries and fears, about how hard it was for her to fit in with the other children at school.
Harry and Charlie listened attentively, understanding her in a way that others couldn’t. They comforted her with their presence, and Ffion felt a sense of calm wash over her.
As the sun began to set, they started to make their way back home. Ffion felt happy and content, knowing that she had two loyal friends by her side. She knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she had Harry and Charlie to support her.
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A garden adventure
Once upon a time, in a beautiful garden, lived a crow named Harry. Harry loved to explore, and one day, he decided to visit his friends Sid the Snail and Honic the Hedgehog. He flew over the flowers, dodging bees and butterflies, feeling the sun on his feathers. As he arrived at Sid’s house, he saw Ffion walking her two dogs, Frank the Bassett Hound pup, and Charlie the Collie cross, in the garden.
Ffion was admiring the beautiful vegetables that Sid had grown. There were carrots, peas, tomatoes, and even a giant pumpkin! “Wow, Sid, your garden is amazing!” she exclaimed.
Sid beamed with pride. “Thank you, Ffion. I’ve been working hard on it all summer.”
But Frank, being a puppy, didn’t quite understand the concept of a garden. As soon as he saw the vegetables, he ran over to investigate. Charlie, being a grumpy old dog, simply rolled his eyes and lay down in the shade.
“Hey! Get out of there!” Sid shouted, pulling his head back into his shell.
Ffion quickly pulled Frank back, apologizing to Sid. “I’m so sorry. Frank is still learning about gardens. He just gets so excited about everything.”
Harry, being the curious crow he was, flew over to Sid’s garden to take a closer look. “Wow, Sid, these are some impressive veggies!” he cawed.
Honic, who had been sleeping in the shade, woke up and joined the group. “I agree,” he said. “These vegetables are amazing. I could smell them from my house.”
Ffion smiled, “Sid, would you mind showing us around your garden? I would love to see how you grew all of this.”
Sid, who loved to talk about his garden, happily agreed. He led the group on a tour, showing them his techniques for watering, fertilizing, and harvesting. Frank tried to help by digging up the soil, but Ffion quickly stopped him.
As they made their way through the garden, they noticed that some of the vegetables were missing. “What happened to your carrots, Sid?” Honic asked, noticing a bare patch of soil.
Sid sighed. “I suspect it was the rabbits. They love my carrots.”
Charlie, who had been lying in the shade the whole time, finally spoke up. “Well, why don’t we catch them and teach them a lesson?”
Everyone turned to Charlie, surprised that he was speaking. “What? I’m just saying,” he grumbled.
Ffion laughed, “Charlie, we can’t catch the rabbits. They’re part of the garden ecosystem, and we have to learn to live with them.”
Harry nodded, “That’s right. We all have to share this garden, no matter how big or small.”
The group continued their garden tour, admiring the colourful flowers, buzzing bees, and fluttering butterflies. As they said their goodbyes, they promised to come back and visit again soon. Frank even gave Sid a friendly lick on the shell, to show that he was sorry for digging in the garden.
And as Harry flew back to his tree, he felt grateful for his garden friends, knowing that there was always more to explore and learn in the beautiful garden.