Grimwood

Chapter 1

In this first chapter we are introduced to Ted and Nancy. Two foxes living in a big city who have very different personalities. Nancy is tough, bold, and street-smart, caring for Ted and ensuring he is safe. Ted, on the other hand, is a sweet and gentle fox cub who enjoys the simple pleasures of life, like playing in the park and enjoying dropped ice cream cones. However, Ted starts to feel lonely whenever Nancy leaves to hang out with her friends, prompting him to realize that he wants friends of his own. He attempts to befriend a grasshopper and some pigeons but is rejected by both, leaving him disheartened.

In a subsequent encounter, Ted accidentally alerts two intimidating cats while trying to make new friends, causing him to run back to the safety of his den in fear. Nancy comforts Ted and reassures him that not all cats are enemies, despite his fears. Their conversation reveals that Ted misses his parents, who left long ago, and wonders if they’ll ever return. Nancy doesn’t have answers, and this uncertainty weighs on both of them, highlighting the deeper bond and care Nancy has for her little brother despite her tough exterior.

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Chapter 2

Princess Buttons was once a pampered cat living a luxurious life with her wealthy owner, but her world changed when her owner suddenly passed away. Left to fend for herself, she wandered the streets until she discovered the Speedy Chicken alley, where she found food among the bins shared by foxes, cats, and other animals. Despite the unglamorous setting, Princess Buttons quickly adapted, but she was horrified by the idea of sharing food with others, something she had never done before.

Over time, Princess Buttons became more aggressive, claiming the green bin for cats and driving away anyone who approached. Disgusted by the communal system, she began rallying other cats to take control of all the bins and exclude the foxes. Though some cats were uninterested, a small group started to follow her lead, chanting “Take back our bins!” Inspired by her newfound authority, Princess Buttons declared war on the foxes, determined to seize all the food in the city for the cats alone.

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Chapter 3

In Chapter 3 we learn that Princess Buttons, the meanest cat in the city, despised all foxes, especially Nancy, who was too clever for her schemes. One day, after a confrontation with Princess Buttons, Nancy warned Ted to stay away from the bins unless she was with him. Ted, feeling lonely, disobeyed and accidentally bit Princess Buttons’ tail, causing chaos. Nancy quickly rescued Ted, realizing they might need to leave the city to stay safe from the angry cats.

As they prepared to leave, a friendly rat named Sven offered Ted a map to Grimwood, a safe, magical forest far from the city. Sven advised Ted to find a rat named Binky Snuffhausen in Grimwood, who could help them. Excited by the prospect of a new life, Ted and Nancy set off on their journey, hopeful for a fresh start.

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Chapter 4

In Chapter 4, Binky Snuffhausen was having the best day of his life. After a delicious breakfast and feeling great about his appearance, he received an exciting letter informing him that he had won £3,500,000. Thrilled, Binky dressed in his smartest attire and stepped out into the sunshine, ready to claim his prize at Grimwood Bank. As he marvelled at the beauty of the day, feeling that nothing could go wrong, his joy was abruptly cut short when a massive eagle swooped down and bit off his head.

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Chapter 5

In Chapter 5 we learn that Pamela the eagle tricks and eats Binky Snuffhausen and then plans her next victim. Meanwhile, Ted and Nancy dig their way into Grimwood, where Nancy loses her phone to Pamela. The foxes are unsure of what to do next, especially with no familiar city smells or food around.

They soon meet Titus, the mayor, and Frank, an owl, who inform them that Binky is dead. Feeling lost and scared, Ted starts to cry, but Titus decides to help them. Frank then swoops down, picking up the foxes as they prepare to be taken somewhere safe in Grimwood.

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Chapter 6

Frank the owl flies Ted and Nancy high above the trees to a hidden den in Grimwood, where Titus, a friendly stag, offers them food and a place to stay. Nancy is suspicious of their kindness, while Ted is just grateful and excited to explore. Despite Nancy’s warnings to stay hidden, Ted sneaks out and meets a feisty bunny named Willow, who scolds him for making noise but quickly warms up to him.

When Nancy finds Ted outside the den, she angrily drags him back, warning him not to make friends. Willow, however, is not easily deterred and seems determined to befriend Ted, setting up potential future interactions despite Nancy’s strict orders.

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Chapter 7

Willow, determined to befriend Ted despite Nancy’s warnings, decorates a juice bottle for him and then takes him on a tour of Grimwood while Nancy is away. Ted eagerly follows as Willow introduces him to quirky characters like Ingrid the duck and shows him Bunnyville, her home. They also encounter a rowdy group of badgers and learn about the ongoing “Squirrel Wars.” Ted is thrilled by the adventure, captivated by the unique sights and stories of Grimwood.

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