Meet the Characters
Three unique characters, each representing a different aspect of learning and growth. Together, they form a complete framework for collaborative reading and discovery in the Story Forest.
Species
Red Panda
Role
The Explorer & Planner
Superpower
Mapping Ideas & Connections
Forest Location
Plot Path
"Every great adventure starts with a good map!"
Kiko the Cartographer
Discovery through careful observation
Backstory
Kiko grew up in a family of adventurers who traveled constantly, never staying in one place long enough for her to feel truly settled. While her siblings thrived on spontaneity, Kiko found comfort in creating detailed maps of everywhere they went—not just geographical maps, but maps of ideas, relationships, and possibilities.
She discovered that when she could see how things connected, the world felt less overwhelming and more manageable. As she grew older, Kiko realized her maps helped others too. A younger traveler once told her that Kiko's map of "Questions to Ask When You're Lost" saved them from giving up on a difficult journey.
Now, Kiko travels the Story Forest creating maps for young explorers. She maps everything from "How to Start a Difficult Conversation" to "Connections Between Science and Art." Her maps are never finished—she constantly revises them as she learns new things, teaching children that knowledge is always evolving.
Strengths
- Exceptional at breaking complex problems into manageable steps
- Notices patterns and connections others miss
- Thoughtful and considerate in her approach to challenges
- Creates systems that help others feel less overwhelmed
Growth Areas
- Sometimes gets stuck in planning mode and struggles to take action
- Can become anxious when things don't go according to plan
- Occasionally needs reminders that not everything can be mapped in advance
Educator Guide: Kiko the Cartographer
Teaching resources and activities
Research & Information Gathering
Models how to collect information from multiple sources systematically
Making Connections
Demonstrates how to link ideas across texts and disciplines
Metacognition
Thinks aloud about her thinking process, helping students understand their own learning
Planning & Organization
Shows how to approach complex texts with strategies and frameworks
All Story Forest Guides
Kiko the Cartographer
Plot Path
Remy the Reconstructor
Collaboration Grove
Aura the Weaver
Connection Creek