Deep in the woods, where the lanterns glow along quiet paths, there's a small place called Lantern Hollow. And that's where our story begins. Hello and welcome to the Lantern Hollow Podcast. A series of fun stories for kids that spark the imagination, inspire resilience, and remind us of the good things that matter the most. These are stories I first told to my own kids, and now telling them to you. Today's story is about a boy named Dylan. But around here, he's known by another name. Dylan lived in a busy house. And when I say busy, I mean really busy. That's because Dylan had three sisters and one little brother. There was always something happening. Someone laughing, someone running, someone singing very loudly for no reason at all. And sometimes someone arguing about who left their socks in the living room. Now Dylan was a good kid. He was kind. He liked building things with Legos. He liked riding his bike. He loved playing in the backyard. But there was one problem. Sometimes Dylan didn't feel very confident. If something was hard, he would often say, I can't do that. Or I may just mess it up. One afternoon, Dylan and his dad were working in the backyard. Dylan was trying to hammer a nail into a piece of wood. The nail bent sideways. Dylan sighed. I knew it, he said. I'm not good at this. His dad knelt down next to him. Dylan? Do you know what I think? Dylan shrugged. What? His dad smiled. I think you might actually be a superhero. Dylan blinked. A superhero? Yep, his dad said. But not the kind with the cape and laser eyes. Then what kind? Dylan said. His dad stood up and put his hands on his hips like a superhero. The kind who keeps trying. The kind who helps people. The kind who figures things out. That doesn't sound like a superhero, Dad. His dad smiled. Oh really? Well then I guess we need to give you a superhero name. Dylan's eyes got big. A superhero name? His dad thought for a moment, then he snapped his fingers. I've got it. Your name is Mr Anything. Mr. Anything? His dad nodded. Yep. Because you can do, well, just about anything. Well Dylan wasn't so sure. I don't think that's true, Dad. But just then, from the big oak tree in their backyard came a very strange sound. Dylan looked up. A squirrel was stuck. Its little tail was twitching as it tried to wiggle free from a fork in the branches. Oh no, Dylan said. The squirrel squeaked again. It definitely needed help. Dylan looked at the tree, then he looked at his dad. Then he looked at the tree again. That's really high, Dylan said. His dad nodded. It sure is. I can't climb that. His dad crossed his arms thoughtfully. Remember, son, don't say I can't. That means it's impossible. You can say it's just hard. But I believe in you. Hmm, said Dylan. That's interesting, said his dad. What? Well I thought you were Mr. Anything. Because you can do well just about anything. Dylan hesitated. The squirrel squeaked again. Dylan took a deep breath. Well, maybe Mr. Anything could at least try. So Dylan grabbed the lowest branch. He pulled himself up, then another branch and another. The tree creaked softly as he climbed. The squirrel watched him with wide eyes. Don't worry, Dylan said. Mr. Anything is coming. Carefully, slowly, Dylan reached the branch where the squirrel was stuck. Its paw was wedged in the bark. Okay, Dylan whispered. Let's see here. He gently moved the branch. The squirrel sprang free and zipped up the tree like a tiny lightning bolt. Then it stopped on a branch above Dylan and chirped happily. Dylan laughed. I think that means thank you. When Dylan climbed back down, his dad was smiling. Well? His dad asked. How'd it go, Mr. Anything? Dylan smiled. I guess I can do well just about anything. And from that day on, whenever something seemed hard, whenever Dylan thought he couldn't do it, he would remember his superhero name, Mr. Anything. Because sometimes all it takes is a little courage and the courage to try. And that was the very first adventure of Mr. Anything. Because he can do, and you can do, well, just about anything. Thanks for joining me here on the Lantern Hollow Podcast. I'm glad you came along for this adventure with Mr. Anything. And remember, you might be able to do more than you think. Because sometimes all it takes is the courage to try. I'll see you next time.