Green Forest Stories · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Green Forest Stories by Thornton W. Burgess.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to the most beautiful four-footed friend in the green forest, expressing hope that the volume will help protect the innocent and helpless.
Chapter 2
Green Forest Stories
A collection of tales set in the Green Forest, focusing on the lives and adventures of its animal inhabitants.
Chapter 3
Lightfoot the Deer
The chapter introduces Lightfoot the Deer and his life in the Green Forest, highlighting his beauty and the constant threat he faces from hunters. It sets the stage for the themes of fear, survival, and the connection between animals and nature.
Chapter 4
Peter Rabbit Meets Lightfoot
Peter Rabbit, saddened by bidding farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Quack as they begin their perilous journey south, encounters Lightfoot the Deer. Peter shares his concerns about the dangers hunters pose to the ducks, and Lightfoot expresses his bewilderment at men who hunt for sport. Lightfoot playfully demonstrates that he can indeed appear fierce, surprising Peter.
Chapter 5
Lightfoot’s New Antlers
Peter Rabbit encounters Lightfoot the Deer and notices strange rags hanging from his antlers. Lightfoot explains that these are remnants of the coverings of his new antlers, which grow anew each year. Peter is skeptical, comparing them to Bossy the Cow's permanent horns, but Lightfoot patiently explains the difference and describes how he hid away during the summer while his antlers grew.
Chapter 6
III: Lightfoot Tells How His Antlers Grew
Peter Rabbit struggles to believe Lightfoot the Deer's account of how his antlers grow anew each year, but Jumper the Hare confirms the story. Lightfoot explains the process in detail: the old antlers fall off, new ones grow covered in a protective skin, then harden and shed the skin, leaving rags. He proudly declares that with his new antlers he fears only man with a gun.
Chapter 7
IV: The Spirit of Fear
The chapter describes how autumn, intended by Old Mother Nature as a time of gladness and plenty, is instead overshadowed by the Spirit of Fear brought by human hunters. Peter Rabbit observes the fear gripping all the forest and meadow creatures, including himself, as the sound of distant gunfire reminds them of the constant danger they face.
Chapter 8
Sammy Jay Brings Lightfoot Word
Sammy Jay, an early riser, decides to visit a farm dooryard but instead spots a hunter with a gun heading into the Green Forest. Suspecting the hunter is after Lightfoot the Deer, Sammy follows and warns Lightfoot of the danger.
Chapter 9
A Game of Hide and Seek
Lightfoot the Deer plays a high-stakes game of hide and seek with a hunter in the Green Forest, using his senses and the warnings of Sammy Jay to stay ahead of danger.
Chapter 10
The Merry Little Breezes Help Lightfoot
Lightfoot the Deer uses the Merry Little Breezes to track the hunter by scent, but the hunter, wise to this trick, circles around to hide his own scent, causing Lightfoot to lose track of him.
Chapter 11
Wit Against Wit
In a tense game of survival, Lightfoot the Deer and the hunter match wits in the Green Forest. Lightfoot uses his experience to evade the hunter, who skillfully reads signs in the forest to track him. Both rely on cunning and knowledge of each other's ways, with Lightfoot depending on the wind and his senses to stay safe.
Chapter 12
Lightfoot Becomes Uncertain
Lightfoot the Deer travels through the Green Forest, using the Merry Little Breezes to detect scents of danger. He picks up faint traces of Reddy Fox and Buster Bear but no man-scent, yet grows uncertain whether the hunter is still following him. He repeatedly stops to watch and listen, then bounds onward, torn between staying in familiar territory and fleeing further.
Chapter 13
Lightfoot's Clever Trick
Lightfoot the Deer, aware of the hunter's persistence, devises a clever plan to determine if he is still being followed. He runs swiftly, then quietly doubles back to a brush pile on a hill, where he lies down to watch his old trail. As he rests, he observes other forest creatures going about their business, and gradually becomes convinced that the hunter has given up.
Chapter 14
XI: The Hunted Watches the Hunter
Lightfoot the Deer rests in the Green Forest, remaining vigilant despite the peaceful surroundings. He hears a faint sound and spots the hunter approaching with his gun. The hunter passes below Lightfoot's hill, hunting upwind, and eventually disappears. Lightfoot then silently moves away to another part of the forest, confident he will not be found that day.
Chapter 15
Lightfoot Visits Paddy the Beaver
Lightfoot, seeking safety from the hunter, visits Paddy the Beaver's secluded pond. He approaches cautiously, using the wind to detect any hidden danger, and is reassured when he hears a tree fall, indicating Paddy is working alone.
Chapter 16
Lightfoot and Paddy Become Partners
Lightfoot, anxious about the start of hunting season, encounters Paddy the Beaver working on his pond. Paddy, unaware of the danger, suggests they become partners to watch for hunters, using their combined senses to stay safe. Lightfoot agrees, finding some comfort in the arrangement.
Chapter 17
How Paddy Warned Lightfoot
Lightfoot and Paddy the Beaver have formed a partnership, with Lightfoot resting near Paddy's pond. When a hunter approaches, Paddy slaps his tail on the water as a warning signal, and Lightfoot immediately understands the danger.
Chapter 18
The Three Watchers
Paddy the Beaver warns Lightfoot of a hunter's approach by slapping the water. Lightfoot hides and watches the hunter, who finds his tracks and decides to wait for him. Unbeknownst to the hunter, both Lightfoot and Paddy are watching him from their hiding places.
Chapter 19
Visitors to Paddy’s Pond
The hunter waits motionless by Paddy's pond, hoping to shoot Lightfoot the Deer. Mr. and Mrs. Quack arrive and swim within easy range, but the hunter resists the temptation to shoot them. Bobby Coon also appears, washes his food, and eats on the dam, yet the hunter holds his fire. Lightfoot watches from the ridge, feeling bitter that the hunter wants him so badly. Finally, Reddy Fox arrives at the pond.
Chapter 20
Sammy Jay Arrives
Reddy Fox stalks Mr. and Mrs. Quack at Paddy the Beaver's pond, but Sammy Jay's warning cry foils his hunt, saving the ducks and reminding the hunter of Lightfoot's presence.
Chapter 21
The Hunter Loses His Temper
The hunter, hidden near Paddy the Beaver's pond, is pleased that Sammy Jay warned Mr. and Mrs. Quack about Reddy Fox, as he wants the ducks for himself after hunting Lightfoot. However, Sammy Jay spots the hunter and his gun, and begins yelling 'Thief!', causing the hunter to lose his temper and realize his hiding place is compromised.
Chapter 22
Sammy Jay Is Modest
After the hunter leaves the Green Forest, Lightfoot the Deer comes out of hiding and goes to Paddy the Beaver's pond for a drink. Sammy Jay, who had followed the hunter while screaming 'Thief!', returns and is thanked by Lightfoot for his warnings and help. Sammy modestly downplays his actions, explaining that he simply uses his eyes and voice to spoil the hunter's sport, and warns Lightfoot that many hunters are still searching for him.
Chapter 23
Lightfoot Hears a Dreadful Sound
Lightfoot the Deer, exhausted and terrified from being hunted daily, is startled by the baying of hounds on his trail. He flees in panic, and a hunter's bullet narrowly misses him, intensifying his fear.
Chapter 24
How Lightfoot Got Rid of the Hounds
Lightfoot, exhausted and desperate, is pursued by hounds that he believes are unfairly set upon him by hunters. Unable to shake them with tricks, he plunges into the Big River, where the hounds dare not follow, finally escaping their relentless chase.
Chapter 25
Lightfoot's Long Swim
Exhausted from the chase, Lightfoot the Deer struggles to swim across the Big River. As his strength wanes, he nearly gives up hope of reaching the far shore, but he finds a sandbar where he can rest and regain his strength.
Chapter 26
Lightfoot Finds a Friend
Exhausted from swimming across the Big River and pursued by hounds and a hunter, Lightfoot the Deer stumbles onto the property of a man. Expecting danger, he is instead gently urged into a shed with hay, realizing he has found a friend.
Chapter 27
The Hunter Is Disappointed
After his long swim across the Big River, Lightfoot the Deer finds refuge on the land of a kind man who protects him from the hunter. The hunter confronts the man, but is rebuked for his unfair methods and ordered off the property. Lightfoot rests safely in a shed, though the hunter does not return across the river.
Chapter 28
The Hunter Lies in Wait
The angry hunter, having been driven off by Lightfoot's friend, rows downstream and lands on adjacent property. He hides in a brushy pasture, waiting for Lightfoot to leave the safety of his friend's land. Meanwhile, Lightfoot's friend, understanding the hunter's plan, calmly goes about his work near the shed where Lightfoot rests, deliberately ignoring the deer to build trust. Lightfoot gradually feels safe, knowing no hunter can harm him there.
Chapter 29
Lightfoot Does the Wise Thing
The hunter waits in vain for Lightfoot to leave his hiding place, but Lightfoot wisely remains in the safety of the farmer's shed, understanding that the farmer is a true friend. After dark, Lightfoot ventures out to feed but returns before dawn, earning the farmer's praise.
Chapter 30
Sammy Jay Worries
Sammy Jay, usually self-reliant and unconcerned with others, becomes deeply worried about Lightfoot the Deer after not seeing him for two days. He searches all of Lightfoot's hiding places but finds no trace, and fears that the hunters or hounds have killed him.
Chapter 31
The Hunting Season Ends
The hunting season for Lightfoot the Deer ends, but there is no rejoicing among the forest creatures because Lightfoot has disappeared. Despite extensive searches by Sammy Jay, Blacky the Crow, Paddy the Beaver, Billy Mink, Jumper the Hare, and Old Man Coyote, no trace of Lightfoot is found. The animals fear he has been killed by hounds or hunters, and they mourn the loss of the beautiful deer who never harmed anyone.
Chapter 32
Mr. and Mrs. Quack Are Startled
On the evening after the hunting season for Lightfoot the Deer ends, Mr. and Mrs. Quack feed peacefully among the wild rice stalks of the Big River, taking turns watching for Hooty the Owl. Their calm is broken by mysterious splashes and a moving branch-like shape in the river, which startles them into readiness for flight.
Chapter 33
The Mystery Is Solved
Mr. and Mrs. Quack observe a mysterious object swimming across the Big River, initially mistaking it for a tree branch. Their curiosity keeps them from fleeing, and they eventually realize it is Lightfoot the Deer swimming home. They greet him with relief and joy.
Chapter 34
A Surprising Discovery
Lightfoot the Deer enjoys a peaceful Thanksgiving after the hunting season ends, feeling safe and happy in the Green Forest. One evening at the Laughing Brook, he discovers a set of smaller, dainty footprints that intrigue him, sparking a desire to find the stranger who made them.
Chapter 35
Lightfoot Sees the Stranger
Lightfoot discovers signs of another deer in the Green Forest and becomes consumed with a longing to find the mysterious stranger. He searches tirelessly, losing appetite and sleep, until one night he glimpses a beautiful head in a thicket. Though he tries to pursue, the stranger vanishes silently, leaving Lightfoot achingly lonely and determined to find her.
Chapter 36
A Different Game of Hide and Seek
Lightfoot the Deer plays a new game of hide and seek in the Green Forest, but this time he is the seeker, filled with longing to find the beautiful stranger he glimpsed. He alternates between losing his temper and patiently searching, while the forest creatures, especially Sammy Jay, mischievously help the stranger evade him.
Chapter 37
A Startling New Footprint
Lightfoot discovers large footprints near the Laughing Brook, realizing a rival buck has entered the Green Forest. Jealousy and rage consume him as he abandons his search for the beautiful stranger to confront the intruder.
Chapter 38
Lightfoot Is Reckless
Lightfoot the Deer, driven by rage and jealousy, recklessly searches the Green Forest for a new male stranger who has come to court Miss Daintyfoot. He abandons caution, making noise and issuing challenges. Meanwhile, Sammy Jay discovers the situation and spreads the news among the forest animals, who anticipate a fight.
Chapter 39
Sammy Jay Takes a Hand
Sammy Jay follows Lightfoot the Deer and realizes that the stranger from the Great Mountain is avoiding a fight. Sammy decides to intervene by locating the stranger and screaming to alert Lightfoot, helping to bring the two rivals together.
Chapter 40
The Great Fight
Lightfoot the Deer confronts the big stranger in a fierce battle by Paddy the Beaver's pond, witnessed by many forest creatures. The fight is brutal and evenly matched, with both deer using their antlers and hoofs, leaving Lightfoot wounded but determined.
Chapter 41
An Unseen Watcher
Miss Daintyfoot secretly watches the fierce battle between Lightfoot the Deer and the stranger from the Great Mountain, torn between which handsome suitor she wants to win, until Lightfoot's greater size and strength prevail and the stranger flees back toward the Great Mountain.
Chapter 42
Lightfoot Discovers Love
After winning a great fight against a stranger from the Great Mountain, Lightfoot the Deer realizes his jealousy was driven by love for Miss Daintyfoot. He finds her hiding in a thicket, and they share a mutual recognition of their affection.
Chapter 43
Happy Days in the Green Forest
Lightfoot the Deer and his new mate, Mrs. Lightfoot, enjoy happy days together in the Green Forest. Lightfoot proudly shows her his favorite places, while she wisely pretends all is new. The forest's little people pay their respects, and Lightfoot recounts his harrowing escape from hunters during the hunting season. Mrs. Lightfoot reveals she was driven from the Great Mountain by hunters, which led her to the Green Forest and to Lightfoot. Both realize that the hunters, despite causing terror, ultimately brought them together.
Chapter 44
Blacky the Crow
Blacky the Crow is introduced as a clever and watchful bird who observes the happenings in the Green Forest and the Green Meadows, often alerting others to danger or stirring up trouble.
Chapter 45
Blacky the Crow Makes a Discovery
Blacky the Crow, always on the lookout for food during the harsh winter, discovers what appears to be an egg in Redtail the Hawk's old nest. Despite knowing it is too early for eggs, his curiosity and hunger drive him to investigate further.
Chapter 46
Blacky Makes Sure
Blacky the Crow, despite Sammy Jay's skepticism about finding eggs in winter, returns to Redtail the Hawk's old nest and discovers two eggs, confirming his earlier suspicion. He becomes cautious, wondering who laid them and what to do next.
Chapter 47
III: Blacky Finds Out Who Owns the Eggs
Blacky the Crow discovers two large white eggs in an old nest in the Green Forest during winter. He initially plans to steal them but realizes they belong to Hooty the Horned Owl and Mrs. Hooty, who are nesting at an unusual time. Fearing the owls' protection, he wisely decides to abandon his plan.
Chapter 48
IV: The Cunning of Blacky
Blacky the Crow discovers that the eggs in an old nest belong to Hooty the Owl and his mate. He resolves to forget them but cannot, and devises a cunning plan to steal the eggs by enlisting his relatives to torment Hooty and Mrs. Hooty, hoping their anger will make them neglect guarding the nest.
Chapter 49
Blacky Calls His Friends
Blacky the Crow summons his relatives to torment Hooty the Owl, using the bright sunlight to their advantage while secretly planning to steal Mrs. Hooty's eggs when she is drawn away.
Chapter 50
Hooty the Owl Doesn’t Stay Still
Blacky the Crow's cunning plan to steal Hooty the Owl's eggs fails because Hooty, contrary to Blacky's expectations, does not stay still. Instead, Hooty deliberately leads the noisy crows away from his nest to protect Mrs. Hooty and their eggs, revealing that he is far from stupid.
Chapter 51
Blacky Tries Another Plan
Blacky the Crow, undeterred by his failed plan to steal Hooty the Owl's eggs, devises a new scheme to lure his relatives back to torment Mrs. Hooty on her nest, hoping she will leave the eggs unguarded so he can snatch one.
Chapter 52
VIII: Hooty Comes to Mrs. Hooty’s Aid
Hooty, despite his discomfort in the bright sunshine, returns to help Mrs. Hooty when the crows torment her at the nest. His sudden silent arrival frightens the crows away, though Blacky remains determined to steal the eggs.
Chapter 53
Blacky Thinks of Farmer Brown's Boy
Blacky the Crow, frustrated by his failed attempts to steal Hooty the Owl's eggs, rationalizes his desire for revenge by convincing himself that Hooty is a menace. He plots to lead Farmer Brown's boy to the nest so that the eggs will be taken, justifying his wicked plan as a kindness to his neighbors.
Chapter 54
Farmer Brown's Boy and Hooty
Farmer Brown's boy visits the Green Forest near the end of winter, curious about signs of spring. Blacky the Crow, who has been waiting for this, leads a noisy crow mob to Hooty the Owl's nest, drawing the boy's attention. The boy discovers Hooty and, after throwing a stick, also flushes Mrs. Hooty from the nest, much to Blacky's amusement.
Chapter 55
Farmer Brown’s Boy Is Tempted
Farmer Brown's boy discovers Mrs. Hooty sitting on a nest in the Green Forest during late winter. Despite the season, he climbs to investigate and finds eggs, including one from the Great Horned Owl. He is tempted to take them for his collection but recalls his resolution to stop collecting eggs.
Chapter 56
A Treetop Battle
Farmer Brown's boy climbs a tree to the nest of Hooty the Owl and struggles internally with the temptation to steal the eggs for his collection. He ultimately decides to leave them, recognizing that stealing is wrong regardless of the bird, and feels glad he made the right choice.
Chapter 57
Blacky Has a Change of Heart
Blacky the Crow reflects on his attempt to have Farmer Brown's boy steal Hooty the Owl's eggs. Initially motivated by revenge and hunger, Blacky experiences a moral awakening when Farmer Brown's boy returns the eggs instead of taking them. Through introspection, Blacky realizes the difference between fair competition among forest creatures and exploiting a common enemy. He resolves to protect his fellow animals from shared dangers and seeks an honest meal.
Chapter 58
Blacky Makes a Call
Blacky the Crow visits Peter Rabbit and the Quack family at Paddy the Beaver's pond, warning them about hunters nearby but reassuring them that Farmer Brown's boy will keep them safe. Blacky explains how Farmer Brown's boy changed from a hunter to a friend of the forest creatures.
Chapter 59
Blacky Does a Little Looking About
Blacky the Crow, known for his shrewdness, observes that his neighbors are preparing for a harsh winter. He decides to verify their predictions himself rather than rely on their word. After noticing that the corn husks in Farmer Brown's field are unusually thick, he concludes that Old Mother Nature is signaling a long, hard, cold winter.
Chapter 60
Blacky Finds Other Signs
Blacky the Crow, after discovering the thick husks on corn, seeks further evidence of a harsh winter. He finds his own feathers growing thicker and learns from Danny Meadow Mouse that all creatures are preparing for a long, cold season. The chapter reinforces the certainty of a severe winter through multiple natural signs.
Chapter 61
XVII: Blacky Watches a Queer Performance
Blacky the Crow observes a man scattering corn into the Big River, a behavior he finds puzzling. Using his keen eyes and wits, Blacky watches from a distance, noting the absence of a gun and the strange waste of food. He later flies over the area to investigate further.
Chapter 62
Blacky Becomes Very Suspicious
Blacky the Crow observes a man scattering corn in the Big River and becomes deeply suspicious, especially after finding duck feathers nearby. He resolves to warn the ducks to avoid the area, fearing the man may be a hunter in disguise.
Chapter 63
Blacky Makes More Discoveries
Blacky the Crow, ever observant of small details, warns Mr. and Mrs. Quack to stay away from the Big River. He then discovers Dusky the Black Duck and his relatives feeding on corn scattered by a man, and notices suspicious new bushes and logs on the shore that could hide a hunter. Blacky resolves to watch the area closely.
Chapter 64
XX: Blacky Drops a Hint
Blacky the Crow observes a man scattering corn daily for the ducks along the Big River and suspects he is a hunter planning to ambush them. Despite Blacky's warning, Dusky the Black Duck dismisses his concerns, trusting the apparent safety of the feeding spot.
Chapter 65
At Last Blacky Is Sure
Blacky the Crow confirms his suspicion that the man scattering corn for the ducks is actually a hunter with a gun. He watches the hunter hide behind bushes, waiting to ambush the unsuspecting ducks. Blacky struggles with his fear of the dark and Hooty the Owl but decides to stay and warn the ducks.
Chapter 66
Blacky Goes Home Happy
Blacky the Crow wrestles with his conscience about warning Dusky the Black Duck and his flock of a hidden hunter. Despite his fear of the dark, he stays to watch and spots the ducks approaching too early. He shrieks a danger cry, causing the ducks to fly high and escape the hunter's gun. Blacky returns home happy, having saved them.
Chapter 67
Blacky Calls Farmer Brown’s Boy
Blacky the Crow, in high spirits after saving Dusky the Black Duck from a hunter, flies to the Big River and spots a hunter's blind. He calls Farmer Brown's Boy to investigate, who discovers the blind and evidence of baiting, but no signs that any ducks have been killed.
Chapter 68
Farmer Brown's Boy Does Some Thinking
Farmer Brown's boy discovers a hunter's blind and baiting site for Black Ducks on the Big River. He wrestles with the ethics of intervening, ultimately deciding to use his own wits to protect the ducks without breaking the law. Blacky the Crow observes and trusts that Farmer Brown's boy will find a solution.
Chapter 69
Blacky Gets a Dreadful Shock
Blacky the Crow watches from his treetop as Farmer Brown's boy approaches the Big River carrying a gun. Blacky is shocked to see him build a blind and hide among the rushes, apparently intending to shoot ducks himself. When the hunter arrives by boat, Blacky flees to safety, and later hears gunshots from where Farmer Brown's boy was hiding, confirming his worst fears.
Chapter 70
Why the Hunter Got No Ducks
The hunter, frustrated by Blacky the Crow's previous interference, sets up in his blind to wait for Dusky the Black Duck and his flock. However, Farmer Brown's boy, hidden in another blind, fires his gun twice at crucial moments, scaring the ducks away each time. The hunter, unable to find the shooter, returns home empty-handed while Farmer Brown's boy chuckles at his success.
Chapter 71
The Hunter Gives Up
Blacky the Crow is confused by Farmer Brown's boy's actions, suspecting him of hunting but finding no evidence. The hunter returns and confronts Farmer Brown's boy, who admits to shooting but missing intentionally. After several days of interference, the hunter gives up and stops coming.
Chapter 72
Blacky Has a Talk with Dusky the Black Duck
Blacky the Crow visits the rushes along the Big River to check on Dusky the Black Duck and his flock, fearing they may have been shot. He finds them safe and learns that Farmer Brown's boy fired a gun not to harm them but to scare them away from a hidden hunter. Blacky realizes the boy was actually a friend protecting the ducks.
Chapter 73
Blacky Discovers an Egg
Blacky the Crow, known for his fondness for eggs, justifies his egg-stealing by comparing himself to Farmer Brown's boy. He cautiously scouts Farmer Brown's property and spots two eggs in a box inside the henhouse, sparking a determined scheme to obtain them.
Chapter 74
Blacky Screws Up His Courage
Blacky the Crow, obsessed with stealing a hen's egg from Farmer Brown's henhouse, musters his courage and devises a plan to retrieve one while the farmer and his boy are occupied in the cornfield. After careful reconnaissance, he overcomes his fear of the door and enters the henhouse, finding the two eggs waiting.
Chapter 75
An Egg That Wouldn’t Behave
Blacky the Crow steals an egg from Farmer Brown's henhouse, choosing a smooth white egg over a brown one. As he flies over the Old Orchard, the egg slips from his claws, hits a branch, and falls to the ground without breaking. Blacky tries to break it with his bill but fails, leaving him puzzled and frustrated.
Chapter 76
What Blacky Did with the Stolen Egg
Blacky the Crow steals an egg from Farmer Brown's henhouse but cannot break its unusually hard shell. Frustrated, he abandons his attempts to eat it and instead becomes captivated by its shiny appearance. He ultimately hides the egg in his secret treasure storehouse, where it remains his prized possession.
Chapter 77
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse grows anxious about his home as the season changes, feeling the creeping presence of fear and the vulnerability of his small world.
Chapter 78
Whitefoot Spends a Happy Winter
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse finds a safe haven in Farmer Brown's sugar-house, where he spends a warm and happy winter free from his many enemies. The chapter highlights his wisdom in living in the present and not worrying about the past or future.
Chapter 79
II: Whitefoot Sees Queer Things
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse, having spent a peaceful winter in Farmer Brown's sugar-house, is initially frightened when Farmer Brown's boy and Farmer Brown arrive to prepare for sugaring. His fear subsides as he realizes they are not hunting him, and his curiosity grows as he watches them boil sap into syrup and sugar. He eventually ventures out to taste the sweet leftovers, losing his fear of the humans.
Chapter 80
Farmer Brown's Boy Becomes Acquainted
Farmer Brown's boy discovers Whitefoot the Wood Mouse living in the little sugar-house and patiently earns his trust by leaving crumbs and remaining still, eventually coaxing Whitefoot to eat from his hand.
Chapter 81
Whitefoot Grows Anxious
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse becomes anxious as the woodpile in the sugar-house, which hides his home, is gradually used for the fire, making him fear he will lose his hiding place and his friendship with Farmer Brown's boy.
Chapter 82
The End of Whitefoot’s Worries
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse worries that his hidden home in Farmer Brown's sugar-house is being destroyed as the wood pile shrinks. Farmer Brown's boy discovers the nest and realizes his mistake, so he carefully moves the nest and food stores to a safe, dark corner under an old box, covered with hemlock branches. Whitefoot returns that night, finds his home restored, and regains his trust and happiness.
Chapter 83
A Very Careless Jump
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse, having found his nest and food store safely moved to the sugar-house by Farmer Brown's boy, feels secure and happy. He explores, plays, and trusts his human friends completely. But his heedlessness leads to a mishap when he misjudges a jump and lands in a pail of sap.
Chapter 84
VII: Whitefoot Gives Up Hope
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse falls into a pail of sap and, despite his frantic efforts to climb out, finds himself trapped with no hope of escape. He continues paddling to stay afloat, squeaking pitifully, even as he resigns himself to drowning.
Chapter 85
The Rescue
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse accidentally falls into a pail of sap in the sugar-house and is nearly drowned. Farmer Brown's boy discovers him, rescues him, and gently nurses him back to health by the fire.
Chapter 86
Two Timid Persons Meet
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse and Jumper the Hare meet in the Green Forest and discuss their many enemies, realizing that their timidity is actually a survival trait. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Whitey the Snowy Owl.
Chapter 87
X: The White Watchers
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse (Jumper the Hare) and Whitey the Snowy Owl sit motionless in the snow, each watching the other. Jumper is frozen with fear, knowing that any movement will reveal him to the hungry owl. Whitey remains still, hoping to catch a mouse for dinner, unaware that Jumper is watching him. Jumper must resist the urge to run and instead rely on stillness to survive.
Chapter 88
Jumper Is in Doubt
Jumper the Hare remains motionless to avoid detection by Whitey the Snowy Owl, who mistakes him for a heap of snow. While worrying about Whitefoot the Wood Mouse, Jumper spots Shadow the Weasel hunting nearby, leaving him torn between fleeing and staying still.
Chapter 89
Whitey the Owl Saves Jumper
Jumper the Hare is trapped between two predators: Whitey the Snowy Owl and Shadow the Weasel. Just as Shadow closes in, Whitey swoops down to attack Shadow, inadvertently giving Jumper a chance to escape. An enemy becomes an unexpected friend.
Chapter 90
Whitefoot Decides Quickly
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse discovers Whitey the Snowy Owl nearby and becomes anxious about this new predator. While watching, he sees Whitey attack Shadow the Weasel, who escapes. Terrified that Shadow will return and hunt him, Whitefoot decides to flee his comfortable winter home immediately.
Chapter 91
Shadow's Return
Shadow the Weasel, persistent and relentless, resumes his hunt for Jumper the Hare after being thwarted by Whitey the Snowy Owl. Unable to find Jumper, he discovers Whitefoot the Wood Mouse's tunnels and nest, and decides to wait for his return.
Chapter 92
XV: Whitefoot’s Dreadful Journey
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse, terrified after glimpsing Shadow the Weasel, flees his home and embarks on a long, frightening journey through the snow. Every sound and shadow startles him, and he struggles with hunger, exhaustion, and the fear of never finding a safe place. The chapter highlights how fear of the unknown can be worse than real danger.
Chapter 93
Whitefoot Climbs a Tree
Exhausted and fleeing from Shadow the Weasel, Whitefoot the Wood Mouse seeks a safe hiding place. Deciding that a tree would be safer than the ground, he climbs a tall dead tree in search of a hollow. Halfway up, he spots the shadow of Butcher the Shrike, a new predator, and his fear intensifies.
Chapter 94
Whitefoot Finds a Hole Just in Time
Whitefoot, exhausted from his long journey, is chased by Butcher the Shrike around a dead tree. He narrowly escapes by finding a hole just in time, dodging Butcher's attack and saving his life.
Chapter 95
An Unpleasant Surprise
Whitefoot escapes Butcher the Shrike by hiding in a hole in a dead tree, which turns out to be an old home of Drummer the Woodpecker. Inside, he finds a soft, warm bed, but discovers it is already occupied by Timmy the Flying Squirrel, who is fast asleep. Disappointed but safe for the moment, Whitefoot rests atop the bed, wondering where to find his own home.
Chapter 96
Whitefoot Finds a Home at Last
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse, having fled his old home to escape Shadow the Weasel, seeks shelter in the Green Forest. He accidentally enters Timmy the Flying Squirrel's storehouse and eats some seeds. When Timmy catches him, Whitefoot explains his plight, and Timmy, though suspicious at first, offers him an old abandoned stub as a temporary home.
Chapter 97
XX: Whitefoot Makes Himself at Home
Whitefoot takes up residence in an abandoned stub that once belonged to Timmy the Flying Squirrel. He makes the old bed comfortable, explores his new surroundings, and feels safe and content despite the recent hardships of his journey.
Chapter 98
Whitefoot Envies Timmy
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse, though growing comfortable in his new home, feels uneasy without a well-stocked storehouse. He observes the dangers of the Green Forest by day—Butcher the Shrike, Whitey the Snowy Owl, Reddy Fox, Old Man Coyote, and Terror the Goshawk—and adopts a nocturnal routine like his friend Timmy the Flying Squirrel. Watching Timmy's graceful glides from tree to tree, Whitefoot feels a twinge of envy, wishing he could fly through the air so fearlessly.
Chapter 99
XXII: Timmy Proves to Be a True Neighbor
Timmy the Flying Squirrel visits Whitefoot the Wood Mouse regularly, and their friendship grows as Timmy enjoys feeling bold compared to the timid Whitefoot. One evening, Whitefoot wanders too far from his home while foraging, and Hooty the Owl appears, threatening Whitefoot. Timmy sees the danger and, despite initial hesitation, deliberately draws Hooty's attention by jumping and leading him away, saving Whitefoot's life.
Chapter 100
Whitefoot Spends a Dreadful Night
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse is terrorized by Hooty the Owl's hunting call, which keeps him trapped inside his home all night. Despite knowing he is safe, Whitefoot cannot overcome his instinctive fear, and he shivers and jumps at every hoot, ultimately deciding not to venture out.
Chapter 101
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse Is Unhappy
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse, despite the arrival of spring and abundant food, becomes increasingly unhappy and restless. He loses his appetite, wanders aimlessly, and feels disconnected from the joy around him. His attempts to share his troubles with Timmy the Flying Squirrel and Peter Rabbit are ignored, leaving him isolated and melancholy.
Chapter 102
Whitefoot Finds Out What the Matter Was
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse, feeling inexplicably unhappy despite the joy of the season, wanders from home and hears a gentle drumming from another Wood Mouse. Realizing he has been lonely, he excitedly seeks out the stranger, drumming back and forth in a growing connection.
Chapter 103
Love Fills the Heart of Whitefoot
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse plays a game of hide-and-seek with a mysterious stranger in the dusk. After repeated attempts to find the drummer, he finally meets little Miss Dainty, and his heart fills with love.
Chapter 104
Mr. and Mrs. Whitefoot
Whitefoot courts and wins the shy Miss Dainty, who becomes Mrs. Whitefoot. They explore together, but Mrs. Whitefoot is reluctant to leave her old home. After a close call with Shadow the Weasel, she agrees to visit Whitefoot's home.
Chapter 105
Mrs. Whitefoot Decides on a Home
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse proudly shows Mrs. Whitefoot his home high in a dead stub, but she rejects it as unsuitable for summer and raising babies. She leads a patient search and finally chooses an old thrush nest near the ground, declaring it the perfect safe home for them.
Chapter 106
Making Over an Old House
Whitefoot and Mrs. Whitefoot transform an old thrush nest into a cozy summer home, with Mrs. Whitefoot taking the lead in planning and construction while Whitefoot gathers materials.
Chapter 107
The Whitefoots Enjoy Their New Home
Whitefoot and Mrs. Whitefoot finish building their new home from an old thrush nest, and Whitefoot learns to trust its safety despite its swaying. They feel secure as predators mistake it for a deserted nest, allowing them to live happily without fear.
Chapter 108
Whitefoot Is Hurt
Whitefoot is deeply hurt when little Mrs. Whitefoot refuses to let him into their home and sends him back to his old stub. Despite his confusion and attempts to reconcile, she remains firm, leaving Whitefoot lonely and heartbroken, unable to understand why she no longer seems to love him.
Chapter 109
The Surprise
Whitefoot the Wood Mouse is invited back to his home by Mrs. Whitefoot, where he discovers that she has given birth to four baby mice. Initially confused and jealous, Whitefoot gradually feels pride and acceptance of his new family.
Chapter 110
Buster Bear’s Twins
The chapter introduces Buster Bear's twin cubs, highlighting their playful and curious nature as they explore the Green Forest under their mother's watchful eye.
Chapter 111
Mother Bear's Secret
Peter Rabbit, driven by curiosity, discovers Mrs. Bear's secret family of twin cubs near her home in the Green Forest.
Chapter 112
Peter Scares the Twins
Peter Rabbit discovers Mrs. Bear's secret—two tiny bear cubs—and, after overcoming his own fear, gives in to mischief and scares them with a loud thump, delighting in his rare moment of causing fright.
Chapter 113
Peter’s Glee Is Short-Lived
Peter Rabbit frightens two bear cubs for fun, but his glee ends abruptly when Mother Bear surprises him with an angry growl, sending him fleeing in terror. Mother Bear grins at his fright and hopes he learns a lesson, while Peter hurries to share the secret of her cubs.
Chapter 114
Boxer and Woof-Woof
Boxer and Woof-Woof, twin bear cubs, venture outside their den for the first time and are frightened by Peter Rabbit. Their mother, aware of their disobedience, decides to let them learn from the experience and allows them to play outside under her watchful eye, where they are teased by other forest creatures.
Chapter 115
Out in the Great World
Mother Bear leads her twin cubs, Boxer and Woof-Woof, on their first walk into the Green Forest, teaching them to use their senses—especially their nose—to understand the world and avoid danger. The cubs obediently mimic her every action as they explore the Great World under her watchful guidance.
Chapter 116
The Twins Climb a Tree
Mother Bear teaches her twins, Boxer and Woof-Woof, to climb a tree for the first time. Despite their fear, they obey her and reach the branches, where they gain a new perspective on the world and begin to understand how distance affects perception.
Chapter 117
A Scare That Didn't Work
Chatterer the Red Squirrel, indignant that twin bear cubs are learning to climb trees, tries to scare them by yelling at them from above. However, instead of fleeing, Boxer the Bear cub becomes angry and advances toward Chatterer, foiling the scare.
Chapter 118
Too Late Chatterer Is Sorry
Chatterer the Red Squirrel's plan to scare the twin bear cubs backfires, and he finds himself trapped high in a tree as Boxer and Woof-Woof chase him, realizing too late that his temper has led him into danger.
Chapter 119
The Twins Have to Go Home
Boxer and Woof-Woof, the bear cubs, are having a thrilling first-time tree-climbing adventure while chasing Chatterer the Red Squirrel, who had tried to scare them. Both parties become stuck in a standoff—the cubs too proud to quit and Chatterer too frightened to escape—until Mother Bear commands them to come down and go home, teaching them a lesson in obedience.
Chapter 120
X: The Twins Get Even with Peter Rabbit
The twins Boxer and Woof-Woof encounter Peter Rabbit again after having grown significantly. They remember the fright he gave them when they were small and decide to get even by chasing him, realizing he is now more afraid of them than they were of him.
Chapter 121
XI: Peter Is in a Tight Place
Peter Rabbit is trapped under a brush pile as the bear cubs Boxer and Woof-Woof try to catch him. They attempt to crawl under, jump on top, and finally decide to pull the pile apart, leaving Peter in a precarious situation.
Chapter 122
Peter Takes a Chance
Peter Rabbit is trapped under a brush pile by the twin bear cubs, Boxer and Woof-Woof, who are playing a thoughtless game of chase. Despite his terror, Peter recalls his mother's advice about taking unexpected risks and dashes out under Boxer's nose to escape.
Chapter 123
XIII: A Great Mix-Up of Little Bears
Peter Rabbit cleverly escapes Boxer and Woof-Woof by darting under Boxer's nose and running around a brush pile, causing the two little bears to collide and start fighting each other. They tumble and scuffle until they are exhausted, then realize they have forgotten about Peter, who has escaped.
Chapter 124
Two Foolish-Feeling Little Bears
Boxer and Woof-Woof, the twin cubs of Buster Bear, feel foolish after losing their tempers and fighting each other while trying to catch Peter Rabbit, who escapes and laughs at them. Mother Bear scolds them, teaching that losing one's temper leads to losing more, and that fighting over nothing is unwise.
Chapter 125
The Twins Meet Their Father
While playing near the Laughing Brook, Boxer and Woof-Woof discover a strange footprint that does not belong to their mother. Driven by curiosity, they follow the tracks and encounter a large black bear—Buster Bear—who is their father, though none of them recognize each other.
Chapter 126
The Twins Take to a Tree
Mother Bear's wise teachings about safety prompt the twins to flee when they encounter Buster Bear, who does not recognize them as his own children and considers them a threat. The cubs climb a tree for safety, but Buster, driven by hunger and territorial instincts, decides to climb after them.
Chapter 127
Mother Comes to the Rescue
Boxer and Woof-Woof climb a tall tree for safety, but Buster Bear climbs after them. Terrified, they cry for their mother. Mother Bear hears their cries and rushes to the rescue, causing Buster to drop from the tree and flee in fear.
Chapter 128
The Twins Are Comforted
After being frightened by a large black bear, the twin cubs Boxer and Woof-Woof are comforted by Mother Bear. She chases away the intruder and then explains that the bear is actually their father, Buster Bear, who did not recognize them. The cubs express their hatred and fear, but Mother Bear gently corrects them and reassures them.
Chapter 129
The Cubs Talk It Over
Boxer and Woof-Woof discuss their encounter with Buster Bear, whom they now know is their father. They have differing opinions about him, but Mother Bear scolds them for their disobedience and defends Buster, teaching them a lesson about respect and the consequences of not minding.
Chapter 130
The Twins Get Their First Bath
Mother Bear leads Boxer and Woof-Woof to Paddy the Beaver's pond, where the cubs see their reflections for the first time. After Boxer strikes at his reflection and falls in, Woof-Woof also tumbles in, and both discover they can swim.
Chapter 131
The Twins Are Still Puzzled
After accidentally tumbling into Paddy the Beaver's pond, the twin bear cubs Boxer and Woof-Woof are frightened but soon become fascinated by their own reflections in the water. They mistake their reflections for other bears, leading to confusion and puzzlement as they try to understand the mysterious images.
Chapter 132
Boxer Gets a Spanking
Mother Bear leaves the twins, Boxer and Woof-Woof, up a pine tree with strict orders to stay until she returns. Woof-Woof obeys, but Boxer disobeys, climbs down, follows a smell carried by the Merry Little Breezes, gets lost, and is found by Mother Bear, who gives him his first real spanking for his disobedience.
Chapter 133
Boxer Is Sulky
Boxer the little bear becomes sulky after being punished for disobedience and feeling mocked by his sister Woof-Woof. He isolates himself, refuses to make amends, and is sent by Mother Bear to his birthplace under a windfall until he can be pleasant.
Chapter 134
Boxer Starts Out to Get Even
Boxer the Bear sulks after being punished by Mother Bear and decides to run away from home to make her and Woof-Woof sorry. He runs aimlessly without paying attention to his surroundings, planning to stay away until he is as big as his father, Buster Bear, unaware that he is already lost.
Chapter 135
Alone and Lost in the Great World
After being left alone by Chatterer the Red Squirrel, Boxer the Bear finds himself lost in an unfamiliar part of the Green Forest. Despite initially boasting, he becomes uneasy as shadows fall and realizes he cannot find his way home. When he finally locates what he thinks is the right windfall, he discovers it is not his home, and he breaks down in tears, feeling truly lost and alone.
Chapter 136
A Dreadful Night for a Little Bear
Boxer, a lost little bear who has run away from home, spends a terrifying night in the Green Forest. Hooty the Owl deliberately scares him, causing him to flee blindly. He tumbles into a pool where Billy Mink is fishing, startles Mrs. Lightfoot, and later hears Old Man Coyote's howl. Throughout the night, Boxer imagines dangers that do not actually exist, learning a harsh lesson about fear and loneliness.
Chapter 137
Boxer Gets His Own Breakfast
Lost and alone, Boxer the little bear overcomes his fear and loneliness by learning to find his own food. After a restless night, he takes a nap and awakens hungry. Drawing on observations of his mother, he successfully forages for ants, roots, beetles, and a frog, gaining confidence and independence.
Chapter 138
Boxer Has a Painful Lesson
Boxer, feeling self-important after a successful morning, boasts of his independence and knowledge. He encounters Prickly Porky the Porcupine, whom he dismisses as stupid and harmless. When Prickly Porky refuses to yield the path, Boxer threatens him, setting up a painful lesson in humility.
Chapter 139
Boxer Is Sadder but Much Wiser
Boxer the Bear learns a painful lesson about respecting Prickly Porky the Porcupine after striking him and getting a quill stuck in his paw. Sammy Jay warns him, but Boxer's arrogance leads to injury, and he ultimately pulls out the quill, gaining wisdom from the experience.
Chapter 140
Boxer Meets a Polite Little Fellow
Boxer, the runaway little bear, encounters a polite black-and-white stranger who is minding his own business. Boxer tries to appear big and important, but the stranger's gentle remarks about his youth and inexperience anger him. The stranger politely suggests Boxer has much to learn about the Great World before moving aside to search for beetles.
Chapter 141
Boxer Wishes He Hadn’t
Boxer the Bear rudely refuses Jimmy Skunk's polite request to step aside, ignoring Sammy Jay's warnings. Jimmy retaliates by spraying Boxer with his powerful scent, leaving the little Bear blinded, choking, and filled with regret.
Chapter 142
Woof-Woof Turns Up Her Nose
Mother Bear and Woof-Woof search for the missing Boxer, eventually finding him by following the smell left from his encounter with Jimmy Skunk. Woof-Woof, tired and cross from the long search, turns up her nose at Boxer, while Mother Bear scolds him but allows him to follow them home.
Chapter 143
All Is Well at Last
Boxer the lost cub is reunited with Mother Bear and his sister Woof-Woof, but must endure a period of punishment and separation due to the skunk scent he carries. Over time, he learns independence and eventually is allowed back into the family fold, growing into a fine young bear.
