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Green Meadow Stories · Chapter

Striped Chipmunk Is Kept Very Busy explained

Striped Chipmunk, a thrifty and hardworking creature, observes the quarrel between Happy Jack the Gray Squirrel and Chatterer the Red Squirrel over nuts.

What happens

Striped Chipmunk, a thrifty and hardworking creature, observes the quarrel between Happy Jack the Gray Squirrel and Chatterer the Red Squirrel over nuts. While they argue, they knock down nuts from a hickory tree, which Striped Chipmunk eagerly collects to fill his new storehouse for winter.

Themes in this chapter

  • Thrift and Preparation

    Striped Chipmunk's diligent gathering of nuts for winter storage highlights the value of thrift and preparation.

  • Wisdom and Heedlessness

    Happy Jack and Chatterer's heedless quarrel contrasts with Striped Chipmunk's wise focus on work.

Characters to notice

Key passages

  • I prefer big acorns but I never refuse little ones. They fit in between.

    Striped Chipmunk values both large and small acorns, as even small ones have their use.

    Reflects his thrifty and practical nature.

  • I love the sun; I love the rain; I love to work; I love to play. Whatever it may bring to me I love each minute of each day.

    Striped Chipmunk embraces all aspects of life, whether work or play, with equal enthusiasm.

    Shows his cheerful and balanced attitude.