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Up in the crook of a hickory tree, Pearl Squirrel was resting in her cozy new leaf nest. She was proud of her first home.
As she dozed in the autumn afternoon, Pearl had an idea. A party! A party to celebrate her first home!
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Pearl scampered off to invite all her friends. First, she found the Deerheart family. They said in their soft deer way that they would be happy to come to Pearl's party.
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Before long, Pearl met her best friend, Mason. Pearl told the beaver about the party. He said he would gladly be there.
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Deep in the forest, Pearl came upon Marilyn and her baby bunnies. They wiggled their noses and accepted the invitation.
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Maurice Skunk said he could take time off for something as important as a party at Pearl's new home.
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Spike, like many porcupines, was hard to find.
He slept during most of the day and came out at night.
He could be anywhere! When Pearl finally found him,
she woke him gently. Spike said he would wander
over after his snooze.
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Now Pearl needed party food.
She gathered berries, nuts, roots,
and mushrooms.
Soon tasty treats filled Pearl's new nest.
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When the Deerheart family arrived, they couldn't climb Pearl's tree. Oh no!
"Dear, dear! What kind of home is this?" asked Mrs. Deerheart. "Our home is much better, my dear, much better."
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Next came Marilyn and her baby bunnies. Maurice followed Marilyn's path. But none of them could climb Pearl's tree either! They all gazed up at her beautiful leaf home as they left. They politely thanked Pearl, but whispered to each other, "Our homes are far better."
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Pearl began to think she hadn't done such a good job.
Maybe Mason would like her new home.
But when Mason waddled up, he said,
"Come with me and see how a real house is built!"
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Pearl followed Mason down to the water.
"Isn't this beaver dam just swell?" asked Mason.
"Yes," sighed Pearl, "but how would I swim in and out?
I don't have your flat tail or webbed hind feet."
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Pearl grew very sad. She snuggled down in her leaf nest, but could not sleep. How could she have been so wrong? Pearl heard a scratchy sound coming closer and closer. Spike! Surely Spike would like Pearl's home.
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"This is nice," admitted Spike, "but why settle for just one home? I have many places in the forest to rest. You should try it. It's the only way to live!"
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Pearl was sadder than ever. None of her forest friends thought she had a good home. Then she heard Solomon Raven, the wisest bird in all the forest, cawing in the hickory tree they shared.
"Did you have a party today?" asked Solomon.
"I did," sighed Pearl, "but some of my friends couldn't make it up our tree. And all of them think their homes are better than mine."
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"Well, they are better. Better for them," said Solomon. "Every animal has a habitat, a special place to live. Each habitat is different. Deer need both shelter and open space. Rabbits and skunks sleep in earthy dens. Could you live like that?"
"No," cried Pearl, "but Spike and Mason think their homes are best, too!"
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"Would you be able to sleep just about anywhere, like Spike?" asked Solomon. "And could you use your tail like a beaver to patch holes in your house?"
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"No, I wouldn't. I couldn't," said Pearl, beginning to understand.
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Solomon whispered,
"Settle down and feel how perfect
your nest is for you.
This is your own special
squirrel place."
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Pearl smiled. She did have a good home. She had a home that was best for her.
