Page 1
Sunlight streamed through the north woods. All the forest friends were working and having fun in the warm summer sun. Mason was especially busy building a new beaver lodge.
Page 2
Solomon Raven, the wisest bird in all the forest, perched on Mason's home.
"Why are you building a new house?" asked Solomon. "I thought you had a nice place for your family."
Page 3
"I did," answered Mason. He slapped mud into place with his wide, flat tail. "But when I woke up this morning it was broken apart. I don't know what happened."
Page 4
Solomon thought and thought. No wind or rainstorms had come through the forest. What was going on? Off he flew to see what the other animals might know.
Page 5
"Mason's house was broken apart last night," he told Cinnamon.
Cinnamon growled, "That's terrible news! Cubby and I were fishing near Mason's last night. His pond makes a wonderful fishing hole."
Page 6
Solomon came to the stream where Silver was swimming. The river ran fast now that Mason's dam was gone. Silver hurried by before Solomon could ask questions.
Page 7
Solomon flew back to his
hickory tree. Pearl was snuggled
in her pretty leaf nest.
"Pearl, did you hear anything
near the beaver pond
last night?"
asked
Solomon.
Page 8
"No," said Pearl, whose hearing was very good, "but I hear something now!"
Both Solomon and Pearl turned their heads toward the noise.
"Listen! Listen! What's that?" Pearl chattered.
Page 9
The noise grew louder. Thumps and booms and loud noises filled the summer air. Solomon sped to the edge of the woods.
Page 10
People were in the woods! Solomon knew
about people. He saw them hunt in the fall
and fish in spring. What were they doing
here now?
Page 11
Solomon stood watch all day. When the sun set and the people left, he gathered all the forest friends beneath his hickory tree. "Mason might have to find a new home," Solomon said. "People are coming to the woods to live. Mason's home blocks the stream and I think they will keep tearing it apart."
Page 12
"Oh, no," cried Mason. "I love living close to my friends. I don't want to move." But he understood Solomon was right.
The next day the forest friends helped Mason find a good spot for his new home. With tears in their eyes, they said goodbye.
Page 13
"Sometimes we have to do things we don't like," said Solomon. "Having friends makes it easier." All summer long, Mason and his old friends visited each other. His family was safe and happy. They made new friends too.
Page 14
As summer passed, the people moved from other places and came to live in the woods. They loved the singing birds and cheerful animals. Moving can be a good thing. The forest friends agreed.
