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Solomon Raven, the wisest bird in all the forest, perched high up in his hickory tree. A soft April breeze whispered through the sky. Spring was finally here!
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Bird songs filled the air as
Solomon flew over the forest.
He liked to watch over the new baby
animals of the forest family.
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Cinnamon Bear waddled from her den. A fuzzy cub trailed close behind her.
"This is my new son, Cubby," she growled up at Solomon with pride.
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Pearl Squirrel scampered around her pretty leaf nest. Pearl had a new family, too!
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Solomon flew deep into the forest.
He found Lewis and Cheri feeding three hungry chicks.
"There's so much to do in the spring," chirped Cheri.
"We're working from sunrise to sunset."
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Solomon came to the stream where Silver was swimming. Many bright minnows wiggled in the chilly water. Polly played along the riverbank.
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Solomon flew back to his hickory tree as the April breeze began to grow cooler. The sky turned dark. A low rumble shook the ground. Solomon spread his wings and flew off to sound a warning.
"Everyone is so busy," he thought. "I must tell them to hurry home."
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He flew above the budding trees. "Caw, caw, caw," he cried in his strongest raven voice. Rain began to fall, and the rumbling noise of thunder grew louder. Still Solomon sent out his call.
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Cinnamon heard Solomon and hurried Cubby back to the den. They snuggled in their safe place. The wind howled. Lightning crackled in the sky.
"Everything will be okay," she whispered to Cubby.
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Solomon saw the lightning. He heard the thunder.
He felt the hard rain on his back. Still he flew on.
He cawed over the evergreen trees. He cawed
along the forest stream. He cawed until he was
sure all his friends and their new families
were safe in their homes.
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At last, wet and tired, Solomon landed near Cinnamon's den.
"I was worried," said Cinnamon. "You were gone a long time."
"I had to warn all the animals," explained Solomon.
"Yes," replied Cinnamon. "I heard you and hurried home with my Cubby. I don't like spring storms."
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"Storms can be scary and dangerous if we aren't prepared," said Solomon. "Good things come after storms. Trees bud. Flowers bloom. Worms come out and the earth comes alive again."
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"Yes," agreed Cinnamon, "and we all need water to drink. Rain keeps our trees alive and fills up the stream." She smiled up at Solomon.
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Solomon smiled too. Spring was finally here!
The forest family was safe and growing.
Everything was as it should be. And with
that, Solomon fell asleep in the
peaceful April night.
