The Girl and the Squirrel

Maya steps into the autumn forest near her home, wearing her red rubber boots and mustard-yellow raincoat, with a spiral notebook and pencil ready. There she encounters Nutkin, a small squirrel with russet-orange fur and a creamy white belly, who is too busy to play. Curious, Maya sits on a fallen log and begins to observe him, sketching and taking notes as he races up and down an oak tree.

Following quietly behind bushes, Maya discovers Nutkin's activities: carrying acorns and hazelnuts to a hollow log, digging holes to bury seeds, and chattering with another squirrel. She records each discovery in her notebook, drawing a map of the tree, the log, and the hiding places, and slowly works out why the squirrel is gathering so much food. This tale by Çınar BİBER, which can be read on Masalcı Baba, shows how patience and stillness help observe wild animals, and gently introduces the idea that preparation helps animals survive.