The Raccoon and the Skunk

In a green woodland, Rocky the raccoon lives under a crooked oak tree, wearing a little red neckerchief. Stella the skunk lives beneath a fallen log, with a bold white stripe and a yellow flower behind her ear. Other animals keep their distance, whispering that raccoons are sneaky and skunks are smelly. Yet Rocky has never sneaked, and Stella smells mostly of grass and flowers. So the two play alone, waving across the water.

One sunny morning, Rocky shares his lunch with Stella, and they become best friends, racing acorns and building tiny boats. But the squirrels still scurry away and the mice hide. Rocky plans a woodland gathering with games and treats, and the two friends bake seed cakes and tie ribbons to branches, wondering if anyone will come. This gentle tale by Jane MEADOW explores friendship and kindness, and can be read on Kids Tale Book.