A Pinecone Behind the Stump

Tobin the beaver kit had gathered six pinecones beside the pond. He lined them up on a flat stone. His friends Fern the rabbit and Pip the mouse came to play the finding game. Mama Beaver sat nearby, weaving reeds into a mat.

“I'll hide them,” Tobin said. “Fern, stand by that tree. Pip, cover your eyes. No peeking until I say.” He tucked each pinecone beside a stone or under a leaf. He left a little bit showing. He wanted everyone to find something.

Fern found two. Pip found four. “My turn to hide them!” Fern said. She picked up a pinecone. Tobin hurried over. “Wait. I know the good places.” “I have a place too,” said Fern. “Behind that stump.” “That's too hard,” Tobin said. He took the pinecone.