Violet and the Sweetest Acorns

Deep beneath the roots of a giant oak tree lived Violet, a tiny vole. Her cozy burrow was warm and safe, a perfect little home.

Violet loved her home. But even more, she loved the delicious, crunchy acorns that tumbled from her magnificent giant tree.

All year, Violet dreamed of autumn. That’s when the oak tree would drop its shiny, brown treasures, ready to be discovered.

She had a secret. Violet loved to gather *all* the acorns she could find, just for herself. More than anyone, she thought!

Then, autumn arrived! The oak tree's leaves turned fiery red and gold. Acorns began to tumble down like a gentle, tasty rain.

Violet scurried out, her tiny paws busy. She gathered acorns, filling her cheek pouches until they bulged with her treasures.

She carried them carefully back to her burrow. Pile after pile, her secret stash grew bigger and bigger, a mountain of food.

Soon, the days grew colder. The oak tree's branches were bare. A frosty wind whispered through the quiet, sleepy forest.

Violet snuggled deep in her burrow. She peeked at her enormous acorn pile, feeling warm and safe, completely content.

One morning, a fierce winter storm arrived. Snow swirled and piled high, covering everything outside in a thick, white blanket.

When the storm passed, Violet woke up hungry. She scampered outside. Oh dear! The ground was completely bare!

Other forest friends were searching too. Their little noses sniffed, but there were no acorns to be found anywhere.

Squeaky the Squirrel looked so sad. His bushy tail drooped. He hadn't found a single crunchy treat all morning.