Sangeetha Kamath

                          CHAPTER 9               CHIPPER THE CHIPMUNK  Dusk filtered through the oak trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor. Chipper, the chipmunk, scurried along a hidden path, darting between bulging roots and piles of leaves, his beady eyes scanning the ground for more treasures. The forest was alive with the sounds of evening – the scampering of gophers, the hooting of owls… the distant chatter of squirrels settling in for the night. Chipper 's twitchy ears picked up every sound, his tail flicking with excitement. Acorn season was in full swing, and he was determined to stock up for the best acorn butter in the forest. He spotted a stash of fat, ripe acorns under a gregarious oak, its branches groaning in the breeze. Chipper's paws moved swiftly, scooping up the acorns, stuffing them into his sling bag. The earthy smell of the acorns filled his nose ...

                           CHAPTER 7                    HOPPER THE HARE  The forest was a merry jamboree, its heartbeat pulsing through the drowsy autumn air. Pale sunbeams filtered through the tree tops casting scattered pools of gold dimes among the underbrush.  Hopper, the Hare bounded along a mossy path, his big, curious eyes scanning the earth for edible treasures on the way. He jostled through a curtain of ferns, and there it was in the sun-drenched clearing–Wild rhubarb rising through the cluster of foliage, its ruby-red stalks tiny lanterns in the shade. He set to work, snipping the best ones, the tart scent of the juice filling the air. Hopper’s nose twitched with excitement – rhubarb season was the best! He sniffed out another patch, plucked a bunch of them and loaded his wheelbarrow. Next, he spotted a cluster of juicy mushrooms, their caps velvet...

                          CHAPTER 6            LIBRARY OF CRYPTIC CLUES  The morning sun tiptoed into the cottage, casting a warm glow on Goldwynn's sleepy face. She stretched, the blankets tangling around her like a cozy cocoon. The sunflower yellow couch seemed to smile, its plush pillows supporting her languid stretch. "It's morning," she muttered, rubbing her eyes. The clock chimed cheerfully announcing the new day. Goldwynn swung her legs off the couch, her feet finding the soft rug. A sniff drew her to the kitchen – yesterday's dinner leftovers were still appetizing. She opened the fridge, the cold air wafting out a savory greeting. Apple pie leftovers beckoned, but she opted for something heartier. The wooden counter creaked as she leaned against it, popping a slice of yesterday's herb bread into the toaster. As the toast crisped, she poked around the pantry, finding a jar of blueb...

                             CHAPTER 5       VEILED NIGHT AT THE COTTAGE  As the moon rose high above the elms, Goldwynn surrendered to the woods' mystery. Ravenous, she gave up waiting for the Bears to arrive and scavenged the kitchen. She helped herself to a medley of goodies – jars of sugared plums, pickled berries, and a chunk of savoury herb bread.  The pantry was a treasure trove, but her stomach grumbled for something more filling. She slathered a generous amount of homemade butter on the Herb bread and took hungry bites of it. The crust crackled even as and the softness melted in her mouth. "Oh my, this bread is amazing!' She tore off a chunk of bread and dipped it into the bowl of homemade walnut butter. The rhubarb tarts in the oven had cooled by now and the apple pie on the window ledge was tempting to the bone. These would do for a fine dessert. She fetched it inside and ...