In a quiet forest filled with golden autumn leaves, a playful squirrel named Sammy hopped from tree to tree, looking for food. One day, as he scurried along the forest floor, his little nose twitched with excitement—he had found the shiniest, biggest acorn he had ever seen!

“This will be perfect for winter!” Sammy exclaimed. But where should he hide it? He scampered around, checking every nook and cranny, until he found a snug little hole in a tall oak tree. Carefully, he tucked the acorn inside and patted it down with his tiny paws.

As the chilly winter arrived and the forest turned white with snow, food became very scarce. Sammy, however, was prepared. He climbed to his special hiding spot, pulled out the shiny acorn, and enjoyed every bite. As he nibbled, he thought, “I’m so glad I planned ahead. This acorn tastes even better now!”

Moral:

Always prepare for the future—you’ll be glad you did.

Parenting Tip: Use Sammy’s story to discuss the importance of planning and saving. Teach your child how small efforts today—like saving money or completing homework early—can bring big benefits later.

Fun Questions For Curious Kids

• Why do you think Sammy was so excited about the shiny acorn?
• Where would you hide something important to keep it safe?
• What do you think would have happened if Sammy hadn’t saved his acorn for winter?
• Can you think of a time when planning ahead helped you?
• Why is it good to save things for when you really need them?

Activity Idea: Squirrel Storage Game

What You’ll Need:

• A basket of small items (e.g., balls, toys, or pretend acorns).
• A set of “hiding spots” (boxes, cups, or small containers).

How to Play:

1. Let your child pretend to be a squirrel collecting acorns.
2. They must hide their “acorns” in different spots around the room.
3. After some time, ask them to find their hidden treasures. Discuss how Sammy remembered his hiding spot and the importance of storing things carefully!

Did You Know? Fun Squirrel Facts!

1. Squirrels are excellent planners—they can bury thousands of nuts and remember most of their hiding spots!
2. Their sharp teeth never stop growing, which is why they’re always gnawing to keep them trimmed.
3. Squirrels can jump up to 10 times their body length in a single leap!
4. These clever creatures use their tails as umbrellas to protect themselves from rain and as blankets to keep warm in winter.
5. A squirrel’s sense of smell helps them locate nuts buried under snow or dirt.
6. Some squirrels practice “fake digging” to trick other animals into thinking their real stash is elsewhere.
7. Squirrels communicate with each other using chirps, tail flicks, and body movements.

Download Free Coloring Pages Related To This Story

Bring the story to life with coloring pages designed to spark creativity and make story time even more fun. Coloring helps kids express their creativity, improve focus, and reinforce the story’s themes in a fun, engaging way. After reading together, let them bring the story to life with colors!

Click on any of the free coloring pages below to download or print it!