Maplewood was a happy town. But one day, news came that a sneaky weasel gang was hiding near the edge of the town. The animals were worried and wondered what they should do. Big Bucks Bear, who ran Maplewood Supply Company, had a plan. “We need strong walls and traps to keep the weasels out,” he said. Big Bucks told the animals that, just like during the Cold Forest Standoff years ago, they had to stay prepared and strong. But Penny the Raccoon had another idea. “What if we try to befriend the weasels or help them find a place to live?” she asked. She reminded everyone that spending too much on defense—like when the animals once sent nuts and supplies to faraway lands—could leave them without enough for themselves. Big Bucks was persuasive. He convinced Maplewood to use almost all of their savings to build walls, just like in the Squirrel-Bird Dispute over Nut Valley, when they built forts and traps. Soon, Maplewood was pouring all its resources into Big Bucks’ projects. Penny noticed that things around town were falling apart. With so much money going to walls and gadgets, there was hardly anything left to fix schools, parks, or even make enough food! “What if we’re using up our savings on things that don’t help us every day?” she thought. Penny gathered everyone and shared her plan. “Instead of building walls, let’s work together and share what we have. The world needs peace, just like we learned in the Forest Unity Days!” She reminded them that when the animals had shared their food and tools, they had more than enough. As the animals talked and listened, they realized that the weasels weren’t all bad. They just needed help, too. Penny and her friends invited the weasels to work and play together in Maplewood, and soon they were all sharing the forest’s food and shelter. He used his skills to help rebuild schools, parks, and homes, seeing that Maplewood was stronger when everyone worked together. 

Penny the Raccoon and Big Bucks Bear’s Big Idea

Big Bucks Bear with a top hat, standing in front of a large map of Maplewood, looking thoughtful.

Maplewood was a happy town where animals lived peacefully. But one day, news came that a sneaky weasel gang was hiding near the edge of the town. The animals were worried and wondered what they should do. Big Bucks Bear, who ran Maplewood Supply Company, had a plan. “We need strong walls and traps to keep the weasels out,” he said.

The Sneaky Weasel Gang

Penny the Raccoon with a red bow on one ear, standing on a tree stump, gesturing with her paw as she speaks to a group of animals.

Big Bucks told the animals that, just like during the Cold Forest Standoff, they had to stay prepared and strong. Penny the Raccoon had another idea. “What if we try to befriend the weasels or help them find a place to live?” she asked. She reminded everyone that spending too much on defense could leave them without enough for themselves. But Big Bucks was persuasive and convinced Maplewood to use almost all of their savings to build walls.

Big Bucks’ Big Plan

Penny the Raccoon looking concerned, standing in front of a rundown park with broken swings.

Soon, Maplewood was pouring all its resources into Big Bucks’ projects. Penny noticed that things around town were falling apart. With so much money going to walls and gadgets, there was hardly anything left to fix schools, parks, or even make enough food! Penny gathered everyone and shared her plan. “Instead of building walls, let’s work together and share what we have,” she said.

Penny’s Wise Words

Penny the Raccoon happily playing with a group of weasels in a vibrant, rebuilt park.

The animals talked and realized the weasels just needed help, too. Penny and her friends invited the weasels to work and play together in Maplewood. Soon, they were all sharing the forest’s food and shelter. Big Bucks used his skills to help rebuild schools, parks, and homes. Maplewood was stronger when everyone worked together.