Pitter-patter, pitter-patter! Rain fell on the forest.

In a cozy dam by the river lived a special beaver named Maple. Her brown fur was soft. Her heart was big and kind.

“What do you see?” asked Mama Beaver.

“Look at the rain, Mama,” said Maple. She pressed her nose to their round window.

Outside, puddles grew bigger and bigger. Tiny rabbits jumped through deep water. A mouse family hid under a big leaf.

“They don’t have a warm, dry home like us,” Maple said. Her eyes were sad.

Mama Beaver gave Maple a gentle hug. “You are so thoughtful, little one.” She smiled wide. “We beavers are the best builders in the forest!”

Maple’s eyes got bright and sparkly. She had just thought of a wonderful plan!

The next morning, Maple heard a loud splash.

The Rabbit family was in trouble! Their burrow was filling with water.

“Oh dear, oh dear!” cried Mother Rabbit. Her tiny bunnies huddled close.

Maple looked at her own strong dam. Then she got a brilliant idea!

“I can make our dam bigger!” she said. “It will keep everyone dry!”

“But that’s too much work,” said Squirrel.

“It’s too hard,” said Mouse.

But Maple was already working. She gathered strong sticks. She found fresh mud. She pulled soft leaves.

“I will build a dam for everyone,” she said. Her paws moved fast.

Splish! Splash! Maple worked in the cool water.

Mother Rabbit watched Maple work. Her ears perked up with hope.

“Maybe,” said Mother Rabbit softly, “we can help too.”

Maple smiled her biggest smile. Her plan was starting to work!

Something amazing started to happen!

Rabbit brought her whole family to help. Their strong legs kicked mud into place.

“We can hop fast!” they said. “We’ll bring small sticks!”

Squirrel jumped down from her tree. “I can climb high!” she said. “I’ll get leaves!”

Mouse and her friends made a tiny line. They passed pebbles down the row.

Everyone worked together!

“More sticks here!” called Maple.

“More leaves there!” she smiled.

The dam grew bigger and stronger.

All the animals worked and laughed. They sang happy songs.

“We’re building a home!” they sang. “A home for all to share!”

Maple’s heart felt warm. Her forest friends were now her building team!

The next morning, the rain stopped. Everyone looked at their work.

The dam was big and beautiful!

“Look!” squeaked Mouse. “No more puddles near our home!”

“Our burrow is warm and dry!” hopped the happy bunnies.

Squirrel clapped her paws. “We all did this together!”

The animals had a big party on the dam. They shared nuts and berries.

“Thank you, Maple,” they all said. “You have given us a special gift!”

Maple smiled at her new friends. “We made it together,” she said.

Now, when it rains in the forest, nobody worries.

They all stay warm and dry in their wonderful dam home!

THE END

Let’s Talk About the Story!

Fun Questions to Share Together

1. Imagine and Predict

“Let’s imagine together, sweetie…”

• If it started raining right now, which of your toys would need a cozy home?
• What do you think Maple and her friends do on sunny days?
• If you could build a home like Maple, what would you put inside it?

2. Heart-to-Heart Chat

“Tell me, my little explorer…”

• When Maple saw her friends getting wet, how did her heart feel?
• Which animal helper was your favorite? Why?
• What made you feel happy in this story?

3. Let’s Solve Together!

“Can you help me figure out, dear one…”

• Count how many different animals helped build the dam
• What things did they use to build? Let’s name them all!
• If we were building a cozy home, what would we need?

4. Fun Activities

“Shall we play together, my little friend?”

• Let’s pretend to be the animals building the dam
• Can you make the sound of rain going pitter-patter?
• Let’s draw Maple’s big dam and all her happy friends!

5. Kindness Corner

“My sweet helper…”

• Can you tell me about a time when you helped someone?
• What makes you feel good about sharing with others?
• Who could we help today, just like Maple did?

Creative Play Time!

Dam Building Game

• Use blocks or pillows to build a “dam”
• Have stuffed animals help just like in the story
• Make cozy spaces for all the toy animals

Rain Dance Fun

• Tap fingers to make rain sounds
• Dance like happy animals in their new home
• Sing the building song from the story

Helper’s Badge

• Draw a special helper’s badge
• Write or draw one kind thing you did today
• Share your badge story with family

This Story Helps Our Little Ones To:

• Learn the joy of helping others and working together
• Understand that everyone’s abilities are valuable and important
• Build confidence in solving problems creatively
• Develop empathy and care for others in need

Remember: Every time we share this story, we’re building a bridge of love and kindness, just like Maple’s dam!