Ginger is a little pygmy goat who loves to play in the meadow. Today, the sun is very big and very bright. "Oh my," Ginger bleats, "it is much too hot! There is not enough shade for everyone." She wants to find a cool solution so all her friends can feel better. Question: What should we do when the sun is very hot?

Ginger sees her friend Pip the Bird fluttering nearby. "Pip, can you help?" she asks. "We need a perfect spot to build a shade." Pip chirps happily and prepares to fly high. Ginger is happy to have such a helpful friend. Question: Do you like doing things with your friends?

Pip flies up, up, up! He looks down at the green grass and the colorful flowers. Soon, he finds the best place. It is a flat, soft spot right between two big, strong oak trees. He chirps loudly to show Ginger the way. Question: Where do you think the shade should be built?

Building a shade is hard work, and it is a thirsty day. Ginger and Cotton the Rabbit go down to the little creek. They lap up the cool, sparkling water. Now they have plenty of energy to start their project! Question: What do you drink when you are thirsty?

Cotton the Rabbit is very fast. He hops around the forest floor, picking up big, crunchy leaves. "These will make a wonderful roof," Cotton says. He gathers a giant pile of leaves to keep the sun away. Question: What color do the leaves on the ground look like?

Zip the Squirrel is excellent at finding things. He scurries through the trees and brings back long, sturdy branches. He lays them out carefully to make the frame for the new shade. "This will be very strong!" Zip chatters. Question: How many branches do you think Zip collected?

Prickles the Hedgehog wants the floor to be extra cozy. He finds a patch of soft, dry grass. He rolls around until the grass sticks to his back, then he carries it over to the shade. He is a very busy helper! Question: Would you like to rest on soft grass?

It is a very busy afternoon, and the sun is still high. Prickles and Shelly the Tortoise decide to take a tiny break. They find a quiet spot under a nearby apple tree. They close their eyes and breathe the sweet, cool air. Question: What do you do when you are resting?

Shelly the Tortoise is very patient and careful. She walks slowly around the area between the oak trees. She measures the space with her footsteps to make sure there is enough room for all the friends to sit together. Question: How big do you think the shade will be?

Ginger returns with a special surprise. She has found a large, bright orange cloth! "This will be the perfect cover," she says. She holds the corner of the cloth in her mouth and pulls it toward the frame. Question: Do you like the color orange?

It is time to finish! Cotton the Rabbit hops up high to tuck the cloth over the branches. Shelly the Tortoise uses her weight to hold the corners down. By working together, the beautiful shade is finally ready. Question: Why is it important to work together?

All the friends gather under their new orange roof. It is cool and comfortable. Ginger smiles at her friends. They learned that the sun isn't so hot when you have a cool place to share with those you love. Question: Would you like to rest in this shade?