It was a very hot day in the meadow. The sun was like a big, glowing lemon in the sky. Pip the Pygmy Goat sighed as he looked for a place to rest. I need some shade, he said to himself.

Pip saw his friend Bouncer the Rabbit sitting by a wilted daisy. Bouncer was huffing and puffing. The sun is too strong today, Pip! My ears feel like toast! Bouncer said, looking very tired.

Just then, Sky the Bird and Walnut the Squirrel arrived. Even the trees feel warm today! chirped Sky from the air. Walnut nodded and climbed down a fence. I can't find a cool spot for my nuts anywhere, he grumbled.

Prickle the Hedgehog and Horizon the Turtle crawled over to join the group. If we can't find shade, we must make it together, Horizon said in his slow, wise voice. Everyone thought this was a wonderful idea.

Everyone started to work! Pip used his strong head to push long, sturdy branches across the field. Bouncer helped by pulling the heavy sticks with his teeth to the middle of the meadow.

Sky flew high to find the biggest leaves in the forest. Walnut climbed the tallest trees to gather green fans for their new roof. They carried them back to the construction site.

Prickle and Horizon found something very special caught in a bush. It was a long, bright orange cloth. This will keep the sun away perfectly! Prickle squeaked as they pulled it free.

Pip held the branches steady while Bouncer tied them together at the top with long, stretchy vines. They were building a giant tent that looked like a little house.

Sky and Walnut worked together at the very top of the frame. They draped the orange cloth and the green leaves over the wooden branches to create a thick, protective roof.

Prickle and Horizon were the first to step inside the new structure. It's so cool and dark in here! they cried happily. The big, hot sun could not reach them anymore.

Pip and Bouncer stepped inside the shade too. There was plenty of room for all the friends to sit comfortably. We did it because we worked as a team, said Pip with a happy bleat.

Sky and Walnut flew into the shade to rest their tired wings and paws. The friends shared their new home all afternoon. They learned that sharing the shade was the best way to stay cool and happy.