
In this gentle tale, the morning breezes that dance down from the Purple Hills stop each day to visit Striped Chipmunk, who is always busy with his work. The breezes, curious and chatty, beg him for a game, but he politely declines, explaining that a task left undone is no fun at all. Their patience turns to wonder when they ask Grandfather Frog why the chipmunk’s coat bears such striking stripes.
Grandfather Frog, perched on his lily‑pad, shares a story from the world’s earliest days, recalling an ancestor who prized diligence above all else. He reveals that the bold stripes are more than decoration—they’re a reminder of honor earned through hard work and focus. The breezes leave the pond with a new appreciation for the chipmunk’s quiet resolve, and listeners are invited to ponder the simple wisdom hidden in everyday chores.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (144K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Richard J. Shiffer and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Release date
2005-02-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1874–1965
Best known for warm, lively animal stories set in the natural world, this American writer also became a passionate voice for conservation. His books introduced generations of young readers to Peter Rabbit, Reddy Fox, Jimmy Skunk, and many other beloved woodland characters.
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