The Story of Toward The Great Star

The woodland was humming with excitement as preparations began for the most cherished celebration of the year: the Winter Gathering. It was the last night all the woodland animals would be together before some journeyed south and others curled into their cozy dens to hibernate. Lanterns carved from hollowed acorns flickered along the forest paths, and garlands of winter berries and pinecones swayed gently in the crisp air. Every creature, big and small, worked side by side to decorate Old Pine, the grandest tree in the forest and the heart of their tradition.

For generations, Old Pine had been crowned with a shining star, a beacon that guided woodland friends from even the farthest thickets to the celebration. But this year, when Squirrel went to fetch the star from its usual hiding place, it was nowhere to be found. Panic fluttered through the forest, without that star, friends living at the very edge of Pine Ridge wouldn’t know where to gather.

But Rabbit, brimming with hope and bravery, had an idea. “If our star is gone,” she said, “then we must bring home a real one: a Great Star!” Her friends weren’t sure such a thing was possible, yet her determination sparked something in them. Bear, Fox, and Snowman agreed to join her, and Deer offered his sleigh to carry them swiftly through the deepening snow.

The journey was harsh as icy winds howled and snowflakes stung their fur, but Rabbit never took her eyes off the sky. When at last the Great Star shone directly above them, she asked her friends to close their eyes and wish with all their hearts. And miraculously, the star drifted downward, landing softly in her paws like warm light.

Guided by its radiant glow, they returned triumphantly. Cheers erupted as Owl lifted the Great Star and placed it atop Old Pine, shining brighter than ever before, lighting the way for every friend of the forest.