Sophie the Squirrel Learns the Beauty of Sisterhood
By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller
Moral to the Story:
Being a sister means sharing more
than a tree—it means sharing your heart. Your little sister looks up to you not just because you’re older, but because
you’re her guide and her friend. When you include her, listen to her, and encourage her, you make her feel safe
and special. When you leave her out, tease her, or push her away, it hurts her deeply—even
if she doesn’t say it. You have the power to help her believe in herself, to give her confidence and
courage. She wants your friendship, your kindness, and your love.
Sisters are not just family—they’re built-in best friends for life.
High in a giant oak tree that swayed
in the breeze lived Sophie the Squirrel and her younger sister, Mia.
Sophie was quick, clever, and could
leap from branch to branch without missing a beat. She was the fastest
nut-gatherer in the whole meadow. Mia, on the other hand, was smaller and
slower, still learning how to balance on the branches without wobbling.
Mia adored Sophie. She copied the
way Sophie flicked her tail when she was excited. She even tried to chatter
like Sophie when telling a story.
But Sophie didn’t always welcome her
shadow.
“You’re too slow!” she called one
morning as Mia struggled to climb after her.
“I can help you gather acorns,” Mia
offered.
“I don’t need help,” Sophie huffed.
“You’ll just drop them.”
Mia’s little shoulders slumped. She
sat on a branch, watching Sophie disappear into the leaves.
That evening, while the sunset
painted the sky pink and gold, Mama Squirrel noticed Mia’s quiet mood.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Mama
asked.
“Mia keeps following me everywhere,”
Sophie said before Mia could answer. “I just want to play by myself sometimes.”
Mama tilted her head. “Do you know
why she follows you?”
Sophie shrugged. “Because she
doesn’t have anything else to do?”
“No,” Mama said gently. “Because she
loves you. You’re her big sister—her first best friend. The way you treat her
will help her learn how to treat others. And one day, she’ll remember every
kindness you gave her.”
Papa Squirrel hopped over with an
acorn in his paw. “You have a special role, Sophie. Sisters are teammates. You
get to cheer her on, help her grow, and share your world with her.”
Sophie glanced at Mia, who was
tracing a pattern in the bark with her tiny claws. She remembered how, when she
was little, her own older cousin had taken her under his wing. He had waited
for her when she was slow, helped her when she was scared, and shared the
biggest, best acorns.
The next morning, Sophie decided to
try something different.
When Mia peeked out of the nest,
Sophie smiled. “Want to come gather acorns with me?”
Mia’s ears perked up. “Really?”
“Really,” Sophie said. “I’ll even
show you my secret spot.”
They bounded down the tree together,
Sophie slowing her leaps so Mia could keep up.
At the meadow’s edge, Sophie showed
Mia how to tell if an acorn was fresh. “See how the cap fits tight? That means
it’s a good one.”
Mia picked one up and examined it
closely. “Like this?”
“Perfect!” Sophie said. “You’re a
natural.”
When Mia dropped a few along the
way, Sophie didn’t scold. “Happens to me too. Let’s go back and get them.”
Later, Sophie taught Mia how to
balance on a swaying branch without panicking. “Hold your tail out for
balance—yes, just like that!”
By midday, they had a full stash of
acorns. Sophie split them evenly. “Half for you, half for me. We did this
together.”
Mia grinned so wide her cheeks
ached.
On the way home, they raced up the
oak trunk. Sophie let Mia win, but didn’t say so. “You’re getting faster!” she
cheered.
That night, they curled up in their
nest, tails wrapped around each other.
“I love you, Sophie,” Mia whispered
sleepily.
“I love you too,” Sophie replied.
“I’m glad you’re my sister.”
From that day on, Sophie didn’t see
Mia as someone slowing her down. She saw her as a partner in adventure, a
little friend to protect and encourage, and someone who made life brighter just
by being there.
Because being a sister isn’t about
having the same nest—it’s about building each other up, branch by branch.
Moral to the Story Poem:
A sister’s love can guide and cheer,
And keep your little sibling near.
When kindness leads and hearts unite,
Your bond will grow both strong and bright.
Through laughter shared and moments true,
The best of sisters lives in you.
Questions for Thought and
Discussion:
1.
Why did Mia follow Sophie
everywhere?
2.
How did Sophie show kindness to her
sister in the end?
3.
What are some ways you can make your
sister feel special?
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