Sammy the Squirrel Shares His Snacks - A Children's Story

 

Sammy the Squirrel Shares His Snacks

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story:
Generosity is sweeter than any treat. True joy is not found in what we keep, but in what we give. When we share, we multiply happiness and strengthen friendships. Kindness grows like an acorn, small at first but mighty over time. Giving from the heart makes the world warmer, one small act at a time. Even the tiniest gift, given with love, shines brighter than gold.

In a tall oak tree near Maple Meadow lived a cheerful squirrel named Sammy. His fur was soft and silver, his tail long and bushy, and his heart full of excitement, especially when it came to snacks.

Sammy loved acorns more than anything else. He spent his days collecting them, polishing them, and stacking them into neat little piles. He even had a secret hiding place under a patch of moss behind his favorite tree root.

One cool autumn morning, Sammy scampered out to admire his growing stash. “Oh, look at all my acorns!” he said proudly. “I’ll have enough to last all winter.”

As he counted them one by one, he heard a small voice behind him. It was Ruby the Robin, hopping nervously on one foot. “Hi Sammy,” she chirped softly. “Do you have any extra acorns to share? The frost came early this year, and food is hard to find.”

Sammy frowned. “Oh, I’m sorry, Ruby. Acorns are for squirrels, not birds.”

Ruby’s feathers drooped. “I understand,” she said quietly, and flew away.

Sammy watched her go, a tiny twinge of guilt fluttering in his chest. But he shrugged it off and went back to counting.

That afternoon, as Sammy was nibbling on one of his acorns, his wise old neighbor, Mr. Owl, swooped down from the branches above.

“Good afternoon, young Sammy,” said Mr. Owl. “I saw Ruby leave your tree earlier. Did you share your blessings today?”

Sammy blinked. “Blessings? You mean my acorns?”

Mr. Owl nodded. “Yes, my boy. Sometimes blessings look like food, warmth, or even a smile. The Bible tells us, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Sammy tilted his head. “But if I share my acorns, I’ll have less for me!”

Mr. Owl chuckled softly. “Ah, but when you give, your heart grows richer even if your pile grows smaller.”

Then he spread his wings and flew off into the evening sky, leaving Sammy deep in thought.

The next morning, Sammy woke to a chilly breeze and a rumbling in his belly. He went to fetch an acorn, but as he lifted the moss, he noticed something: his secret stash wasn’t as full as he remembered. A few acorns were missing.

“Oh no!” cried Sammy. “Someone took my acorns!”

He raced through the meadow, his tail twitching. Suddenly, he spotted Ruby the Robin perched on a low branch, looking weak and hungry.

Sammy’s heart sank. “Ruby,” he said softly, “did you take some of my acorns?”

Ruby nodded, ashamed. “I’m sorry, Sammy. I didn’t mean to. I was so hungry, and I only took a few. Please don’t be mad.”

Sammy looked down at the small bird trembling before him. He remembered Mr. Owl’s words, When you give, your heart grows richer.

He sighed and smiled. “I’m not mad, Ruby. I should have shared with you in the first place.”

He reached into his pouch and handed her three shiny acorns. “Here. These are for you.”

Ruby’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, Sammy! You’re the kindest squirrel I know!”

As she flew away, singing happily, Sammy noticed something inside himself — a warmth that spread through his chest, brighter than the sun.

“That must be what generosity feels like,” he said with a grin.

Later that day, as the wind howled and the leaves began to fall, Sammy saw Benny the Beaver trudging through the meadow. “Hey, Benny! What’s wrong?”

Benny sighed. “The river froze early this year. I can’t reach the bark I stored for winter. I’m worried I won’t have enough food.”

Sammy thought for a moment. “I don’t have bark, but I do have plenty of acorns. Would you like some?”

Benny’s eyes widened. “Really? You’d do that for me?”

“Of course,” said Sammy. “That’s what friends are for.”

They worked together, carrying bundles of acorns back to Benny’s lodge. Along the way, Sammy told him about Mr. Owl’s wisdom and how giving had made him feel happier than ever.

When they finished, Benny clapped his paws together. “You’ve shown me real kindness, Sammy. I’ll never forget this.”

That evening, as the stars twinkled over Maple Meadow, Sammy curled up in his nest. His stash was smaller now, but his heart felt enormous.

Just before drifting off to sleep, he whispered another verse Grandma Squirrel had once told him.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

He smiled and closed his eyes. His dreams were filled with acorns, laughter, and the warmth of friendship.

The next morning, the forest animals surprised Sammy. They had gathered outside his tree, each carrying something small: berries, nuts, and seeds, as gifts to thank him.

Ruby chirped, “You shared your blessings, so now we’re sharing ours!”

Sammy’s eyes filled with joy. His pile of snacks grew again, but this time, it wasn’t just his; it belonged to everyone.

Mr. Owl landed nearby and said,

“The world is a kinder place when we share what we have.” – Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Sammy nodded. “You’re right, Mr. Owl. Generosity really is sweeter than any treat.”

Poem:
Sharing brings a special cheer,
That warms each heart both far and near.
When we give, our spirits grow.
Like sunlight melting winter’s snow.
A gentle heart, a giving hand,
It can make the world brighter and grand.
For every seed of love we sow,
Will bloom in ways we’ll never know.

Discussion Questions:

1.     Why did Sammy feel happier after sharing his acorns than when he kept them all for himself?

2.     How did God’s Word help Sammy understand what generosity means?

3.     What are some ways you can be generous at home, at school, or with your friends?