Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Bear kidnaps the Bunny and takes him to its den. Squirrel learns what happened and recognizes that help is needed.

Bunny Is Kidnapped — The Bear kidnaps the Bunny and drags him to its den. Characters: Bear (voice), Beaver / Little mouse / Hare (voice) Location: Unspecified
Squirrel Hears the News — Squirrel recognizes the news that the Bunny has been kidnapped. Characters: Squirrel (voice) Location: Unspecified

Squirrel asks Badger to help, but he pretends to be injured to avoid the journey. Her contempt makes him ashamed, and he sets out with her.

Badger Feigns Injury — Badger pretends to have an injured leg and throat to avoid the rescue. Characters: Squirrel (voice), Badger (voice) Location: Badger's home
Squirrel Challenges Badger — Squirrel shows contempt for Badger's cowardice, and he feels ashamed. Characters: Squirrel (voice), Badger (voice) Location: Badger's home
Badger Joins the Rescue — Squirrel and the now-ashamed Badger set off together to rescue the Bunny. Characters: Squirrel (voice), Badger (voice) Location: Road

The travelers meet Beaver, who questions whether the Bunny is blameless. A near encounter with a toothy pike frightens Beaver.

Beaver Questions the Rescue — The group meets Beaver, who philosophizes and suggests the Bunny may be to blame. Characters: Squirrel (voice), Badger (voice), Beaver / Little mouse / Hare (voice) Location: Road
Pike Threatens Beaver — A toothy pike nearly eats Beaver. Characters: Beaver / Little mouse / Hare (voice) Location: Unspecified waterside

Beaver joins the company after his close call. The bold little Mouse, though not invited, decides to help his friend with a dandelion stalk.

Beaver Joins the Company — After the pike scare, Beaver joins the rescue party. Characters: Squirrel (voice), Badger (voice), Beaver / Little mouse / Hare (voice) Location: Road
Mouse Volunteers — The bold little Mouse, not invited, resolves to help free a friend using a dandelion stalk. Characters: Beaver / Little mouse / Hare (voice) Location: Unspecified

Story Breakdown

Bunny Kidnapping — The Bear takes the Bunny to its den, setting the rescue story in motion.
- Bear Takes Bunny — The Bear kidnaps the Bunny and drags him to its den.
- Squirrel Learns News — Squirrel recognizes that the Bunny has been taken.
Badger's Evasion — Badger initially tries to avoid joining the rescue.
- False Injury — Badger puts a plaster on a healthy leg and bandages his throat.
- Squirrel's Rebuke — Squirrel expresses contempt for Badger's cowardice.
Badger Changes Course — Shame prompts Badger to leave with Squirrel.
- Badger Feels Shame — Badger is ashamed after Squirrel's reaction.
- Rescue Journey — Squirrel and Badger set out together.
Beaver's Hesitation — The rescuers meet a philosophical Beaver who is initially reluctant.
- Questioning Blame — Beaver suggests the Bunny may be to blame himself.
- Joining the Group — After a frightening encounter, Beaver joins the company.
Pike Encounter — A near attack puts Beaver in immediate danger.
- Toothy Pike — A pike nearly eats Beaver.
- Fear Changes Resolve — The encounter precedes Beaver's decision to join the others.
Mouse's Courage — The little Mouse independently chooses to help a friend.
- Uninvited Volunteer — Mouse is not invited but determines to join the effort.
- Dandelion Stalk — Mouse plans to use a dandelion stalk to help get the friend out of trouble.