The Great Forest Gathering Puzzle
This is a story of gratitude.
Welcome to Morley Moose’s first ever great forest gathering. Each woodland friend brings their favorite foods and surprises Morley with a terrific feast. Morley learns that gathering together is more important than a perfectly planned event.
Morley, the Moose, wanted the first Great Forest Gathering to be perfect. He decided to do everything himself so his woodland friends would be surprised. Unfortunately, the preparation wasn’t turning out the way he had imagined…
- He made special invitations for all of his friends, but he dropped them in a puddle and he left muddy hoof prints on each one as he picked them up.
- After he prepared a spot in the forest for the party a giant gust of wind blew away all of his decorations.
- It seemed like all of the animals had started preparing for hibernation early, and he couldn’t find most of the ingredients he needed to for the big feast.
Morley’s invitations were a mess when they arrived to each woodland animal. Between the hoof prints, they could only read :
“You are invited to the first ever Great Forest Gathering on Thursday evening. Please gather __🐾__ in the woods to celebrate and be joyful.
Your Pal, Morley”
Sully Gathers Walnuts
Sullivan, the squirrel, received an invitation on a rainy day with a big muddy hoof print covering one of the words.
"Hmm.. I wonder what Morley is asking me to gather?" wondered Sully. He was certain that every holiday feast must have the best quality nut so he spent the next day foraging for his favorite : Walnuts.
After a long day of gathering, Sully placed the last walnut on top of his pile. He smiled, thinking "I am so very thankful that my cozy home was built inside of a big and healthy tree that continues to produce an abundance of nuts every year. I cannot wait to share these at the great big feast!"
Chauncey Gathers Mushrooms
Chauncey, the chipmunk, received an invitation with a big muddy print covering one of the words.
"Well.. gather what?" Chipmunk questioned to herself. Chauncey looked through her recipe box for her favorite Fall recipe, and was delighted to find one for her grandmother's special mushroom gravy. Yum!
As she spent the day cooking a large pile of mushrooms for Morley’s party, her burrow was warm and smelled absolutely delightful. She loved that this recipe reminded her of so many wonderful memories with her grandmother.
As Chauncey took a big taste of the mushroom gravy, she felt so thankful to have a recipe that reminds her of her family, and that she has enough good food to share with others.
Felicity Gathers Apples for Pies
Felicity, the fox, made a home tucked inside of a giant apple tree. She has everything she needs inside to feel safe and happy, plus the outside of the tree produces loads of delicious apples.
Felicity received an invitation today with a big muddy hoof print in the middle.
"Hmm.. what words could be under this muddy hoof print?" she wondered. "Morley knows I live in an apple tree. Perhaps he is asking me to gather apples and bring some homemade pies to the party!"
She quickly jumped from branch to branch and shook all of the apples from her tree house into a large pile. Then she rolled out dough and began an assembly line. She was happy to spend the day making a beautiful arrangement of fresh pies.
Felicity felt so much joy in helping her friend, Morley. Baking pies was so much fun, she barely noticed the sun set or that she had filled all of the pie racks with amazing desserts. Helping a friend was hardly any work at all.
“Sharing your joy doesn’t make it diminish, it multiplies and spreads more joy!”
Odin Gathers Decorations
Odin, the owl, lives in a tall tree in the forest, and he looks out for all of his forrest friends. He knows each woodland creature by name, and has come to love them all.
Just as Odin finished decorating his tree house with evergreen branches and pine cones, he received an invitation with messy hoof prints all over it.
“Gather what?” Thought the little owl, “well, I guess I could gather supplies to decorate the forrest for a big party, but I would have to undo my day’s work.”
Odin reluctantly started tugging at his garland, un decorating his own home. He was frustrated by the end, until he took a slow deep breath.s Odin closed his eyes and thought about his woodland friends, and pictured them having fun at Morley’s party. He smiled, realizing that his friends are more important.
He felt a warmth in his heart and knew it would all be okay. After all, he could redecorate his home another day.
Rabbits Gather Brussels Sprout
Rose, and her son Rocky, live in a cozy burrow deep under ground. The little rabbit family live a quiet and simple life, enjoying their time together.
Rocky is a very curious critter, and he is always hiding from his mama in a long game of hide and seek. As he dug through a fresh bag of Brussels sprout, he found a letter at the bottom.
"What can we gather for Morley's party, mama?" asked Rocky.
Rose checked their calendar, and was thrilled that they would be able to attend the gathering. She quickly looked around, and realized what they could spare...
"Why don't we cook up all of our fresh Brussels sprouts for Morley and our forrest friends?" suggested Rose, and Rocky excitedly agreed.
Rose showed Rocky how to clean, and cook the vegetables. He enjoyed helping add the spices and he was the best taste tester. Rose smiled at her happy little kitten, wanting to forever cherish these sweet moments together.
Reesie & Ruth Gather Leftovers
Reesie & Ruth love to go into town to collect leftovers. Both raccoons are skilled in the kitchen, and they enjoy the challenge of making something delicious with whatever they can find.
This morning they received an invitation. It was a little hard to read through the muddy hoof prints, but Reesie filled in the blanks on his own.
"Morley wants us to gather leftovers for his party. What a perfect day to take a trip into town!" said Reesie as he gave Ruth a big hug and spun her around in the kitchen.
"Sure, it's a date" replied Ruth with a laugh.
The racoon couple came home with a sack full of perfectly good leftover potatoes, onion, garlic, bread, and butter. They checked their fresh herbs and spice cabinet before deciding they have everything they need to make a fresh batch of mashed potatoes and stuffing. Yum!
Ruth put the record player on, and they went to work in the kitchen cooking, dancing and singing while they prepared food for Morley's gathering. The raccoon couple was making sweet memories together, and they couldn't be more joyful.
Bogart Gathers Cranberries
Bogart loves to visit the cranberry bog at the edge of the forest. He feels calm and happy there, and it is full of gorgeous cranberries for him to collect and share with his friends.
He received an invitation from an old friend, but some of the message was muddy. Bogart was certain that Morley wanted him to gather his favorite treat, and make cranberry sauce for the gathering. He picked up a basket and made his way out to the bog.
Morley's invitation came at just the right time. Bogart needed a break. He picked the berries from the bushes, and skipped a few across the water. It was such a beautiful day, and he was simply enjoying this moment. How thankful he was to be enjoying nature and feeling at peace.
Duncan Gathers Corn
Duncan, the deer, has been frolicking all day in the first coating of snow on the ground. He is new to this forrest and he just loves the crunch under his hooves. His excitement was even greater when he found a letter stuck to the tree addressed to him. The letter had a few muddy hoof prints, but he was able to read most of the invitation.
"Oh Morley, do not worry. I understand. Every party has yummy corn, so you must want me to gather corn for your feast. I won't let you down!" Duncan thought to himself.
Duncan took a walk through the forrest until he reached a small field of corn. He smiled, seeing how perfect each ear of corn looked. This is perfect for the party!
He choose the very best crop and tied the corn up in a bow so he could carry everything back to his home beneath the evergreen trees. He spent the walk back imagining how much fun it will be to meet new forrest friends, and he was so thankful to be invited.
Morley’s Surprise!
It’s time for the first ever Great Forest Gathering!
Morley was so worried, he wanted to cancel the event but there wasn’t enough time to reach every guest. He made his way to the center of the forrest, prepared to apologize and send everyone home disappointed.
Instead, Morley was surprised to find owl decorating the forrest and each guest arrived bringing homemade food and happiness.
Morley watched in awe, and when everyone got a seat at the big wooden table he thanked each one for their friendship, and their part in the most amazing Great Forrest Gathering.
Seeing Morley’s shocked reaction, Rocky, the little rabbit asked “But Morley, what did you actually ask us to bring in your invitations?”
“I simply requested that we all gather TOGETHER in the forrest to celebrate and be joyful.’ explained Morley. “I didn’t expect any of you to bring anything, but I am so thankful you did. I couldn’t do this alone.”
After everyone clapped for Morley, they each tried a new food they had never eaten before. Everyone loved all of the delicious food, and they decided to make this feast a tradition every year!
The Great Forest Gathering Puzzle
Cozy up this winter with a puzzle. As you fit this puzzle together piece by piece, you will see a beautiful watercolor scene. Several woodland animals came together bringing their favorite food to share. The gathering was only made possible with each animal’s selfless contribution.
