Nobody knew how the armchair arrived in the woods.

Raccoon claimed that he found it but Raccoon was well known for his imaginative facts

and not everything he said can be relied on.

Bear said nothing, Bear rarely did.

The little green book had appeared shortly afterwards. Mouse recognized it as the one the girl always brought when she came to tell them stories.

He suggested they wait for her.

Raccoon thought he said "eat with her" and was now rather disappointed.

Robin appointed himself keeper of the book. He took this responsibility very seriously, standing firmly on the cover so it couldn't possibly wander off.

Hare looked up at Bear.

"Do you remember any of the stories?"

Bear tilted his head, Mouse waited, Raccoon settled more comfortably into a position everyone else considered quite uncomfortable.

At last Bear spoke.

"I remember how one began" he said

And beneath the stars he began telling a story about a girl in a paper crown who had once invited them all indoors.

Raccoon interrupted.

"Are there any cookies?" he said

There had been cookies the first time they had a story and he felt this was a very important part of the gathering."