Randy the Raccoon -- Michael Roger Reese

<p>Randy and Ralphie are a pair of racoon kits headed for trouble. Their mother left them at home alone with explicit instructions to play quietly by the base of their giant pine tree and not to go wandering off into the forest. Because they were alone, they were very vulnerable to getting lost or hurt.</p><p></p><p>She had to gather more food every day for a pair of coon cubs that were growing like weeds. If they went foraging for food with her, she constantly had to corral their eager feet and curious natures.</p><p></p><p>After leaving some toothsome tidbits, she silently slipped away into the grey morning mist.</p><p></p><p>Once part of the special goodies had curbed their hunger, Randy and Ralphie started playing King of the Mountain on fallen timbers around their tree. They decided it was too hot to play in the bright morning sun, and they were still hungry.</p><p></p><p>Mommy must have lost the way to come back home with more food. They had to go find her because it was obvious that she must need their help. Maybe there were too many goodies to carry home alone. Thus, the mighty adventure began.</p><p></p><p>Heading out from the safe area around their nest, the two beady-eyed masked bandits start the very first solo journey into the flowering meadow in search of their mom. In the distance, they hear a gurgling stream that must be explored.</p><p></p><p>Footprints in the sand lead them in the direction of the vast meadow where they smell some enticing ripe berries.</p>