Gary the Grumpy Ground Squirrel
Cameras flashing! Known by name! Oh, what Gary would give for the spotlight and fame . . .
Happy March 1st! With spring just around the corner, this month’s B-Side story is all about squirrels popping out from underground just in time for tourist season in the great Canadian Rocky Mountains. The star of the show is Gary, a ground squirrel with a bit of a nut on his shoulder . . .
Gary has grown grumpy watching all the other Rocky Mountain creatures get famous. The eagles, the elk, and the bighorn sheep – even the chipmunks!!! - are all causing a photo frenzy. Everyone is getting their time in the spotlight, especially the great big grizzly bear. If only Gary could get out of his slump, and realize the grass is not always greener on the other side of the mountain.
Gary the Grumpy Ground Squirrel
by caitlin nicole evans
Dedicated to my dad Gary, lover of nature and rarely a grump . . .
The Columbian ground squirrel likes living out West.
In the great Rocky Mountains, where the meadows are best.
These ground squirrels are known to be cheerful and sunny.
They are friendly, and loyal, and even quite funny.
Playing hide and go seek in the tall valley weeds.
Munching and snacking on berries and seeds.
They work hard to dig holes for a place they can sleep.
Sometimes they burrow as deep as eight feet!
Whenever they meet, they will kiss with their nose.
Their paws all curled up in the most perfect pose.
They stand tall at attention when strangers abound.
Then retreat like small soldiers to their holes in the ground.
“Screech, Screech,” they holler, so all their friends know.
It’s time to all hide in their houses below.
Usually ground squirrels are left safe and sound.
Happy and nappy, with no one around.
Between playtime, and resting, and gathering food . . .
Well, it's rare that a ground squirrel is in a bad mood.
BUT…
Lately, one squirrel had been stuck in a slump.
His name was Gary, and he was a GRUMP!
Was he grumpy from hunger, or not enough rest?
Why was poor Gary not feeling his best?
It was all because Gary thought ground squirrels were due,
for their time in the spotlight from humans . . . like you!
Gary knew that the ground squirrels were destined for fame.
The humans, however, did not feel the same.
They came to his home, from near and from far.
In trains, and in planes, then they'd hop in their cars.
They would drive through the mountains, for the lakes and fresh air.
But mostly, thought Gary, for the great grizzly bear.
They came with their cameras, their phones held on tight.
Hoping for critters to wander in sight.
Gary saw human’s take pictures of moose.
How they flocked to take shots of the Canada goose.
Humans would herd after deer as they grazed.
With all of that flashing, the deer seemed unfazed.
They are used to the fame and attention, thought Gary.
The noise and the lights no longer seem scary.
Humans waited in woods to snap photos of birds.
They tried to take selfies with mountain goat herds.
They took photos of pikas in high rocky places.
They posted on Instagram cute chipmunk faces (#socuteit’snuts)!
The hunted down wolves with their cameras and phones.
Although wolves, Gary knew, liked to be left alone.
On the other hand, elk loved the human’s affection.
And the sheep didn’t seem to mind all the attention.
Their big curly horns could stop cars, or a bus.
They’re just sheep, thought Gary. So why all the fuss?
Even the marmots would get “oohhhss” and “ahhhhs”.
“We are cousins,” yelled Gary. “Why all the applause?”
For no matter if Gary would PEAK, POP, or TWIRL.
No human would pause for the simple ground squirrel.
So, Gary grew jealous. He fell into a slump.
Since he wasn't a star, well, he would be . . .
. . . a GRUMP!
They could all have their fame. The attention they stole!
Gary the Grump would just stay in his hole!
Then one day along came a creature well known.
The great grizzly bear came to visit his home.
It turned out the grizzly was growing quite sad.
He missed all the quiet and peace he once had.
“They keep taking photos,” the grizzly bear said.
“How I wish I could hide out with you squirrels instead.”
“The love my brown fur, and my big grizzly paws.
They “ooh” and they “ahh” for my teeth, and my claws.”
“I try to eat berries, but they make a big crowd.
All the cameras and voices are really too loud.”
“Humans are friendly and try to be kind.
It’s really just being TOO famous I mind.”
“The truth is I wish I were simply a squirrel.
I could pop in the ground for a break from the world.”
Gary thought of the grizzly as living the dream,
but all the attention was not what it seemed.
He had wanted the humans to come from afar,
to make Gary the ground squirrel a big SUPERSTAR!
Though he wanted the ground squirrel to cause a big riot.
Perhaps, it was nice, all the peace and the quiet.
No one chased him for pictures or made too much sound.
No one hollered, “Hey, Gary! Come out from the ground!”
He could nap when he liked, and play hide and go seek.
With no humans trying to get a sneak peek.
He finally saw fame was quite overrated.
And . . . . SNAP . . . just like that . . .
Gary’s grumpiness faded.
“You’re lucky,” said the grizzly, then he went on his way.
Gary waved his small paw and he wished him, “Good day.”
Gary knew he’d been jealous and grumpy with greed.
But, the grizzly was right. He was lucky indeed!
So, even though there were no cameras around,
Gary twirled - JUST FOR FUN - and popped back underground!
The End
Recommended Reading: The Canadian Rockies were my home for many years. I fell in love with the mountains, the forests, and of course, all of the wonderful wildlife. This month’s recommended reading gives a shout out to a children’s book author and illustrator from the Rockies. Jocey Asnong lives in Canmore, Alberta. Like myself, Asnong’s stories encourage a spirit for adventure and travel in little ones. Nuptse and Lhotse Go to the Rockies is her second book in a series, in which two cats attempt to rescue a pair of lost black bears. Through truly unique and creative art work, Asnong offers a visual journey that teaches children and parents alike about the landscape and wildlife of the Rocky Mountains.
Special OFFER: This month it’s my BIRTHDAY, which makes March extra special for me. So, for this month only, I’d like to offer a March Madness deal! Sign up for an annual subscription, and you’ll receive a 20% discount. Or, why not send a gift subscription? After all, there are plenty of little one’s celebrating birthdays this month too! To receive this offer make sure to click the link below.
Thanks for reading and continuing to listen to B-Side Live, recorded readings of every tale! Unlike Gary I am not a fan of the spotlight, but I truly hope to continue to see B-Side grow. Please pass along these stories to any fellow parents, teachers, young ones, and word-nerds you know. I truly appreciate all the support!
Stay tuned for next month’s B-Side tale, an Extra-special Easter Edition featuring a fairly famous rabbit . . . #Ronald’sbackinaction!
