Summary

A timid young hare wakes from his rest and sniffs the cool evening air. It should be safe now to leave his hiding place and look for food. But wait! On this night, something is different. The birds are still awake, butterflies flutter through the sky, and small animals chatter excitedly. What could be happening? Then the hare sees a man and woman heading toward the stable. The man speaks quietly to the animals and soon they hurry off to collect branches, roots, twigs, and feathers for him. Frightened, but curious, the hare creeps closer. He watches the animals gather by the stable door and he wonders what they see. Finally, the hare gathers all his courage and hops into the stable. He finds a baby lying in a manger who inspires his sympathy and generosity, for here is someone even more vulnerable than himself, in need of a gift only he can give.