Bear Helps the Forest (Maybe You Help, Too

A young bear plays in autumn leaves while the forest changes around her. As leaves fall and she settles into a long sleep, bacteria, fungi, earthworms, beetles, mites, slugs, and snails break down the leaf litter. In spring, Bear wonders where the leaves have gone. Her mother explains the forest has been working. Through summer, Bear enjoys the sun and rich soil while waiting for leaves to return. When autumn comes again, her play helps crumble the fallen leaves, making her part of the ecosystem.