Autumn is ending and a chilly breeze is drifting in, which can mean only one thing-- it's time to hibernate over the long winter. But before Small Bear does, she'd like for Mama to tell her some stories. Mama agrees, with one condition: all the preparation must get done-- no dilly, no dally. So Small Bear tries to be good, venturing off to find sprigs for her winter bed, splishing and splashing in the stream, and climbing up, up, up into the tall forest trees in search of acorns. When she finally returns home, Small Bear snuggles down with Mama in their den. Did she make it back in time? You did, Mama answers, and pulls her in close. And then Mama tells the most wonderful tale of a little bear--just like Small Bear--who, while enjoying the world around her, saved just enough time for stories.