Young Ponder Porcupine does not want to visit the neighbors with Mama Porcupine. "They smell bad," he says. But when Papa Porcupine takes him fishing down at the river, Ponder realizes why the Muskrat family smells so bad. Their home, food and clothes were all washed away in a recent flood. Ponder feels bad deep down inside. At bedtime, he tells God he's sorry for being mean to the Muskrat family. When he and Mama visit the neighbors again, Ponder gives away one of his favorite possessions, something the Muskrats desperately need. He is amazed to discover the joy giving brings--not only to the person in need, but to the giver.