One bright crisp autumn morning, Percy is sitting high in his tree when he spots Basil scouring the undergrowth, searching for his favourite treat – juicy earthworms. Despite Basil’s apparent unfriendliness, the young pigeon decides to try to speak to him so flutters down to join him.
At first, Basil tries to ignore him but Percy perseveres asking him questions. No one ever speaks to Basil so is surprised by Percy’s attentions. Slowly, the two begin to speak.
Having formed such a strong friendship, Basil and Percy agree to explore further afield to discover more of their forest home. Their adventures through the trees take them to areas they’ve never explored before and together they learn to appreciate the vastness and diversity of their home. The forever-popular Percy introduces Basil to his friends while Basil visits corners of the forest he’s only heard of in myth and legend.
Basil and Percy are relaxing in the forest as the sun streams through the trees. Suddenly Percy sits up and suggests to Basil that he knows a fun game they should play – hide and seek. He explains to Basil how to play and they both agree Percy needs to hide on the forest floor to keep the game fair. While Basil is counting, Percy goes to hide. When Basil eventually finds Percy, Percy explains that, despite Basil not being able to see him, he was always there – just like Basil’s parents will always be with him too.
Basil and Percy are busy exploring the outer reaches of the forest when they happen upon a tall Swan. Percy is initially terrified by the huge bird towering over him and stays close to Basil’s side. Basil speaks to the swan and learns his name is Sammy and that he has a problem with his wing. As they speak together, Percy comes to realise the scary Swan means no harm – rather he needs help to find his way home as he’s terribly lost.
