After a terrible misunderstanding, poor Timmy Tiptoes ends up deep inside the trunk of a dead tree, with no means of getting out. Luckily, the chipmunk who lived there was very friendly and kind to Timmy. Before long, a strong wind blows the top off the dead tree trunk, but poor Timmy can't get himself out on account of eating far too many nuts and being a little bit too round!

Beatrix wrote this story to appeal directly to her American fans and featured animals of American origin (grey squirrels, chipmunks and a black bear) all living happily in the Lake District woods.