THE GNATS OF KNOTTY PINE
By
Most of this takes place at the forest animals' annual meeting on the day before the opening of hunting season, and Peet's focal character, a shaggy old moose, is the picture of schleppy dejection when dusk comes as usual without any kind of a plan for fooling the hunters. Everyone has just laughed at each other's suggestions and the gnats weren't even given a hearing--but it's they of course who drive away the men when the time comes. And ""as the last jeep disappeared into the distance the gnats formed a big 'V' for victory, then let go with a rousing cheer that could be heard for at least twenty feet. The victory was especially sweet since it was won without bloodshed""--and especially satisfying when they hear the moose's bellowing ""Calling all gnats! Calling all gnats! Hear this! Hear this! Thanks a billion!"" As Peet's pen, in terms of the audience he reaches, is about as mighty as the moose's lungs, he might just be the man to get this anti-gun message across.