In an enchanted forest called Lizardia, there lived a red panda named Ruby. She had lived her whole life in the Lizardia forest.

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Ruby had always loved her forest, but she liked to keep to herself like polar bears in the Arctic.

Ruby’s life was good until early in the morning in mid March when Ruby heard voices from behind the tree she lived in with her family. 

“We need to cut it down!” one voice called. Ruby recognized the voice as belonging to Mr. Chopington. The Chopington’s were a Leopard family who wanted to buy the forest. 

“We must chop down the trees to make space for our mansion!” exclaimed Mrs. Chopington. 

“Next Friday we will buy the forest and chop down all the trees,” said Mr. Chopington. 

This news made Ruby as sad as a fish out of water. She couldn’t let that happen. She had a heart of gold and would do anything to help her family.

 At school the following day, Ruby’s heart happily had great excitement. 

“On Thursday, there will be a singing competition at the large tree. The first place prize is $2,000.”  

Ruby knew this could help her save her home! $2,000 would be enough to buy the forest instead of the Chopingtons.

There was only one problem...

Ruby could not sing in front of other animals.

 “We all know who is going to win! Me!”

Ruby worried Polly was right.

Polly, Mr. and Mrs. Chopington’s daughter, raised her hand.

Ruby left school and walked through the forest. She began singing.

From the moment she began singing, all the birds came over. 

Her singing was magical. 

She sang, and sang, and sang. When suddenly…

“That was better than I would have expected coming from you. Still, there is no way you can win.”

Polly jumped out from a hiding spot behind a tree.

"Go away!"

Polly walked away, and Ruby began to cry. Elizabeth, Ruby's little sister, came over to comfort her.

“Thank you, but not everyone feels that way.” 

“You sounded so good!”

“How could anyone not love your singing?”

Elizabeth put an arm around her.

Ruby was so sad she didn’t want to listen to Elizabeth’s ideas. Ruby walked home sadly.

All week, she wore the same sad face.