Don McPond and the Case of the Red Rascal

Summary

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

Episode Summary: "Don McPond and the Case of the Red Rascal" Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon
Author: Daniel Hines
Produced by: Starglow Media / Wondery

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Introduction

In this enchanting episode of Stories Podcast, host Amanda Weldon brings to life the original tale, "Don McPond and the Case of the Red Rascal," penned by Daniel Hines. Geared towards children and families, the story unfolds in a vibrant neighborhood woodland where mysteries are solved with wit and friendship.

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Main Characters

• Don McPond: A turtle with a keen intellect and a passion for fairness, Don is the town's beloved private detective.
• Tripsy the Chipmunk: A diligent and earnest chipmunk seeking Don’s help to recover her stolen orange.
• Wally the Squirrel: Tripsy's neighbor, who becomes a key suspect in the mystery.
• Betty Bunny: Another neighbor and friend involved in the unfolding events.

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The Mystery Unfolds

The story begins with Don McPond enjoying a peaceful day basking in the summer sun. His tranquility is interrupted when Tripsy the Chipmunk seeks his assistance:

Tripsy the Chipmunk [04:11]: "He'd reply, the glass Sponge can live 10,000 years, but more commonly, the Greenland shark can live to 500, which is..."

Don, known for his sharp memory and problem-solving skills, quickly transitions from relaxation to detective mode upon learning that Tripsy's cherished orange has been stolen.

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Investigation Begins

Don takes down the details:

Tripsy the Chipmunk [07:58]: "A thief," she declares, explaining that her orange, saved carefully for a spring celebration, has vanished.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Don initiates his investigation by inquiring about the time of the theft and potential witnesses. Tripsy mentions that Wally the Squirrel and Betty Bunny were the only ones aware of the orange's existence.

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Interviewing the Suspects

Don interviews both Betty and Wally, scrutinizing their alibis:

Tripsy the Chipmunk [09:31]: "A big piece of fruit can make even a good neighbor go bad," Don muses, hinting at the complexity of the case.

Betty claims to have been home packing for the beach, while Wally presents a seemingly airtight alibi, munching on a chocolate bar by the lake.

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Clues and Discoveries

As the investigation progresses, Don observes inconsistencies in Wally's story:

Don McPond [17:38]: "Sorry to say, but Wally here is the thief, or at least a liar."

He confronts Wally with the evidence:

Don [17:59]: "Your chocolate would be melty. It would be all over your hands, all over the blanket, and it certainly wouldn't snap into clean pieces. You are lying."

Faced with the logic, Wally breaks down and confesses:

Wally the Squirrel [18:28]: "I. You. I'm sorry."

He admits to stealing Tripsy's orange out of envy and regret, revealing it was hidden safely in his tree, untouched.

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Resolution and Reconciliation

Understanding the importance of forgiveness, Tripsy accepts Wally's apology:

Tripsy the Chipmunk [20:08]: "Thank you for forgiving me, Tripsy. That's really big of you."

To make amends, Wally offers not only the returned orange but also his surplus grapes:

Tripsy [20:44]: "Grapes are grapes. I think that's mighty big of you, Wally. You're a good squirrel."

The episode concludes with the friends enjoying a delightful picnic, reinforcing themes of forgiveness and community bonding.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don McPond [09:03]: "Dastardly."
• Tripsy the Chipmunk [14:35]: "You're right, said Dawn. You can't solve every case. But I have solved this one."
• Wally the Squirrel [18:30]: "I'm sorry. It's in my tree. You can have it back."

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Conclusion

"Don McPond and the Case of the Red Rascal" is a heartwarming story that emphasizes friendship, honesty, and the importance of resolving conflicts with understanding. Amanda Weldon's engaging narration, combined with Daniel Hines' creative storytelling, makes this episode a delightful addition to the Stories Podcast repertoire, perfect for bedtime listening and family bonding.

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Additional Information

For those inspired by Don's detective work or eager to revisit the story, Stories Podcast offers a range of G-rated, imaginative tales suitable for all ages. Listeners are encouraged to share their favorite moments or illustrations on Instagram @storiespodcast, and explore merchandise at storiespodcast.com/shop.

Transcript

[Amanda Weldon]

Hello. Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is called Don McPond and the case of the Red Rascal, an original story written for you by Daniel Hines. We have Stories Podcast merch, [e-mail] shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast if you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now here's a word from our sponsors. Before we dive into today's tale, here's something magical for our listeners. Imagine turning the adventures you hear about from stories into real life experiences with Groupon. Your family can discover activities that mirror the tales we share, like visiting a castle, exploring a zoo, or crafting your own masterpiece in an art class. When I checked out Groupon offerings in my area, I saw an amazing deal on a whale watch right nearby. My family and I will definitely be doing that this summer. Your next magical family day might be hiding in the Groupon app too, just waiting to be discovered. Groupon is offering our listeners a very special promotion to get your adventure started. Use code STORIES30 to get 30% off when checking out at Groupon before May 31st. That's code STORIES30. Adventure is just around the corner. Is your child way ahead of their peers in some subjects and maybe trailing just a little bit behind in others? You can find lessons that will give them the support they need in those tougher subjects and challenge them to continue improving in the other ones. All on IXL.com IXL is an online learning program for kids that covers math, language arts, science and social studies and offers interactive practice problems for every topic from Pre K to 12th grade. Every topic is organized by grade and subject, or you can navigate by textbook. IXL has skill plans for specific textbooks so your child can get extra help for the exact unit they're covering in class. How cool. And the research is clear. The kids who are using IXL are consistently scoring higher on tests and doing better in school. You can get these results for your family too. Don't let your child struggle when they don't have to. Let IXL help them master all the subjects and build a strong academic foundation. Memberships start at only $9.95 a month, way less than just a single hour of tutoring. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now. Stories podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com dragon Visit ixl.com dragon to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.

[Wally the Squirrel]

It is estimated that over 4 million people have been abducted by alien life forms, but only one of them asked for it.

[Amanda Weldon]

This is Elio of Earth. If any aliens are listening, come and.

[Wally the Squirrel]

Get me from Disney and Pixar.

[Amanda Weldon]

Yes, it's really happening.

[Wally the Squirrel]

He'll go where no one has gone before.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to the community Verse. This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. This is the bathroom.

[Wally the Squirrel]

Disney and Pixar's Elio rated PG. Parental guidance suggested only in theaters June 20th.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks. Enjoy the episode Don McPond and the Case of the Red Rascal Once upon a time, in a busy bit of neighborhood woods, there lived a turtle named Don McPond. He looked like any other turtle, roundish, greenish and slowish. But appearances can be deceiving. Sure, he couldn't move any faster than any other turtle, but his brain that went a mile a minute. His brain collected facts like a crow collected shiny things. He could hear a fact once, and three months later you could say, hey, Don, what animal lives the longest? And without breaking his very slow stride.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

He'D reply, the glass Sponge can live 10,000 years, but more commonly, the Greenland shark can live to 500, which is.

[Amanda Weldon]

Of course, the correct answer. This amazing ability, coupled with Don McPau's natural love of fairness, made him the best private detective in the entire town. Animals would come from all over with their mysteries, and no matter how tricky the case, Don puzzled it out like a parrot with a new word. To make himself easy to find, he had set up his detective agency in the middle of the woody patch, between some houses and the town forest. There was a hollow tree stump he made his office, and outside hung his sign, written in Don's own slow and careful handwriting.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

It read, Don McPond, turtle detective. All animals welcome. 25 grapes per case. No biting.

[Amanda Weldon]

The cost was grapes because that was Don McPaun's favorite food. It was 25 grapes because that's how many he could eat in a day. The no biting rule was added last, after he had caught a wolf in a lie and gotten a chomp for his trouble. Of course, his shell kept him safe, but all the same, it seemed prudent to add. Prudent is a word that means wise and careful, which described Don McPond just about perfectly. This particular day, he was sitting outside of his office, basking in the new summer sun. His scaly self was laid out on a broad, flat rock he kept handy for just such occasions. Don would have been happy to spend the whole day like that, kicked back in complete reptile relaxation. But suddenly someone was pulling on his little toe where it dangled off the rock.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Hey, what's the big idea?

[Amanda Weldon]

Don said in a friendly sort of way.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Can a turtle get a little sunshine on his cold blood?

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, sorry, Mr. McPond, said a squeaky little voice. Don squinted open his eyes and saw no one at all.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Who said that?

[Amanda Weldon]

He asked, sitting up and looking around. Oh, down here. Came the voice. Dawn leaned over the edge of the rock and saw a tiny little chipmunk fidgeting in the grass. Um, you're the turtle detective, right? Don realized he had a customer and shook himself out of nap mode and into serious detective mode. He rolled off the stone and made his slow waddling way back to his stump. He stood behind the counter, put on his detective hat, and then leaned over with a smile.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Sorry for the delay, he said. You've reached Don McPond, turtle detective. All case is welcome. What might your name be and how can I help you today?

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, thank the trees I found you, the chipmunk said. I was looking all over, but when you're small every turtle is a giant and some of them snap, so I had to be extra careful. She dusted herself off and stood to her full height, which was about 5 inches, not including the tail, of course. My name is Tripsy, she said, extending a tiny little paw. Pleasure to meet you, Detective McPond, sir. Dawn carefully took the tiny squirrel paw in his own scaly mitt.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Pleasure's all mine, and you can call me Don't. Now, what seems to be the problem?

[Amanda Weldon]

A thief, said Tripsy, shaking her little head. I had stashed away an orange that a human had dropped in the fall. I've been saving it frozen all winter for a spring celebration and it's gone. Stolen fruit, Don said, shaking his head and thinking about his own precious stash of grapes.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Is there no decency left in the forest?

[Amanda Weldon]

That's what I said. Agreed.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Tripsy, where did you have it stashed?

[Amanda Weldon]

I kept it wrapped up in my tree to stay juicy, she said. It wasn't locked away or anything, just tucked under my table. I should have hid it.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Hey, it's not your fault you got robbed, said Don. We can figure this out. Lets start with when did it go missing.

[Amanda Weldon]

Just this morning, tripsy said. I left my tree around 10 or so, just for an hour to visit my sister, and when I got home it was gone.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Dastardly, said Don McPond. Now the suspects. Did anyone know about the orange?

[Amanda Weldon]

I don't think so, said Tripsy, wiggling her busy tail. Wait, that's not true. A couple of animals saw me carrying it in. Wally the squirrel and Betty Bunny were hanging out by my tree. But Don, they're my neighbors. They couldn't have done it.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

A big piece of fruit can make even a good neighbor go bad, don said sadly. We better go talk to the suspects.

[Amanda Weldon]

All right, said Tripsy. And I didn't forget your grapes. I just couldn't carry them all at once. The little chipmunk pulled a single little purple grape from her chubby cheeks. Here's one. I have 24 more at home.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Say no more, said Don McPond. I'm on the case.

[Amanda Weldon]

Don flipped over his sign to let other animals know that he was out of office. The back of the sign read Closed.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Or working on a case or in the bathroom. Come back tomorrow or tonight or in five minutes. All right, said Don. Lead the way.

[Amanda Weldon]

Tripsy nodded and then started off into the trees. They're usually hanging out together by the lake where it's sandy this time of day. I bet we can find them both there. The pair made their way to the lake and arrived in the mid afternoon, the sun warm and clear in the cloudless sky. On the sandy shore the sun was warm enough to bask in, and dawn stretched in delight.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Feels good on the old cold blood.

[Amanda Weldon]

I bet, said Tripsy, panting. But it's too hot when you've got all this fur. They smiled at each other and started to walk the sand. Soon Tripsy asked if she could ride on Dawn's shell because the sand was hot on her paws. Dawn, of course, said of course and stayed on course. Soon they saw a bright blue blanket stretched out in the sand. Betty Bunny was sprawled back reading a book, and Wally the squirrel was watching the water and eating a chocolate bar off the blanket. Dawn called Betty and Tripsy. What are you two doing out this way? It's awfully warm, but it's a wonderful day for the beach. You're welcome to share our blanket. Yeah, said Wally. Pop on over, dudes. Dawn and Tripsy walked over to the blanket and sat down, but the others noticed the serious look on Dawn's face. Uh oh, said Wally.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

This isn't a social call, is it? I'm afraid not, said Don. I'm here looking for some stolen goods.

[Amanda Weldon]

Wally and Betty gasped. Surely not, said Betty. What do you mean? Asked Wally.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Sorry to say, said Don, but Someone stole Tripsy's orange. Now, you know they don't grow around here and they're tough to scavenge.

[Amanda Weldon]

Who would steal an orange? Asked Wally.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out.

[Amanda Weldon]

Don asked.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Now, I'm not accusing either of you, but you were the only two who knew about the orange. Is it possible you told someone else about it?

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, I would never, said Betty, her long ears twitching. I would never steal and I would never tell.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

And where were you this morning around 10 o' clock?

[Amanda Weldon]

Don asked. I was at home cleaning my house and packing up for a day at the beach, said Betty.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

And did anyone see you?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Don. No, said Betty. I packed up and I didn't see anyone until I got here to the beach an hour or so ago. But I swear I wouldn't steal.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

That's ok, said Don. This is just detective work. No one is in trouble.

[Amanda Weldon]

He turned to Wally.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Same questions, buddy. Where you been? Anyone else that might know about the orange?

[Amanda Weldon]

Wally put his little hand on his fuzzy chin and thought, ha. I've been here all morning. I found this bar of chocolate. He held up a big solid square. And I've been sitting here munching it.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Since 10 or so.

[Amanda Weldon]

But come to think of it, I guess I mentioned the orange to a.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Few people around the trees. Ha. Sorry.

[Amanda Weldon]

It wasn't anything on purpose. Just more like, wow, Tripsy found a big orange.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

What luck.

[Amanda Weldon]

He looked down, rubbing his clean hands together. Sorry if I got it stolen, Tripsy. That's okay, Wally, tripsy said. It wasn't your fault. Thanks, Trips, said Wally. You want a piece of chocolate? He asked and snapped off a square. Sure. Thanks, she said, gobbling down the chocolate and sitting down on the nice clean blanket. Sorry, dawn, she said. I guess you can't solve every case.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

You're right, said Dawn. You can't solve every case. But I have solved this one.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dawn had cracked the case. Take a minute and see if you can figure it out too. Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and other favorite kid podcasts ad free. Subscribe to Wondery Hits on Apple Podcasts.

[Wally the Squirrel]

It is estimated that over 4 million people have been abducted by alien life forms, but only one of them asked for it.

[Amanda Weldon]

This is Elio of Earth. If any aliens are listening, come and.

[Wally the Squirrel]

Get me from Disney and Pixar.

[Amanda Weldon]

Yes, it's really happening.

[Wally the Squirrel]

He'll go where no one has gone before.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to the community. This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. This is the Bathroom.

[Wally the Squirrel]

Disney and Pixar's Elio. Rated PG. Parental guidance suggested only in theaters June 20th.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks. And now back to the story. What is the weather like at the beach? Is it warm or cold outside? Betty the bunny said she was cleaning and packing. Wally said he was eating chocolate on the beach. Do those alibis make sense? What happens when you eat chocolate in the sun? Can you snap it off and keep it clean? Tripsy turned to dawn. Well, what did you figure out?

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Sorry to say, but Wally here is the thief, or at least a liar. What?

[Amanda Weldon]

Screeched Wally. What did that little red rascal say? He said, pointing an angry finger at Tripsy. I've been here with my chocolate all day.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

And that was your mistake, said Don. It's hot, hot, hot today. If you'd been outside on the Sunny beach since 10 this morning, it's Your chocolate would be melty. It would be all over your hands, all over the blanket, and it certainly wouldn't snap into clean pieces. You are lying.

[Amanda Weldon]

I. You. I'm sorry. Wailed Wally.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

You're right.

[Amanda Weldon]

When I saw you leave this morning, I went in and I stole your orange and hid it in my tree. Then I rushed over here and set up just before Betty got here so she'd think I'd been here all day. Wally, how could you? Said Tripsy. Orange is my favorite, said Wally. I knew it was wrong, but I.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Just couldn't help it.

[Amanda Weldon]

Wally started to cry, and the others looked at him with a mixture of anger and pity.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

It happens, said Don. Did you eat the orange?

[Amanda Weldon]

No. No, said Wally. It's in my tree. You can have it back. Together they walked to Wally's, where he got the orange and brought it out. Carrying it like a boulder in his little paws, he gave it back to Tripsy.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

I'm so sorry, Tripsy, he said.

[Amanda Weldon]

I got so caught up in wanting the orange that I didn't think about how you'd feel. Of course you'd be upset. You found this and saved it all winter long. I never should have taken it. I'm so ashamed of myself and how I made you feel. It's okay, Wally, said Tripsy, giving him a hug. You've been a friend and neighbor for years, and you've always been good to me. We all make mistakes. I just hope you won't make this mistake again. Never, said Wally.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

I felt so guilty all day.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thank you for forgiving me, Tripsy. That's really big of you. It's all right. My orange is back and all is right with the world, she said. Oh wait, dawn, you solved the case. I still owe you 24 grapes. Let me get those for you. Wait, wait, said Wally. I have a big stash of grapes. Definitely enough to pay Don and then more to share. Please, Tripsy, since it was my fault, let me pay Don his grapes and give you some too. I want to make things right. Don asked Tripsy.

[Tripsy the Chipmunk]

Grapes are grapes. I think that's mighty big of you, Wally. You're a good squirrel.

[Amanda Weldon]

Wally went to get the grapes and he had so many, they decided to bring them to the lake and finish the picnic in the sand. Of course, the chocolate was melty by then, but they had a great old time dipping the grapes into chocolate and getting messy as they went. Another great day, another happy customer, and another case solved by Don McPond, turtle detective the end today's story Don McPond and the case of the Red Rascal was an original story written for you by Daniel Hines. It was edited and produced for you by Andrew Martin and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon. If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on iTunes. Check out all of our merch [e-mail] Shop Commission a special video on Cameo. Follow us on Instagram oriespodcast or simply tell your friends about us. Thanks for listening.