The adventures of Charlie the Chipmunk begins with a violent storm that thrusts the young chipmunk from his home in the mountains into a raging stream, only to end his harrowing trip in the valley below. Never having to fend for himself, he must learn new ways to eat, hide from predators, and find a home of his own. He learns many lessons along the way with the help of his friends and from exciting adventures where he must use his wits and courage to survive. The underlying theme is for the young chipmunk to find a mate of his own and begin a family. The reader will understand the need to make good friends that assist each other in all facets of life. The villain is the house cat and to a lesser extent the hound dog who live at the bucolic farm owned by Uncle Jean and Aunt Agnes.