When Bramble discovers that he must cross the Open Meadow to secure food he is confronted with the raging waters of the stream and only with the help of Barnaby the badger is he able to overcome the challenge. But in meeting the challenge he actually overcomes his fear at the same time and makes a friend - discovering in the process that if he will just lower his quills he can experience other things than fear. This encourages children to try to make friends and not remain only in small cliques.