Percy does not want to be a porcupine. He has been hurt by his fathers sharp quills and he thinks this is all there is to being a porcupine. He runs away and is befriended by a sly mole who convinces him he can change what he is. Moles intentions are devious. Percy soon realizes he is being used and runs away. Kate the bird finds him and explains that every animal is unique. You can be strong and kind at the same time. Percy is happy to learn this and decides to go home where he returns to being a porcupine and feels the love of his family.