Southwest Children's Literature

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Coyote: A Trickster Tale From The American Southwest

Book Review:

This is a creative and interesting story about how the coyote got his looks. It tells how the coyote used to have blue fur and how he was a trouble-seeking animal who wanted to fit in with all the other animals but no one would except him. Finally a flock of crows decided to take him in, but only to have a little fun with him. They let him sing, dance, and attempt to fly with them. But soon the coyote became demanding and boastful and the crows were no longer having fun. While attempting to fly the coyote demanded that the crows carry him through the air. The crows did not comply and they let him fall to the ground. The coyote's tail caught fire and he tumbled in some dirt and that is why the coyote has the burnt tail, the color of dust. The illustrations are very colorful and interesting. The illustrator used bold Southwest colors, such blue, orange, turquoise, and brown. All of the illustrations take up the entire page and are quite simplistic.

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