Peboan and Seegwun

Based on Ojibwa tribal legend, this riddle of a tale keeps secret the true identity of its characters until its end. Elderly Peboan sits alone in his lodge all winter until the night Seegwun comes to visit. The two men share a pipe and indulge in braggadocio: `` `When I blow my breath,' the old man said, `streams stand still--water becomes stiff and hard as quartz.' `I breathe,' said the young man, `and flowers spring up everywhere.' '' At sunrise, the old man melts away, revealing his true nature as Old Man Winter to his guest-- the Spirit of Spring. This unusual tale is told with vivid language and expressive, highly detailed illustrations. Paintings skillfully portray the daily life of the Ojibwa and the necessary tension between equally powerful and beautiful seasons in the North Woods. Ages 4-9. (Oct.)