Bring Back the Deer

This intriguing coming-of-age story centers on a boy's search for identity. In winter, scarcity of food causes the large clans to break into small family bands. The boy's family stays in one place while the father goes to hunt deer. But when he does not return, the boy, following the wisdom of his grandfather's words, seeks to ``to walk as the deer walks'' and to find his father's path. He faces a wolf without fear and chases the deer; ultimately, the chase leads him home where he realizes that the wolf was really his father and the regal deer his grandfather. Prusski has written an engrossing tale of self-discovery in the tradition of many primitive myths. The rhythm of life is beautifully portrayed and Waldman's illustrations have a lyrical quality that is haunting. Primitive drawings and animal images are harmoniously included in the pictures, making this a splendid debut for both author and illustrator. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)