Coyote: A Trickster Tale from the American Southwest

McDermott (Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest) continues to mine the rich vein of Native American folklore, here unearthing a lively Zuni tale. The fiery colors of the Southwest's rain-parched landscape serve as backdrop for the antics of Coyote, whose vainglorious wish to fly like the crows and be ``the greatest coyote in all the world'' sets him up for a mighty fall from grace. Coyote's ``nose for trouble'' leads him to a playful flock of crows, who indulge his wish to fly by lending him their feathers. They soon tire of his rude, boastful ways, however, and cash in on the loan mid-flight. The feckless Coyote's subsequent spectacular tumble from the sky burns his tail and lands him first in a puddle, then in the dust. As always, McDermott offers up a splendid tale, perfectly paced for an amusing read-aloud. His illustrations are equally accomplished, ablaze with color and abounding with the angular symbols and forms of the Pueblo people's pottery and textile designs. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)