Mik's Mammoth

In a caveman's world, being brawny and physically strong is given high priority. Mik is slight, fair and beardless, and consequently is not valued by his Stone Age tribe. When they decide to push off for parts unknown, they unwittingly leave little Mik behind. He rescues a baby mammoth in the snow and the two take up residence in a cave for the winter. What Mik lacks in physique, he makes up in intellect, and as time goes on, aided by his new friend Rumm, he plants vegetable and root gardens, learns to fish and even paints beautiful cave paintings. One day he spies his old gang being pursued by ``hordes of hairy men.'' Mik and Rumm successfully fend off the warring band and Mik is reunited with his friends, who appreciate Mik's discoveries and make him chief. In this refreshingly original glimpse of prehistoric life, Gerrard's skillful watercolor backgrounds--rock, snow and forest--sparkle with clarity. His winning verse and droll, compact characters are welcomely familiar yet, as in most of his books, this story retains an individual integrity. Ages 5-8. (Oct.)