When the animals of the south-eastern woodlands challenge the Birds to a game of stickball, two of the smallest animals are not allowed to play. The Bear, the Deer, and the other big animals think they are too small to compete. In this ancient Cherokee story the little animals find a way to play in the Great Ball Game. This is a story about courage in the face of adversity, the thrill of the game, and the joy of victory. Teaching the virtues of creativity and determination, it takes us to a magical time when the animals talked and wonderful things happened in our world. Murv Jacob's beautiful...

"Rabbit Plants the Forest" is an adventure story based on characters from Cherokee tradition, including Ji-Stu (Rabbit) and his friends Otter, Sa-lo-li (Squirrel), and the mysterious Wampus Cat.

Ji-Stu, the Messenger for all the animals, is asked by Otter to tell Sa-lo-li it is a good day to plant. Much to his delight, Ji-Stu is invited to help Sa-lo-li plant the hickory nuts, walnuts, pecans, and acorns that will become new trees, keeping the forest thick and beautiful. Ji-Stu and Sa-lo-li only laugh when the elderly squirrel White Oak warns them to watch out for Wampus Cat. Before the...

Ji-Stu the Rabbit thinks he's very clever but discovers he has outsmarted himself.

'The power of the bones ' Ji-Stu the Rabbit sings along as he dances around the fire with a flock of shiny ravens. The ravens watch in silence as he leaves the dance grounds with the oddly shaped beads still tied around his neck. But before the long night is over, a frightened Ji-Stu will know the true meaning of 'the power of the bones.'