Using some of the natural characteristics of North American animals and taking literary license to add other traits, Dennis has fashioned tales that show how the use or misuse of those features can bring about joy or sadness. The animals in the stories talk and do things that people do, whether good or bad, and are rewarded or punished accordingly. Young people are then reminded of what is proper or improper behavior by nature itself. The real animals they encounter reinforce the themes of the stories: when they see a deer, they will also see poise and grace; a dragonfly can turn their...

Using some of the natural characteristics of North American animals and taking literary license to add other traits, Dennis has fashioned tales that show how the use or misuse of those features can bring about joy or sadness. The animals in the stories talk and do things that people do, whether good or bad, and are rewarded or punished accordingly. Young people are then reminded of what is proper or improper behavior by nature itself. The real animals they encounter reinforce the themes of the stories: when they see a deer, they will also see poise and grace; a dragonfly can turn their...