A joyfully retold and vibrantly illustrated story about the origin of the constellations, based on a Wasco Indian legend. One evening, crafty Coyote climbs the moon to discover the secrets of the heavens. Instead, he finds a way to make the most wonderful pictures for all the world to see. The next night, the other animals of the canyon look up to the sky, where they see a big surprise!

Coyote arranges the stars in the shapes of his animal friends.

Coyote arranges the stars in the shapes of his animal friends

A retelling of the Navaho legend that explains the patterns of the stars in the sky.

In many Native American stories of creation, Coyote proudly takes his place as the ultimate trickster, the mischievous hero whose lessons may even include painful lessons for the unwary. Mindy Dwyer's retelling of a Northwest coyote legend allows readers young and old to meet that same colorful and wily creature, but this time made vulnerable himself by love. Coyote in Love is a tale of love and the way things came to be. Children will be entranced as they hear of the antics of Coyote as he sings to the heavens in pursuit of the love of a star. They'll also learn from the Old Ones how a lake with never-ending depth and the bluest waters of Oregon's Crate Lake was formed by a flood of tears from heartbroken Coyote. This appealing legend is matched by the bright, whimsical watercolor images of Coyote.

This delightful retelling of a Native American folktale is “a satisfying selection, creatively designed, with beautiful pictures and striking imagery” (School Library Journal). Coyote is used to playing tricks, but in this tale, the tables are turned. Stopping to take a quick nap by the big salty lake where he’s supposed to bring home salt for cooking, Coyote’s discovered by some mischievous butterflies. Playing their own trick, they carry Coyote home without his salt. Coyote is completely confused—until the third time when Coyote wakes up at home with his salt and discovers the butterflies have been having a bit of fun.

Tells the Indian creation myth of how the Animal People created the sun, moon, and stars.