STIFF EARS: Animal Folktales of the North American Indian

Six brief tales from as many tribes -- each with a heavily emphasized point or moral that overwhelms the minimally developed action. Stiff Ears the rabbit digs his own trap when he ignores the advice of the rabbit chief named Experience, a rainbow trout also ignores a warning to his peril, and other animals learn their lessons in episodes whose entertainment potential is reduced by the flat retelling and cautionary conclusions. Although the print size and format suggest a younger readership than do many collections, it would be a disservice to both new readers and Indian folklore to introduce them this way.