HEETUNKA'S HARVEST

Heetunka the Bean Mouse collects beans in her storehouse for winter. When Indian women come to trade, they take Heetunka's beans and leave corn or suet in exchange. One greedy woman, however, takes Heetunka's beans and leaves nothing in their place, despite the mouse's piteous weeping. In a dream, the god Hunka speaks to the woman about her deed but she ignores him. Without warning a prairie fire sweeps across the camp, destroying the woman's home but leaving all other tipis unharmed. Newcomer Berry Jones focuses on the details of Indian life in her informative story; perhaps it is that focus that makes for a less authentic-sounding retelling. Retribution is swift and sure in this morality tale about justice, greed, and peaceful coexistence with nature. Keegan's wondrous pictures, however, with borders depicting feathers, wood, and beadwork, more than compensate. (Picture book. 6-12)