Abenaki storyteller Joseph Bruchac demonstrates the importance of animals in Native American traditions through these 24 stories and related illustrations.

Twenty-four stories, organized by theme, excerpted from Bruchac and Michael Caduto's Keepers of the Animals. The stories come from tribes across North America, each illustrated with a full-page line drawing and appropriate border designs. Providing an insider's knowledge and insight, Bruchac gives information about the people today and cites sources for additional versions of the stories.

Introductions by Bruchac and Vine Deloria, Jr., set the tone and are important for understanding the messages of the tales.

At the end is a glossary of words and names and the descriptions of tribal nations.