How Rabbit Lost His Tail

Deborah L Duvall is an author of books and short stories on Cherokee history and tradition, a singer-songwriter, and a professional in financial management. She was born and continues to live in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, capital of the Cherokee Nation.

." . .an appealing story of trickster Rabbit." "The story is sweet with an encouraging message, and the pen-and-ink illustrations by Duvall's partner, Murv Jacob, are richly detailed yet playful. "How Rabbit Lost His Tail" is a delightful book for children of all ages." "This is a delightful retelling of a Cherokee legend explaining how the rabbit lost his long, luxurious tail and how the otter became sleek and learned to love swimming. It also teaches valuable lessons about pride, deceit, and justice. The story is told in language simple enough for young independent readers, but would make an entertaining read aloud as well. The beautifully detailed black-and-white illustrations capture the essence of the story and set the scene for the traditional tale." "The story is propelled forward not only by the action but by the emotions of the animal characters: readers will understand the rabbit's pride, his envy, and his desire to win, even as they recognize that his deception cannot possibly succeed. . . . Folkloric justice reigns here, and in the end, all is as it should be."