Why the Crocodile Has a Wide Mouth and Other Nature Myths

These fifty-four wonder-filled stories, adapted for curious young minds, describe in simple folktale style how many amazing creatures of the earth were created -- and why they look and act as they do -- and other natural phenomena. Learn why the rabbit is timid and the bear has a short tail. Find out how fire was brought to the Indians, and how summer came to the earth. Discover why the sea is salty and evergreen trees never lose their leaves. Meet the children in the moon and the first grasshopper. Enhanced by twenty-nine illustrations, these beguiling narratives gathered from primitive cultures around the world will delight children, lovers of tall tales, and anyone interested in folklore from faraway lands. Book jacket.