The history and culture of the Abenaki people comes to life in these stories, which are imbued with as much historical authenticity as possible, including the author's rendering of dialogue, of language. Abenaki words and phrases (with translations) are dispersed throughout the stories to familiarize the reader with the Abenaki language. Linguistic explanations are provided in footnotes.
Chapters include: A 'Diving Hawk' Hat, Welcoming Song, The Prayer of Cloud Eagle, Handsome One's Medicine Garden, Handsome One and the Slow Ones, Wise Woman Remembers, Cloud Eagle acquires a Dog-Lock, Red-Colored Fusil, Cloud Eagle climbs the Hemlock Tree, Medicine Roots, Wild Tubers, and Fresh Greens, "Man from Nothing" Creates (Living) Human Beings, A Good Several-Together Persons Hunt, Cow Ringer Instruments and Turkey Harvesting, Mohicans Warriors to the Rescue, Why the Ash Tree is Good Medicine against Rattlesnakes, Lavish Praise for Grandmother Juliette, The Playful, Friendly Bear, "Firelock," the Shawnee Warrior, Asks about a Certain Name, A Ceremony with Spiritually-Powerful Turtles, The Return of the Good Hunting and Fishing Family, and Different Views of Grandfather Rattlesnake
A wealth of photographs and original illustrations, an addendum, a bibliography, and an index to full-names, places and subjects add to the value of this work.