How Baby Coyote Learned to Howl

by Patti Christensen and James Nelson-Lucas

Every year, coyotes from all over, the mountains, seaside, and cities, gather in the desert for their annual coyote convention. They always have a contest at their gatherings to see who is the best coyote at ... running, eating, dancing? One year they decide to have a howling contest. Coyotes love to howl at the moon. The coyotes, old and young, begin to practice howling, each one having their own style. Everyone thinks they have what it takes to win. Everyone except for the Baby Coyote. He doesn't know how to howl, he can't play with the others. So Baby Coyote just sits, and cries all alone. His friends call Grandma Coyote to help him out. Grandma Coyote sees Baby Coyote is heartbroken that he cannot howl. So she sends him on a quest through the mesas, arroyos, and cacti of the dessert to help him learn how to howl. With her wisdom and guidance, and some determination, Baby Coyote learns how to howl and wins first prize in the howling contest. The proudest moment of Baby Coyote's life.

This modern South-Western fable, told by the Patchwork Players, James Nelson-Lucas & Patti Christensen, is an encouraging story for everyone who has felt like, "I don't know how and no one will help me!" Travel with Baby Coyote as he learns that, with a little encouragement, and some hard work; yes, you can! The playful and entertaining illustrations by Jezreel Lopez that bring the story of Baby Coyote to life, delight and engage pre-readers, older children, and adults alike. The Patchwork Players have told this story to thousands of children, and always send them howling into the night.

Available on Amazon.com