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A long time ago, when Crab and Crawfish were still best friends, Crawfish was feeling particularly lazy—and particularly hungry—as he loafed around the muggy bayou. When Crab arrived with a fish, Crawfish took one listen to his empty belly and decided to trick his good-natured friend.
“Take what you need and leave the rest,” is the refrain of this original trickster tale. In the old days, all of the world’s wealth was kept by the Oyster. Anyone who requested jewels that he guarded was met with the same generous refrain, and they took only what they needed. But what happens when Snake takes more than needed and that balance is threatened? Will the Oyster shed his gentle nature or will the treacherous Snake choke on his own greed?
An adaptation of a traditional Choctaw tale told in the rhythmic verse reminiscent of the classic Br’er Rabbit tales, this vivid and clever story comes to life through illustrations and unique storytelling. Sly Possum is manipulative and knows that the very hungry Deer will do anything to reach the beautiful persimmons waiting in the tree. Possum is hungry as well, but does not feel like helping Deer—he’s just too lazy!