Coyote: A Trickster Tale from the American Southwest

**Lisa Bueno** (0:01)
Okay, our friends. So we've been reading about stories from all over the world. We've read about Japan and India and the Pacific Northwest and the Amazon and West Africa. And today we're heading back to North America. This time, we're looking at the south part of North America. This is the Northwest. This story is from the Native American people who lived here, the people of the Pueblo Zuni. And we're going to read about what they thought about tricksters. And a very specific one. Today's story is called Coyote, a trickster tale from the American Southwest.
So, buckle up, you guys. We're doing it. Ready? Today's story is read by Mommy and...
Philip!

**Philip** (1:10)
Are you ready for your story?

**Lisa Bueno** (1:12)
Yeah. Here we go. Coyote. Well, when we open the book, we see it's not just any coyote, is he? He's the blue coyote. He was going along, following his nose. He had a nose for trouble.
Coyote stuck his nose into Badger's hole, but got bitten. It's kind of what you deserve if you stick your nose into other people's business. Coyote wanted to have a flaming red head like Woodpecker, but his fur caught fire. Yowch, that probably didn't feel very good. Coyote went looking for snake, but only found trouble. See, Coyote was always in trouble. And in this picture we see he's wrapped up with a, what kind of snake is that? Can you tell?
That's a rattlesnake. You can see all the round rattles at the end of his tail. I had only a little bit of that. Now pole constrictors don't have rattles on their tails.
Coyote came to a place where earth meets sky. He heard laughing and singing and he went up to take a look. Coyote saw a flock of crows. They were chanting, they were dancing, and then the birds spread their wings and flew through the air and circled the canyon. Oh, if only I could fly, said Coyote, I would be the greatest coyote in all the world. Coyote called to the crows. Let me join you, he said. This foolish coyote wants to be like us, Old Man Crow said to his flock. Let's have some fun with him. Old Man Crow turned one eye towards Coyote. You may dance with us, he said. Oh, thank you, thank you, said Coyote. But I want to fly too. Maybe you can, said Old Man Crow. Now, can a coyote fly? No, it's kind of like a dog, right? Or a wolf. It's a four-legged animal that's furry.
Old Man Crow plucked a feather from his left wing. He told his flock to do the same. They stuck the feathers in Coyote. Coyote winced. His nose twitched. Does he actually have those feathers? No, not really. But the crows chuckled. You are ready to fly, said Old Man Crow. The birds began their slow, steady chant. They hopped from one foot to the other. Coyote joined in the dance. Even though he got out of step and sang out of tune, he was very proud of himself. Oh, if only he could see what he looks like with those ouchy-looking feathers sticking out of him. He doesn't look very authentic, does he? The crows spread their wings and soared into the sky. Coyote followed. His flight was... Are you kicking me on purpose?
What are you doing?
Please leave that alone. Just sit down and look at the pictures, please.
Thank you.
The crows spread their wings and soared into the sky. Coyote followed.
His flight was jerky. He tilted to one side, and since his feathers were only from the left wing of each bird, he was off balance. He fell to the ground. Wait, he cried out. Don't leave me behind. The birds returned and gathered around Coyote.
We must balance him, said Old Man Crow. And Old Man Crow plucked a feather from his right wing. Each of his flock did the same. Coyote cringed as they stuck the feathers in his fur. Ouch! The crows cackled. Now I'm perfect, said Coyote. I can fly as well as the rest of you.
Uh-oh. Coyote had become rude and boastful. He danced out of step. He sang off key. The birds were no longer having fun.
The birds began their slow, steady chant. Coyote hopped along, flapping his feathered legs and singing sour notes. The dancers spread their wings and leapt into the air, and soon the crows were flying high over the canyon, and Coyote struggled to keep up. Carry me, he demanded, and the crows circled Coyote, but they didn't carry him. Instead, they took back their feathers. One by one, Coyote sank through the air. He fell straight down.