This poignant story begins when Princess Scargo, a young Native American, receives a precious birthday gift from a neighboring tribe: a large, magnificently decorated pumpkin. Inside the hollowed out pumpkin, Scargo discovers miniature fish swimming to and fro. Including thumb-sized catfish, tiny striped perch, transparent minnows, and pickerel the color of polished brass. Yet as much as Scargo cherishes this living creature, she relinquishes it in order to help her people, the Nobscussets, survive a bad drought. This story is based on a Native American legend, embodies the true spirit of selflessness. The beauty of the paintings/illustrations really encompass the wonders of nature.