How the Chipmunk Got Its Stripes

This is a lovely story. A squirrel is helped by a boy and, though fearful, is willing to go to great lengths to save him and his family. This message of friendship and bravery is more inspiring than the story erroneously reviewed under this title and author on Goodreads (chipmunk teases bear, gets what's coming to it, escapes by cleverness). Unfortunately, the author doesn't give a source for the legend. I'd love to know if it's authentic (it seems as if it could be) and if so, what culture it comes from.

Laszlo Gal's simple monochrome illustrations printed in warm ochre tones are extremely beautiful and appropriately complement this story.

When trying to find the source of the legend, I discovered that the book was also published in a show more French translation as Le Brave Petit Tamia. show less