How can the small mouse and squirrel play lacrosse with the big animals? A fun Native American tale that first graders can read on their own.

A game of lacrosse is about to begin—with the four-legged animals facing off against the winged animals. Mouse and Squirrel want to join!

But Bear and Deer won’t let animals so small on their team. The birds would welcome the small animals, but Mouse and Squirrel can't fly. The winged team has a clever plan.

This Native American tale about the origin of the bat and flying squirrel is framed by a grandfather sharing a story with his grandson.

Phonics features are noted on the copyright page.
This book has been officially leveled by using the F & P Text Level Gradient(TM) Leveling System. It is a Level I for Grade 1.

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on books for kindergarteners and first graders. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original,high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read again and again with their parents, teachers or on their own!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
One of Evanston Public Library's 101 Great Books for Kids

Arihhonni David's profile page

Arihhonni David (AH-lee-HOO-nee) is an illustrator and storyteller from the Akwesasne territory and a member of the Haudenosaunee Kanienkehaka(Mohawk) people. Growing up with the legends and imagery of the Haudenosaunee people, he developed a visual mind and love of art. He is the author-illustrator of the I Like to Read® book Who Will Win? He received his B.F.A. in Illustration and a minor in Indigenous Studies from Syracuse University.

★ "A clever and charming early reader with a fun out-of-the-blue turn of events and just a few words per page, this is an ideal story for burgeoning readers and a welcome book for any ­collection."—School Library Journal, Starred Review
"A respectful and satisfying story."—Booklist

"An encouraging story."—Kirkus Reviews