Bear, Joyce and Megan Baehr. "How the Alligator Got His Brown Scaly Skin." Trickster Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Books, 2010. Print.
Long, long ago alligator has smooth bright yellow skin. Alligator was selfish and would claim all of the water for himself. Any time an animal came for a drink Alligator would scare it off. When Alligator was not in the water he was basking on the highest hill where he had watch of everything below and above him, scaring away animals in the sky and at the water's edge. One day all of the other animals got together to figure out what to do about Alligator scaring them off. Rabbit decided that he would teach Alligator a lesson. The next day Rabbit walks to the water's edge and tells Alligator Mr. Trouble is coming to take care of him. Rabbit starts a fire that surrounds Alligator and burns his smooth skin. Today, because Alligator is ashamed of his scaly skin is why he spends most of his time in the water. The animals still remind Alligator that if he continues to scare them when they are drinking water from the river, they will call Mr. Trouble.
Cultural Origins:
No origins for this tale were provided although the book does reference North American Indian tales, just not a specific nation for this tale. One of the author (Bear) has managed managed the Cultural Preservation Department for the Creek nation.
Audience:
This is a tale that could be shared with audience of various ages in settings such as libraries, schools, and zoos.
Adaptation:
I would not make any adaptations to this tale. As in many tales and cultures the rabbit is the trickster and it remains appropriate in this one also.
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