Long ago, winter came just as it always had. The animals' coats grew thick, and they readied their nests and warrens and caves for the winter. But the humans were not so adaptable. Their hair did not grow thick. Their homes were not warm. They feared they would not survive.

"We must help the humans," the animals said, but they were afraid.

In the mountains there lived three giant creatures known as the fire keepers. They had stolen a piece of the sun and guarded it fiercely. Even at night, one of the fire keepers kept watch.

"Who can help the humans?" Owl lamented.

"I will," said Coyote.

So, Coyote explained a clever plan to the others. Chipmunk, Frog, and the tallest tree in the forest agreed to help Coyote. That night, the animals put their plan into action.

"Let's go," Coyote said, and he, Chipmunk, and Frog climbed into the mountains.

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Upon reaching the fire keeper's lair, Coyote let out a long, mournful "Hooowwwwwlllll."

"Who's there?" the fire keeper snarled. Fortunately, Coyote was hidden behind a rock.

Chipmunk scampered in from behind, grabbed a flaming coal from the fire, and ran.

The fire keeper saw Chipmunk and gave chase. Before the fire keeper could grab the coal, Chipmunk tossed it to Frog. The fire keeper's fingers scratched Chipmunk's back, leaving three white scars that have never healed.

Now Frog had the coal, and he was leaping fast downhill.

"Stop!" the fire keeper hollered. He grabbed Frog by the tail, which tore off in the monster's hand, and never grew back.

Frog threw the coal to the tallest tree, which swallowed it whole.

The fire keeper shrieked as he turned and raced back to his fire.

"What do we do now?" the animals asked, for the fire was trapped inside the tree.

"I'll show you," Coyote said. He took two tree branches and rubbed them together. Fire came out of the branches.

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That night the animals gave human beings fire. The humans were grateful to the animals for this precious gift, and they understood that all Earth's creatures depend on each other.