Every plant and beast living along the Connecticut shore in Mamacoke Coke marsh sensed that a fearful storm would soon shatter the still September air.
The young white-tailed spike buck stirred restlessly in the groundsel bushes. The calling and scurrying of other creatures heightened his anxiety. Fiddler crabs crackled on the bank, and a flock of Canada geese gabbled nervously as they sought shelter. The young deer headed for the oak hills beyond the marsh and then stopped as an eight-point buck blocked his path.

September is the time for testing courage. Soon the spike buck must clash with other males for the attention of the does. Now he swings his head up and down, challenging the older deer. But as the big buck charges, the spike buck turns in terror toward the sea. Only later, when a title wave rushes over the lowland, would he seek the protection of higher ground.

Jean George sets this portrait of the young deer against a living background of marsh and sea and sky. The exquisite illustrations by Jean Zallinger reflect the dramatic beauty of this part of our natural world.

From the dust jacket