One day, young bird Totsuwa spots a red mark on his wing and worries what it means, so his grandfather sends him to wise old bear Yona for advice. As the red spreads across his feathers, Totsuwa embarks on a brave journey through sacred Cherokee spots like Atagahi lake, Kituwah, and Clingman's Dome, meeting helpful friends like clever spider Kananesgi along the way. In this coming-of-age adventure, Totsuwa discovers the "change" is turning him into a proud red cardinal, sacred to the Cherokee people.

Created with the Cherokee Nation, this vibrant dual language retelling by Virginia Hamby and illustrated by Christy Kate Bennett bursts with colourful artwork that brings mythology and heritage to life. Perfect for sharing at home or in class, it includes notes, a map, and free teacher's resources to explore Cherokee culture, identity, and overcoming worries in a magical, uplifting story.