I love this book. There is such power in showing the feet running, running, running away from something fearful and toward something fearful. What creatures did he pass, and how did they help along the way? A heron to give a warning cry or a mosquito to drive the Heavy Boots away? A deer to crack the branches and draw the Boots off course? The noises of the animals "were a salute to courage." What a powerfully insightful way to share this dark part of history with young minds and young feelings.