Who is Finnegan the young red fox's guru? Is it the bear who terrorizes Squiggly Wood, or the crow with the evil foot?
This story parodies political, social, and commercial manipulation. Simultaneously it takes the reader on the archetypal search for one's place and purpose in life.
Finnegan, a young red fox, is bored with Mama's lessons--Sit up straight, Don't hit, Never trust a crow. An itch enters his blood and chases him into Squiggly Wood to seek the charisma and sophistication of a real guru, preferrably one who is big and scary. He almost thinks he finds it in Duh Fuz, a monster bear whose red glare shivers his bones. In fact, no one in the woods welcomes Finnegan, except Crookshank, a crow reputed to have an evil foot. It is twisted and throbs with secret messages. Through it, Crookshank is called by the sacred Spirit to mentor Finnegan. Finnegan does find comfort in her company, but Mama's lessons stick like leeches, particularly the one that blinds him to feathered gurus. Nevertheless, while continuing his search for a mentor, he partners with Crookshank to investigate ridiculous and dangerous happenings that threaten the critters of Squiggly Wood.