Chapter 12, "A Dangerous Adventure" Summary

In March, Little Tree helps Granma pick Indian violets for a tonic tea. He also helps pick acorns that Granma grinds with hickory nuts and walnuts into bread fritters, which Little Tree and Granpa can't get enough of. They notice the occasional warm breezes announcing the oncoming spring. The ice begins to break and little dandelions sprout everywhere around the hollow, which they pick for greens. Soon the mountain comes into bloom - firecracker flowers, bluebells, moonflowers, and more, all sprouting at different times, depending on the body heat needed from Mon-o-lah's womb. As she starts to warm, only the smallest flowers sprout. Soon the bigger flowers are born and 'sap starts running up in the trees, making them swell like a woman at birthing time until they pop open their buds.' Granpa teaches Little Tree...