Nick of the Woods The novel is set in Kentucky in the 1780s and revolves around the mysterious figure of "Nick of the Woods", dressed as a monster, who seeks to avenge the death of his family by killing numerous Indians, carving a cross on the body of all he slays. "Nick" is revealed to be Nathan Slaughter, a Quaker by day who should by nature and creed avoid all violence. Bird's brutal depiction of Native Americans (the Shawnee) was very hostile, and in part a reaction to the more positive representation of Indians by James Fennimore Cooper in the Leatherstocking Tales. The novel
Journeys With Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet with Elijah makes a fine addition to folklore collections." "The Horn Book Magazine" called it an "eloquent collection." "Publishers Weekly" gave a starred review and wrote "Goldin imbues her well-paced tales with an irresistible sense of mystery and wonder. .. Pinkney's masterfully composed watercolor-pastel-and-pencil paintings have rarely looked better." The "New York Times" wrote "Children who are entertained and educated by these stories can be introduced to the more complicated details when they are older and ready to ponder why the same prophet who heard the "still, small voice" of God also found it necessary to slaughter the defeated disciples