THE CHARACTERS Set in the crook of a forest, TIPI TALES are adventures in story and song, where Elizabeth, Junior, Russell and Sam play, laugh, and grow together.

Russell Russell is four and a half but looks six. He is big for his age but is a very gentle and sensitive boy. People often expect more from him because of his size. He loves to eat and is always hoping that great-grandmother has something cooking in the kitchen, especially cookies or pies. Russell has many fears. He tries hard to keep them to himself, but they usually surface in some type of disaster. He looks up to Junior and Elizabeth and wants to be "grown-up" just like them. Russell counts on Sam to be his accomplice. Junior is his hero and Russell takes great pride in playing drums for Junior's dancing or even being asked to play with him. He is goofy and loud and his enthusiasm for life is contagious. But his greatest gift is the joy he brings to others.

Sam Sam (AKA Samantha) is a three-and-a-half year-old who is a mischievous, funny, free spirit living in the moment. She thinks everything is "the bestest!" She's cute and snuggly with a curly bob of black hair flopping carelessly on top of her head. Sam can get away with just about anything. Her cousins find her a little annoying but would do anything for her. A tomboy, there is nothing Sam won't try, so she often needs her cousins, help to keep her out of trouble. Sam is honest to a fault, as well as adventuresome. She always pushes the limits and rarely listens to anyone. She thinks she doesn't need anyone's advice, but that usually gets her into her biggest scrapes. In a way that only a three-year-old can, Sam always tells it like it is. She's smart, quick and has sudden bolts of great big ideas. As a result, she can persuade her cousins to do wild and crazy things. She lives with joy and abandon.

Elizabeth Elizabeth is a precocious and confident five-year-old. She is artistic, expressive and has an opinion on everything. She sees herself as the leader of the group. She can sometimes be self-absorbed and often ends up being excluded. The 'princess' of the group, Elizabeth wants things to go her way and is extremely determined to see that happen. She has many fears but usually manages to hide them well. She fights for what she believes in (even when she is wrong) and periodically has meltdowns which some might even call tantrums, but Elizabeth has a good heart and loves her cousins very much. While she can be nurturing, she often plays the martyr, complete with whole body sighs. "I have to do everything myself I guess...." Elizabeth knows she is destined for greatness. And even though she drives them crazy, her cousins all look up to her.

Junior Junior is a five-year-old Ojibway boy who stays at his great-grandparents' house every week while his parents work. His real name is Eugene, which he hates, so everyone calls him Junior. Junior is traditional and proud of it. He wears long braids and loves everything about being Indian. He is very spiritual. Focused and serious, his feelings often get hurt. He and Elizabeth frequently clash over leadership issues. He can be very self-righteous, even a bulldozer at times, but he has great passion for life and nature. Great-grandfather is his hero and like him, Junior is a great dancer and loves telling traditional stories. He is sincere, loving and hungry for life. Junior will be a great man.

GREAT-GRANDPARENTS The great-grandparents are wonderful caregivers. They love and support their great-grandchildren and are essential to their learning. They often open the door to new ways of thinking. They have gentle humour and great wisdom but never preach. They listen, understand and guide the children to the animal who will help them discover the best course of action.

Great-Grandmother Everyone knows great-grandmother is the boss. She is wise and kind, but often enigmatic. Great-grandmother has a fantastic sense of humour and the kids make her laugh all the time. She often laughs at herself too. Even at her age, she could be convinced to climb a tree. But make no mistake - she knows how to hold the line with the kids. She is truth and wisdom incarnate. She will always call it straight and with love. Great-grandmother makes the best saskatoonberrry pies in the world. She quilts and gardens with equal passion. She was a champion Pow-wow dancer in her day and knows how to do anything, including operating the backhoe. Her great weakness is great-grandfather.

Great-Grandfather Great-grandfather knows great-grandmother is the boss. He is a fairly traditional man, but is willing to accept the modern world through the children. Great-grandfather is a dreamer and storyteller but lives the seven principles. Great-grandfather listens well and understands. He doesn't judge. He has endless stories that enchant and inform the kids. He loves playing his drum and teaching the children to dance. His laugh is infectious and he never seems to get riled. Great-grandfather is tender and humble and has a wonderful sense of humour. He has an awesome respect for the natural world and teaches the kids about the voice in the wind, the spirit of the tree and giving a gift of thanks. He knows the stars, moon and sun personally. He has endless time for the kids. His weaknesses are great-grandmother and her saskatoonberrry pies.