She imagines that the bear is near, his scent permeating the cavern. Her heart pounding, Quennu continues along the passage, following the sound of the clan's drums and flutes. When she arrives at the huge cavern, she joins the other cave artists, and, taking paint, moss and sticks, she draws the cave bear with its sharp teeth and curving claws. Children will identify with Quennu as her imagination runs wild and she tries to overcome her fear. Though obviously a work of fiction, but based on fact, this story not only serves to teach youngsters about life in prehistoric times, but it also suggests that, in many ways, children today are not much different from children long ago.
Day captures the feeling of the time and the physical setting.
Her writing style is quiet and soothing as she tells Quennu's story. The use of simple vocabulary also matches the mood, time and place. A brief, one-page description of the first artists appears on the last page of the book. Rendered in a combination of watercolours and printmaking techniques, the illustrations are inspired by the prehistoric art found in the Caves of Lascaux, in France. In many cases, they look as if they are drawn with charcoal sticks, then filled in with colour.