The new project was a series of illustrations to accompany “The Robin’s Red Breast,” a play based on a legend from the Iroquois culture. Denise’s fascination with myths and folklore again shone through on the resulting illustration series. Denise fell instantly in love with the story.

She illustrated the young Iroquois hunter in a palette of orange and gold. She gave the kind and helpful bird feathers of gray and a stunning red breast. In the tale the young hunter’s inexperience leads him to trouble but the bird’s care and beautiful song help him to survive and results in a life-long friendship.