“I got yer nose.”

Remember that? Some relative, usually an uncle or somebody, tucked his thumb in his fingers and somehow, you were convinced that your nose was in his hand. How many times did you fall for that when you were 3 years old?

Back then, such tricks were a harmless way of teasing a gullible kid like you. But as you grew up, pranks became sophisticated and, sometimes, they felt meaner.

In the new book “Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection,” edited by Matt Dembicki, you’ll read ancient tales of pranks and tricks, some nasty and some just plain funny.

While killing time one day in a library, Matt Dembicki came across a book of Native American myths and tales. Intrigued, he pooled together a group of illustrators and storytellers. This book is the result.

From Yup’ik Eskimo John Active, illustrated by Jason Copland, comes the story of Raven, who tricked the Deq into letting him go free, then tricked the Beluga into opening its mouth wide. Finally, Raven fooled the hunters into leaving their prey, and he took the entire catch.

Chief Kiha, who ruled the Waipi’o Valley, was angry when someone stole his ‘Awa. In “Puapualenalena, Wizard Dog of Waipi’o Valley” by Thomas C. Cummings Jr., illustrated by Paul Zdepski, the culprit is a spotted dog who took the roots for his elderly father. When Chief Kiha orders the dog to be killed, the old man spins a tale of brutish spirits and possibility.

Did you ever wonder why rabbits have puffy little tails? In “Rabbit’s Choctaw Tail Tale” by Tim Tingle, pictures by Pat Lewis, Rabbit wouldn’t stop talking. He almost talked Fox into giving up a tasty fish, but Fox was a fast thinker. He quickly tricked Rabbit into leaving not only the fish but a bit of butt as well.

And from the Navajo comes the tale of Mai and the Cliff-Dwelling Birds story by Sunny Dooley, art by J. Chris Campbell . When Coyote decides that he wants to fly, it just might be possible — until a few birdbrains trick him in more ways than one.

Years ago, civic leaders often swore that comic books would be the ruination of civilization. They never saw comics like this…

In his afterword, Dembicki says this book almost wasn’t published.

“People I approached about the project were unsure of my intentions,” he says.

But one supporter became three became 21 storytellers from across the mainland, Hawaii and Alaska, each matched with comic artists who illustrated the stories as told to them.

While I enjoyed reading the tales themselves, what I liked best about “Trickster” was seeing how each artist interpreted the legend he or she was given. Some tales were made dark and foreboding, while others were given a lighthearted mien. Those differences and perceptions give each old tale a fresh, new twist.

If you think mythology and folk tales are boring, this book will change your mind. Once you open it, “Trickster” has got yer brain.

“Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection” edited by Matt Dembicki, Fulcrum Books, $22.95, 232 pages.

NCMA meets

Nevada Country Music Association Nye County will meet at 6 p.m. July 27 in the Stagebar Lounge of the Pahrump Nugget.

Discussion about providing entertainment for the upcoming Heritage Days, participation in Goldfield Days, the possibility of hosting a Chamber Mixer and a talent show are on the agenda.

Call 702-480-5801 or 537-0760 for more information.

Disability Outreach meets

Pahrump Disability Outreach Program will meet at 6 p.m. July 27, at the NyE Communities Coalition office, 2280 E. Calvada Blvd.

This month includes a potluck; bring a dish to share.

Call 253-0248 for more information.

Back-to-School Health Fair

There will be a Back-to-School Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 31, at the Bob Ruud Community Center.

There will be dental screenings, sealants and varnish, free immunization bring records sports physicals for $10, nutrition information, car seat safety checks, medical and physical screenings, fingerprinting, social services information, gun-lock safety and safety demonstrations by Fire-Rescue and the sheriff’s office.

Call NyE Communities Coalition, 727-9970, for more information.

Quilts 4 Cancer project

Quilts 4 Cancer volunteers need red, white and blue fabric to make quilts for area veterans for Veterans Day.

Donations may be made from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at H & R Locksmith, 610 S. West St.

E-mail barbquilts@yahoo.com for more information.

Republican Women scholarships

Pahrump Valley Republican Women is offering $2,000 in total scholarship funds to be awarded to graduating high school seniors.

Students from public, private or home-schooling are welcome to apply.

A high school GPA of 3.0 is required and short essay on “Why Voting is Important and How Can the Primary Election Affect the Choices in the General Election” together with a completed application must be received by PVRW no later than Aug. 3.

A three-member committee may interview participants at a later date to hear educational long-term goals.

Call 751-8258 for more information.