(4) K-3 Illustrated by David Harrington. After young Willie's application for membership is rejected by the Texas Rangers ("You are too smiley and your belly is too big"), he proves his mettle at Amarillo's Fourth of July parade by thwarting two ice cream–stealing varmints. The narrative's Texas flavor compensates for the story's formulaic aspect, and the illustrations get across the humor with tastefulness and twang. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Meissner. Class clown Ollie Jolly saves the day in Tahoka when he uses his antics--appreciated by his classmates but deplored by his teacher, Miss Tut Tuttle--to distract a dangerous bull that has escaped from a visiting rodeo. Villain Shoat Shotley is suitably punished in this improbable take on the triumph-of-the-underdog tale. Fittingly, the book is illustrated with kinetic, cartoony images.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Craig Spearing. In a story set at the end of the nineteenth century, Mae Dean is unhappy when her family moves to the Texas prairie, but the young girl eventually comes to see why her father wants them to have their own land. The illustrations capture the pioneer spirit, Mae Dean's changing moods, and the never-ending play of light and shadow on the landscape. An authors' note provides historical background. Also available in Spanish.

Reviewer: Elena Abos Alvarez-Buiza

(3) K-3 Translated by Guillermo Gutierrez. Illustrated by Craig Spearing. In a story set in the late nineteenth century, Mae Dean is unhappy when her family moves to the Texas prairie, but the young girl eventually comes to see why her father wants them to have their own land. The illustrations capture the pioneer spirit, Mae Dean's changing moods, and the never-ending play of light and shadow on the landscape. An authors' note provides historical background. Also available in English.

Reviewer: Elena Abos Alvarez-Buiza