(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 David Harrington. This picture book puts a southwestern spin on the classic Chicken Little tale. "¡Aye Chihuahua! What was that?" exclaims Chacalaca Chiquita when a pebble falls on her head. Both the text and the colorful art are amusing, if a little slick, and will entertain readers right through to the final joke. Appended is a glossary of Spanish words used in the text.

Reviewer: Belinda Arrendondo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by David Harrington. This story uses the tall-tale genre to explain the origin of the cowboy hat. Pecos Bill, looking for relief from the hot Texas sun, tries tree limbs, a baseball cap, and a fireman’s helmet, without avail. Success comes when (with his horse's help) he takes the best of each to create the cowboy headgear of today. The illustrations are humorous but garishly colored.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Illustrated by David Harrington. Rhyming text recounts the Maccabees' stand for religious freedom; clever moments balance out some preachy ones. The text works better to reinforce the story for celebrants than to introduce it to readers of other faiths. Appropriately for the Festival of Lights, Harrington's use of light is the illustrations' greatest strength.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax