(4) K-3 Illustrated by Craig J. Spearing. Hopkins gives readers a cursory tour of the Lone Star State, stopping briefly at sixteen sites of interest. Choppy quatrains present information on major cities such as Houston and Dallas, as well as selected historic sites and natural regions; additional information on each subject is appended. Color-saturated colored-pencil illustrations, from sunset-orange to dusty-brown, accompany the text.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Craig Spearing. This is a fictional account of a real event in 1777. A farmer selling his goods in Philadelphia ends up hiding a "giant bell" beneath the hay in his wagon to prevent the British from finding it and melting it into shot. The engaging tale is told in somewhat jerky verse in which "the great big wagon" is a frequent refrain. The book features fine harvest-toned images outlined in black that suggest woodcuts.

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