(2) K-3 Illustrated by Scott Cook. Lively paintings match the tone and style of this original tall tale that has plenty of appeal for storytellers and their audiences. When the Mississippi mysteriously dries up one day, Jean Laffite, a real historical personage, discovers a trapped whale plugging up the river. With ingenuity--and a packet of cayenne pepper--Jean secures the creature's release. The pace is fast, and the imagery appropriately homespun.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2003