(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jane Manning. Wielding a golden pistol, Cindy Ellen's fairy godmother not only conjures up riding clothes and diamond-studded spurs for Cindy, she gives her gumption, and Cindy outrides everyone at the rodeo, winning the heart of the cattle king's son. Expressive regional turns of phrase and exuberant full-color comic illustrations in skewed perspectives place the action squarely in the dry desert of the West.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen

(4) K-3 Rookie Reader series. Illustrated by Susan Miller. "Grab your hat. / It's time to go. / You'll need some boots for the rodeo." In addition to five one-word spreads ("Bounce!" "Bound!" "Throw!"), this rhyming text features one or two easy-to-read sentences per page. Cartoonlike illustrations that show a rodeo contestant in the ring with his spirited horse add to the enjoyment of this adventure, which unfortunately ends abruptly.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin