This Wild West version of Jack and the Beanstalk is sure to have readers breaking out their ten-gallon hats and asking for some southwestern fare. Waynetta and her Ma own a hardscrabble ranch in Texas, but one long dry summer threatens to put them under. That is, until the last of the longhorns is traded for a handful of magic corn guaranteed to bring luck. At the top of the cornstalk, Waynetta finds just that luck in three things a mean giant stole from her family years ago: a longhorn that produces gold cowpats, a lariat that never misses and a bucket that never empties. It takes two trips and a brave face-off against the giant, but the feisty heroine manages to capture all three. In the process, she reforms the giant, making for a less violent ending. Greenseid’s illustrations perfectly suit this Texas fairy tale. Her palette is filled with greens, yellows, reds and browns, while her characters sport stereotypical western attire. There’ll be a showdown at any library not stocking this title. (Picture book. 4-8)
