This is a knee-slapping, rootin’-tootin’ Wild West version of the classic Cinderella tale. Joe Cinders, known as step-skunk to his three lazy brothers, does all the chores on their western ranch after his ma and step-pa “got swept away in a gully washer.” But he still has his dreams—dreams that include Rosalinda, the richest and prettiest rancher in the region. When a letter arrives inviting the Bronco boys to a fall fiesta at Rosalinda’s ranch, Joe doesn’t even dare to hope that he can go. He’s too busy with the chores, which include toting water for the brothers’ once-a-year baths. That night, Joe is left alone to watch over the herd . . . and comes face-to-face with a mysterious stranger wearing a serape and huge sombrero. The man waves his magic stick and allows Joe to go to the fiesta dressed as a dapper cowboy and driving a new red pickup truck. Joe arrives at the fiesta just in time to save everyone from an escaped bull. Thus, he captures the attention of Rosalinda, who will dance with no one else. During his midnight escape, Joe catches his foot in a prairie dog hole and leaves his red boot behind. In the end, Rosalinda gets down on one knee and proposes to the thrilled young cowboy. The two transform her ranch into the Red Boot Ranch where the three Bronco boys each have a hysterically clever job title, and the couple regularly entertain the mysterious stranger who made all their dreams come true. Mitchell’s marvelously funny details, western words, and classic fairy tale base combine to make this a sure winner with readers of all ages. Langdo’s illustrations hit the mark and add to the appeal of the storyline. Many are sure to get a laugh even without the story—one of the brothers walks around in his red union suit, complete with the flap in the back. Mitchell is sure to accomplish her goal of “roping in readers” with this winner. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-8050-6529-6
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2002
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Continuing to find inspiration in the work of Virginia Lee Burton, Munro Leaf and other illustrators of the past, Long (The Little Engine That Could, 2005) offers an aw-shucks friendship tale that features a small but hardworking tractor (“putt puff puttedy chuff”) with a Little Toot–style face and a big-eared young descendant of Ferdinand the bull who gets stuck in deep, gooey mud. After the big new yellow tractor, crowds of overalls-clad locals and a red fire engine all fail to pull her out, the little tractor (who had been left behind the barn to rust after the arrival of the new tractor) comes putt-puff-puttedy-chuff-ing down the hill to entice his terrified bovine buddy successfully back to dry ground. Short on internal logic but long on creamy scenes of calf and tractor either gamboling energetically with a gaggle of McCloskey-like geese through neutral-toned fields or resting peacefully in the shade of a gnarled tree (apple, not cork), the episode will certainly draw nostalgic adults. Considering the author’s track record and influences, it may find a welcome from younger audiences too. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-399-25248-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2009
SEEN & HEARD
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available.
A ghost learns to appreciate his differences.
The little ghost protagonist of this title is unusual. He’s a quilt, not a lightweight sheet like his parents and friends. He dislikes being different despite his mom’s reassurance that his ancestors also had unconventional appearances. Halloween makes the little ghost happy, though. He decides to watch trick-or-treaters by draping over a porch chair—but lands on a porch rail instead. A mom accompanying her daughter picks him up, wraps him around her chilly daughter, and brings him home with them! The family likes his looks and comforting warmth, and the little ghost immediately feels better about himself. As soon as he’s able to, he flies out through the chimney and muses happily that this adventure happened only due to his being a quilt. This odd but gently told story conveys the importance of self-respect and acceptance of one’s uniqueness. The delivery of this positive message has something of a heavy-handed feel and is rushed besides. It also isn’t entirely logical: The protagonist could have been a different type of covering; a blanket, for instance, might have enjoyed an identical experience. The soft, pleasing illustrations’ palette of tans, grays, white, black, some touches of color, and, occasionally, white text against black backgrounds suggest isolation, such as the ghost feels about himself. Most humans, including the trick-or-treating mom and daughter, have beige skin. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-16.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 66.2% of actual size.)
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7352-6447-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
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