SIZZLING PAN RANCH

Tempting glimpses of the dangerous and beautiful California desert, in this occasionally amusing family story in which the twelve-year-old Kim aids his parents and sister in acclimating themselves to desert life. When the Eawthornes arrived from New Jersey, at Sizzling Pan Ranch, everyone except Tim was disconcerted to discover that not only did a rough old prospector, Pete, go with the house as caretaker, but also that they were expected to care for a camel named Sinbad. It takes some tact on Kim's part, a sandstorm, and a gold strike to bring mother and sister Liddy around, but eventually both Pete and Sinbad win permanent places in the Eawthorns' affections. A story primarily for boys, since girls will not be flattered by the whining, timid complaining qualities of Mother and Liddy.