ZEB, THE COW'S ON THE ROOF AGAIN!
and Other Tales of Early Texas Dwellings
by Scott Arbuckle & illustrated by Scott Arbuckle
Four short stories about different periods in Texas history, each designed to highlight a style (or styles) of dwelling and tell how it was a product of—and how it influenced—its time and place. Covered are the Comanche high plains tipis, West Texas soddies, East Texas dog-trot cabins, plantation mansions, and 1930s city architecture. The stories end with factual explanations and drawings. What could have been a tiresome exercise in forcing fiction around an educational intent is redeemed by some page-turning storytelling, filled with intricate construction detail. With appeal for children beyond the borders of Texas, the book would work with any curriculum dealing with westward expansion or Native Americans. If there were more books like this, social studies would be everyone's favorite subject. (Short stories. 9-12)