Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Whistling Willie from Amarillo, Texas by Jo Harper and Josephine Harper

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're taking a mosey over to the Children's Storybook section of things and catchin' up on our readin', I do reckon.  If you're in for a mighty high time in the semi-old west, then you've come to the right corral for inside today's selection, you'll catch a glimpse of history along with the whimsical nature imbued into works of this particular genre.  So get your ten gallon hat, and saddle up your trusty horse, it's time to ride off into the sunset with today's book of choice...



by
Jo Harper and Josephine Harper
Illustrated by
David Harrington

You can't help but LOVE little Willie and his fast little horse.  His ten gallon hat is only matched by his ten gallon heart.  His snakeskin boots and belt may be a little risque in the fashion department, but served to complete his image.  He was a future Texas Ranger...if only they treat him like Rudolph at the reindeer games. "They" in this case encompasses a slew of nincompoops from the townspeople to his fellow Rangers...until one day they finally see just how special he truly is.

It warmed my heart to see Willie have his day and the way it came about once again showed the power of his heart.  It wasn't about him showing off or even saving the day (though he surely would have....), but about him standing up for the very Texas Rangers he idolized...that turned him away.  Good thing you can't keep a good man down or the varmints would have spoiled the whole weekend.  I have to say though the illustrations are something to truly remember.  From good hearted Willie to the tough as nails Rangers, the devious varmint hiding here and there (one even adopted a cactus shape!) to the big tornado called forth by who-know-who, there's a whirlwind of fun that's ready to blow you away.  

In conclusion, a read fit for the target audience and beyond.  If you've an affection for Children's Storybooks, love a little history mixed in your fiction, and can't wait to round up this star in the making, this book's for you and any other buckaroos that happen to be about.  




Special thanks to the fab team at Pelican Publishing Company for the review copy.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, illustrator, or the publisher, fee free to click through the links are provided above,  Thie title is available now via Pelican Publishing Company, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer near.

Until next time...happy reading!

2 comments:

  1. Loving the title, loving the cover, loving that Willie's heart is as big as his hat. This sounds like an incredibly sweet read. I'm away to order a copy for my great-nephews now.

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    1. Fantastic! I'm sure Willie will steal the show for you both. He's a great little buckaroo.

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