Calico the Wonder Horse: Christmas Gift Edition

Originally published in 1941, Burton's story of Calico, "the smartest fastest horse in all of Cactus County," reappears in an edition that emphasizes its (somewhat tenuous) connection to Christmas: Bandit Stewy Stinker, an actual mustache-twirling villain, "was said to be so mean he would hold up Santa Claus on Christmas Eve if he had a chance," and the story concludes with a Christmas Eve party at the schoolhouse. Most of the serpentine tale follows Calico and Hank the cowboy's efforts to round up Stewy and his wonderfully named crew of Bad Men: Butch Bones, Snake Eye Pyezon, Buzzard Bates, and Skunk Skeeter. Set against red and green backdrops, Burton's handsome b&w images dazzle, filled with dust clouds, fierce chases, and even fiercer face-offs. Though the story occasionally shows its age ("For weeks the womenfolks had been baking cakes and pies and doughnuts"), the no-nonsense, wryly funny narration ("It rained so hard and so fast that if you opened your mouth you'd be in danger of drowning") is just as delightful 75 years on. Ages 4-7. (Oct.)

Gr 1-3--First published in 1941, this Western tall tale has been repackaged and repurposed in red and green as a "Christmas classic." The text and striking black-and-white woodcut illustrations are virtually unchanged from the original, though the title has been slightly modified with the omission of "The Saga of the Stewy Stinker" as the subtitle. VERDICT Though the new format is larger and brighter, this selection is still best read individually or one-on-one because of the intricacy of the panels and the lively language meant for slightly older picture book readers. Also a good gift for historical collections and nostalgic adults.--Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library