Pecos Bill Invents the Ten-Gallon Hat

Gr 1–5—Noted inventor and all-around "smart as a whip" Pecos Bill has a problem: the hot sun. While escaping the heat under a tree, he gets an idea. Since the tree is far from the cattle, he'll just move it closer so they can all share the shade. Unfortunately, this has undesirable results for the cattle. Never one to admit defeat, Pecos Bill cuts off a large, leafy branch and ties it to himself. But this limits his ability to walk through doors. While observing a baseball game, he gets another bright idea, but that doesn't work out either. Neither does a fireman's helmet. Later that night, with a little imagination and some help from his trusty horse, Bill invents the first 10-gallon hat to great acclaim. Bright, bold illustrations save this silly tale, featuring a favorite over-the-top folk hero. Depictions of exaggerated facial expressions and the cowboy's ridiculous actions offer laugh-out-loud moments, but the text is somewhat disconnected, moving from yarn to tall tale. The final page presents a list of cowboy gear that is not pertinent to the story. Children may enjoy searching for the armadillo and lizard on each page but will most likely skip a second read. An optional purchase.—C.J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY