The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town

K-Gr 2—A small Western town quakes in terror at the arrival of the notorious outlaw, Dirk Yeller. Unable to fulfill his demands, adults frantically refer him to someone else, until young Sam finds a solution to Yeller's difficulties. The child understands about being fidgety and jumpy because he often feels that way himself. He asks Yeller, "If I can show you how to stop your itchin' and twitchin' and your jumpin' and rattlin'—will you promise to leave our town in peace?" Suspiciously, Yeller agrees. The solution lies at the public library, where librarian Miss Jennie finds just the right book to sooth Yeller's restless nature. Terrific watercolor and pen and ink illustrations provide plenty of visual humor. Sure to be hit at storytime, this Wild West tale will keep children laughing as it delivers its message about the power of books.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA