Rodeo Red, by Maripat Perkins, illustrated by Molly Idle

As the Deputy of my territory here in Texas, I do declare that Rodeo Red is the real deal, a bona fide top dog story book for the cowgirl in all of us!  Maripat Perkins's cowgirl prose and Molly Idle's soft-hued illustrations lassoed me in from the get-go.

It seems that Rodeo Red's territory is getting encroached upon by Slim, a small interloper, all with the approval of the Sherrif and Deputy . When this newcomer swipes Red's best hound dog Rusty, it's going to get ugly.

Thankfully, Red didn't fall of the turnip truck yesterday.  With some quick thinking and a bit of good luck, she reunites with Rusty and keeps Slim happy at the same time.

I loved this book.  It captures the dynamic of big sister and the new arrival, playing together and sharing  versus delineating one's own space, the acknowledgment that mom is "Sheriff" and dad is her "Deputy," all in Red's cowgirl language and from her little cowgirl perspective.  Cowgirls and cowboys of all ages will enjoy Rodeo Red.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!