Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen strike gold again with this charming addition to the Mercy Watson story-verse.
Devotees of the beginning reader series will recognize Leroy Ninker, former thief and current concessionaire at the Bijou Drive-In, kicking off this early chapter book series. Leroy, a small man with a big dream, wants to be a cowboy. He has boots, a hat, a lasso and ambition. But there's one thing he lacks--a horse. When an ad for a horse appears in the local paper, Leroy sets off to "take fate in his hands and wrestle it to the ground" and find a true equine wonder. What he finds instead is Maybelline, "a particular horse" with a big personality. For both, it's love at first sight. In order to take good care of her, Leroy must remember three things: Maybelline loves compliments, Maybelline loves grub, and Maybelline hates being alone. When Leroy inadvertently forgets one of the three, disaster strikes and Leroy must make it right.
As with her Mercy Watson books, DiCamillo manages something extremely difficult in an early reader series--a delicious sense of language that is playful and poetic while also staying accessible and appropriate. Leroy Ninker Saddles Up is full of immensely likable characters, unexpected plot twists and humor that will appeal equally to kids and adults. Chris Van Dusen's personality-filled illustrations perfectly complement the writing, making this a very enjoyable read-aloud. Leroy and Maybelline contribute greatly to the wonderfully wacky world of Deckawoo Drive in a tale the whole family will enjoy. --Kristen McLean, former head of the Association of Booksellers for Children, founder and CEO of Bookigee