Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Harper Collins, Joanna Cotler Imprint
Release Date: May 4, 2004
ISBN: 0060009594
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Hardback
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Genre:   Children's Picture Book [Ages 4-8]
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Allie Bates
Reviewer Notes:  
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Tales from Gizzard's Grill 
By Jeanne Steig
Illustrated by Sandy Turner

    In a town called Fiasco, mix together a lady sheriff, some mighty tasty biscuits, and a couple of stinky feet, and you get some idea of the flavor of Jeanne Steig’s Tales from Gizzard’s Grill. This is a playful read-aloud book of light verse with three unexpected Western yarns that toy with just about every stereotype you ever had of the old West, and twists each one seven ways till Sunday.

    This is a fine read for all little cowgirls, 9-12 fledgling poets and older folks who just plain like to read cowgirl poetry aloud. Just don’t be surprised! Fiasco is not Dodge city. Don’t expect your grandpa’s Wild West, because this is one sheriff who does things her own way.

   Sandy Turner’s illustrations are as quirky and humorous as Steig’s unexpected endings. Turner, a British artist whose Silent Night won him the Italian Ragazzi prize, colors his childlike pen and ink in a cream and gold palette that coordinates comfortably with the nouveau western feel of the Steig’s verse. A light, fun, bedtime read-aloud book.