Move over, partner. There’s a new kid in town. He goes by the name of Sideswiping Slim, and he’s “as slippery as a snake’s belly in a mudslide.” And don’t even think of calling the Sheriff or her Deputy. They’ve been completely taken in by that scallywag. This funny, fresh-voiced take on a new sibling is told a little like a tall tale in the voice of a cowgirl who is prone to hyperbolic metaphors. Much of the humor comes from the over-the-top language contextualized visually by scenes of the sort of typical sibling rivalry we see with an older sibling and new baby—fighting over a favorite toy, for example. And, of course, the baby has “the law” on his side, so Rodeo Red is placed in a “holding cell,” a.k.a. a time-out chair. (Ages 4–7)

A girl and her dog are happier than two buttons on a new shirt―until her new baby brother shows up. A rip-roarin’ sibling tale for storytime!

★ “A rootin’-tootin’ tale that won’t fail to quick-draw a smile.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Giddy-up, big sisters!” ―Kirkus Reviews

Rodeo Red and her hound dog Rusty are happier than two buttons on a new shirt—until Sideswiping Slim shows up.

Red is sure that anyone who hollers that much will be hauled to the edge of town and told to skedaddle, but her parents seem smitten with the new addition to the family. So when that scallywag sets his eye on Rusty, Rodeo Red had better figure out a way to save her best friend in the whole world. Can a cowgirl make a bargain with a varmint?

Author Maripat Perkins pairs Old West lingo with big laughs to tell this laugh-out-loud sibling story. Adorable illustrations by Caldecott Honor winner Molly Idle add to the fun.

Awards:

CCBC Choices (Picture Books for School-Age Children) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 2-3) ―Alabama Department of Education
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Nominee, Picture Books) ―Arizona Library Association