The Horned Toad Prince

Description

A spunky cowgirl finds herself in a mess of trouble and is forced to strike a deal with a horned toad in this hilarious spin on a classic fairy tale. Reba Jo loves riding all over the wild prairie and roping any critter unlucky enough to cross her path. But when her luck turns sour, she has to work with a horned toad to save her own hide. Reba Jo tries her darnedest to weasel out of her part of the bargain, but the clever horned toad won't let her off the hook. In the end, she learns that a promise is a promise and words once spoken are not easily taken back. Jackie Mims Hopkins's sizzling southwestern retelling of the fairy tale "The Frog Prince" is complemented by Michael Austin's vibrant, distinctive illustrations, which colorfully transport young readers to the untamed, dusty prairie. WINNER of theStorytelling World Award!

Jackie Mims Hopkins was born in Texas, where she still lives. She holds degrees from the University of Arkansas and Texas A & M University. She is a storyteller, a former teacher, a retired school librarian, and the author of several children's books. Michael Austin grew up in Florida and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi. A creative director, he has created art for many companies, including record labels and magazines, and has illustrated a dozen children's books. He lives in Georgia.

"The unusual perspectives and broad humor of Austin's over-the-top airbrush illustrations in shades of violet and gold capture Reba Jo's comical disgust as she tries to wiggle out of her unpalatable bargain as well as the ugly toad's insouciant charm as he connives his way free from his curse."-Publishers Weekly "An entertaining version of 'The Frog Prince' with a Texas twist."-School Library Journal "This is fun and thorough. Hopkins' telling sizzles with southwestern panache. . . . Fractured fun at its best."-Booklist