The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town [Hardcover]

Mary Casanova (Author), Ard Hoyt (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: May 24, 2011 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 610L (What's this?)

The day Dirk Yeller came to town, the wind curled its lip, cattle quit lowin’, and tumbleweeds stopped tumblin’ along. Townsfolk whispered. “He starts stampedes!” “He holds up trains!” “He’s trouble!”

When Dirk Yeller scours the town for something to stop his itchin’ and twitchin’ and jumpin’ and rattlin’, no one seems able to help. But Sam, who’s been following Dirk all day—and who can sometimes be a little fidgety, too—knows the perfect solution . . .

Energetic illustrations and lively language capture the Wild West in this perfect read aloud for book lovers of all ages.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Sure to be hit at storytime, this Wild West tale will keep children laughing as it delivers its message about the power of books.” –School Library Journal

“The softly colored cartoonish illustrations perfectly convey the action of the characters portrayed in the brief text.” –Booklist

“Hoyt’s marvelous caricatures are worth thousands of words, making this hilarious tall tale not only a plug for books and reading but an outsized winner.” –Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Mary Casanova’s books include the popular One-Dog Canoe and Some Dog! also illustrated by Ard Hoyt. She lives near Ranier, Minnesota. Ard Hoyt has illustrated several picture books, including the best-selling I’m a Manatee by John Lithgow. He lives in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 36 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (May 24, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374317429
• ISBN-13: 978-0374317423
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mary Casanova is the author of 30 books for young readers, ranging from picture books, titles for American Girl, and novels. Once a reluctant reader, Mary is passionate about writing "stories that matter and books that kids can't put down." Her books frequently land on state reading lists and have earned many awards, including the ALA "Notable," Aesop Accolades by the American Folklore Society, Parent's Choice "Gold" Award, Booklist Editor's Choice, and two Minnesota Book Awards. When she's not on the road for research or speaking, she loves exploring the outdoors in northern Minnesota with her husband, Charlie, and their two horses, and three dogs. Visit her website at www.marycasanova.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful! August 18, 2011

By Erin Falligant

Format:Hardcover

This picture book is a delight from start to finish. The text is rich and descriptive, and the messages in the story about not judging people too quickly and about the importance of finding the right books - particularly for children who have trouble focusing and sitting still - are timely and powerful. As an editor of children's fiction, I'm grateful to the author, Mary Casanova, for all she has done to promote children's literature and reading across age groups and genres. Bravo!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Outlaw Book October 9, 2011

By Mymcbooks

Format:Hardcover

My Review: You can't help but to smile after reading `The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town'. The story tells about an outlaw who came into Sam's town to look for solutions to his problems, something to stop his itching and twitching. After moving from one store to another with no help, Sam decided to take him to the one place that would help solve his problems...the Library. With the help of Miss Jenny and Sam, Dirk Yeller opened books and read. The more he read, the less his problems.

Who knew that the power of books will help soothe a savage outlaw's problems? The powerful message is the importance of books in the lives of children and how founding the right book and the importance of reading can help them to focus. I also love the illustrations by Ard Hoyt making reading this book fun. I highly recommend this book.

FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town January 2, 2013

By Wyoming Cowboy

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town is great fun to read to children and create the old west as you read.