Young Willie has always wanted to be a Texas Ranger. But the Rangers are lean and tough and very serious, and Willie smiles and whistles all the time and has a belly that just about covers up his snakeskin belt. Willie doesn’t even look tough in his Stetson and boots. One Fourth of July so hot the fence posts wither, Sidewinder Slim and Corkscrew Slade sneak in and swipe the townfolk’s ice-cold soda pop and ice cream. When even the rough, tough Texas Rangers can’t apprehend the varmints, it’s up to Willie and his whistle to bring them to justice.
This humorous tale of an unlikely hero with an unusual talent is filled with knee-slapping, hooligan-rustling fun. Readers will see that everyone has valuable skills, no matter how they appear on the outside. With clever illustrations and a can-do message, this tall Texas tale will delight readers of all ages. Included is information on the real-life Texas Rangers.
About the Authors
Jo and Josephine Harper are a mother-daughter writing team. Jo Harper, a retired English, Spanish, and ESL teacher, earned her BA and MA from Texas Tech University. She teaches English and children’s literature at Houston Community College and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. A well-known storyteller, Jo Harper has given presentations at conferences, including those organized by the International Reading Association, the Texas Book Festival, and the Texas Reading Association.
Josephine Harper is a licensed clinical psychologist with a PhD and MA from Fielding Graduate University, an MSW from the University of Houston, and a BA from the University of Texas at Austin. Both authors live in Houston, Texas.
About the Illustrator
David Harrington’s affinity for art began at a young age, when he drew on everything—except paper. Since receiving a BFA from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, he has illustrated numerous children’s books, including Pelican’s Pecos Bill Invents the Ten-Gallon Hat, winner of the WWA Spur Award, Chachalaca Chiquita, Ole! Cinco de Mayo!, The Boy Who Wouldn’t Read, and Spaghetti Smiles.
WHISTLING WILLIE FROM AMARILLO, TEXAS
By Jo Harper and Josephine Harper
Illustrated by David Harrington
JUVENILE FICTION / Westerns
JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / General
JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
32 pp. 11 x 8 1/2
31 color illus.
Ages 5-8 Grades K-3
ISBN: 9781455620562