Leroy Ninker Saddles Up

Leroy Ninker, the "reformed thief" from the Mercy Watson books, dreams of being a cowboy. "Every cowboy needs a horse," so he purchases "old but good" and "very exceptionally cheap" Maybelline. Unfortunately, acquiring a horse and keeping one turn out to be two different challenges, but Leroy rises to the occasion. Van Dusen's shiny-faced characters infuse the multi-layered tale with extra energy and expression.

Leroy Ninker, the "reformed thief" from this team's Mercy Watson books, still makes ends meet serving popcorn at the Bijou Drive-In Theater but dreams of being a cowboy. Sporting a cowboy hat, lasso, and boots, he watches raptly the Wednesday night Western double-feature but makes little progress otherwise. Then he receives some advice from a colleague: "Every cowboy needs a horse." After purchasing "old but good" and "very exceptionally cheap" Maybelline and inspecting her hooves and teeth (and finding four of each), Leroy throws himself into horse-ownership completely. Unfortunately, acquiring a horse and keeping one turn out to be two different challenges, but Leroy rises to the occasion in his own way, whispering sweet nothings into Maybelline's ear and preparing pot after pot of spaghetti for her. Spot art, full-page art, and double-page spreads with Van Dusen's characteristic shiny-faced characters infuse the plot with extra energy and expression. Part cowboy story and part pet love story, this multi-layered tale beautifully balances comically exaggerated details and true spirit. Mercy Watson fans will enjoy being back in the saddle in this slightly more advanced spin-off. julie roach