Slingshot and Burp

Gr 1–3—Slingshot and Burp are best friends, neighbors, cousins, and cowboy enthusiasts. As if sent to ruin their plans, the boy's older sisters glam up (and pup up) the quartet's "shared" clubhouse for a dog-sitting business. When one of the dogs sneaks out to join the boys sleeping under the stars, Slingshot and Burp end up on a late night search-and-rescue mission into a creepy, possibly haunted boneyard. This title is complete with cowboy slang and some wild adventures, and young cowpokes will be delighted and inspired by the high jinks of Slingshot and Burp. While the two title characters are developed as a pair, and their relationship as best friends, neighbors, cousins, and even blood brothers is well established, they aren't distinguishable from each other, nor are their sisters. The only other character is Big Jim, who runs a local coffee shop and is shown briefly to set the boys on their adventure. Lively illustrations help highlight the action of each chapter.