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DUST DEVIL


1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Isaacs, Anne. 2010. DUST DEVIL Ill. By Paul O. Zelinsky. New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN: 978-0-375-96722

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Who can make it rain “milk by the bucket?” Streaks of white flow down the page for Angelica Longrider, the heroine of SWAMP ANGEL. In DUST DEVIL, Isaacs and Zelinsky’s beloved character moves on from Tennessee and conquers Montana. “Dust devil, it’s time to stop horsing around,” Isaacs writes. So Angel rides Zelinsky’s dust devil, grabbing onto the gray storm which seems to swirl right off the page. The art panels frame not only the art, but the story. When the dust cleared and wind died down, a giant horse was the culprit. Angel dubs him Dust Devil and soon they face the true culprits of this story, Backward Bart and his Flying Desperadoes. “Cash your gimme!” rolls right off the reader’s tongue, along with other favorites, like “Yap-giddy!” and “Pee-yip!” But the Desperadoes meet their match when Angel tricks them to jail while Dust Devil hammers the door shut with his giant leg. His knee is as tall as the roof and one hoof spans half the door. A tall tale indeed!

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Isaacs and Zelinsky are an unbeatable team. Their intersection of playful language and humorous art make for a “Read it again!” bedtime story. With this sequel to SWAMP ANGEL, they have turned their tall tale into a work of art. Similes hide amongst the text and hyperboles abound, making this story a joy to instruct in a classroom. Amid the giggles and grins, real learning happens and kids are eager to try their own hand at crafting a tall tale. The illustrations, which were painted in oil on cedar, aspen and maple veneer, beg for imitation with fat markers and happy hands. This is well done!

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
KIRKUS REVIEW: “Artfully crude, comedic artwork, friendly, understated narration and a wildly hyperbolic story combine to create a new classic.”
NYT SUNDAY BOOK REVIEW: “In DUST DEVIL, 19th-century Montana is a land where hyperbole is common fact.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Awards: Notable Children’s Book for 2010, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winner, Junior Library Guild selection and one of New York Public Library’s Best 100 Books of 2010.
*Visit Caldecott winner Paul O. Zelinsky's web site.

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