Sheriff Phoebe Clappsaddle is back--just in time for the Christmas holidays. Mail doesn’t come every day in the territory south of Big Spring, west of Marathon, north of Terlingua, and east of El Paso, so Phoebe is delighted to receive a parcel. But a mule-mail mix-up leads to another adventure for the high-spirited young sheriff. Those ornery brothers Eustace, Clifford, and Elmo, collectively known as the Tumbleweed Gang, also return to help Phoebe solve the mystery and celebrate a frontier Christmas, Texas style.

This is Melanie Chrismer and Virginia Marsh Roeder’s third adventure featuring Phoebe Clappsaddle, the Southwestern belle with sweet Southern manners and tough Western skills. School Library Journal said of their first book, Phoebe Clappsaddle and the Tumbleweed Gang ($15.95), “this old-fashioned Western is told in the format of a tall tale, making for a great read-aloud . . . the full-page illustrations bring the Old West alive for a generation of kids used to high tech and futuristic gadgets.” They also praised the second story, Phoebe Clappsaddle for Sheriff ($15.95), saying “this lively tribute to female empowerment should have regional appeal and will supplement tall-tale collections.”

About the Author and Illustrator

Melanie Chrismer is a fifth-generation native of Houston currently living outside Atlanta. She frequently speaks at schools and libraries, where she discusses the history of her native state as well as hints for developing writing strategies and techniques. Chrismer is a descendant of the real Phoebe Clappsaddle.

A graduate of New York’s Pratt Institute, Virginia Marsh Roeder has explored many facets of the art industry, from graphic design to illustration art. Though retired from teaching art, she still illustrates children’s books, often using her grandchildren as models.

Both Melanie Chrismer and Virginia Marsh Roeder are members of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

PHOEBE CLAPPSADDLE HAS A TUMBLEWEED CHRISTMAS
Melanie Chrismer
Illustrated by Virginia Marsh Roeder
32 pp. 8½ x 11
31 color illustrations - Ages 5-8
ISBN: 1-58980-241-1
EAN: 978-1-58980-241-4 hc