Everyone knows that Texans do things in a big way, and this humorous retelling of a classic tale reinforces that notion. From the very first page, even the youngest readers will be engaged by the ridiculous antics of this very tall Texan as he tries to rid himself of the tiniest of problems. With its rhythmic word chains and litany of creatures, every page calls for read-along fun. From a flea to a cactus to a bull, every verse adds yet another layer of silliness.
With each nonsensical action, the tall Texan grows bigger and bigger until he reaches enormous proportions that result in a Texas-sized bellyache! Each zany action is illustrated in hilarious detail to incite giggles. The repetitive nature of this story and its chorus of “Whoo-ee! I can’t believe he swallowed a flea!” will resonate long after the story ends.
About the Author
Susan Holt Kralovansky, the “Library Lady,” began writing at a very young age. Fond of silly children’s poems, this not-so-tall Texan is thrilled to work her dream job as an elementary school librarian, where she is surrounded by both children and books. In addition to writing six non-fiction books for young readers, she has been a contributor to popular children’s magazines, including Turtle and Children’s Magic Window. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Texas Library Association. Kralovansky makes her home in Cedar Park, Texas, with her son and husband.
About the Illustrator
Deborah Ousley Kadair was trained in the Montessori teaching method and conducts storytelling and illustration workshops for children. She is a talented illustrator of several books with Pelican, including the Today Is Monday Series, Chef Creole, Down in Louisiana, and Grandma’s Gumbo, all by author Johnette Downing. Kadair also has written and illustrated her own collection of books, including I Spy in the Louisiana Sky, I Spy in the Texas Sky, and There Was an Ol’ Cajun. Kadair lives in Cedar Park, Texas.
THERE WAS A TALL TEXAN WHO SWALLOWED A FLEA
By Susan Holt Kralovansky
Illustrated by Deborah Ousley Kadair
JUVENILE FICTION / Westerns
JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / General
JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations
32 pp. 8 1/2 x 11
18 color illus.
ISBN: 9781455617173