COWBOY NED & ANDY

Ned and his best friend, his horse Andy, have come to Abiline for some rest and relaxation. Ned spots a lovely lady and lands at her feet. He is entrusted with her lace hankie and is to return it the next day. But Andy feels left out and jealous, so he throws the hankie away. That little square of fabric becomes involved in a robbery and arrest before being blown right to Miss Clementine’s front yard. But Andy truly wants Ned to be happy, so he gives him the hankie and all is well. The tale is slight and the characters totally cliché, but little ones won’t mind. It’s sweet and charming and all in the spirit of unwavering friendship. The colorful, fanciful drawings are akin to old-fashioned Saturday morning cartoons, and perfectly match the goofy proceedings. Not great literature, but good fun. (Picture book. 3-6)