JESS AND THE STINKY COWBOYS

Deputy Jess and her aunt Gussy have been left in charge of Snake Gulch by Jess’s father, the Sheriff. Usually that would be no problem because there’s no quieter town on the frontier. On this day, however, a cattle drive comes to town, and the cowpokes smell worse than their cows. Jess and Gussy explain the no-stink law, but the cowboys would rather spend their five cents on candy and root beer than a bath. Jess and Gussy haul them in, but a stink cloud gathers and threatens the town. Jess’s ingenuity cleans up Snake Gulch. Smith applies the same gentle, wry humor she used in the Wizard and Wart books to the Wild West to good effect. Thiesing’s cartoon, watercolor-and-pencil puppy people are a perfect match. Pair this with Amy Timberlake’s Dirty Cowboy (2003) to satisfy any grimy little cowpoke. Young readers will be seeking sequels. (Easy reader. 4-8)