Every Cowgirl Needs Dancing Boots (Every Cowgirl #2)

Having secured a trusty horse (er... pink bike) in her previous outing and picked out a flashy pair of "dancin' boots," now all Nellie Sue needs are some like-minded companions. She invites the neighborhood--including the "glitter girls" who prefer ballet slippers to cowgirl boots--to a "Barnyard Bash." Janni and Avril lovingly capture Nellie Sue's devotion to her cowgirl persona, charmingly out of synch with her suburban surroundings. When the whole neighborhood appears at the garage door, it's enough to turn the sunset-lit clouds into galloping horses. Though spilled lemonade makes the proceedings a little sticky, readers who share Nellie Sue's passionate nature will cheer her persistence and success. Ages 3-5. (June)

Nellie Sue is a cowgirl through and through. But she is a little lonely, so her mom suggests that she meet the three "glitter girls" who have just moved in across the street. When she tries, the two older sisters snub her, making it clear they would rather stick to their ballet. So Nellie Sue tries to welcome them by throwing a "barnyard bash" for the whole neighborhood. When there is a mishap on the dance floor, it is up to Anna, the youngest sister, to find a compromise between a country two-step and ballet. This is a strong story about how to be a friend and how friends meet in the middle. It is sure to appeal to girls who love pink (Nellie Sue is dressed in pink from her hat to her cowgirl boots), sparkly tutus, and accessories. Avril finds innovative ways to combine the ballet and cowgirl themes. Some text blocks are in the middle of a perfectly thrown lasso and clouds are shaped like horses. The illustrations have energy and movement, just like the children depicted.—Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ