Kindergarten-Grade 3-Fast (an alligator) is a dedicated "Hop-to-It Express" rider and Snappy (a frog) is his faithful steed. President Blinkin gives them an important letter to deliver to the good citizens of Cactus Gulch, and they are soon on their way. Gila Joe and his band of desperado snakes try several stereotypical old-western-movie ploys to stop them. Luckily, the cavalry arrives just in time to save the day. The story and the bright acrylic cartoons are equally lighthearted and formulaic. The animal characters and desert backdrops are colorful and humorous. Schnetzler finishes off with a brief yet interesting history of the Pony Express.
In Snippy and Snappy, we are introduced to brother and sister field mice living with their mother and father in a cozy nook in a hay field. Their father enthralls them with stories about gardens in big fields, houses in big gardens, kitchen cupboards in big houses, and big yellow cheeses in big kitchen cupboards.
One day Snippy and Snappy wander away from home while playing with their mother's yarn ball. Their journey takes them to a large house full of mysterious things, including cupboards full of wonderful-smelling cheese. Just as Snappy begins to nibble at a piece of cheese in a mousetrap, their father jumps down to rescue them and lead them safely back home.
Hugo Award Winner 2006 - In Willis's charming tale of the paranormal, Rob, a professional skeptic, and Kildy, his too-good-to-be-true ex-actress sidekick, try to debunk a psychic channeler, who just might be hosting the spirit of legendary skeptic H.L. Mencken. Willis fans will find the funny, snappy narrative familiar, from the "how can you not know I'm in love with you" relationship to the quick-witted social commentary.
