Each day as we count down to the April 18 announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards, we highlight one of the thirty-two finalists. Today we feature 2015 Young People’s Literature finalist Kate DiCamillo.
A Heartwarming Tale of Friendship
Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Published by: Candlewick Press
Category Sponsor: The Creative Writing Programs at Hamline University
Leroy Ninker works at a concession stand at the Bijou Drive-In Theater. Every Wednesday night when the theater has a Western double feature, Leroy longingly watches, wishing that one day he could be a cowboy. There is one essential thing that every cowboy needs that Leroy does not have: a horse! When he sees an advertisement in the newspaper about a horse for sale, Leroy excitedly pursues the offer. He is introduced to Maybelline, an old horse who does not like to be alone and will not move unless she is complimented first. The woman who sells Maybelline to Leroy tells him three things that he must remember about his new horse, but one day Leroy forgets one of these things—a mistake that may result in Leroy losing Maybelline forever. With humor and fun illustrations, Leroy Ninker Saddles Up is a heartwarming tale of friendship.
About the author:
Kate DiCamillo, the author of six books about Mercy Watson, is the beloved and renowned author of many books for young readers, including Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures and The Tale of Despereaux, both of which won Newbery Medals. In 2014 she was named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. She lives in Minneapolis.
Chris Van Dusen is the author-illustrator of The Circus Ship and King Hugo’s Huge Ego, and the illustrator of all six books about Mercy Watson. He lives in Maine.
The reviews are in:
“DiCamillo effortlessly slips back into the comfortable rhythms of Mercy’s world, infusing every chapter with subdued wit, warmth, and heart. Van Dusen matches the text stride-for-stride, delivering caricatured spot art and full-page scenes of the Pinocchioesque Leroy and the four-toothed, spaghetti-loving Maybelline, who Leroy comes to consider ‘the most splendiferous horse in all of creation.’” – Publishers Weekly
“Fans of Mercy Watson will delight in meeting Maybelline, a horse who loves to hear the melody of pretty words, likes the company of others, and enjoys spaghetti noodles…Van Dusen’s black-and-white cartoon pictures provide a lighthearted humor that makes the book a good choice for transitioning readers. Character driven, this fast-paced story is sure to please. A fun new edition to the cast and crew of ‘Mercy Watson.’” – School Library Journal
Links:
Join us at the Awards Gala!
Award winners will be announced at the 27th Annual Minnesota Book Awards Gala on Saturday, April 18 at the historic St. Paul Union Depot. The opening reception begins at 7 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and are available by visiting www.thefriends.org/gala.
Have you read Leroy Ninker Saddles Up? What are your thoughts? We welcome your comments!