When a pack of angry hamsters escapes to the prairie, there's only one cowgirl who knows how to round up those rascals. With some quick thinkin' and sure ridin', Hannah Mae saves the ranch. Full color. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Packing a pencil and pastel inks, Ernst (Stella Louella's Runaway Book) rustles up a tale fit for any cowgirl-urban or otherwise. The heroine's debut is wryly understated-a pair of baby feet poke out from under the brim of a huge pink cowboy hat sent by "dear Uncle Coot from way out West." Ernst milks every drop of humor out of this situation comedy, as Hannah Mae evolves into a cowgirl wannabe with hopelessly urban parents who wear pearls and bow ties. But they support her passion, buying her a pony and hamsters so she can emulate "cow herdin' and general cattle care" to prepare her for Uncle Coot's ranch. Those skills prove handy when a boxcar out west spills hamsters that terrorize her uncle's cattle. Hannah Mae corrals the critters and launches a traveling hamster show. A winsome mix of wit and sympathy inspires such scenes as when Hannah, a small figure duded up in boots and hat, stares forlornly at the wall of skyscrapers outside her window. Judiciously used patois ("He's shakin' like the music-end of a rattler") brings zest to the text without overpowering it. So, too, with the mellow-toned palette that quietly anchors drawings so organically funny that simple inkstrokes turn a pack of rodents into hilariously mean-faced marauders. Ages 4-8. (June) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information