Widdermaker by Pattie Schnetzler

Widdermaker was about a cowboy named Pete trying to tame a bull named Widdermaker in a rodeo. Widdermaker is so wild he escapes the rodeo and Pete and his trusty horse chase Widdermaker across Arizona deserts. Although I enjoyed the illustrations in this book I did not like the wording and language used in this picture book. Slang language, misspelled words and difficult words most upper elementary students would not understand were used in this picture book. The use of informal language and misspelled words could confuse students and also takes away from the storyline. For example, “That bull’s plumb loco,” is one phrased used in this picture book that I believe did not fit cohesively into the storyline. On the other hand, I really enjoyed the illustrations. They were unique and spicy. These illustrations were created by using hot colors that reminded me of shades you would find in sizzling salsa. The colors and drawing techniques captured the wild essences and dry beauty that is only found along the desert. These illustrations also included big cowboy hats, spontaneous saddles, crazy eyes and contagious cacti. Lastly, these fun, exaggerated illustrations take on a cartoonist from reminding me of silly, creative, spontaneous times only found out in the wilderness.