School Library Journal Review

K-Gr 3-This cowboy version of the classic song is a rootin' tootin' good time. Ketteman has done an exceptional job of bringing "There Once Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" to the Southwest, incorporating varmints like an armadillo, lizard, and longhorn to give the story a true desert, uh, flavor. The writing echoes the storytelling style of rustlers gathered round a campfire, which will make it really fun for storytime. The author also includes a twist toward the end that will absolutely delight children. Terry's artwork uses a palette of rich, warm earth tones and complements the entertaining text with charming, bug-eyed characters in slapstick action against a backdrop of cacti, sandstone formations, an outhouse, a saloon, and the cowpoke's cabin. Ketteman and Terry have lassoed the perfect combination of comedic language and art, making this new spin on an old tale worthy of a resounding "Yee-haw!"-Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.