Creighton University

This little book of 74 pages is a thorough surprise.  I ordered it because the seller on Ebay advertised it, along with three others in the series, as “Fables from the Stables.”  I cannot find that series mentioned in the books themselves.  I was leaning heavily to keep the four of them out of the collection, despite the back cover’s saying “Let me tell you the fable.”  It is an engaging story about learning something.  Colin, content, efficient, and liked, starts trying other animals’ food.  The first result is a super-manure!  The second result, however, is a series of farts that poison the farm and even the town.  Colin has to be taken away and put into quarantine!  He learns to be content with his beloved hay.  I did not expect a book about farts!  Tor Freeman’s colorful illustrations are fun!  About 5½” x 7”.

I decided to read this little book of 89 pages after reading “Colin the Cart Horse” by the same author and artist.  Again, the story goes by quickly and is fun to read.  Bored Hendrix comes alive when a rock band visits Higgleston.  A guitar drops from their van, and Hendrix finds his life’s passion playing it.  He dutifully returns it, but the rock band just as dutifully comes to thank him – and to bring him a guitar of his own.  He becomes the star of the show.  Good touches help the story along the way, like the 80 year old mayor of Higgleston who rocks and enjoys stage diving.  Again, Tor Freeman’s colorful illustrations are fun!  About 5½” x 7”.

This little book of 74 pages is the third I have read in the series.  Poppy is born blind but with a great sense of smell.  Smith convinces her to join the police force and she is given great living quarters, but she turns lazy and self-centered.  Only when a thief steals her pie does she begin to embrace her responsibilities.  Once converted, she loves using her gift for other people’s good.  Again, Tor Freeman’s colorful illustrations are fun!  Maybe his best work here involves picturing the villain and his various facial expressions, despite his wearing a mask.  About 5½” x 7”.