"Strap Buckner was a man of genius... and his genius was to knock folks down," begins Wooldridge's (When Esther Morris Headed West, reviewed Sept. 10) hyperbolic tale of an actual larger-than-life Texan. From new settlers to the local members of the Karankawan tribe (whose impressed chief names him "Red Son of Blue Thunder"), Strap daily "went forth and knocked men down with great grace" until no one wants to come near him. Even though the fellow resolves to live in peace, he's unable to restrain his exuberance. Pride in his great strength leads to folly when he challenges "the old Devil himself." The ensuing mighty scuffle leaves Strap forever humbled (but possibly triumphant). The build-up may be leisurely, but Wooldridge relates her colorful tall tale with gusto and swagger, peppering it with piquant descriptions ("swifter than a Texas wind") and folksy expressions ("Day had a time of it trying to dawn"). In the vein of his other Wild West titles, Glass (Bad Guys; Mountain Men) serves up comical watercolor, crayon and pencil illustrations that add to the homespun flavor. An afterword explains the story's roots in Texas history. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
