Roundup at the Palace.

Anne Hutchings is a public-school teacher and librarian in Ajax,
Ontario.

Suspense begins to build from the moment we learn that the enormous though gentle bull, Buster, has never before left the ranch, much less ridden for miles in the back of a truck. Yet there he is, with owners Zack and his dad, driving through a blinding blizzard to the National Western Stock Show.

Buster’s unease is evident. His “medley of muffled kicks, grunts and snorts” attracts the attention and curiosity of city slicker Alice, accompanying her mother to work in the gift shop located in the eight-storey high lobby of Denver’s famous Brown Palace Hotel. Terrified by the din and clamour of the city, Buster breaks loose, galloping down the street, right toward the wide open doors of the hotel. Panicked, he careens across the lobby, stopping short right in front of little Alice.

But all’s well that end’s well, though the ending to this tale could easily have been a disaster. However, thanks to Zack’s singing ability and the quick thinking of brave young Alice, the story is brought to a satisfying and peaceful conclusion.

Roundup at the Palace begs to be read aloud and will have young audiences at the edge of their seats wondering what is going to happen next. Alan and Lea Daniel’s delightfully humorous illustrations complement the text perfectly. The contrast between the massive Buster and tiny Alice and Zack is particularly effective.

Based on an actual event, this delightful romp is sure to be a hit with young and old alike. Highly recommended.