Kathi Appelt

When Mama announces that the relatives are coming and starts the flurry of preparations, Baby Bubba and his dog, Beau take refuge down in the mud hole. Big Bubba finds them, washes them and dresses Baby Bubba in a brand new stiff sailor suit. When Cousin Arlene, wearing a frilly dress, and her yippy little dog, Bitsy, arrive, the foursome find paradise in the mud hole. Comic illustrations add to the understated text for a satisfying, funny, and recognizable family story with a decidedly Texas twinkle.

While everyone has a nose, toes, and hair, no one has them just alike — and so a girl with bouncy red ponytails celebrates her uniqueness, the “incredible me!” Engaging child-like drawings romp across the pages with rhythmic, rhyming text.

Zada, an old camel now living in the Texas desert, entertains two baby birds with stories of her old life in the Middle East. Inspired by real historical events (camels in Texas), this fascinating tale unwinds in rich language and realistic but expressive sketches throughout.

With verve and a twang, the critters and humans of Sugarland Swamp come alive through lively narration. Raccoon brothers help a human boy save the swamp and solve a mystery with help from a host of eccentric characters, including the enigmatic Swamp Man.