Miss Sally Ann and the Panther

K-Gr 3—Miller has a talent for distilling tall tales to a simple plot that young children can comprehend, and she does it without compromising the language that exemplifies them. Miss Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind is truly a force to be reckoned with. She goes out to collect wild onions for a stew, wearing a bear fur to stay warm. When she meets an enormous panther, he covets that warm fur, too. In turn, she thinks his sleek panther fur will keep her even warmer. The fight for possession is ferocious, lasting days and nights. Miller describes it as "thunderific" and a "conbobberation." The end of the fight suits this heroine perfectly. Lloyd's full-spread illustrations in vibrant colors are framed with logs, and the characters are large and imposing. At the height of the brawl, the panther bursts out of the frame, chewing logs with his sharp teeth. It changes the dynamics of the conflict, showing action and struggle. This tall tale is a surefire win for a spitfire of a lady. Read it out loud for the best impact, and listeners will be clamoring for more tales about Sally Ann.—Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ