2014
I grew up watching westerns with my dad and brother Shane. I asked Bob Shea if he wanted to make a western with me. He wrote a classic western in the tradition of Sergio Leone and John Ford. But with a kid sheriff. Who rides a tortoise. And likes dinosaurs.
—Lane
★ STARRED
Drywater Gulch is beset by black-hearted varmints who not only steal the gold, but kiss the cattle and insult the chili. Fortunately, there’s a new sheriff in town. Unfortunately, he can’t shoot, rope, or stay up past eight… This is, without question, the best dinosaur book with no dinosaurs in it. Ever.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
★ STARRED
A crowd-pleasin' knee-slapper that'll have 'em rolling in the aisles, yessirree.
Kirkus
★ STARRED
Although Sheriff Ryan is pretty ridiculous in his accusations, children will love the ending, since the little hero gets the last laugh. Shea’s humor is spot-on in Sherriff Ryan’s unwavering logic and assumptions, and his distinct characters will make this an instant hit at storytime. Smith’s illustrations, with grainy color and vivid textures, match the deadpan silliness to a tee, and keen dinosaur hunters will love the few dinosaur mirages hidden in the background.
School Library Journal
Read about the making of Kid Sheriff on Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.
