In this clever take on the traditional “Night Before Christmas” poem, a Texas Longhorn believes that he can guide Santa’s sleigh just as well as any reindeer. If a reindeer can fly, Willy believes a longhorn can, too. Despite the doubts of the other cattle, Willy will not give up on his dream.
One Christmas Eve, a thick pea-soup fog descends on Texas, and Santa is in need of a local guide. Willy paints his horns glowing blue and sets off to pull Santa’s sleigh all over the state. As Willy and Santa fly to every house in Texas delivering presents, they visit the famous cities and sights of the Lone Star State. They skim over the top of the Alamo, loop around Sam Houston’s statue, and swoop through Galveston. Padre Isle, El Paso, and Big Bend pass by under Santa’s sleigh. Every Texan, current or former, native or adopted, will love this tale of a longhorn with a dream.
About the Author
Alan C. Elliott received his MAS from Southern Methodist University and his MBA from University of Texas, Arlington. He first began writing stories for his own children and for his wife’s students. He has published more than twenty books on topics ranging from history and science to comedy and invention. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Elliott is a lifelong resident of Dallas.
About the Illustrator
Stephanie Ford earned bachelor of arts degrees in both history and art, with a minor in writing from Stephen F. Austin State University. She also received master’s degrees in both education and English, as well as her teaching certification, from Texas Woman’s University. Ford is also the illustrator of Confederate Alphabet, published by Pelican. Ford teaches high school art and English and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives with her husband, Bradley, in Barry, Texas.
WILLY THE TEXAS LONGHORN
By Alan C. Elliott
Illustrated by Stephanie Ford
JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Christmas & Advent
JUVENILE FICTION / Westerns
JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Cows
32 pp. 8 1/2 x 11
31 color illus.
ISBN: 9781455618705