Slingshot and Burp

August 1, 2016
Over 10 lively chapters, first-time author Haynes unspools the story of cousins Slingshot and Burp, two cowboys-in-training armed with bicycle steeds, spitballs, red crayon brands, and an abundance of Wild West lingo. “Boll weevil!” cries Slingshot during one of their escapades. “My mouth is as dry as a dust devil.” Antagonistic older sisters, a blood-spitting lizard, and a legendary “Ghost Cat” all factor in to the boys’ adventures, which both Haynes and Gilpin paint as larger-than-life, even if real life occasionally intrudes (“Two lousy days in lockup,” is Slingshot’s response to getting grounded). It’s a boisterous tale that speaks to long summer days of (mostly) unfettered freedom. Ages 6–9. Illustrator’s agency: Shannon Associates.

June 1, 2016

Gr 1-3-Slingshot and Burp are best friends, neighbors, cousins, and cowboy enthusiasts. As if sent to ruin their plans, the boy's older sisters glam up (and pup up) the quartet's "shared" clubhouse for a dog-sitting business. When one of the dogs sneaks out to join the boys sleeping under the stars, Slingshot and Burp end up on a late night search-and-rescue mission into a creepy, possibly haunted boneyard. This title is complete with cowboy slang and some wild adventures, and young cowpokes will be delighted and inspired by the high jinks of Slingshot and Burp. While the two title characters are developed as a pair, and their relationship as best friends, neighbors, cousins, and even blood brothers is well established, they aren't distinguishable from each other, nor are their sisters. The only other character is Big Jim, who runs a local coffee shop and is shown briefly to set the boys on their adventure. Lively illustrations help highlight the action of each chapter. VERDICT Recommended as an additional purchase for libraries looking to increase their early chapter book collections and for those with a particular interest in cowboy stories.-Shana Morales, Windsor Public Library, CT

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2016
Two rough and tough wannabe cowboys have some adventures while trying to avoid their sisters.Their "horses" are actually bikes, but that doesn't stop Slingshot and Burp from pursuing cowboy adventures out there in the dangerous Boneyard, after they get away from fire hydrants and mailboxes. Their buddy Big Jim, proprietor of the Boots and Saddle Tack Shop, informs them that there might be treasure in the scorpion-infested wilderness, but the terrible Ghost Cat also lurks in the area and might eat them alive! The two white boys bravely venture forth anyway, returning to find their bunkhouse taken over by their big sisters: there's pink everywhere! After some jail time for shooting up their sisters' dolls, the boys are back in action, back at odds with their sisters, and back in the wilderness. Haynes keeps the action zipping along with his boys, who adopt the cowboy lifestyle as much as their parents will allow. He plays with expectations; readers convinced that the adventures are all in the boys' imaginations will reconsider after Burp finds a real scorpion in his boot. Gilpin's lively line drawings add plenty of character to the book. The author doesn't push morality or significantly attempt to subvert gender stereotypes, just penning a fun, vigorous adventure for his two hyperactive boys.Active and entertaining, with a mid-20th-century feel. (Adventure. 6-9)

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July 1, 2016
Grades 1-4 Slingshot and Burp are the rootinest, tootinest cowboys this side of Texas, and they're itchin' to roam around the Boneyard (the stretch of desert gullies behind their houses) on their horses (bikes) to find some loot. Trouble is, their bunkhouse (backyard playhouse) is under siege by a ruthless gang (their sisters). When they hear tell of some abandoned cowboy bones in the gullies, it seems like just the ticket for spooking those girls out of their territory. Hayne's episodic chapters gallop along as the intrepid amateur cowpokes explore the desert, find a (sort of) haunted skull, and rescue a dog they're sure is part coyote. Gilpin's cartoonish line drawings help bring the Wild West antics (many of which are imaginary) to life. Lasso-swinging, spur-wearing wannabe kiddie cowboys will be tickled.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)