very fun story and wonderful illustrations ( )

Although not the prettiest horse in Cactus County, Calico was the smartest, fastest equine around, with a nose better than any bloodhound's. When Stewy Stinker and his gang of bad men - Butch Bones, Snake Eye Pyezon, Buzzard Bates, Little Skunk Skeeter - begin making trouble for the good people of the county, Calico finds a way to bring the outlaw in. But when her cowboy Hank decides to use the reward to buy the local children Christmas toys, and Stewy escapes from his temporary jail intent on holding up the stagecoach, Calico must once again step in to save the day. Not only does this Wonder Horse liberate all the rustled cattle, she reforms the bad men and saves Christmas for all!

Originally published in 1941, this western Christmas tale from Virginia Lee Burton, the author of such celebrated children's classics as Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and the Caldecott Medal-winning The Little House, offers an entertaining and ultimately heartwarming holiday tale, one in which even the bad guys get to enjoy the festivities in the end. Although unlikely, the happy ending felt quite appropriate for a Christmas tale, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness at this time of year, and the power of kindness in setting things right. The artwork in Calico the Wonder Horse is just lovely, with multiple panels on each page, set up rather like a comic book. Recommended to anyone looking for Christmas tales with a western flavor, as well as to fans of Virginia Lee Burton's work. ( )

Her artwork is meticulous in all of her books.

A terrific, old-fashioned horse and cowboy story worth acquiring, and just a blast to read out loud in your best cowboy accent! My personal favorite Virginia Lee Burton. ( )