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Sakes Alive!: A Cattle Drive    by Karma Wilson & Karla Firehammer Amazon.com order for
Sakes Alive!
by Karma Wilson
Order:  USA  Can
Little, Brown & Co., 2005 (2005)
Hardcover
* * *   Reviewed by Hilary Williamson

This engaging picture book opens on a standard farm scene - a barn with hens and pigs, sheep and cows, a farmer and his dog. But what's this? The cows (Molly and Mabel) take Farmer's keys and drive off in his truck ... as he shouts, 'Sakes alive! They're going on a cattle drive!'

This bovine Thelma and Louise adventure continues in verse. Soon the sheriff is chasing the runaways, and calling for backup. When they reach town, Molly can't find the brakes, and finally has to turn the key off. But the townsfolk think it's the best parade ever, and of course it all turns out for the best - 'The people wanted autographs, / but cows, of course, can't spell. / They stamped their hooves in pads of ink, / which worked out rather well.'

Sakes Alive! : A Cattle Drive is great fun, the humor only emphasized by the quiet rural background. Kids will cheer for these rather silly cows, enjoy their small rebellion, and chant out 'Sakes Alive!' every few pages, with all the other astounded characters.

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