The Marshall plan

Inspired by the current Horn Book -- the cover illustration, plus Roger Sutton's editorial, plus Regina Hayes' remembrance -- I went James Marshall-crazy at the library yesterday, bringing home eight or nine titles illustrated and often written by the late Texan.

Every one has been a smash around here. It occurred to me while reading Rats on the Roof and Other Stories -- specifically, the wonderfully boring dialogue about tractor cylinders in "A Sheepish Tale" -- just how long it's been since the boys and I have had so much laugh-out-loud reading material on hand. And smart, too -- have mercy, that man was wry and clever as they come.

The best part: There's lots more Marshall where this stack came from. I didn't even bring home the Stupids, Miss Nelson, or the Cut-Ups, but I might as well clear off a shelf for them now.