DEPUTY PETE and the MISSING MUFFIN — James J. Griffin

Meet the young Deputy Sheriff who solves the mystery of the missing Muffin. Deputy Pete is at the blacksmith's shop having new horseshoes put on Charcoal, his big black horse. Pete's dog, Pepper, is with him. Pete thanks the blacksmith and rides into town, where he sees a little girl crying. Jenny is sad because her cat, Muffin, has disappeared. Deputy Pete and his pets help Jenny look for her lost cat. They encounter many strange animals in their search, including an armadillo, a horned toad, a Texas tortoise, a garter snake, and even three Texas spotted whiptail lizards. There is an exciting surprise when they find Muffin.The story introduces early readers to a law enforcement officer, to unusual animals, and to basic vocabulary related to the Western genre. It is an excellent and beautifully illustrated book for picture walks.