Two Desperados: Stories
Two Desperados is a collection of southwest-flavored stories that feature a blacksmith, several smugglers, a mule, a jaguar, a runaway groom, a murderess, a witch, a basket weaver, a Gremlin, three cowboys, and a ghost. Although they grapple with love and death, many members of this motley gang still manage to find sparkles in the darkness and a few crazy moments of grace.
“Lowell displays a knack for indelible, concise descriptions and subtle humor. Another sublime compilation from a consistently impressive wordsmith.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Lowell’s characters are idiosyncratic and complex, as original and unique as the desert landscape that shapes them. Readers won’t want to miss a single turn of phrase in this jewel of a collection.” – Arizona Daily Star
Ganado Red
A novella of eight stories that traces the ownership of an intricate Navajo rug – the Ganado Red of the title – over sixty years, from its Navajo creator through its various collector/owners. With each owner, the story rests, collects itself, looks about to examine its surroundings, the characters, and the effect of the brilliant blood-red rug upon the people around it.
“The author’s lyrical prose has a surreal quality. In all of Lowell’s tales, her prose ignites the senses. Incisive, profound, and colorful tales.” – Kirkus Reviews
I Am Lavina Cumming: A Novel of the American West
Lavina Cumming has spent her entire first ten years of life on the Bosque Ranch in Arizona Territory with her mother and father, five brothers, and her black mustang pony, Chummy. When her mother dies, her father decides it would be best if Lavina went to live with her aunt, where she can be brought up as a lady.
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The Three Little Javelinas
Everyone knows the story of the three little pigs, but now you’re going to meet the three little javelinas (pronounced ha-ve-LEE-nas)-loveable, wild, southwestern cousins of pigs. Dressed in cowboy duds and prepared for life in the rugged desert, these characters are more than any coyote bargained for.
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Cindy Ellen: A Wild Western Cinderella
Once upon a time, there was a sweet cowgirl named Cindy Ellen, who lived with the orneriest stepmother west of the Mississippi and two stepsisters who were so nasty, they made rattlesnakes look nice! But when a fast-talkin’ fairy godmother teaches Cindy Ellen a little lesson about gumption, Cindy lassos first place at the rodeo and the heart of Joe Prince.
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Dusty Locks and the Three Bears
Way out West live three bears who like to keep their cabin neat and tidy. But one day while they’re out for a walk, a dirty little girl named Dusty Locks barges in. When the bears come home to find their nice, neat house looking like it’s been hit by a whirlwind, they get riled-and Dusty Locks runs home so fast the dust doesn’t settle for a week.
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The Tortoise & the Jackrabbit
The Tortoise and the Hare with a southwestern flair. Tortoise, living comfortably in her home on Slow Lane, awakens one morning feeling good and challenges cocky Jackrabbit to a race. Patiently bumping her way through the desert landscape, Tortoise heads for the finish line as Jackrabbit cheerfully skips―and sleeps. Roadrunner, Tarantula, Gila Monster and even a Javelina or three cheer them on. Irresistible fun for the young and old alike.
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Little Red Cowboy Hat
This whimsical take on Little Red Riding Hood brings new life to an old favorite.
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Josefina Javelina: A Hairy Tale
Josefina Javelina longs to be a ballerina. So.she packs up her concertina and leaves her favorite little cantina to go to Pasadena to visit her cousin Angelina. From the desert to the city, a wild adventure ensues as Josefina puts some dip in her hip and some slide in her glide on her way to the big time-a long, long way from home. But not even Coyote, with his wily tricks, can get this javelina down. A hilarious, hairy tale! Join this super-mega tastic cast of characters as a star is born.
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The Bootmaker and the Elves
A retelling, set in the Old West, of the traditional story about two elves who help a poor shoemaker, or in this case a bootmaker, and his wife
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The Elephant Quilt: Stitch by Stitch to California!
“We’re going to see the Elephant!” That’s what people say when they head West on a journey promising to be “something powerful strange. Like a real live elephant, but even bigger – stranger – wilder – scarier!” Lily Rose is raring to go. Along the way she’ll help stitch her family’s adventures into a grand and glorious quilt.
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The Boy with Paper Wings
Confined to bed because of illness, Paul sails a paper airplane into his closet and becomes caught up in a perilous adventure as he joins forces with G.I. Joe and Mighty Power Barbie to stop the Drainers and their evil leader, Commander Kron.
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A Very Hairy Christmas
The javelinas are back and full of holiday cheer! Inside their cozy home, they bake gingerbread cookies, string lights, and set their boots out for Santa to fill with presents. Meanwhile, someone is devising a plan to ruin their Christmas festivities! Who is coming down the chimney? Will our favorite hairy creatures get away by the hair of their chinny-chin-chins this time?Put this one at the top of your list!
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The Great Grand Canyon Time Train
Take off with Sam and Rosie as they go on a fantastic trip back through time to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. With Major Powell as your guide, the Time Train will slice through the biggest layer cake in the world! Grab your silver ticket and experience the most thrilling train ride imaginable, where you will learn just how granderful the Grand Canyon really is.
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Saguaro: The Desert Giant
Ask a child to draw a picture of a cactus, and the result will probably look like a saguaro. Indeed, mass media have made this denizen of the Sonoran Desert universally recognizable, and perhaps just as misunderstood. In Saguaro: The Desert Giant, Anna Humphreys and Susan Lowell share true stories about this amazing, anthropomorphic cactus that are at least as intriguing as the folklore.
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The Many Faces of Mata Ortiz
For the past twenty-five years an extraordinary art movement has been underway in the remote countryside of northern Mexico, a renaissance of ceramic art in the tiny village of Mata Ortiz. As unlikely as it may seem, this phenomenon was sparked by the genius of a village woodcutter of rare artistic talent and equally rare determination, Juan Quezada.
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