THE TRUE BLUE SCOUTS OF SUGAR MAN SWAMP

THE TRUE BLUE SCOUTS OF SUGAR MAN SWAMP, by Kathi Appelt (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster 2013)(ages 8+).  Raccoon brothers Bingo and J'miah are the newest Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp and they take their responsibilities seriously.  But when there's a menace to the swamp too big for even them to handle, they know they have to awaken -- for the first time in decades -- the ancient and powerful Sugar Man.  But what if he wakes up cranky?   

In the meantime, twelve-year-old Chap Brayburn is trying to deal with the recent loss of his beloved grandfather and make enough fried pies to keep the family shop in business.  But can they ever make and sell enough of the things to fend off the developer who wants the land for an alligator wrestling arena?

THE TRUE BLUE SCOUTS OF SUGAR MAN SWAMP offers a lively and, at times, funny story filled with unforgettable characters.  With a voice redolent of the swamps of east Texas, Appelt provides an engaging and atmospheric tale of hope and integrity that spans the generations.

Writers and Illustrators and Dinosaurs: Kathi Appelt

Kathi Appelt is the author of more than thirty picture books and the novels THE UNDERNEATH and KEEPER.  THE UNDERNEATH was a finalist for the 2008 National Book Award and a 2009 Newbery Honor Book.

Kathi was born in the front seat of her father's Ford and grew up in Houston.  She currently lives in College Station, TX, with her husband Ken and four cats.

Here, she poses with a Tyrannosaurus rex figurine at the hostess's station at Threadgill's in Austin, Texas.