PHOENIX-February 1, 2008 -- Is he a 1930s figment of Wyoming taxidermist Douglas Herrick's imagination, or a crossbred horned hare, with sightings reported as early as the 16th century? Whatever you believe, Jackalope Tales, by fictional author, Albert J. Yellowtail, Ph.D. (Golden West Publishers, $6.95), fuels an infectious fantasy that afflicts many travelers seeking adventure in the West.
Dr. Yellowtail chronicles the Jackalope's unusual behavior and mischievous antics through animated selections from his lifelong observations noted in his journals. Fanciful fables include "Hero of the Forest," "Friends with Moose," and "Bush Saves Jackass." A fanciful legend of the West, Jackalope tales are aimed at the young and young-at-heart. Reaching far beyond U.S. borders, the Jackalope's stories go home with travelers from the Orient and Europe, who embrace Western legends.
Jackalope Tales' cheery morality is humorous and poignant, in "hare-raising" adventures, like "Saving the Hiker." A tourist in oblivious reverie is interrupted by a bear: "The Jackalope and the bear remained locked in combat until the hiker was no longer in sight. Now what?! With one vicious swipe of her giant paw, the small antlered creature would tumble, broken, to the ground. But the talented Jackalope let out a cry mimicking Mama bear, and the cubs, hiding under a nearby bush, came running. Chubby little legs pumped furiously as they bumped and lurched their way to her." Mother love saves the Jackalope.
The elusive jackrabbit-antelope captured the interest of Golden West Publishers' owners, Bobbi and Bruce Fischer, while traveling in the West. Tales are heard in the Four Corners region where Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico meet; although it was Jackson Hole, Wyo. that inspired their Jackalope Tales, Douglas, Wyo., declared itself the little guy's home town in a 1985 gubernatorial decree.
In ten entertaining parables, the Jackalope leaps off the pages and into your heart, with a sly wink and a twitch of his tail. Says an About the Author page, "Due to Albert's remarkable insights, we'll uncover this elusive, agile and fascinating creature's many extraordinary qualities. And it's up to you to believe in the Jackalope ... or not."
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Article may be reprinted in its entirety, with notification to the publisher. Since 1974 Golden West Publishers has produced adventure books of the West and Southwest, and regional cookbooks. For more information, printable images, and to request a review copy, contact LinDee Rochelle, LinDee@penchantforpenning.com, 858.292.5288 (CA), or Golden West, 800.658.5830, nationwide.
