This, beyond any doubt, is the best book Miss Haywood has ever written. It is an on-the-spot picture of an authentic Texas ranch. It begins with riotous fun, it grows into swift adventure, and it culminates in real depth and feeling.

When Eddie Wilson's pet goat Gardenia ate a hole in the top of his father's new convertible, even Eddie, who loved her dearly, knew it was time for Gardenia to move on. Mr. Wilson decided to send her, personally conducted by Eddie, to Uncle Ed's ranch and to let Eddie stay there for a visit. As soon as Gardenia was put in the baggage car, she set up an unremittant "Ba-a-ah" until the baggage man released her from her crate on Eddie's assurance that she would lie down quietly and go to sleep. It was then that Gardenia really went into action. There was not a dull moment for anyone on the train or at the stations where it stopped. But, as the porter said, when Uncle Ed met the train at San Antonio and asked if Eddie had been any trouble to him, "Oh, no! No trouble at all, just a little excitement."

The excitement continued when Eddie and Gardenia took up residence on the ranch. Although Gardenia did not learn much from her experiences (being, after all, only a goat), Eddie did from his. He learned to be a good cowboy and, in so doing, developed self-reliance and dependability.

Eddie, who always had plenty of personality, has character now as well. He still tickles the funny bone, but he also touches the heart.

From the dust jacket