Buster Mesquite's Cowboy Band.

TONY HILLERMAN

Publication: Buffalo Medicine Books, 2001, Gallup, New Mexico

First edition. Oblong 8vo. Limited to 100 numbered copies signed by the Hillerman and the illustrator, Ernest Franklin. This is copy 48. Franklin also provides an original watercolor illustration of Buster the burro and his duck buddy, all characters conceived and designed by Ernie Bulow of Buffalo Medicine Books. The text is illustrated throughout by Franklin who, according to Bulow, actually wrote the book ... the basic tale is the Bremmen Town Musicians (see Grimms' Fairy Tales, 1819). Buster Mesquite the burro loses his job and starts a cowboy band, teaming up with a rock-and-roll coyote, a wildcat cowgirl who plays the fiddle, and a crow that can belt with the best of them. The band isn't very good, but it's plenty loud. The group is destined for adventure on their quirky journey to fame and fortune. The notorious bandits they stumble upon don't stand a chance when Buster's Band dazzles, or rather startles, them with their latest tune. Navajo illustrator Ernest Franklin draws swirling, lively, cartoon-style pictures in ink and watercolor that are both mischievous and fun. Hillerman decided to provide "authorship" primarily because he liked Franklin so much, Bulow added that "It was never much of a secret," Fine in decorated boards housed in the original matching slipcase.

Inventory Number: 51839