Reviewed by Rita Vetsch for Readers' Favorite

"The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town" is a nostalgic and whimsical children’s book written by Mary Casanova with illustrations by Ard Hoyt. When Dirk Yeller rolls into town everyone and everything halts to a dead silence. The town folk are sent into mass panic except young Sam, who is quite enthralled with Dirk’s every move. Dirk stomps into the various old west buildings demanding that someone help his curious case of ‘cat scratch fever’. He is a-itchin’ and a-twitchin’ and nobody in town can seem to calm old Dirk Yeller down. The town folk freeze in fear until Sam and his friend Jenny find a creative way to help Dirk and satisfy his intensifying itch.

Creatively written, this story is one that children of all ages will be able to easily comprehend and fall in love with. The nostalgia of the Wild West is a brilliant setting for this story to be told in. The illustrations throughout the book are lively, bold and bright. The pages truly come to life in a unique way with loads of excitement and tons of fun. I love the main concept behind this enthralling story. It is a meaningful, yet captivating children’s book that inspires the reader greatly. Just because Dirk Yeller seems to be a huge stubborn man with a lot of negative history, he also shows a sensitive side and that his heart can be melted. This story encourages children to read and imagine and allows them just to be kids! Dirk Yeller is able to let his guard down just like any other person who needs a great outlet. Books connect us all and this wonderful and empowering children’s book certainly is one that I would recommend for all children.