Kalico Jack

A story about a jackrabbit who, unlike the others, has more of a tabby cat coloring than white. So he gets teased a lot, which makes him take off to explore the world—or at least the western US—when he’s old enough. He makes friends wherever he goes, with cows, scorpions, snakes, even wolves, though he leaves before they get hungry, or as he puts it, before he became the featured entrée.
In a world where animals talk, aliens show up! Wow! And all those Bigfoot sightings? He’s a prankster, when he’s not out surfing. Jack even tries a stint as a superhero, but the market is saturated with them, so he passes the time surfing the internet and playing Sudoku (Hey, does the author have a camera in my house?). Eventually he gets to prove himself and save the day.
Some western paintings, no big deal; with his color scheme it’s tough to make out details. This was completely silly, but that’s its charm. The author forgot to include the kitchen sink, but managed to throw in everything else.
3.5 pushed up to 4/5

I did think this story was cute, but I think I could have liked it more. It was about a jackrabbit who comes across some special powers on a walkabout. Although there is conflict and resolution, I feel like the answers the the conflict were too easy, and I felt like I missed out on a good story. One example that bothered me, Kalico Jack was going to ram into his enemy with his jackelope prongs. Instead, he ends up magically being able to attack his enemy with lightning. I don't want to see a bloody battle in a children's book, but I don't want to see the easy way taken either.
What I did like, I really loved. The illustrations were very colorful, and reminded me of southwest American artwork.
This story will most likely be welcomed by children who like fun and adventurous stories. I can see it as being a good story time book.

Story telling that being different can be good. Illustrations are good writing can be improved

This is a fun little read with a positive message.

Kalico Jack is a jack rabbit with a difference – his fur is multicolored with orange and black stripes and splotches on white. Add to that two different eye colors and Kalico Jack was repeatedly made fun of by other rabbits. When he gets old enough, Kalico Jack decides to take travel west from his home in Chicago hoping to find a place where he fits in.

The story follows Kalico Jack as he passes through St. Louis and journeys west all the way to the coast Along the way he makes friends with bullfrogs, cows, wolves, various desert creatures, Big Foot and even a Martian (near Area 51 apparently). He checks out several national parks and, as he nears Devil’s Tower, he makes a surprising discovery. He decides he must return to the city to use his newly found skills to help others. That isn't easy and he faces a fearsome enemy. He knows he still has lots to learn, but now he feels he has a purpose.

The story is cute and imaginative, if a bit wacky. The images are beautiful and fun and I am sure that a print version would be a delight for children. There is obviously a message regarding being different and finding a way to accept one’s differences and make them an asset. I enjoyed the story and think it would be a fun read with a young person who likes adventure.