* In his offhand, poker-faced manner, Steig narrates the comically hapless journey of Farmer Palmer and hired hand Ebenezer as they return from town, their wagon loaded with gifts for the Palmer family. Full-color illustrations add action, expression, and bright, countryside colors. "Booklist, starred review" A joyous slapstick farce with a breezy text that rushes headlong to the end of the tale and with pictures in which two country bumpkins go from one hilarious misadventure to another. "The Horn Book" A gross of gold stars. "The New Yorker""

William Steig (1907-2003) was a cartoonist, illustrator and author of award-winning books for children, including Shrek!, on which the DreamWorks movies are based. In 1930, Steig's work began appearing in The New Yorker, where his drawings have been a popular fixture ever since. He published his first children's book, "Roland the Minstrel Pig," in 1968. In 1970, Steig received the Caldecott Medal for "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble." His books for children also include "Dominic"; "The Real Thief"; "The Amazing Bone," a Caldecott Honor Book; "Amos Boris," a National Book Award finalist; and "Abel's Island" and "Doctor De Soto," both Newbery Honor Books. He died in Boston at the age of 95.