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The story is done in rhyme, which makes it great to read aloud. Thecolorful illustrations are just delightful, each covering two pages, thus givinga powerful sense of movement to the story.--Childrens LiteratureJames Rice, known foremost as the illustrative master behind CajunNight Before Christmas , amuses and educates children all over thecountry through his works.One of his hallmarks has been the creation of recurring characters from hisChristmas stories to his cowboy legends. But among them all no characterattracts as much attention as the bayou alligator Gaston, whose numerousadventures introduce children to many aspects of the world around them.This time Gaston leaves the Louisiana bayous atop a Cajun steed named BlackLightning. Their destination is the world-famous Churchill Downs racetrack, homeof the Kentucky Derby.