Outlaw, The

In a small town in the Old West, an Outlaw menaces the town and strikes fear in the townsfolk, but when the Outlaw disappears, the town returns to its quiet self. Many seasons later, the town is in disrepair and when a stranger arrives unexpectedly and helps fix up the town, he is identified as the Outlaw. Some people turn against him but a little boy changes the town’s mind and gives the Outlaw a chance at redemption. This Canadian picture book, with its short, simple sentences and rich vocabulary, deals with making mistakes, forgiveness, second chances, and redemption. The illustrations, lush with both obvious and subtle details, provide a more comprehensive understanding of the story.