An easy-to-read retelling of a classic tale in which a strange man spins straw into gold, asks a huge reward, and offers a seemingly impossible way out of the deal.
A boy the size of his father's thumb has a series of adventures, including stopping a pair of thieves, being swallowed by a cow, and tricking a wolf into bringing him back home.
After meeting a well-fed dog, a half-starved wolf is ready to exchange his life in the wild for the daily comforts of food and shelter until he learns that a full belly is not worth the price of freedom.
Relates some of the legends of Pecos Bill, a cowboy who was raised by wild animals, once roped a whole herd of cattle at once, and invented Texas chili.