The Fastest Water Pistol in the West by John Walker Pattison is a lively adventure set in the Wild West, where young Daniel joins his grandparents on a thrilling trip to the Arizona desert. The heart of the story is the bond between Daniel and his “Papa,” who loves to recount daring tales from his past. One evening, Papa shares the story of his showdown with Wild Will Hickory Dickory Jock, a legendary water-pistol gunslinger. But when Daniel visits Splodge City with his grandfather, he stumbles into a real-life adventure of his own. Alongside a colorful cast of characters like Weston Wolf, Two Clouds, the Navajo Warrior, and Marshall Marvin Marwood, Daniel must help save the town from evil forces using his smarts and a trusty water pistol.

I was immediately drawn to the playful tone of this book. Papa’s vast network of friends keeps the story buzzing with excitement. The way reality blends into fantasy right before Daniel’s eyes feels seamless, making the reader as surprised as Daniel when the real adventure begins. The illustrations, though not always perfectly aligned with the descriptions in the text, are bright and full of life. I particularly enjoyed the prairie dogs—they added a layer of charm that kids will love. I also appreciated the “kid-friendly” take on the classic western showdown. Instead of whiskey and guns, we have root beer and water pistols, which keep the stakes high but are suitable for younger readers. There’s a lightness to the writing, especially when Papa and Daniel bicker good-naturedly, showing a real bond between them. These moments of humor balance nicely with the story’s adventurous spirit, making it feel both fun and heartwarming. The book’s cast of supporting characters is another highlight. Two Clouds, the Navajo Warrior, stood out to me as a unique addition.

The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City is a fun, whimsical read that will appeal to young readers who love a good adventure with a lot of humor. The book is best suited for kids who enjoy imaginative stories and love rooting for the underdog. With its playful tone and quirky characters, it’s an entertaining story. It’s a great pick for a light, adventurous read with a good dose of laughs.

Pages: 58 | ISBN : 9781838758226