by Jonah Arizona, illustrated by Tom Coffield

A new, exciting life awaits mischievous Sam Davenport after he and his family move to Arizona from Alaska. But now Sam's only friends are his dog, a kind old neighbor, and Bucket, a mule that Sam acquires in a most extraordinary way. Sam gets into lots of trouble, but through some exciting adventures with Bucket, he learns many lessons and proves - at last - that he can be responsible for both his actions and his mule.