The adventures of a family of magicians traveling across the western deserts and plains in the 1880s.

As a boy, Sid Fleischman lived for magic. He visited a sideshow in 5th grade that changed his life. From that moment on, he was consumed with the world of magic. He published his first book, Between Cocktails, when he was 19. It was a book about magic tricks. Kids will learn how this was a turning point for Sid Fleischman; how this book made him think about writing. They will find out how his life as a magician, and his many other experiences, helped him write such popular books as the McBroom series and Newbery Award-winning book, The Whipping Boy.

A one-man dog Part wolf and fiercely independent, Jim Ugly is a dog who answers to only one person. Unfortunately, that man -- Sam Bannock -- has disappeared. Rumor has it that Sam is dead, but to his son, Jake, something about that doesn't sound quite right. So Jake and Jim Ugly embark on a wild journey into the frontier West, where they find themselves pursued by a pretty lady, a theater troupe, and one very ornery yellow-legged man. And they all want to know one thing: Where is Sam Bannock?

"Discusses the life of children's author Sid Fleischman, including his childhood, writing career, and his advice for young writers"--Provided by publisher.