Book Description

When a little boy gets set to spend the day at Grandma's, he's really preparing to go on the cowboy ride of his dreams. With his imagination in tow, he and his pardner (brother) ride their horses (Mom and Dad) to meet their ranch hand (Grandma). After having a great day doing all the things that cowfolk do, this fantastic adventure ends in a wonderfully reassuring way as the cowboy and his "horse" are reunited, just in time to be tucked in bed.This is the quintessential cattle-rustling cowboy fantasy, ideal for all young tots with lots of wonder and imagination in their hearts.Dana Kessimakis Smith was born and raised in Utah. Currently she lives in California with her family, working as a full-time writer and mom. Laura Freeman studied art at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where she lives with her husband and two sons. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Book! My kids LOVE it, and so do I!
This book brings to life the way children see things - their imaginations dance! Every wonder why your 3-5 yr. old doesn't hear you when you are talking with them? Here's why...they are enjoying their wonderful imagination. This book shows how vivid kids can be in their thoughts - how things can magically turn into something different with just a twist of interpretation.
I loved this book because it brings back all those memories when I just stood back and watched my kids play. How we'd all love to capture those moments or make time stand still. Those, I wish this could last forever...moments.
I can't wait for the next book from this author! I found www.booksbydana.com has a listing of more books to come. ... Read more

Book Description

From the day she was born, Hannah Mae O'Hannigan has dreamed of being the root-tootinest cowgirl ever. Too bad for Hannah Mae, she lives smack-dab in the middle of a city.

But Hannah Mae's Uncle Coot lives way out West, and Hannah Mae is sure-as-sunshine determined to make it to his ranch. So with the help of her parents, Hannah Mae trains for the life of a rodeo star. She practices her horse ridin' with Sassafras -- a sweet pony from the pony-ride in the park. Her stuffed animals are perfect for ropin' practice, and she masters cow herdin' by rounding up a bunch of pet-store hamsters.

Finally Hannah Mae is ready to lasso her destiny. But when she gets to Uncle Coot's ranch, she is given only ranch-hand chores. Thanks to a mysterious herd on the horizon, Hannah Mae learns that with some quick thinkin' and some sure ridin', she can be the cowgirl who saves the day (and the frontier)! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hannah Mae O'Hannigan's Wild West Show
This book is wonderful! It's ideal for children of all ages that dream of being cowboys or cowgirls. My 7, 5 and 4 yo love this book. A delight to read aloud. It is packed full with humorous pages. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hilarious!
My kids and I laughed and laughed as Adam Sharp and Magna Carter (great name!) tried to get Big Ben back from the Texans who had invaded London. This is a great series for kids who like spies. My sons hope to see Adam Sharp on televisio one of these days. A wonderful series. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

James needed to rein in his pen
This is the best of the three books in the "Uncle Bill" trilogy, if only because it was infused with all of the action missing from the first two installments. Scootie and Kip arrive in Montana for their third summer-long visit on their uncle Frank's Five Barb Ranch, only to discover that Frank and Bill plan to leave them in town while they move a newly acquired herd of bulls to the ranch. The kids are adamant against staying in town any longer than necessary, and the men finally relent to letting them tag along.

But the one-night trip they had planned is interrupted by severe rain storm, during which Kip and several of bulls are separated from the main group, the creek floods, Bill is washed downstream, and the kids barely escape becoming lion chow.

Much to the story's detriment, James's once again failed to rein in his pen, and the result is several pointless chapters tacked on at the end. Other than that, the book's only flaw is an inherently weak premise. ... Read more

Book Description

A historical novel set in the American "Wild West." A young boy leaves England for adventure in the West--becoming a lumberjack, hunter, cowboy, Indian fighter, and gold miner and finds out the truth about his "uncle" in England. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Wonderful Tale
When it seems that tales of the old west just keep on repeating themselves, this wonderful tale gives the American West a new light. G.A. Henty (the boy's historian) gives this tale a unique twist but yet keeps it within historical boundaries. Some may say that this book is a work of fantasy like most western tales. In one sense this is true as Henty uses fictional characters, but the story itself is based off of the experiences of a relative of Mr. Henty (as he stated in the preface). When one reads this tale full of gunfights, wildfires, horse races, round ups, Indian raids, and daring rescues, one would say it still sounds way too impossible. Henty understood this and stated in the preface, "in treating of cowboy life, indeed, it may well be said that truth is stranger than fiction." The tale is one worth reading largely to the sacrifice that men made for women in those days. In some instances within the book, the hero and many others are faced with the situation of saving women and children from a band of Indians, and later two young ladies from a group of outlaws. In both cases many men put their lives at stake, knowing there was little chance of survival, for those who were weaker than them. This is true Godly manhood at its fullest! Some may find a problem with the cowboys mention and use of liquor and tobacco. Let me say that tobacco was generally accepted in the days of Henty, and no one knew what it could really do to a person. Secondly the use of liquor was common in the days of the west, and Henty wanted to keep his tale accurate to the time of the work. It can also be said that Henty mentions many times the negative benefits of the drink. This story is one that you and all those who will come after you will enjoy. I highly recommend this tale for anyone wanting to read a western that is not only profanity free, but historical in setting as well.

The True Wild West Revealed
My family and I read this book together, and found it to be a very captivating western mystery. The reality of real cowboy life presented in the book, makes the Hollywood cowboy look like a romticized story character. The wild, wild west will never be the same for us. Henty has the ability to paint colorful pictures in the mind, without going into unnecessary, gory detail. A wonderful book for the whole family. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Slim and Miss Prim
Great book. My 4 year old loved it. Cute story and awesome pictures. Just the right length.

This is an enjoyable book written in rhyme.
This is an enjoyable book written in rhyme. It uses a few uncommon words which is wonderful for teaching purposes. The situation plot is sweet. ... Read more

Book Description

Dear Folks,

Here's a long story for you with no names to speak of--so, you won't be bothered by the names of the creeks and cow camps you might never heard of--and of riders you wouldn't know--but if you have been in the cow country and are acquainted with the lay of it--you'll have a lot of fun recognizing the spots where I drifted thru.If you don't know the cow country I think you'll like to come out and get lost in it for a spell.You'll know it by the time you ride with me through these pages--the whole West from the far north to the south.

There's more than plain riding and covering territory in this story...

...Here's a gentle horse for you.Climb on and follow me.

Will James ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Lone Cowboy
Independance is riding a Wyoming ridgeline on Christmas eve in a blizzard,catching the lights of a remote cabin in the valley below,and deciding whether or not to ride down to the cabin,based soley on how badly you think that you really need a cup of coffee.Will James is the "Lone Cowboy"in this turn of the century autobiography of the life of a drifter who roams from Mexico to Canada in search of ranch work.Abandoned as an infant,James was raised by a French Canadian trapper who provide equal doses of love and sink or swim trials.James fills the many lonely and isolated hours of his youth with drawing.The book contains many of James's illustrations of cowboy life and particularly beautiful renditions of his favorite subject,horses.A simple cowboy tale to most,this story will, to some readers ,provide a moving testimony to the spirit of courage,stubborness,independance that characterized the itinerent cowpokes of the old west.A wonderful book for young readers who will love the early stories about trapping,camping and getting that first horse.All will enjoy the beautiful artwork that so effectively illustrates the storyline.This sensitive story,told by the roughest of men, will provide a moving experience for all readers. ... Read more

Book Description

In this zany book with a Wild West setting, three cowpokes chase and corral "ones." "This offbeat but endearing little book exhibits a congenial marriage between text and illustration, at once whimsical and humorous." -- School Library Journal ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Exciting cowboy tale for girls
This book is wonderfully written and well researched (many of the locales are familiar to me as an Austin resident). It has all the elements of a great story -- adventure, danger, intrigue, romance -- while remaining realistic and wholesome. My 9-year-old daughter has already read it twice!

A girl's diary of her adventures on the Chisholm Trail.
Fourteen-year-old Hallie Lou Wells is the daughter of a wealthy rancher in South Texas in 1878. At their mother's insistence, Hallie and her little sister are learning to be proper young ladies. But they are also learning how to run the ranch someday. When her father decides not to go on the annual cattle drive so that he can stay home with his pregnant wife, Hallie persuades him to let her go in his place, along with her servant and best friend, Dovey Mae. Along the trail, the two girls face the dangers of rattlesnakes, storms, river crossing, hostile Indians, outlaws, and illness. But Hallie becomes a braver, stronger person, and even experiences the joy of love. Told through the form of a diary kept by Hallie, this book was very similar to the Dear America series, and I would reccomend it to all fans of that series. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether it's summer in Colorado or Utah, fall in Montana, winter in Wyoming, or spring in New Mexico -- every season is busy when you live on a ranch. The work is tough, and it's not for just anyone. But it's the work -- and the life -- that cowgirls love best.

With respect and a keen eye, Marc Talbert vividly captures the busy days in the lives of four cowgirls: KaDee Chew, Sarah Guenzler, Katy Whitlock, and Leslie Barmann. These young women share abiding love for family teamwork, the animals they care for, and the wide-open, western spaces they each call home. And they all balance the routines of ranch work, schoolwork, and fun with ease.

Striking black-and-white images by nationally acclaimed photographer Barbara Van Cleve portray these cowgirls hard at work and hard at play, holding the reins of life with confidence, energy, and joy.

Book Description

This sweet first-word book makes a perfect and affordable gift for baby showers, first birthdays, or stocking stuffers. ... Read more

Book Description

Introduces readers to the proud young men who inspired a legend -- the trail-driving cow herders of the late nineteenth century. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The life of real cowboys
The title of Russell Freedman's book is self-explanatory -- "Cowboys Of The Wild West." Russell's focus is on the realities cowboys had to face between the late 1860s until the 1890s when the era of the open range roundups and long trail drives finally ended. He tells about the background of those cow herders on horseback, describing their clothes, equipment, and roundup work on the open range as well as on the trail drives from Texas to Kansas, Wyoming, Montana, or the Dakotas. Another chapter provides a look at ranch life while the last chapter briefly informs the reader about modern cowboy life.

Many black and white photographs of ranch scenes as well as several portraits of young cowboys bring this part of American history to life. Freedman's book can be recommended for children and adults alike who are interested in hearing about the life of real cowboys beyond the myth of Hollywood movies.

It's Alright
This book is excellent if your trying to learn something! It tells you everything about the Wild West! But otherwise just for fun I don't think you're gonna like it! It's pretty boring! But I have to read it for a grade in 6th grade language arts class, and I'll tell I think I'm goin to get an A! ... Read more

Book Description

$7.95 paperback * 1-58685-036-9 * March

6 x 8 in, 64 pp, color illustrations throughout

Rights: W, Children's Activity Book

This creative new activity book for kids brings to life the fun, romance, and hard work of being an old-fashioned cowboy. In Riding on a Range, kids will learn all about cowboys, from what their job entails to what they wear. They'll learn about the origin of the cowboy hat, the purpose of chaps and spurs, and the many uses for a bandana. Recipes for traditional cowboy food-beans and biscuits-are included, as well as plans for having your own cowboy roundup, sleeping in a bedroll under the stars. The book describes the rules and events of a rodeo and important things to remember when riding a horse. Activities are outlined to help kids create a wooden roping steer, design their own brand, and even try their hand at writing cowboy poetry. Filled with colorful illustrations, this book is brimming with ideas to help kids use their imaginations and loaded with activities they will enjoy all year long.

Lawson Drinkard is also the author of Fishing in a Brook and Hiding in a Fort, other titles in this series of activity books for children. He lives in Keswick, VA.

Fran Lee has illustrated and designed seven titles in this series of activity books. A native of Chicago, Fran currently lives with her husband in Portland, Oregon. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Our Favorite Book
I am a Mom of 5 girls, and a former teacher, and I don't know WHY, but Cowboy Baby is my 3 and 4 year olds' favorite book. The pictures are great, the theme of "finding your lost stuffed animals" is familiar, a book with Dad gets my husband to read it more, and the way the book lends itself to be read in silly voices must be the reasons it is a hit!! I am actually buying a second copy because our first is wearing out!! (Our original one was a garage sale gem. :))

Bedtime at the "Bay-B Corral"!
My kids fell hard for this cowboy baby and his adventures with his pals Texas Ted and Denver Dog, even though they're probably -- at 5 and 6 -- officially "too old" for it.

Sure, it's hokey. Sure, it's a British writer's caricature of what life in the West must be like. But the illustrations are so irresistably cheerful, and the story so beguilingly cute that this is definitely one worth lassoing for your own little cowpokes.

wonderful to read with your child again and again...
The real test of a great childrens book is whether or not your child grows tired of it and so far my son Ethan shows no sign of doing that. But let's be honest, we are the ones reading out loud and we want books we won't grow tired of as well.

Cowboy Baby keeps us both happy. Ethan loves the original and colourful illustrations and he can remember most of the simple text. I enjoy reading it to him and can practise my American accent on all the YES SIRREE exclamations.

A fun story which gets better with each reading.

Baby Obsession
If your child is a fan of Toy Story's JESSE or WOODY you will appreciate the innocent landscape of this charming tale. My two year old daughter can not get enough of Cowboy Baby's search for his missing animals. Although I've read this book a zillion times, my daughter manages to find new surprises and things to discuss in Heap's western terrain. I appreciate the fact that the story ends with everyone going to bed.

Toddler approved!
This is the first book my son Hunter got when he was born. He's now 19 months old, and it's his favorite. I can't tell you how many times we've read it, but he delights in it every single time. No matter what other book I try to get him to read, we always have to read COWBOY BABY. ... Read more