Reviews (1)

Surprising and hilarious
My five year old loves this book. We have read it many times and it is still funny. He often refers to Hal and loves to sing the song. I recommend JALAPENO HAL to young and old alike. ... Read more

Book Description

Now, whoa whoa!Little Pardner!
Isn't it true?
COWBOYS CAN DO!
Amazing things, too!

Hey there, cowboy, in your jingle-jangle spurs, holding your lasso high-show me everything you can do! Can you brush and curry your horse, climb up in the saddle, gallop with Dad till you almost fly, and stir the dust up to the sky? Will you hold a roundup and capture a lost dogie? And, sit down to a meal of hot buttered biscuits, beans, and beef? When night falls will you rest by the fire, strumming your guitar while Papa listens, humming? Yes, it really IS true that a cowboy like YOU can do amazing things, too.
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Book Description

In this rousing account of the first true cowboys, Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman brings to life the days when the vaqueros rounded up cattle, brought down steers, and tamed wild broncos. In the service of wealthy Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century, Mexican ranch hands began herd-
ing cattle, often riding barefoot. They soon developed and perfected the skills for this dangerous work and became expert horsemen. Hundred of years later the vaqueros shared their expertise with the inexperienced cowboys of the American West, who adopted their techniques and their distinctive clothing, tools, and even lingo. Yet today it is the cowboy whom we remember, while the vaquero has all but disappeared from history.
The vaqueros are at last given their due in this dramatic narrative, lushly illustrated with beautiful period paintings and drawings. ... Read more

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A Sucessful Young Adult Book
Russell Freedman's, "In the Days of the Vaqueros" was written for young adults and in this endeavor it suceeds. It is a 70 page hard back book with numerous high quality paintings, sketches and photographs. He tells the story of the Vaqueros from the arrival of the Spanish in Mexico up to modern days. When I purchased the book, I was hoping to find a book written for adults. Yet, I was not dissapointed. The book's production values are very high and I really enjoyed the art work. ... Read more

Book Description

The untold story of the Hispanic riders and ropers who created the cowboy.

"The men who rode the mustangs, tended the cattle, and invented all the techniques of cattle raising in America were called vaqueros and they were the world's first cowboys."

Did you know that vaqueros invented ...

the rodeo?
the cowboy hat?
chaps?
and many lasso tosses?

Almost everything we associate with cowboys-how they rode, roped, dressed, and lived--began with vaqueros. These Spanish-speaking cowmen developed their skills on missions and ranches throughout Mexico and the Southwest, even in Hawaii, but they have disappeared from history.

Martin Sandler, author of the popular book Cowboys, extends to vaqueros his lively, informed, heavily illustrated treatment. He highlights vaquero clothing and vocabulary and shows in words and pictures vaqueros on horseback, leading roundups, branding, lassoing and tying. The book retells legends of the vaqueros and recounts true stories of vaquero valor, loyalty, heroism and courage. Readers meet Ramon Amuhada, who is in the Cowboy Hall of Fame; great ropers such as Pablo Romero and Jose Berrara; valiant riders, including Antonio Jose Esquival; and other true American heros. Vaqueros will appeal to cowboy fans across the country, and should be shelved in every library and bookstore next to books on African-American and white cowmen.
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Great book for kids AND parents
Kids love repetition, but after reading most children's books to my toddler, I am heartily sick of them. Not this one. It has a gentle but engaging plot and rhythmic phrases that your child will quickly remember and repeat along with you. The dialogue is fun and the characters memorable. My daughter now ranks "Nell Nugget" and "Nasty Galoot" right up there with "Madeline" in terms of favorite characters, and I think the books are on the same reading level. The age guideline is a little high -- my daughter is two and has no problem following the story and doesn't get antsy before the ending. This is one book you won't moan over when your child brings it to you for reading -- again and again! ... Read more

Book Description

Painted mountains at daybreak.
Rising slowly, cowpokes wake.

They don their boots and hats and chaps, down their flapjacks, then it's up into the saddle and off they go. through the chaparral and sage on their ponies, roping strays.
Young children will be enchanted with this charming good-night book, filled with wonderfully endearing cowboys, busy from dawn to dusk. ... Read more

Book Description

This book includes Three Western tales,
Complete with Sheriff, Hard as nails,
A Lonesome Cowboy, Thief, and Horse,
Conniption fits, Despair, remorse;
Two broken hearts, Miss Lou-Lou, and
Miss Lou-Lou's paw,
A snake-oil man;
A Dreadful Stranger Bustin' in,
A duel that smells
As vile as sin,
At Gizzard's Grill.
And for dessert
A slab of lemon pie Don't hurt.

Book Description

All is quiet in Cactus Junction. Sarah is practicing her lasso, and her friend, Billy the Ghost, is practicing his practical jokes. Suddenly, a shout rings out. The bank has been robbed! While the sheriff and his men take off in search of the robbers, Sarah sees two strange women with big muscles and hairy arms. Could they be the robbers in disguise? It's up to Sarah and Billy to find out!

Reviews (1)

Learn how to grow up to be a Cowboy!
What little boy doesn't dream at least once of someday being a cowboy? I think that if you ask most men, they will admit to this fantasy. In the charming new release "Young Cowboy," the late Western writer Will James magically captures the joy of a little boy growing up learning how to be a cowboy.

By the time little Billy Roper was just one year old, his dad was toting him along on horseback rides. Soon, Billy was leading his own pony Big-Enough around the corral. Young Billy watches the skillful riding and roping of the ranch hands and learns about the hard work and responsibilities required of a cowboy. Readers of all ages who have dreamed of riding and owning a horse will gallop through "Young Cowboy," reining in just long enough to imagine themselves in the intricate pen & ink line drawings and gorgeous full-color paintings that illustrate the story. Anyone who has a real love the old West, as well as anyone who remembers the great childrens' stories of long ago will come to cherish Will James' works ... Read more

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Story of an orphan boy who develops some unusual friendships
It's difficult to peg the age range of Will James' Cowboy In The Making: as kindergarten and first grade picturebook readers will find it too hard, but parents may find it just fine for assisted reading. Young readers and those in grades 2-5 will appreciate this story of an orphan boy who develops some unusual friendships in his travels. James' pen and ink drawings and four color paintings enhance this slim book's appeal. ... Read more

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Amazing Paintings!
Joy Cowley's text eloquently tells the story of real-life hero Dayton Hyde and his rescue of the American Mustang. However, it's the illustrations which raise this book to a work of art. Where Horses Run Free includes page after page of simply stunning paintings which transcend the average picture book, giving us a rich and rewarding experience. And it's been said before, but it bears repeating - Layne Johnson is one of today's best illustrators. Where Horses Run Free will be enjoyed on many levels by a wide range of readers - from elementary school children to adults who love horses. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

*~*Yoohoo will love this book!*~*
Spunky Annie Halfpint is not your average hero, but she will capture your heart (and an avalanche!). The author's creative language in this book immediately drew me into Annie's story. "Her voice booms soft as thunder. Her hair grows thick as ink. Her skin feels smooth as gravel. Her mukluks hold their stink." The beautiful watercolor illustrations are the perfect compliment to this legendary adventure. A fun ride - not to be missed! ... Read more