Reviews (5)

Very poorly done.
I was SO disappointed in this book. I love horses and thought this would be a good gift for my nephew but after I got it I changed my mind. The story is kind of interesting but it seems from reading stuff on the Internet that it's really not true after all. So I'm not giving my nephew this book (which is labelled as "a true story"). I don't want him to end up thinking something is true history which is really not.

It's got some disturbing contents, too, including a scene of the main character getting drunk. I just don't think this is a good book for kids.

A companion to the movie for young readers
So many children that I know have become big HIDALGO fans in the
way that my generation embraced Black Beauty, The Black, and other wonderful horse heroes. What is nice is that Hidalgo is truly an American horse hero for the new generation.

The book is a wonderful companion and keepsake for the young
reader who wants to revisit Hidalgo and enjoy the magic in book form. The color photos are a hit with the kids, too: all that green Dakota grass contrasted with the sands of Arabia.

An easy and pleasant read.

Good, enjoyable reading no matter how old you are
I've seen HIDALGO at the movies twice now and am really looking foward to purchasing the DVD when it's released this summer. Since seeing it the second time around, I've collected some of the film's memorabelia (the poster, the CD of the score and this interesting novelization of the screenplay). It's written mainly for 8-12 year olds but I'm 24 and I happened to really enjoy it. Having seen it twice, I remember much of the details of the film which the book remains faithful to. I highly recommend this to anyone who's seen the movie, likes Viggo Mortensen (a highly talented actor who also played Aragorn in THE LORD OF THE RINGS movies) or if you just love to read really good books.

A wonderful TRUE adventure story
I purchased this book for my young nephew and to my friend's daughter. Before I gave it to them I read it. I feel the authors did a great job to "translate" some meaningful messages to young readers. The story is first and foremost about the Mustang Stallion, Hidalgo. It is no secret that Mustangs are the toughest when it comes to endurance. I was already familiar with Frank Hopkins, from well known writers and historians. His credibility I have found, was well established. I am disappointed that a review, (...Midwest reader) was published, with such "personal" undertone and prejudice. The book is extremely well done, kids found it exciting, entertaining. They learned about true values in life, such as saving a wonderful breed of horses from extinction, (...like Frank Hopkins did), and also how a person should relate to horses in general; with respect and appreciation. The true demeanor of the American Cowboy, (...a diminishing breed) was also illustrated in an excellent fashion! I highly recomend this book to any children or adult alike.

I Love The Movie, I Love The Book!
This marvelous little book is basically John Fusco's movie script- a work of creative genius, in that it takes the readers(and viewers)into the stark and beautiful world of the desert of northern Africa and lets us all share an amazing adventure story that is uplifting and inspiring, much in the same way that Seabiscuit, The Black Stallion, and Pharlap were.It is a tale of strong-willed determination in the face of enormous odds, and of personal redemption from the torments of self-doubt and guilt. Beyond this spiritual struggle, there is also the story of one man's special bond of friendship and loyalty with his horse, Hidalgo, the equine hero of the movie and this book. This metaphor is powerfully portrayed by Viggo Mortensen and his paint mustang(which he now owns, apparently, in "real life"): the very close and symbiotic relationship that Mankind has had with the horse from the beginning of time and down through the centuries. And this, I believe, is why everyone can relate to this book and movie, even if we are not "horse people" in our present urban lifestyles. Our lives, indeed our entire civilization, have been built on horsepower- hay-burning horsepower-- to develop farming, to log in the forests, to build roads and train tressels, to explore new worlds, to conquer other armies. The symbiotic horse has been our loyal partner from prehistory until today, and we all feel this phylogenetic connection in the deeper recesses of our souls. So let this tale take you on a journey back through time. You'll be the stronger and wiser for it. Take my word for it, for I too have ridden in the desert. ... Read more

Book Description

Approx. 5 hours
3 cassettes
Read by Tom Wopat

Ryan wants just one thing: to be a cowboy--a working cowboy--on the large Saddlebow Ranch in Wyoming, where he and his family live.But Ryan's older brother Gil's involvement with the Mountain Patriots Association, a local militia group, places Ryan in the middle of unavoidable confrontation and disaster.As a consequence, Ryan learns what it really means to be a man, what it takes to build a good future, and how to find his place in a changing world.
... Read more

Reviews (4)

Walker's Crossing
Walker's Crossing was The best book I have Ever read. Usually when I read a book, I get bored and I don't finish the book. When I read Walker's Crossing, I read the book. I was very interested in the book. I used to want to be a cowboy when I was younger.When Lon Walker got hurt,I thought it was cool that Gil Walker and Ryan Walker helped out on the Ranch.If I was a girl, I would want to be a Junior Rodeo Queen too.Charlene never gave up.I learned alot about what cowboys really do on a Ranch.I urge everyone in the world to read Walker's Crossing. It's a great book.

Historical Fiction
"Walker's Crossing" is an excellent example of historical fiction as it brings to life the prejudicial views of the Ku Klux Klan and shows how prejudice affects a community. Ryan Walker is a seventh grade boy who lives on a ranch in rural Wyoming. All Ryan wants is to be a cowboy for Saddlebow Ranch, where his father is the foreman. Ryan's good-for-nothing 22-year old brother, Gil, becomes involved with the Mountain Patriots Association, a group formed to drive out all "minorities" from the area.

Ryan's best friend, Matt, becomes a junior member of the Patriots and starts spreading racial propoganda around their junior high school. Then a friend's father is killed in a helicopter crash caused by the Patriots, and Ryan tries to help his friend deal with the loss of his father. Ryan's brother, Gil, is put in jail.

Throughout the book, Ryan is described as being "too tall and too skinny", made fun of because of his appearance. This story uses prejudice and differences among people to explore how we find common ground and acceptance in order to build character. Ryan remains true to his friends, despite ridicule from others, and finds an inner strength he did not know he possessed. At the end of the story, he is offered that job at Saddlebow - and Ryan learns that honesty, integrity and trust win over hatred and ignorance.

A wonderful story for young people and adults alike.

A YOUNG BOY'S DREAM
Many young boys dream of becoming a cowboy, but Ryan is somewhat different because he wants to be a working cowboy in Wyoming. His brother's association with a local militia group throws stumbling blocks into Ryan's path as he learns how to overcome obstacles and the meaning of maturity. Tony Award nominee Tom Wopat gives an appropriately gripping read to this saga.

Unique coming of age story set in contemporary America
I had purchased "Walker's Crossing" just prior to hearing Phyllis Reynolds Naylor speak at the Keene State College Children's Literature Festival. She spoke briefly about this particular book and I glanced at the first chapter quickly! I was hooked!

The book takes you to a small ranch in Wyoming where you meet a junior high boy--Ryan--who doesn't fit in at home and is the tallest boy at school by far. He is teased about his height and tongue-tied in front of girls.

To make matters worse Ryan's older brother Gil has become interested in a para-military hate organization run by one of Gil's new friends--Matt. Many of the boys in Ryan's class are impressed by this organization and can't wait to be old enough to join.

Although Ryan's parents are not very empathetic Ryan has mentors in the ranch hands who allow him to help them run the ranch. Ryan is a real help and feels that ranch life is the only life for him. His father dismisses Ryan's desire--wishing instead that his older son Gil would becoome a rancher.

Even the adults in this book are very confused about their feelings regarding Jews immigrants and anyone not descendants of twelve northern European countries. An important book!! ... Read more

Book Description

Dry Gulch becomes the smelliest town in the West when a posse of stinky cowboys arrive and refuse to take baths.Things get so bad, even the stinkbugs leave.

No baths today! No baths tomorrow! No baths ever! roar the funky cowpokes.

And pretty soon all of Dry Gulch is up in arms—while holding their noses!

Luckily, Deputy Jess and her aunt Gussie are determined to make the No Stink Law stick. With a clever plan, and a little soap, can they solve the P.U. problem?

Kids will cheer for both the cowboys and the plucky deputy in this bath-time laugh-time story. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Job
This book tells about how Pickett, the oldest of 13 children, invented his technique of catching a steer by the horns, twisting its head up, and clamping its upper lip with his teeth until the steer toppled over. Pickett went on to become the first African-American to be inducted into the National Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. This story was very inspiring to me. I enjoyed reading about Pickett's life and the illustrations were wonderful as well. The author chose to write this book to inspire people (children). It is defiantly written for struggling readers but would keep a fluent reader very entertained. This would be a great book to use to do a lesson on Black History month. ... Read more

Book Description

Do you know all the uses of a bandanna or why hats are described ingallons? The answers are in this colorful new book along with photos illustrating theclothing worn by men and women cowhands. ... Read more

Book Description

A little buckaroo is turning two in this birthday book for the very young, the fifth story about the delightful holiday mice. Mischief and near disaster abound when the littlest mouse"s sister and brothers throw him a cowboy-themed party. Through simple rhymes and charming illustrations, readers witness the party preparations, the arrival of the guests,the opening of presents, and the blowing out of the candles, as well as the ensuing fulfillment of the little mouse"s fondest birthday wish: to be a cowboy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Howdy, Cowboy!
The littlest mouse is turning two, and he has a cowboy-themed party to celebrate. With all the fun and do-si-doing, balloons are popped and the cake is smashed. But the little mouse's siblings and friends save the party from disaster with quick thinking. All ends well, with the littlest mouse getting his birthday wish.
The text is terrific to read aloud, and the illustrations are bright and fun. The tiny cowboy mice and huge cupcakes and balloons are adorable. A great gift for a birthday child. ... Read more

Book Description

This delightful western yarn of courage, perseverance, and hopetells how William and his horse, Pinto Bean, try to join the CastleRock Wranglers on the day of the big cattle roundup. To their dismay,the trail boss yells You trailin' us son? Git on home. This ain't nowhistle pig picnic. The smell of danger causes them to follow anywayand leads them straight into a hairy ordeal that they can survive onlyif William uses his special talent. A special friend is hiddenthroughout the pages of the book and a cowboy glossary is included. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Brillant!
The Legend of the Whistle Pig Wrangler, written by Kate Allen is a wonderful, exciting, enjoyable book that no household should go without. I have enjoyed this book for 2 years now. It has an amazing plot with wonderful illustrations. This book is a must have.

The Legend of the Whistle Pig Wrangler
This cute story about a whistle pig (marmot) wrangler with a big smile and the talent to whistle "tickles" your heart. The illustrations are fantastic and are what drew me to the book originally. The brilliance of the picture detail make the character's eyes look real and the story come to life. There is even a illustrative spoof on a Dolittle painting. The glossary of cowboy lingo was quite helpful while my daughter was reading the story to me. Your childen will enjoy having this book as a part of their book collection - it won't stay on the shelf! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book is sure to be an american classic.
Jack Creek Cowboy is an American classic.It is sure to please all ages with the most vivid pictures available in a childrens book.I am Corey the twelve year old in the book.I am now twenty and still have people sitstunned by the beauty of the ranch and the way the book is written.Itruely feel that this is a book that all people should buy their kids as itappreciates the life we all lead and the hard work and bonding of a family.

Sincerely, Corey Whitlock 10-30-98 ... Read more

Book Description

In britches and boots and a broad-brimmed hat to hide her long red hair, Ernestine looks as much like a cowboy as any young lass from Ireland ever could. Along a dusty trail she meets Texas Teeth and his cowhands, who are driving a herd of ornery cows to Abilene. Hoping to earn enough for a ticket back home, Ernestine signs on for the drive. Though she tends to fall off her horse quite a lot, she finds she's pretty good at lassoing calves. But will her skill be enough to win her the grand prize at the Abilene Rodeo?

Cowpokes and critters alike will whoop with delight at Nicole Rubel's wild and woolly tale of the sassiest lassie west of the Pecos. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A fun tale for cowboys and cowgirls alike
Poor Ernestine! She comes all the way from County Clare, Ireland to be a mail-order bride in Lizard Lick, Texas, only to find that her bridegroom--who bears the wonderful name of Virgil Beetle--is a tobacco-chewing cad who lives with his awful family and who doesn't give a hoot what she thinks or feels.

After biding her time with the Beetles until a preacher can be found, Ernestine boldly decides to make a quick getaway disguised as a cowboy. She meets up with the cowboy Texas Teeth and they have some adventures together herding cattle before eventually falling in love.

Although the illustrations are colorful, they verge on amateurishness. But the story is well told, and author/illustrator Nicole Rubel has obvious affection for her subject, and that makes all the difference. Lots of fun for any little kid who's ever pretended to be a cattle-herdin' cowgirl or cowboy. ... Read more

Book Description

Chiefy is a pony with a mind of his own, a fondness for old movies, and a taste for Popsicles- but the spunky young heroine of Popsicle Pony knows just how to handle him.

Jill Stover has written and illustrated a delightful story based on her own childhood in South Texas, where there really was a movie-loving pony named Chiefy, and he really did gert put in jail! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Charro: The Mexican Cowboy
Lovely photos and words reveal a traditional sport, way of life and skills comparable to the American rodeo.Boys, girls, young women and men join in for a day of celebration centered around style, courage, horses and skillwith a rope. Over 2 & 1/2 dozen Spanish words are introduced throughthe text. I would reocmmend this book to students in the 4th and 5thgrades. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent and beautiful book
This is a simple and beautifully illustrated children's book. My son and I have read it many, many times. The illustrations are surprising little gems of timeless art, and the prose has the bedrock feel of real cowboy lore, with an economy of words. I would highly recommend it for any child you has a love of horses or the American West. Yes, one of the steers is branded with a tiny 666 on the side. This is symbolic of the seemingly diabolical nature of the runaway steer, not any kind of deeper statement. Please use your brains, people.

Not Upset
Glen Rounds is hilarious.The books are fun for both adult and child.Glen lived the "old west" way of life and portrays his life in much of his writings and illustrations.This book, like many others are some of my children's favorites.As far as the 666 thing goes, if anyone has ever tried to herd or do anything with cows, you would understand why Glenn illustrated it thus.I personally found the 666 on the cow extremely funny...but then my father-in-law raises cows, so I can relate.

Not Upset
Glen Rounds is hilarious.The books are fun for both adult and child.Glen lived the "old west" way of life and portrays his life in much of his writings and illustrations.This book, like many others are some of my children's favorites.As far as the 666 thing goes, if anyone has ever tried to herd or do anything with cows, you would understand why Glenn illustrated it thus.I personally found the 666 on the cow extremely funny...but then my father-in-law raises cows, so I can relate.

UpSet Also
I thought this book was okay, until I also turned to page 19 and saw the 666 on the side of the steer.My nephew brought this home from the school library, and he is only in Kindergarden.I took the book back to the school and had the numbers scratched out.I am very dissappointed in this kind of behavior, expecially in a childrens book.

Fun!
I thought that the illustrations and story were wonderful! I am ateacher and plan on reading this to my class because of the wonderful example of a beginning, middle, and end for narrative writing. It's a fun picture book to read with children. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Simple Pleasure
"Cowboy Pup" has been my 16-month-old son's favorite book since he started liking books eight months ago. I'm not sure what it is he likes--unlike another reviewer's experience, the fuzzy face doesn't seem to be a big deal for him--but we read it every day. Mom & I know it by heart. I couldn't care less whether she or I like it, as long as he does; it's been a bridge to more complex books.

I think it's a good book for infants to make books' acquaintance with: the story's easy and rhymed, the pictures are big, the board pages are able to withstand a reasonable amount of chewing. It makes a good, safe gift choice.

I'm 9, and I loved this book
I made my mother read me this book over and over when I was little. She can still quote pages from the book. I loved to touch the furry face the book has while she was reading. I recommend this book to anyone 2-3 years old.

This Isn't About the Story.
This book is one of those trick-gadget books that people come up with in the hope that it will lead children to explore books and begin a lifetime of reading. The story is quite short and features a a young cowboy pup. There are a few Cowboy Western slang words that younger children may not understand, but other than that the story; which describes the daily adventures of Cowboy Pup is easy to read and understand. Kids love this book, but it's not for the words. They love it for the furry puppy face that is pasted on the end, but through cleverly placed holes appears on every other page. It's a nice book to look at, but without the furry face, it's just mediocre tripe. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Book for ALL ages!
I'm neither a young adult, or in any grade between four and eight, but this book is one that everyone should read, no matter what your age. Some pictures are grainy, yes, but then again, THEY'RE OLD and they SHOULD be grainy. This is one book you'll want to pick up every now and then and read all in one sitting. Remember the names of the cowboys and read more books on them. They are as much a part of our history as the American Indians. BUY IT!!! Better yet, BUY THREE!!!

An engaging book about African Americans in the Old West
This entertaining and informative book for young adults not only describes the daily lives of black cattlemen; it also includes tales of black pioneers, settlers, lawmen, and outlaws, whose names have been largely forgotton but who were influential in shaping the American West. Despite what we may read and see in western books and films, African Americans played an integral part in America's expansion during the 19th century.

The Black Cowboys is a well-illustrated and beautifully written book ... Read more

Book Description

Miss Little Britches is a heart-warming story set against the background of the Little Britches in Colorado. As touching as The Yearling, as unforgettable as National Velvet, Miss Little Britches tells of a young girl's struggle to accept a homely horse and her discovery of the joy and pain in becoming a rodeo champion.

Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, Children's/Young Adult Category. ... Read more