Boss of the Plains [Paperback]

DK Publishing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2000 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

When the American West was first being settled, everyone wore whatever hats they'd worn back home: knit caps, wool derbies, straw sombreros. But John Stetson, a young hatmaker who had followed his dream to go west, found the short brim of his stylish New Jersey derby useless in the harsh frontier weather. He invented a "big and picturesque" wide-brimmed, high-crowned hat--a hat for the bullwhackers, mule skinners, drovers, and cowboys of the West. He called it the Boss of the Plains, and although it cost a cowboy a whole month's wages, it quickly became the most popular hat west of the Mississippi. This unusual picture-book biography, illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner Holly Meade in her distinctive cut-paper style, captures the little-known story of the hat that has come to symbolize the West--and the man who invented it. John Stetson fulfilled his dream and became an important part of the great American adventure called the West. Others did it by striking gold or blazing trails through unknown territory. He made his mark on history with a hat. At last -- paperback versions of all-time favorite children's books from Dorling Kindersley! Every young reader will find something fascinating on this exciting list. Affordable prices and outstanding quality make Dorling Kindersley Paperbacks the perfect choice for helping children read every day.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Have you ever wondered where the Stetson hat got its name? John Batterson Stetson, a hatmaker from New Jersey, invented the wide-brimmed, tall-crowned, felt hat after moving west to seek his fortune during the gold rush. While he didn't find much actual gold, his invention was a veritable gold mine, as word of the Stetson (originally called the Boss of the Plains) spread like wildfire. It was the perfect hat for a cowpoke, as it shielded eyes from the sun and necks from the rain--and in a pinch could be used to carry water, fan a fire, or "impress a lady at the Saturday night dance." This attractive, Western-styled picture book tells the story of Stetson, from mild-mannered hatmaker to struggling, sunburned gold digger to the leader of a hatmaking dynasty! Author Laurie Carlson (of More than Moccasins) presents biographical and historical details in a jaunty, compelling voice, and reveals the fascinating process of hatmaking (not recommended for emotional rabbit owners!). Illustrator Holly Meade (who won a Caldecott Honor for Hush) blankets the pages with bold cutouts that embody the savory flavor of the wild American West. Cowboys and cowgirls alike will love hearing the story of how the West was won--by a hat. (Ages 4 to 8) --Brangien Davis --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

"Young cowhands with a hankering for the Wild West will tip their hats to this tale," said PW of this picture book profile about the man who invented the Stetson. Ages 4-10. (June)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN; 1st edition (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789426579
• ISBN-13: 978-0789426574
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,197,469 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great illustrations and great story, August 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Boss of the Plains (Hardcover)

I think this was a very interesting way to tell people how the cowboy hat was invented. The artwork was what first attracted me to this book, and the illustrations were wonderful. I am 10 years old, and I think this book would be great for children of all ages.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful illustrations with informative text, March 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Boss of the Plains (Hardcover)

This is a story of John Batterson Stetson and how he invented the hat "Boss Of The Plains" or more commonly known as the "ten-gallon hat". As a boy, John Stetson dreamed of going west. When at last he went, he became an important part of the Great American Frontier Adventure. Others struck gold or blazed trails through unknown territory, but John Stetson made his mark with a hat. The beautiful pictures in this book could have told the story themselves and it will get kids interested in an important part of history.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of fun interesting facts and colorful pictures!, January 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Boss of the Plains (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my little cousin as we are related distantly to John Batterson Stetson and thought he would get a kick out of reading about someone connected to him. He loved it! The pictures are colorful, the information interesting! Thank you for carrying the book!