The Cowboy and the Black-Eyed Pea (Paperback)

~ Tony Johnston (Author) "Out where coyotes serenade the moon and sagebrush grays the land, there lived a young woman of bodacious beauty..." (more)
Key Phrases: real cowboy, Farethee Well

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This vivacious picture book gives an engaging Western slant to the familiar tale of "The Princess and the Pea." When Farethee Well, "a young woman of bodacious beauty," inherits her father's considerable estate, a parade of men seek the comely lass's hand in marriage. But the savvy Texan has a foolproof method for screening her suitors--she places a black-eyed pea beneath each man's saddle blanket, knowing that a true cowboy, sensing such an irritant, will "bruise like the petals of a desert rose." Colorful lingo associated with the Lone Star state peppers Johnston's clever retelling. Ludwig's pencil and watercolor illustrations are serviceable but undistinguished. His human faces exhibit a range of appropriate emotions, but the renderings of horse and cattle seem overly cute, and commercial, and the palette is occasionally muddy. The quirky change of setting and the strong female protagonist, however, prove entertaining. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- This excellent retelling of Andersen's ``The Princess and the Pea'' has several unique elements. There is a reversal of sex roles, and the setting is the old West in Texas. Upon her father's death, Farethee Well inherits his herd of cattle, his horses, and his land. Before he dies, he tells her that many men will propose marriage because of her wealth; however, she should look for one who will love her for herself and also for a real cowboy. The young woman remembers her father saying that real cowboys are sensitive, so she places a black-eyed pea under the suitor's saddle blankets and asks him to ride around her ranch. Several are declared fake cowboys. During a rainstorm, a young man appears who is obviously disturbed by the pea, and Farethee Well marries him. Ludwig's illustrations are realistic but humorous, and the story is well suited for reading or telling aloud. While Galdone's The Princess and the Pea (Seabury, 1978) is one of the best versions published, Johnston's is by far the most original to come along in the past few years. --Andrew W. Hunter, Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg, Charlotte, NC
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (April 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 069811356X
• ISBN-13: 978-0698113565
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #607,339 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is an excellent storybook for young children., December 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cowboy and the Black-Eyed Pea (Hardcover)

The daughter of a wealthy Texas rancher, Farethee Well, uses a black-eyed pea to find her true love. This story is an excellent read-to-me book for children ages 4-9. The story is a parody of the fairy tale, Princess and the Pea. It is full of the language of the West and invites both boys and girls into the story for a lively tale.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Logical But Cute, November 14, 2006

By	Flame_926 "flame_926" (United States) - See all my reviews

If a person put a pea under a saddle blanket on a horse the cowboy would not feel it - the horse would and would soon be bucking or have a massive back ache. For this reason it is obvious that the author has no clue about riding or horses in general. Regardless, the story and illustrations are cute with bright colorful pictures and humorous faces on the characters.