Smoky the Cowhorse [Paperback]

Will James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 8, 2008 | Age Level: 8 and up

Smoky knows only one way of life: freedom. Living on the open range, he is free to go where he wants and to do what he wants. And he knows what he has to do to survive. He can beat any enemy, whether it be a rattlesnake or a hungry wolf. He is as much a part of the Wild West as it is of him, and Smoky can't imagine anything else.

But then he comes across a new enemy, one that walks on two legs and makes funny sounds. Smoky can't beat this enemy the way he has all the others. But does he really want to? Or could giving up some of his freedom mean getting something in return that's even more valuable?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"There have been many horse stories. But not one of them can compare with this book."

-- New York Times Book Review

"One of the finest horse stories ever told."

-- Herald Tribune

From the Publisher

5 1.5-hour cassettes --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (January 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416949410
• ISBN-13: 978-1416949411
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #178,883 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely fabulous horse story, with stunning sketches!, November 17, 1999

By 

Margaret Fiore - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smoky the Cow Horse (Mass Market Paperback)

Will James obviously knows horses inside and out.

Inside of a horse: James manages to put the reader right into Smokey's head throughout his adventures. Smokey is a bright and beautiful wild "mustang", who is caught and barely half-broke by a cowboy to work range cattle. He and the cowboy, Clint, develop a special partnership, and Smokey becomes a minor legend among the local cowboys as the savviest cowhorse out there. Then fate takes a downturn when Smokey is stolen, and an outraged and heartsore Clint searches for his horse.

Outside of a horse: Will James drawings of Smokey are more alive than most living horses! They are loaded with action, personality, emotion, and the perfectly true portrayal of a horse in motion. As good as the book is - and it is wonderful - the sketches and paintings are perhaps even better!

This is a story of hard work and good fun, courage, trust, affection and loyalty. It's a great book for kids and adults alike.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Black Beauty = Smoky, January 6, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Smoky the Cow Horse (Mass Market Paperback)

This is one of the best books that I have ever read. When I first checked it out of the library I thought it might be a boring book, but I was wrong. This book is a real page-turner. The grammar may be horrible, but it adds to the setting, and it makes you feel like you're actually in the old west. Will James did a great job with the characters too. It makes you feel like you know the characters, and you feel what they're feeling and everything. It is a layered book that is similar to Black Beauty, and if you liked that story, you will definitely like this. You may not have even liked Black Beauty, but if you like horses, stories of the old west, Spaghetti Westerns, and anything of the sort, you will definitely love this book. It keeps you on your toes, always wondering what will happen next. Will James wrote this book very well, and it deserved a newbery medal, five stars, ten out of ten, 100%, and I really think a movie should be made about it.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best cowboy book ever!, September 19, 2001

By 

"pittsu" (Eureka, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smoky: The Cow Horse (Hardcover)

My dad bought me this book in 1954. It continues to be one of my favorites. Will James was the original cowboy author-illustrator and excellent at both. I can feel Smoky's hide under my hand and taste the dust of the great open spaces. A truly great read...and not just for the younger set!