Customer Reviews

The Toughest Cowboy: or How the Wild West Was Tamed (Bccb Blue Ribbon Picture Book Awards (Awards))

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When my son pointed out this book in the bookstore, I started glancing through and then couldn't put it down. The illustrations are amazing, but the story is very funny and clever. The author uses puns and such gruff character names and traits along with a sweet little poodle, and weaves a really delightful story. The little poodle looks exactly like our neighbor's dog, so we bought two copies - one for them and one for us.

I think my husband and I have read it to our boys at least 10 times - and each time we find something new. For example, last night my son noticed that the sign SALOON had an O painted over to make the SALON sign (which I don't want to give any more away about). Even my grandfather (who had been a cowboy) loved it when we read it to him. He said the illustrations were very accurate. It's just a super book. We'll be giving it often for birthday and holiday presents this year.

I've read a variety of western books to my students, but this one is going to be a favorite! It came highly recommended by both a school librarian and a friend that works in a children's bookstore, so I had to get a copy and read it. If you are looking for a book with codgery cowpokes, a poodle, and lots of laughs, this is a book for you. Primary school age children will love the story line and characters. Older children and adults will enjoy the puns and humor. The illustrations are detailed, old west, and funky fun.

Dense with rich narrative language, crackling dialogue, stunning art and sidesplitting humor, this enormously entertaining western stands apart from the rest of the herd. The text is longer than that of most picture books, but it's all muscle and no fat; there's nary a wasted word. Many of the students in my undergraduate children's-literature course are headed for a career in elementary education, and all of them ought to include this title in their future classroom libraries.

We've never come across a children's story that made everyone in our family laugh as much as this one did. The writing is witty and imaginative, and the pictures are absolutely gorgeous. We can only hope the author and illustrator pair up for another book!

I bought this book because of the reviews given here on Amazon... I am SO GLAD I DID! What a treasure! (You must read this in your best Southern Texas Drawl.) You will be in stiches. I'm recommending this book to everyone I know and will be giving it for all the birthdays this year.

What a clever, fun, and unexpected gem of a story. You could not ask for a better blend of humor and storyline to keep a child riveted and laughing all at the same time. I am so happy we got this one and hope John Frank will write some more! The illustrations are marvelous and augment the story beautifully.

I'm a little shocked that this book got such rave reviews, and that some are from teacher-types...as an elementary school librarian, I purchased this from a reputable vendor after reading SLJ's glowing review of it. But after seeing not 1, not 2, but 3 full page spreads of nose picking cowboys, I'm rethinking this purchase! I'm sorry, but our little guys and gals don't need any encouragement in this area! I know it's all in good fun, but I can pretty much guarantee that I would have plenty of parents who would be offended and/or upset that their child checked this out of his/her school library (and folks, I'm not at all a prude here, but I have to say I agree!). Cute story line, but the nose picking has to go. Not the sort of book I'd want my own children choosing, or receiving as a gift either.

This book was on the 2006-7 Texas Bluebonnet List. I used it to put together a musical readers' theatre program for my third graders. They loved it! This book is high-interest, the illustrations are top-quality, and it will provide endless classroom applications to the elementary crowd.

I have included a link below of a song called "My Poodle Dog" that was perfect for the play. I couldn't find any sheet music for it, so I transcribed it from this CD.

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This book is a must-have for elementary teachers and school libraries.

We got this book out of the library and it ended up being one of our favorites during its 2 week stint and I plan on buying it for my son for Christmas. Get over some of the gross humor (picking noses and such)- which i am sure older kids will find hysterical, and just enjoy this unique and strange and beautifully illustrated tale about 3 rough , tough men tamed by a little poodle!

This is funny and goes well with a wild west lesson. The audio version is great with this book!