Boss of the Plains: The Hat That Won the West (Melanie Kroupa Books) (School & Library Binding)

by Laurie Carlson (Author), Holly Meade (Illustrator)
Key Phrases: John Stetson, New Jersey

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
This picture book, a mix of storytelling and brand-name placement, makes a legend of John Batterson Stetson and takes its title from a trademark cowboy hat. Stetson, the son of a New Jersey hatmaker, goes west in the 1850s. Although disappointed in his quest for gold, he soon finds that his family trade comes in handy. One spread shows, step-by-step, how he turns rabbit pelts into felt to make a snug tent, and later he applies the same technique to construct a broad-brimmed hat. When he returns east and resumes hatmaking, he designs the "Boss of the Plains" to guard Western heads from the "burning sunshine, drenching rain, whipping wind, or swirling snow" of the frontier. While the detailed sidebars may trip up the pacing of Carlson's (More Than Moccasins) narrative for some readers, accounts like the felt-making episode will satisfy even the most curious cowpoke. Meade (Hush!) composes busy paper, pencil and paint collages on speckled or pin-striped brown stock, suggestive of rocks, dust and Western apparel. She imagines Stetson as a grinning, rusty-bearded gent, and pictures folks of all ages trying on the signature hat. The fresh and lively art straddles East and West, adding panache to the facts. Young cowhands with a hankering for the Wild West will tip their hats to this tale. Ages 6-10.
Copyright 1998 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
  
• School & Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Topeka Bindery (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613284275
• ISBN-13: 978-0613284271
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,571,973 in Books (See Bestsellers 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 3, 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 8, 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!