Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6Cody, said to be a descendant of Buffalo Bill, introduces modern readers to cowboying, discussing life on the trail, gear, the chuck wagon, law and order, etc. The most intriguing of the offerings may be the two-page endsheet photographs of cowboys in assorted working-duds. Some historical information is included, plus a couple of crafts (use a potato to make a brand; with paper, scissors, and aluminum foil make a sheriff's badge). Browsers will delight in odd tidbits such as a recipe to cure rattle-snake bite: cut off the rattler's head, boil it, drink the soup (this was for old-time; it is NOT for now). A miscellaneous overview, attractively illustrated with full-color pictures and black-and-white photos and reproductions.George Gleason, Department of English, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
An eclectic collection of facts, paintings, artifacts, and how-to projects provides an entertaining glimpse of cowboys' lives in the Old West and today. The text is unfocused and the information extremely limited, but readers will have fun browsing and trying the projects. The book lacks a list of sources that would give credence to the facts and send the avid would-be cowhand to other, more substantial material. No index is included. From HORN BOOK 1996, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A compendium of information and tidbits about cowboys, including full-color and black-and-white photographs and drawings. Subjects include information about gear, life on the trail, songs, slang, rodeos, cowboys in movies, and famous peacekeepers and bandits. There are also lessons for making chaps, chili, brands (with potato stamps), and a sheriff's star, as well as for throwing a lariat and braiding. A lot of fascinating information is packed into relatively few pages; the crisp layout, varied pacing, and wide range of lore should keep readers enthralled. Everything from cowboy cures to tracking, from dude ranches to hand signals, is covered briefly, and may send cowboy wannabes scurrying for more in-depth information on their favorite topics. Some of the instructions are a little hard to follow, but the three-bean vegetarian chili recipe will be easy for children to make. The ``Code of the West,'' a list of cowboy etiquette, has the potential to improve any community with its commonsense admonishments. The author, a descendent of Buffalo Bill, brings an enthusiasm to his subject that is perfectly attuned to the curiosity of young readers. (Nonfiction. 7-10)
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