How to be a Cowboy

‘Learn how to walk the walk and talk the talk!’

This is an exciting book for any child fascinated by the life style of a cowboy.  Interestingly, on the spread where there is a map of Cowboy States in America, it is made clear that ’cowboy’ is ‘the name given to the men and women who herded cattle on ranches across America’.  This is in sympathy with players wishing to be called ‘actors’ whether they are male or female.   But I have to say that all the pictures of cowboys show males. Nevertheless the book is an invitation to girls and boys to enjoy learning more about the clothes, ‘favourite stomping grounds’, the talk and the food of the cowboy community. The hand written script adds to the personal ‘feel’ of the book and the pictures are most attractive and informative. They include a spread of beautifully decorated cowboys boots, pictures of the ranch, some different stetsons, cattle trails and vignettes round a pull-out spread with recipes.  Children will enjoy using the stickers to dress the cowboy.  This book would make a welcome gift but it also deserves a place in the primary school library as it gives so powerfully the flavour of a region and way of life.