The Toughest Cowboy: Or How the Wild West Was Tamed

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.

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.

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'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.