Big Bend Saddlery - Children Books

Children Books

Charlie
The Ranch Dog
By Ree Drummond

From the New York Times best selling author of The Pioneer Woman Cooks.
Come along as Ree introduces us to her beloved dangly-eared, floppy-skined,
short-legged pioneer dog named Charlie. Illustrated by Diane deGroat.

Growing up Cowboy
Artwork by Jack Sorenson
Text by Hope Lyda

Your little cowboy is a man in the making. Every life lesson you give him will be packed along for his exciting journey. This book is a round-up of wisdom and stories that will help lead your boy to be respectful, honest, courageous, kind, loyal, grateful and so much more. Hardback.

Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse
by Rebecca Janni
illustrations by Lynne Avril

Nellie Sue is a true cowgirl with lots of chores to do- even on her birthday. Whether she's harvesting hay (raking the lawn) or rounding up strays (gathering the neighbors for her birthday party), Nellie Sue reckons it all would be easier and more fun if only she had a horse. Hardback.

Learning from Longhorns
Lester Galbreth and Glenn Droomgoole
Illustrations by Charles Shaw and Photographs by Watt M. Casey, Jr.

The Longhorn- confident and courageous, humble and handsome, strong and gentle- like the old-time American cowboy, the embodiment of qualities we each hold dear. This book, geared for the advanced reader, teaches us how to learn from Longhorn. Hardback.

Hip Hip Horray for Annie Mcrae
By Brad Wilcox and Illustrated by Julie Olson
Eight year old Annie McRae is irresistible-with her toothless grin, turquoise-blue boots and her upbeat twist of life. She spends most of her days surrounded by cheers of "hip hip horray for Annie McRae!" But what happens when grown ups don't pay attention to Annie?

Giddy Up, Cowgirl
By Jarrett J. Krosoczka
It's Cowgirl time helpin' her momma wherever and whenever she can. At the bank, the dry cleaners, and at the grocery store. But sometimes a little help can lead to a Lot of problems! Maybe it's time for Momma to help Cowgirl?

Buckamoo Girls
By: Ellen A. Kelly Illustrated by: Tom Curry
Once there were two cows Joanna and Susanna. One day they dreamed that they were wild Buckamoo Girls. The Buckamoo Girls don't stand still. They ride across the open range, rope steers with the toss of a lasso, share a meal out in the open air, and dance "by the light of the mooooooon." Come imagine this dream with the Buckamoo Girls.

The Three Little Javelinas
By Susan Lowell
The timeless Three Little Pigs story with a southwestern backdrop. Hardback

The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit
By Susan Lowell
The story of the tortoise and the hare with a southwestern flair. Hardback.

Cowboy Alphabet
by James Rice
A is for armadillo, B is for bronc. A hillarious collection of cowboy phrases and words for every letter of the alphabet. Hardback.

B is for Buckaroo
A Cowboy Alphabet
By Louise Doak Whitney and Gleaves Whitney Illustrated by Susan Guy
What makes a cowboy or cowgirl? What equipment can't they do without? Waht is a jingle boboa and where is ti worn? Husband and wife writing team Gleaves and Louise Whitney answer these and other questions in high-stepping rhyme and informative text. Wyoming artist Susan Guy's vivid paintings accompany the text and bring the rugged beauty of the range and the West to life.

Round Up
A Texas Number Book
By Carol Crane Illustrated by Alan Stacy
Round up your readers and learn about the Lone Star state through numbers and math concepts by using historical figures, places, and things specific to Texas.

Why Cowboys Need a Brand
by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton
A story about determination, hard work, brands and what they say about a man. Hardback.

Why Cowboys Sleep with Their Boots On
by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton
Desert animals teach one old cowboy that it isn't a good idea to leave one's clothes unattended at night. Hardback

The Gullywasher
by Joyce Rossi
An old vaquero tells his grandaughter the story of a horrible storm that turned him from a strong young man into the grandfather she knows today.

Jack and the Giant
by Jim Harris
A new rendition of Jack and the Beanstalk featuring Annie Okey-Dokey and Wild Bill Hiccup.

Budgee Budgee Cottontail

by Jo Mora
Join Budgee, a bunny who is friends with a fox, two bears, and can lasso a longhorn, on his trail of adventure that ends with a big surprise!

The Magic Boots
By Scott Emerson and Howard Post Illustrated by Howard Post
When a boy named William Wilkins puts on his red cowboy boots, his imagination can take him anywhere--- to the Amazon River or the Wild West or the moon, flying on a magic carpet or camping out with jovial bears. When his feet outgrow the boots, William is understandably despondent. But after he falls asleep crying, he discovers he can still visit far-off places, since the magic is in his mind, not the boots.

My First Horse
By: Will James

Through Will James's accomplished stroytelling and expressive drawings, readers will enter the magical world of childhood where a rocking horse rounds up cattle and towy ponies gather in a homemade corral. This story is sure to delight every reader who has yearned for a horse and the life of a cowboy.

Cowboys
By: Catriona Clarke Designed by Laura Parker Illustrated by Terry McKenna

What was it like to be a cowboy in the Wild West? Are there still cowboys today? Inside this book you'll discover the answers and lots more fun and fascinating cowboy facts.

The Youngest Drover
by Ron Carter
A true story about growing up on a cattle drive in Montana. Novella.

The Buffalo Soldier
By Sherry Garland Illustrated by Ronald Himler
The African-American buffalo soldiers, nicknamed by the Cheyenne Indians because of their curly hair and bravery, joined the six black regiments commissioned by an act of Congress in 1866. These men, many of whom were former slaves, enlisted in the army to earn a steady income, acquire an education, and gain respect. They protected settlers from hostile Indians, rustlers, outlaws, and bandits. This heartwarming story of one buffalo soldier's service to his country during the Indian WArs and Spanish American War shows the many hardships these regiments faced. As told through the soldier-narrator's voice, the live of one buffalo soldier is revealed as the reader learns what he ate, where he slept, hte education he gained on and off the battlefield, how he spent his hard-earned money, and what heand the other soldiers did for recreation.

Cindy Ellen
by Susan Lowell
Illustrated by Jane Manning
A wild west Cinderella story.

Cowboy Rodeo
Written and Illustrated by James Rice
Texas Jack, a wise jackrabbit, tells the story of how cowboy contests developed into what we call now rodeos.

When Wishes Were Horses
By Sharon Hart Addy Illusterated by Brad Sneed
A boy named Zeb wished for horses. Everytime Zeb wished he got a horse. Pretty soon the horses took over the small town of Dusty Gulch. In the end Zeb must find some way to have his wishes to be only wishes.

Texas Zeke and the Longhorn
By David Davis Illustrated by Alan Fearl Stacy
Old Texas cowboy Zeke is looking forward to a hot bowl of chili but to get it, he must get his newly purchased steer into the corral. By enlisting the help of a collie, a mesquite stick, a campfire, a javelina, a burro, a prickly pear cactus, an armadillo, a pretty gal, and a mockingbird, he finally gets his dinner--- but not without the possibility of the antics starting all over again!

Ranch
By Roxie Munro
Horned toads, roadrunners, cowboys, and chuck wagons! Ride on into Ranch and discover the suprises waiting for you!

Shortstuff Bucks
By: Peggy Sundberg Illustrated by: Pat Wiles
Shortstuff has a chanllenge to overcome. He wants to be a rodeo bucking horse, but he is too Short! Listen as he shares his story of success with Cowgirl Peg's horses. Learn how he overcame his disadvantage. Told by the horses and containing a great life lesson, this stroy will entertain the young readers with humor, suspense and beautiful artwork.

Blanca's Feather
by Antonio Hernandez Madrigal
Illustrated by Gerardo Suzan
Rosalia wants to take her hen, Blanca, to a chapel on Saint Francis of Assisi's Day to give her a blessing from all predators and diseases. Tells of how they bond a special friendship.

Clarence Goes Out West and Meets a Purple Horse
Written and Illustrated by Jean Ekman Adams
Clarence, a small pig, goes out west to a ranch and meets Smoky, a purple horse. Smoky and Clarence become best of friends. Smoky has to leave the ranch and Clarence fights to keep Smoky on the ranch.

Over in the Garden
by Jennifer Ward
Illustrated by Kenneth J. Spengler
Set to the traditional tune "Over in the Meadow". Teaches youngsters how to count as they follow the insects from ladybugs to fireflies. Every illustration has hidden numbers.

Christmas at the J-O
Written and Illustrated by James Rice
On Christmas Eve, Jason and Patricia are alone on the ranch. Papa is on a drive with a blizzard blowing in. Patricia and Jason hear a gate banging in the wind and sneaks outside to shut it. But cannot make it back inside due to weather. Can they stand the cold and will Papa make it home for Christmas?

Why Cowboys Need a Pardner
by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton
Illustrated by James Rice
Slim Jim is all alone working on his ranch, he passes the time by telling stories to his horse, Bonecrusher. Of course, Bonecrusher cannot talk back. However, Slim Jim is hungry for conversation that he starts to hear the cattle talk. He figures out he better get himself a pardner before he goes completely "loco".

Vaqueros
Written and Illustrated by James Rice
In Spanish and English
Vaqueros are proud cowboys who drove their cows from horseback. Later they developed their own skills and culture, which spread through America. This story is told by Chi Chi, a chihuahua, who explains the different styles of Vaquero cowboying.

Texas Alphabet
Written and Illustrated by James Rice
In his famous, Texas drawl, Texas Jack, a native jackrabbit, teaches the reader about significant Lone Star characters, historical events and geography. Texas Jack also offers a humorous commentary about each entry. From Austin to Zavala and everything in between this book completely covers the Lone Star State.

Clarence and the Great Surprise
Written and Illustrated by Jean Ekman Adams
Clarence, a city pig, and Smoky, a purple horse, leave a dude ranch Smoky announces he has a surprise for Clarence. Along the way, the pair, meet singing horses, go fishing and meet Edgar- a dog who hums. But when Edgar gets lost, Clarence and Smoky spend the night searching for him. Will they ever find him and will Clarence ever get his surprise?

Trail Drive
Written and Illustrated by James Rice
Texas Jack, sees that millions of Longhorn cattle roamed the vast plains of Texas after the end of the Civil War. To sell the cattle, cowboys had to round up, brand and move a herd numbering up to 5,000 cattle to markets 1,000 miles to the north. This is what they call a cattle drive. Along the way they encountered flooding rivers, fierce dust storms, thunderstorms, and Indians. But Texas Jack sees the job had to be done and the cowboys loved their way of life so the trail drives went on and on.

Teddy's Cattle Drive,
A Story from Histroy
By Marc Simmons Illustrations by Ronald Kil
This story is about an eleven year old boy named E.C. "Teddy" Abbot, who embarks on his first cattle drive in 1871. On a trip filled with excitement and danger, the boy learns some of life's difficult lessons and proves his worth.

Holt and the Cowboys
By Jim McCafferty Illustrated by Florence S. Davis
It's not easy learning how to be a cowboy. The long hot days, the uncomfortable saddles, and the belligerent strays can take their toll on a ranch hand. Many a stron-willed man has headed home with his hat in his hand after the first rigorous month but not the legendary Holt Collier. After the Civil War, this son of a Mississippi slave learned he had to break in the horses and bread down the prejudices that stood in the way of his becoming a real Texas ranch rider.

Cowboy Slim
By: Julie Danneberg and Margot Apple
A cowboy poet who can't rope, whip, or ride? Who ever heard of such a thing? No wonder Slim's pardners, Sally, Red, and Buster, think Slim belongs at the back of the herd. But Slim knows he could be a real cowboy---- if only the ranch hands would give him a chance.

Gaston Goes to Texas
Written and Illustrated by James Rice
Gaston, the green nose alligator, is swept up from his Louisanna swampland by a terrific hurricane. He is carried far away and finally dropped in West Texas. Gaston begins his western adventure by facing a greenhorn cowboy,determined to ride broncs, tame mustangs, bulldog steers, and lasso and brand mavericks. Gaston quickly learns how difficult life of a cowboy on the range is, but quickly addaps to the challange, winning the respect and admiration of his fellow cowhands.

Way Out in the Desert
Written by T.J Marsh and Jennifer Ward
Illustrated by Kenneth J. Spengler
This story goes along with the beat "Over in the Meadow" filled with illustrations of plants and animals from the Sonoran Desert. This book will teach youngsters how to count and every illustration has hidden numbers in every illustration.

Horned Toad Canyon
By Joyce Gibson Roach Illustrated by Charles Shaw
This story is rich with culture, language and natural history, elements that are subtle yet integral to placing the reader within the landscape and allow readers to feel, hear, see, and experience the story accurately describes small details about biology and natural histroy, then mixes the facts iwth delightful personification of each animal, from the brave horned lizard, Tuck, to the awkward Harris Hawk.

Kissing Coyotes
By Marcia Vaughan Illustrated by Kenneth J. Spengler
Kissing Coyotes? Who's ever heard of such nonsense? It all startsat the watering hole when Gila Monster, Roadrunner and Fox provoke Jack Rabbit into taking a very entertaining risk. Everyone gets a little more than they bargained for as Jack Rabbit races around the desert, avoiding rattlesnakes, longhorn cattle, and skunks all by the hair of his hot little heels. Paper back only

How Jackrabbit Got His Very Long Ears
By Heather Irbinskas Illustrated by Kenneth J. Spengler
Jackrabbit is chosen by the Great Spirit to lead some new creatures to earth and intoduce them to their desert homes. The Great Spirit tells Jackrabbit about the different creatures but he does not listen. When the creatures asked about themselves Jackrabbit had to make up stories about them which began to make them feel bad.

Twist and Ernest
By Laura T. Barnes
Illustrated by Carol A. Camburn
A donkey, Little Ernest, needed a buddy at the farm because he is tired of talking to the cows and chickens. One day a beautiful show horse named Twist arrives and Ernest was sure he found his new buddy. Twist doesn't want to be bothered by the little donkey until Ernest's persistence and enthusiasm win him over.

Ernest and the Big Itch
By Laura T. Barnes
Illustrated by Carol A. Camburn
Chipper, a little bird, is living in his birdhouse with his sister. Suddenly he wakes up to an earthquake. He finds out that it is not a earthquake it is Ernest. He has a itch and the birdhouse is the only thing he can find to help him ease his itch. Chipper flies down and meets Ernest and helps him find a new scratching pole and become great friends.

Teeny Tiny Ernest
by Laura T. Barnes
Illustrated by Carol A. Camburn
Ernest does not like being small. He keeps waiting for the day he would be tall. Ernest's amusing antics are trying to look taller to impress his friends turns into a inspiring tale of self-realization and true happiness.

Phoebe Clappsaddle
and the Tumbleweed Gang
By Melanie Chrismer
Illustrated by Virginia Marsh Roeder
In the territory south of Big Spring, west of Marathon, north of Terlingua, and east of El Paso, lived a southwestern Belle named Phoebe Clappesaddle. She had sweet Southern manners and tough Western skills. Acting like a lady never stopped her from being a good rancher. She could ride and rope anything, and she did. When three filthy brothers called the Tumbleweed Gang blew into town. It was up to Phoebe to teach them some manners and a few lessons in roping and riding too.

"Till The Cows Come Home
By Jodi Icenoggle Illustrated by Normand Chartier.
A young Cowboy was given a new piece of leather that was smooth as silk and tough as a tornado. It was the best looking leather you have ever saw. The young cowboy made the leahter into several pieces of clothing all throughout the story. In the end the young cowboy and his daughter bring the cows home after the leahter is all gone. An author's note and a glossary of Western slang add to the enjoyment of this story about a piece of leahter and a resourceful cowboy.

Goodnight Cowgirl
By Glenn Dromgoole Illustrated by Barbra Clack
From boots and hat to jackrabbits and soft clouds, the Little Cowgirl bids "Good Night!" as the sun sets in the western sky.

Goodnight Cowboy
By Glenn Dromgoole Illustrated by Barbra Clack
From boots and hat to jackrabbits and soft clouds, the Little Cowboy bids "Good Night!" as the sun sets in the western sky.

Cowboy Small
By Lois Lenski
This story is about a boy named Cowboy Small and his life on the ranch. There is also a puzzle that goes along with the book. It is sold separately. The puzzle is for ages 3 and up. It has 36 huge pieces. It is 16 x 16 inches.