FICTION

The Cowboy

by Hildegard MÜLLER
illus. by Hildegard Müller. 24p. (I Like To Read). Holiday House. May 2015. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9780823432028; pap. $6.99. ISBN 9780823433162; ebk. $14.95. ISBN 9780823433445. LC 2014013857.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—The pictures in this book are so charming and expressive that it would be a shame to overlook it. Unfortunately, the story doesn't quite measure up to the artwork. Anna introduces herself and her dog, explaining that they are going to the beach so Toto can learn to swim. When a dangerous wave carries the pup out too far, it is the child whom Anna had dismissed earlier because of his "silly cowboy hat" who comes to the rescue, realizing that his lasso can be used to bring the dog to safety. Anna does demonstrate the value of recognizing the talents of others and remaining open to new friendships, but overall she is a disappointingly passive protagonist.
VERDICT There's much to appreciate in the art, which might compensate for the slight story and make this a justifiable purchase where easy readers with spare text are in demand.
Reviewed by Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT
At the beach with her dog Toto, Anna doesn't think much of the youngster wearing a "silly cowboy hat"--until ocean waves pull Toto away and the boy lassos him back. Simple sentences in large font provide new readers with action, tension, and some surprises. Boldly colored, black-outlined illustrations add drama and depth to a narrative that highlights a new friendship.
, Mar 01, 2015

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