Other editions of book Prairie Dog Cowboy

Although his mother says he'll never be able do anything but work with his back, Buddy Roberts wants to be a cowboy. From the time he's four-years old, he herds his father's cows and calves on foot even in winter. The neighboring rancher, Caleb Hyman, is impressed with Buddy. He wonders why the child works hard while his older brother, Jake, is doted on and spoiled. But, Caleb can see the man that Buddy will become, encourages him, and teaches him to rope. Once Buddy can rope a prairie dog, Caleb promises he'll give the boy a job on his ranch. Not an easy thing to do, but Buddy works hard to reach his appointed goal. Prairie Dog Cowboy is a testament of a time when life was hard, but people weren't afraid of hard work. The day-to-day occurrences represented are an accurate telling of the time, history that should not be lost.

Prairie Dog Cowboy is the story of triumph over a toxic environment. Anyone who has lived with the problems of a dysfunctional family will find resonance with Buddy's story. Zabel has not only given us a heart-warming picture of a young man growing to maturity following his dreams, but also of the Oklahoma territory on the verge of state hood. The book is an accurate historical picture of an important era in our country's past when territories were becoming states.

Although his mother says he’ll never be able do anything but work with his back, Buddy Roberts wants to be a cowboy. From the time he’s four-years old, he herds his father’s cows and calves on foot even in winter. Neighbor rancher Caleb Hyman is impressed with Buddy. He wonders why the child works hard while his older brother, Jake, is doted on and spoiled. But,Caleb can see the man that Buddy will become, encourages him, and teaches him to rope. Once Buddy can rope a prairie dog, Caleb promises he'll give the boy a job on his ranch. Not an easy thing to do, but Buddy works hard to reach his appointed goal. "Prairie Dog Cowboy" is a testament of a time when life was hard, but people weren't afraid of hard work. The day-to-day occurrences represented are an accurate telling of the time, history that should not be lost.