Smoky the Cowhorse

by Will James

In language that truly evokes the Wild West, Smoky the Cowhorse brings to life one horse's story, from his birth on the open range through his breaking to Smoky's other lives as an outlaw rodeo star and saddle horse. A Newbery Medal Book. 40 illustrations.

• ISBN10: 1417811471
• ISBN13: 9781417811472
• Publish Date: 1 January 2008 (first published 1 January 1981)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 7 April 2021
• Imprint: Turtleback Books
• Edition: Turtleback School & Library ed.
• Format: Hardcover (Library Binding)
• Pages: 323
• Language: English

Reviews

[Liz (Bent Bookworm)]

DNF. The writing style is absolutely horrible. I think the author is trying to imitate in writing what he believes to be an Old West accent and mannerisms. In narrative style. It's insulting, even to young readers. I am completely flummoxed as to how this book, in a world that already had classics like Little Women, with beautiful prose, could have chosen this for any type of award, ever. I'll keep it just to have a complete (one day) collection of the Newbery awards, but would never, ever recommend it for any child to read. I couldn't even get through it as an adult, it felt like a total waste of my time.

[charlton]

I read this book to my little girl (who is now 26) when she was in the elementary(first learning to read).
It's a good horse book telling the life of Smoky and that part I think is what fascinates children.How he starts off shy and timid.But when he's moved to the working ranch He toughens up gets stronger.