Black Cowboy, Wild Horses

I bought this book when my grandson brought his school reading book home and had to read a story from it for homework. The art quickly captured my attention and I ordered the single book from Amazon. The artist, Jerry Pinkney has won many awards and respects children. He spends so much time sketching the picture after studying the subjects, uses water colors, ink, and colored pencil in all his illustrations. Each page is layered with a different mediums. Pinkney controls each stroke and makes the various art mediums work together. Children are enticed to the books by the art and want to know what the story is about. Its a very effective manner to get children interested in reading. So many little details on each page!Then there is the real life story about a Black Cowboy who was a former slave and could not read or write. This did not stop him from excelling and mastering the talents of a cowboy. He works solo and brings in wild mustangs with his stallion, Warrior. Julius Lester will set your imagination off as you read about how the Black Cowboy, Bob Lemmons learned to become one with horses.I collect Jerry Pinkey books because they are pieces of art. This book contains art and history in a single story.

Pinkney's wonderful illustrations immediately capture the reader's imagination and are a perfect complement to Lester's great text. Their collaboration is a huge plus for the reader.As a former librarian and an artist, I love the work of Pinkney and Lester, and I bought to study their work and read to children around me.

I chose this book as a gift because the 7 year old male recipient loves cowboys and it is not easy to find books about black cowboys. The book was well written by Mr.Lester, but I also chose the book because I love everything illustrated by Jerry Pickney, an African American artist. Mr. Pickney's illustrations are beautiful, rich and detailed. He has won many awards including the Caldecott Medal. Through Amazon, I actually bought five different books, written and/or illustrated by Mr. Pinkney. He was in a nearby town recently for a museum showing of his other artistic works. I was able to get all of the books autographed. I am sure that all of the grand kids will love them.

Beautiful book, but young horse dies from snake bite and made my son sad. Trying to get him back into it because it is beautiful!

Great story and illustrations.

My 6 year old son almost was in tears when we had to return this to the library, so I decided to buy it. Normally I wouldn't buy something just for that reason, but I understand his love for this book. It is beautifully written, yet rugged enough to not be 'girly'. It has wild adventure, yet is realistic. It helps him understand the life of a cowboy from the seat of a horse. The illustrations are perfect for this book too...untamed, powerful, and telling.

Great story. Stunning illustrations. My child loved it.

Nice book to read for myself and to grandkids. Love the artwork in the book.