Real Cowboys

In Kate Hoefler’s realistic and poetic picture book debut about the wide open West, the myth of rowdy, rough-riding cowboys and cowgirls is remade. A timely and multifaceted portrayal reveals a lifestyle that is as diverse as it contrary to what we've come to expect.

What does it mean to be a real cowboy?
A Gentle Bedtime Story: With quiet, lyrical text that is perfect for reading aloud, this story shows cowboys who sing lullabies to the cattle under the stars.Social Emotional Learning: A powerful counter-narrative to the myth of the rough-and-tumble hero. Real cowboys are patient, gentle, and know that it’s okay to cry or ask for help.Diverse Characters: This modern Western reminds readers that cowboys are as many different colors as the earth, and that cowgirls are real cowboys, too.Beautiful Illustrations: Brought to life by the award-winning art of Jonathan Bean, whose gentle and expansive scenes capture the quiet beauty of the prairie.