Bubba and the Cowboy Prince

1. BIOGRAGPHY
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE. Ill. By James Warhola. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590255061

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Bubba the Cowboy Prince is a high fantasy story that puts a twist on the classic Cinderella tale. Bubba is a cowboy that lives with his stepdad and two step brothers that overwork him but he never complains because he loves ranching. When Miz Lurleen down the road decides she needs a companion, she decides to hold a ball for all eligible ranchers. Bubba’s stepbrothers and dad laughs at Bubba and won’t allow him to attend the ball. Then Bubba’s luck changes when his Fairy Godcow comes to help him. Bubba attends the ball, loses his boot and the search begins for Miz Lurleen’s mysterious cowboy. In the end good prevails over evil and Bubba and Miz Lurleen live happily ever after.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Helen Ketteman has created a fanciful story that has all the elements of a Cinderella story except that the backdrop for this story is on a ranch. Keteman uses dialect all through the story that depicts a strong southern brogue. This brogue creates a humorous tone that is evident within the text by using phrases such as, “Git them doggies,” “She was the purtiest.”There are also Idiomatic phrases sprinkled throughout the story such as “cute as a cow’s ear, gussied up, turned fourteen shades of red.” These phrases bring the realism of the story to life and could spring interesting discussions. The plot clearly is developed with progression which helps set up the climax and then the resolution. Although there are differences within this story and Cinderella, the end is predictable enough that anyone who has heard Cinderella will know the outcome before it happens. Due to the cowboy theme of the book, both genders will appreciate it and enjoy it for years to come.
The Illustrations in Bubba the Cowboy Prince is what makes the book enticing. The pictures on each page are brilliantly drawn and has the element of magic intertwined which enhances the text throughout. Warhola has captivated the attributes of Texas with scenes that include cactus, wagons, prairies, longhorn cattle, and ranch life. Although the pictures show realism they have a comical side that helps connect both story and illustrations therefore creating a book that will hook its audience.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist: “Ketteman wisely leaves the plot unchanged, but the story has a distinct western flair and a humorous tall-tale feel that is greatly enhanced by the exaggerated actions and facial expressions of the characters in Warhola's double-page-spread oil paintings.”

Publisher’s Weekly: “While spoofing Cinderella is not a new idea, Ketteman and Warhola's (Aunt Hilarity's Bustle) well-matched flair for hyperbole gives both the narrative and illustrations a one-two punch. Just the ticket for buckaroos lookin' fer a good read. Ages 5-8.” (Nov.)

5. CONNECTIONS
Read other Cinderella stories and compare them by using a Venn diagram. Work in small groups and create a short story that has the Cinderella elements in them with new characters.

Discuss what Idiomatic phrases are and have students find them throughout the story. Break in small groups and brainstorm other Idiomatic phrases.

Other books to read that are related:
Lowell, Susan. CINDY ELLEN. ISBN 9780064438643
Cole, Babette. PRINCE CINDER. ISBN 9780698115545