The Dirty Cowboy by Amy Timberlake
Bibliography
Timberlake, Amy. 2003. The Dirty Cowboy. Ill. by Adam Rex. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN: 0-374-31791-7.
Plot Summary
A dirty cowboy takes a bath in the river while his dog guards his clothes. When the squeaky clean cowboy steps out of the river, the dog doesn't recognize him. A scuffle ensues over the cowboy's clothes and the cowboy ends up just as dirty as he was in the beginning - and his duds are torn to shreds in the process.
Critical Analysis
A freshly-bathed cowboy wrestles his dog and ends up dirty and smelly all over again -destroying his clothes in the process. The author's plot is plausible and audience winning, however, the author's voice is inconsistent and bits of the story are disconnected, leaving gaps in the tale. The strongest asset of this picture book is the illustration work. Framed by deep red endsheets, the warm colored illustrations portray the humorous expressions of the grimy cowboy and his loyal dog. Small details on each page invite the reader to explore the artwork with great fervor. Filled with western slang and naked cowboy humor, elementary students won't pass up this book.
Review Excerpts
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Inspired by an anecdote passed down in the author's family, this cautionary tale should please all young readers with an aversion to soap and water."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "Transcending the cowboy-tale genre, this raucous romp should tickle bath-averse children everywhere."
Connections:
Oops - someone else is so dirty that they aren't recognizable!
Zion, Gene. HARRY THE DIRTY DOG. ISBN: 9780060842444.
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