Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE: A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE. Ill. by James Warhola. New York: Scholastic Press.
ISBN: 0-590-25506-1
PLOT SUMMARY
BUBBA THE COWBOY PRICE is a retelling of the classic tale of Cinderella. Overworked and much-maligned Bubba is the “Cinderfella” of the traditional story told in a most untraditional manner. Dwayne and Milton, ham it up as the indulged, homely stepbrothers encouraged by the mean stepdaddy. Miz Lurleen, the story’s version of the prince, is the “prettiest and richest gal in the county.” She throws a ball to find a “feller” and her feller, of course, turns out to be Bubba. Appearing in every two-page spread, the fairy-godcow lovingly watches Bubba and, by swishing her tail, outfits Bubba in “cowboy duds” and sends him on his way to the dance on a beautiful white stallion. After Bubba loses his boot at the ball, Miz Lurleen tracks him down and they lived happily ever after.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In their book, BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE, Ketteman and Warhola offer a version of Cinderella that even six-year-old boys will love. The story is an exaggerated tale told with outrageous, fun dialogue that lends itself to accents (even the most reticent storyteller can attempt a Texas twang) and is sure to bring down the house with hoots and hollers of laughter. Cowboy enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the boundless energy that bounces off the page. Ketteman chooses descriptive action verbs like “swished,” “galloped, and “lumbered” that enliven the story while Warhola’s exaggerated images perfectly complement the text. The colorful cartoon-like oil paintings include an amazing amount of detail that portrays the story’s emotion in the bold expressions on the faces of all the characters--including the animals. The clever inclusion of the fairy “Godcow” on each two-page spread speak to the imagination and ability of Warhola as an illustrator.
Perhaps some readers may object at the stereotypical images of western life but children will surely understand the fun and fanciful portrayal of the life “west of the Brazos.”
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Review from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, November 17, 1997
… While spoofing Cinderella is not a new idea, Ketteman and Warhola's well-matched flair for hyperbole gives both the narrative and illustrations a one-two punch.
Review from KIRKUS, November 1997
A Cinderella parody that features the off-the-wall whang-dang hyperbole of Ketteman and the insouciance of Warhola, who proves herself only too capable of creating a fairy Godcow… Bubba and Babe, hair as big as a Texas sun, ride off to a life of happy ranching, and readers will be proud to have been along for the courtship.
Review from BOOKLIST, December 1, 1997
… With a male in the starring role, this charming and funny retelling may hold more appeal for young boys than the traditional version may. --Lauren Peterson
CONNECTIONS
BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE lends itself beautifully to storytelling or reader’s theater.
Include the story as part of a “cowboy” unit in the lower elementary grades. Children could read nonfiction about cowboys. Study idioms used in cowboy culture. Learning to square dance and rope could be part of the activities. Science connections could be made by discussing ranching and animal care. Math connections could be made by calculating miles on a trail or weights of animals at different stages of growth. The art possibilities seem limitless.
Use phrases to teach literary terms. For example, “bonked the bejeebers out his bean” is a great example of alliteration. Hyperbole is another concept with great examples from the book. Simile is demonstrated by phrases like “you’re as cute as a cow’s ear” and metaphor is seen is examples like “whiter than a new salt lick.” Keep the examples and terms written on a poster board for an ongoing study.
The scene at the ball depicts music giving the teacher an opportunity to introduce associated music into the lesson. Use traditional cowboy songs and make connections.
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