Giddy Up, Cowgirl

by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Book Overview

Cheerful and energetic Cowgirl is determined to help Momma whenever and wherever she can, but her efforts often backfire, and it's Momma who helps Cowgirl, letting her know that trying is just as important as helping. Full color.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 067006050X
• ISBN13: 9780670060504
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.6" x 10.2"
• Age Range: 3 to 5 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Kindergarten

Customer Reviews

The bubbly heroine with her colorful lingo, enthusiasm and predictable childhood upsets is a treat.

Child HAPPY READ ~~~ recommended ~~~ 4 stars Mama tells her daughter to Giddy Up. With so much to do it is going to be a busy day. Mama's little gap toothed Cowgirl is single-minded in her efforts to be helpful. A high-spirited little girl who makes up with a super big imagination what she lacks in prowess; Cowgirl tends to have problems now and then. With her 10-pint hat set firmly in place, and filled with enthusiasm she and her plush armadillo are always ready to help. So, she sings to make up for the broken car radio, locates Mama's missing wallet, she is entrusted with the grocery list at the store, and wants to help by mailing mom's letters. When she needs help she asks a biker dude for aid, she joins in filling the shopping basket and offers to help carry the bags of groceries, she helps take dirty clothes into the cleaner's for Mama and she hurries to open the car door for Mama. A down cast little Cowgirl is deflated when she drops the clothes needing cleaning, realizes she forgot she must never speak to strangers, loses the list to a gust of wind and then puts all the wrong stuff in the basket, and drops the envelopes all over the sidewalk. Mama restores confidence in her dejected assistant: Your momma loves you because you always try Cowgirl talks the talk with lots of lingo such as Saddle up, Ol' Jim and Yippeee Yi Yeeee. Yippee Yi Yo She is truly a cowgirl. My resident critics settled in for reading on the rug with expectant expressions brightening their faces. The cover of Giddy Up Cowgirl caught the attention of fourteen little people immediately. Declarations of Yee Haw and Tarnation soon had the kids giggling with delight as I read. Mercer Mayer's Little Critter and his exuberant trying to help Mama came to mind immediately while reading Giddy Up Cowgirl. The kids agree both Little Critter and Cowgirl are a whole lot like me, sometimes I drop things too. I liked the opportunity for discussion offered as I closed the book at the end of the reading; the kids talked about some of their own mishaps, and we talked about why little people might have problems now and then and that Mamas do continue to love them in spite of it all. The kids agree; it is good to keep trying and not give up. Because we get better at doing stuff, if we keep trying. Giddy Up Cowgirl is quickly becoming a class favorite in Mrs. M's room, Osage County, Oklahoma. The book is chosen for free time reading and for taking to read during DEAR time as we Drop Everything And Read. Author/Illustrator Krosoczka's images used to exemplify what was taking place in the narrative receive twenty eight thumbs up. The kids expressed interest in how he had created his illustrations. They like the textured appearance using dark and light colors. I do tend to like more low key illustrations, however I too like the images used by Author/Illustrator Krosoczka; while they are full of color and activity and fun, they do not overwhelm the narrative or the children as they f

Rio Suburbia

You know hit on a great new kids' writer when his books include such offbeat titles as "Bubble Bath Pirates" and "Punk Farm." Now, I'm a sucker for toddler and youth books about pirates and cowgirl (not to mentionfarm punks), and author/illustrator Krosoczka has a winning storyline, eye-catching illustrations, and lots of humorous miscues in "Giddy Up, Cowgirl." Neither rural or urban, this cowgirl's as suburban as a station wagon. However, her mind is on the range, full of expressions such as "YEE HAW!" "Saddle up, Ol' Jim! and the venerable "Yippeee Yi YEEEE! Yippee Yi Yo!" (Some Western dialects render that "Yi" as "Ki," but that must originate from a different suburb. "Cowgirl" accompanies When Momma invites "Cowgirl" to help her with some errands, Cowgirl is especially excited; after all, real cowgirls love helping. Unfortunately, Cowgirl's good-hearted intentions exceed her capabilities. Although she finds Momma's wallet beneath the feet of a rough looking feller in the bank, Cowgirl's help inadvertently results in letters flying about the sidewalk, dropped dirty clothes at the cleaners, and a lost grocery list ("Don't worry, Momma, I remember EVERYTHING on that list.") When a dozen eggs spill out onto the parking lot, Momma has already just about lost her patience, and Cowgirl has tears in her big round eyes. This brings us to the dramatic climax: Momma giving her girl a great big hug, and reassuring her that "Accidents can happen, Cowgirl. Jusat remember, your momma loves you...because you always try." Awww. Any girl (or boy) will love that message. The kicker happens on the next page: Cowgirl opens the door of their SUV--just as a small hatchback drives by. "CRASH!" This last spread is somewhat jarring if taken too seriously, but provides a nice closing laugh. Krosoczka's applies thick, often textured-looking dark and light colors, with a director's combination of closeups and longer, establishing shots. In the peril fraught land of kids' picture books, this young author is definitely home on the range.

Fun for all..

Giddy Up, Cowgirl was fun to read for myself as well as with my daughter. WE loved the images as well as the story. Considering the `story time' with her a success I took the book to my class the next day. As I read to my class of 20 five year-olds I could see they clearly related to the story as well. They were engrossed in the moments the little girl experienced. They wanted to see what would happen after the grocery-shopping list blew away in the wind or when the eggs were spilled. (As a mother I especially appreciated the dialogue of love and patience that occurred after the eggs spilled.) So, after loud declarations of "YeeHaw!" and "Tarnations!" my class and I agreed Giddy Up, Cowgirl is a "thumbs up"! Some of the comments from my class were: "I liked it when she shopped for the groceries! Yeah! It was funny!" "I want to ride her horse! I liked her horse." "She kept trying. I like it 'cause she kept trying." "I really liked it when her mommy gave her a hug." (My personal favorite as well.) After reading and discussing the book we all agreed that we would try our best to help each other out just as the little girl did. It is wonderful to find a book that I can share with my daughter and read to my class knowing they would connect with the characters and context. The story teaches us to keep trying and it positively reinforced being helpful. Keep up the good work Mr. Krosoczka (pronounced Crow-ZAH-ska)! We're looking forward to your next book.