Wednesday, January 16, 2013

COWBOYS by David L. Harrison

I have this magnificent picture book in front of me. Something every kid or teacher would want to own.  And not only that, it's a giveaway.  I'll tell you in a moment how you can enter. 

But first, a glimpse of the book!

This is one gorgeous piece of work - the perfect pairing of poet (David L. Harrison) and illustrator (Dan Burr)  Together these gentlemen paint history so real and heartfelt that the reader wants to go back there.  Back to a time before railroads turned cattle drives into history.

Read this soulful determined poem.  Then I'll link you to the equally beautiful illustration.

SETTING OUT

All my life,
do what Master say.
He say, "Mind my cows,"
I mind his cows.

Cows, me,
my children,
wife-
all his.

No more.
Nobody owns me now.
Signed my X,
agreed to drive this rancher's cows
from Texas up to Abilene-

for pay.
My pay.

I'm on a journey of my own
figuring how it feels
to be free.

Now, take a look at this proud, hopeful cowboy, ready to set out on his new life of freedom.

There's a whole lot of cowboy life in the pages of this book. Each page-spread is one poem with a vivid illustration that shares the viewpoint of a different cowboy or one aspect of life on the range.

 Just leave a comment here. But over at Talking Story we have several giveaways so if you don't win COWBOYS you just might win a consolation prize!

You may have noticed that the theme of this issue of TALKING STORY is Poetry. and also that Highlights Foundation is offering several poetry workshops in 2013.  David Harrison will lead POETRY FOR THE DELIGHT OF IT, September 30 - October 3.  

I could be tempted... 

17 comments:

  1. This looks like a terrific book. I clicked over and entered. Those Highlights Workshops are tempting. If I didn't live in California, I would surely go to more of them. Thanks for the information, Joyce.

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  2. Thanks for entering, Rosi. It's a gorgeous book.

    I love that I met you at a Highlights event. The community of writers for children is beyond priceless.

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  3. Wonderful blog, Joyce. Thanks for linking to the best newsletter for teachers and librarians on the earth. :)

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  4. Thanks Carol. Glad to see you recognize quality when it's staring you in the face!

    Too bad you're not qualified to sign up for this quality book.

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  5. Joyce,
    This is a terrific cowboy poetry sample. I know the book must be packed from beginning to end with just such gems. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!

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  6. Ah Rosi, for some reason I can't find your entry.

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  7. Linda, thanks for dropping by. Technically you should click over to the newsletter to enter. But I figure you'll be reading it anyway so I'll wait for that.

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  8. Thank you, everyone, for the lovely comments. Joyce, I'm in your debt for introducing COWBOYS to new readers!

    David

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  9. I am trying to enter, too! Cowboys looks great!

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  10. Donna, you will love this. And I will enter you via your comment but DO check out that illustration again. I know you've shared the Talking Story link on FB. Thanks!

    Rosi, you and Linda have both been entered.

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  11. My apologies for those who had trouble getting email through on the contest entry. Just now realizing the extent of this issue.

    If you know anyone who tried to enter via the newsletter and couldn't send them back here to comment.

    I'll do it differently next time.

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  12. Awesome!!! I have a student who is obsessed with cowboys. I have run out of cowboy books for him! I will have to order this.

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  13. I've enjoyed both this and Talking Story's input and expertise on poetry. Great job, and thanks for the shout out (which I'm sorry to say I missed the first time through) on my debut book.

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  14. Colleen and Linda, I have entered you both. Will draw first thing tomorrow morning and announce later in the day.

    Thanks everyone for playing along!

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  15. Congrats to Gretchen Griffith who entered the contest via email! She won Cowboys.

    Other prize winners are:

    Zane's Trace - to Peggy Reiff Miller
    The Power of Poems to Colleen Pinyan

    Thanks to everyone for playing along!

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  16. Gretchen Griffith-DavidJanuary 22, 2013 at 6:07 AM

    Good morning-----what a wonderful surprise to discover I am the lucky winner of the book "Cowboys". I look forward to receiving it and settling down for a good read.
    My very warmest wishes to all.
    Gretchen Griffith-David.

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  17. Gretchen, your address label is ready. Hope to get this to the P.O. today!

    Enjoy!

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