Genre 2 Book 2

1. Bibliography
Ketteman, Helen. 1997. BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE; A FRACTURED TEXAS TALE. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590255061
Illustrated by: James Warhola

2. Plot Summary
BUBBA THE COWBOY PRINCE is a Texas retelling of the Cinderella story. In this version there is a young cowboy who is bossed around the ranch by his mean step-daddy and two wicked step-brothers, Dwayne and Milton. Bubba really loves ranching and does his work without any complaints. Miz Lurleen is the prettiest gal around, and she decides to throw a ball to find a cute feller that loves ranching. Bubba; however, is told to stay home. His step-daddy and brothers laugh at him and tell him how badly he stinks. Not long after they left, a thunderstorm began to brew. With a bolt of lightning, Bubba’s fairy godcow appeared. She swished her tail and changed Bubba into a great looking rancher. He left for the ball with the warning that he needs to be home by midnight. When Miz Lurleen spotted Bubba, her eyes lit up. They began to dance, and Bubba lost track of time. Right in the middle of a dance, the clock struck midnight and Bubba turned back into himself. He ran out in shame, and his boot fell off. Miz Lurleen went looking for him and found Bubba. She found him and asked him to marry her. They lived happily ever after.

3. Critical Analysis
This story carries out a western theme inherent in the characters, Bubba and Miz Lurleen, and in the language spoken throughout the book. Western slang such as “feller”, “fetch”, and “git” add to the theme of the story. In addition, figurative language such as similes and hyperboles were used throughout for emphasis. The author does a nice job of staying true to the original story while crafting ingenious changes. Having a male lead and a fairly godcow now only had humor but also attracts potential readers. The illustrations exemplify the western theme and add humor. Cartoonish cowboys and animals such as cows and dog with varying expressions correspond well with the story.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
BOOKLIST: “With a male in starring role, this charming and funny retelling may hold more appeal for young boys than the traditional version may.”
KIRKUS: “A Cinderella parody that features off the wall whang-dang hyperbole of Keeteman…”

5. CONNECTIONS
This story would be a great addition to PK-2nd grade story time reading collections. With its vivid illustrations and humorous language, children will be mesmerized. Older children would benefit as well from understanding the figurative language to comparing a female and male lead character.
Other stories that are similar:
CINDY ELLEN: A WILD WESTERN CINDERELLA by Susan Lowell
CINDER EDNA by Ellen Jackson