Let's Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy

PreS-Gr 1–A guitar-playing cowboy attempts to sing two little cows a lullaby at bedtime. Three times, his song is interrupted with an “Eeeeek” when he catches sight of a mysterious shadow. The cows calm the cowboy crooner by pointing out that the three different shadows are a flower, stick, and a cow. When a fourth one appears, the cowboy assumes it’s nothing to fear, but the expressions on the cows’ faces suggest otherwise. This last shadow turns out to be a large gray wolf. Asked if wolves like lullabies, the pajama-wearing intruder surprisingly responds that they do. This comical bedtime tale comes to a satisfying close with all of the characters cuddled up together for some sweet dreams. Digitally rendered spreads add to the playfulness of the story line. Thomas’s use of vibrant colors and heavy black outlines reflects the artistic style she chose for Can You Make a Scary Face?   (S & S, 2009) and The Doghouse (Harcourt, 2008). Here purple and blue backgrounds establish the outdoor setting. Young listeners can become part of the story by shouting “Eeeeek” and/or by guessing what is making each shadow. Though the book does not include the melody for the cowboy’s lullaby, a note recommends checking out the author's website for the tune. The smiling cowboy and cows shown on the book jacket usher in the light mood of this fun picture book. A welcome addition to Thomas’s growing collection of children’s materials and storytimes. Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH